‘Timeless Melodies- Madan Mohan’, a musical event by Chennai-based music group Satrangi paid a befitting ode to the legendary composer.
His work bore his unique stamp —an absolute control over the artiste’s voice and a distinct melody, Madan Mohan never tasted the success that he deserved. After his death in 1975, music lovers attempted to recreate a similar magic through soirees. Following the trails of odes to the unsung composer, Timeless Melodies-Madan Mohan had singers Pramod Nair, founder of Satrangi and Sinchan Dixit rendering his immortal compositions.
Beginning with Ek Haseen Sham Ko from Dulhan Ek Raat Ki, Nair set the mood for the evening with a convincing rendition of the number originally sung by Mohammad Rafi. Dixit followed the tempo with an all-time Lata Mangeshkar favourite from the Chetan Anand classic Haqeeqat, Zara si aahat hoti hai.
Alternating between a range of classic hits, the evening presented the finest of works by Madan Mohan — whose collaboration with Mangeshkar resulted in some of the finest numbers. Mangeshkar was always considered to be at her best when she sang for Madan Mohan. These included Naina barse rimjhim ( Woh Kaun Thi), Mera saaya saath hoga (Mera Saaya), Hum pyar mein jalnewalon ko (Jailor) and Aapki nazron ne samjha (Anpadh). Dixit proved her versatility as she also presented numbers by Asha Bhosle (Jhumka gira re) and Geeta Dutt (Aye dil mujhe from Bhai Bhai). Nair, on his part, effectively rendered the songs sung by Rafi (Yahi hai tamanna from Aapki Parchaiyaan, Kishore Kumar ( Zaroorat hai from Manmaujhi) and Talat Mahmood (Phir wohi sham from Jahan Ara).
The orchestra deserves a special mention for their accompaniment with a fine reproduction of the scores.
Without any exclusive association with a renowned filmmaker or banner, Madan Mohan’s works went unnoticed. That is why every music lover recognised the songs by Madan Mohan, though the films they were part of, failed at the box office.
The show also comprised interesting trivia about the music composer. Take for example, another music genius, Naushad was so thrilled upon hearing Aapki nazron ne that he offered all his compositions to Madan Mohan for the song. While the Filmfare Awards always eluded him, Madan Mohan’s compositions for Dastak did bag the National Award. Disillusioned for the late recognition, the composer had decided not to accept the award. However, an insistent Sanjeev Kumar, who also bagged the National Award for his role in the film compelled Madan Mohan to accept the award.
It was natural for many other classics from the massive repertoire being left out due to time-constraint. Maybe, Satrangi would consider a Madan Mohan-Part II.