Bhabhi (1957), Some Pleasing Music Options

[swarapriya]

Bhabhi (1957)

This is was such a sweet family movie that became a huge hit when it was released. An unknown (to Northern audiences) actress from South, Pandari Bai, became a household name for playing the title role. She did not appear in many more movies and I am not sure whther her tenure in Southern movies was a long one or not. But there is little doubt that she was the reason that this movie was such heart warmingly appealing. Of course veteran actor Balraj Sahni was there too.

Actor, today's comedian, Jagdeep had a starring role in this movie. After AVM had the movie "Hum Panchhi Ek Daal Ke" became a huge artistic and commercial success in which Jagdeep had a major role, they signed him for a long time contract. Bhabhi and other movies that were made by AVM had Jagdeep in some major roles.

This movie has nine songs beautifully composed to the rich lyrics of Rajinder Krishan ji. Rafi Saab had some great solos. But both the duets by Lataji and Rafi Saab are very sweet and delightful.

I am also including a tenth song, shown in blue in the following table. This song "Chal Ud Jaa Re" was sung by Talat Saab. Apparently, the recording companies had too much clout in those days. They used to insist on multiple singers sing the same song and select one of them they think is the one that should be included in the movie. In this movie, the song by Rafi Saab was selected. The song by Talat Saab is equally great to the one sung by Rafi Saab. Of course their contrasting styles come out but in the end they both are appealing. I am not sure what type of criteria these recording companies had to determine the merits of one song over another.

Now for details of the songs and the songs themselves ...