Duniya Zamana

[Maria]

Haiduniya usi ki, zamaana usi ka is one of the many songs from the movie Kashmir ki kali (1964). I was two years old at the time, and saw it twenty years later, during its re-run. After which, I saw it several more times.

The movie itself was a runaway hit and each song was a hit as well. For me, the best of the lot, is Hai duniya usi ki. Written by SH Bihari, composed by OP Nayyar, performed by Mohammad Rafi, picturised on Shammi Kapoor.

What an excellent choice it was. The sonorous tone of the sax reflected the maudlin mood of the heartbroken Shammi Kapoor and perfectly complemented the yearning vocals of Rafi. Manohari and Rafi took the song to an entirely different level.

I had the great joy of watching Manohari Singh perform Duniya usi ki and his other classics, live on stage, right here in Bangalore, in the winter of 2009. At the time, he was suffering from chronic kidney disease and to undergo dialysis twice a week. And yet, he still flew down to Bangalore from Bombay to play for us.

Thanks for bringing the unknown before us. There are so many talented Musicians who have been the pillars of Hindi Film Music. One recalls an Arranger named BAHADUR NANJI. You may like to write about him in the future, if not done so already.

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