Remembering Raja Mehdi Ali Khan.
LALIT BERRY
Raja Mehdi Ali Khan who left for heavenly abode on July 29, 1966 at the age of 38, was not only a renowned lyricist but was also known for his wit and sense of humour. He got a break to pen the songs for a film entitled Do Bhai ( 1947). A song from this film , Mera Sunder Sapna Beet Gaya, became instant hit. He worked with famous music composers like S.D. Burman, Iqbal Quereshi, S. Mohinder, Rono Mukherjee, C.Ramchandran, Datta Naik and O.P. Nayyar. But his successful partnership was with Madan Mohan which began with Madhosh in 1951. Both shared a great rapport which was clearly seen in films such as Anpadh, Mera Saaya, Woh Kaun Thi, Neela Akash, Dulhan Ek Raat Ki and Anita. His song ' Lag Ja Gale Se' is still favourite amongst the new generation. Cruel death snatched this magician of words at a very young age.
Popular Songs :
1. Mera sunder sapna beet gaya
2. Aap yu hi agar hum se milte rahe
3. Main pyar ka rahi hu
4. Agar mujh se mohabbat hai
5. Jo humne dastan apni sunayi
6. Lag ja gale se
7.Naina barse rimjhim rimjhim
8. Naino mein badra chhaye
9. Jhumka gira re
10. Tum bin jeevan kaise beeta
11.Aapki nazron ne samjha
12. Aapke pehlu mein aakar
13. Mera saya sath hoga
Raja Mehdi Ali Khan may not be physically with us but his songs have made him immortal.
(Writer is Managing Editor of Zikar Punjab)