Sangeeta Sudhaa Saara

I have several scores that I would want to settle with Bollywood. And this is not just about having species like Meghana Naidu, Payal Rohatgi, Udita Goswami, et al around!! Time and again, I have pointed out the several talented stalwarts whom the industry utilized and later on sent them to the oblivion. In the genre of Music Directors/lyricists, the one of the names that rings true in this context is that of Ravindra Jain.

Ravindra Jain was born on the 28th of February (a Piscean like me!!!) 1944. His foray into the hindi film industry wasn't smooth. Inspite of the initial set backs, the first movie that finally was released with his music direction was Kaanch Aur Heera (1972). Immediately after that, the Rajshri Productions lapped up this talented Music director for their production - Saudagar (1973) which starred Amitabh Bacchan and Nutan. This movie gave the necessary fame needed for Jain to set his foot firm in the soils of Bollywood.

His growth and flourish was nevertheless established over the decades by several movies. The songs of Chor Machaaye Shor (1974) (le jaayenge le jaayenge dilwaale dulhaniya le jaayenge, ghungaroo ki tarah) created a ripple in the heart of music lovers and Ravindra Jain became a familiar name. What followed were a series of memorables that have ever since ruled the hearts of music lovers - Geet Gata Chal, Chitchor, Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se, Fakira, Kotwal Saab, Dulhan Wohi Jo Piya Man bhaaye, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Insaaf Ka Taraazu, Nadiya ke paar, etc. He is credited with introducing several talented singers such as K J Yesudas, Hemalatha, Jaspal Singh, Aarthi Mukherjee, etc.

Raj Kapoor was looking for a seasoned talent for his new venture and immediately raked in Jain, and the legacy of "Ram Teri Ganga Maili" still continues to enthrall the listeners, and history repeated itself through "Henna". Then followed the tragic decline of the talent vested in him. The physical blindness that he suffered from never proved a liability as did the blindness that the industry suffered with! Rajshri Productions abandoned him to include Ram Laxman, and the offers that he started getting were not even remotely mentionable, what with most of the movies being B grade flicks or ones that were not released nationwide.

Just when he seemed long forgotten, Rajshri Productions have rejoined hands with him for their latest production - Vivaah. Will this provide the much needed comeback for this music director, is for time to reveal. When challenged, Ravindra Jain has always delivered phenomenal music, and let's hope that this shall create history as did the rest.

Now for my favorite songs listing :-