The most powerful name in the History of the Indian Film Music

SHANKAR – JAIKISHAN the most powerful name in the History of the Indian Film Music that will remain immortal. SJ had their own style of composing the music. SJ produced the maximum GEMS of songs during the span 20 years, (1950 – 1970) non-stop hit music. After SJ, only SJ’s follower Laxmikant-Pyarelal achieved this height of towering success of 35 years, non-stop. (1963 – 1998).

Shankar from Uttar Pradesh, and Jaikishan Panchal from Bulsar, (Gujarat) formed a team in 1949 they got the major breakthrough in 1950 when Raj Kapoor was looking for the new music director for his latest film “Barsaat” (1950). After the success of “Barsaat” SJ Commanded the prestige and honour as well as admiration from Masses and Classes.

Most of the SJ’s songs were based on Indian Classical, Indian Folk. SJ’s songs would appeal to both masses and classes. Raag ’’Shivranjani’’ and Raag ’’Bhairavi’’ were the favorite Raag’s of SJ. And they produced most of the songs based on these ragas. Excellent orchestra including Accordion, Sitar, Piano, Dholak, Tabala etc. are the another highlight of the SJ’s music. They were able to survive among the compensatory and legendary music directors. Though the quality of SJ’ music started declining in the late 70s.

SJ have won as many as 9 Filmfare Trophies highest by any music directors ( LP have won 7 Filmfare Trophies, followed by SJ). Won the President Award, for the music for the film “Teesri Kasam” in 1966. SJ also were honored with the title of “Padmashree” by the government of India in 1967.

Shankar-Jaikishan’s biggest disappointment of the life was not to receive the Filmfare Award, for the film ’’Sangam’’ in 1964.

Hawa Mein Udata Jaye ..Lata Mangeshkar… “Barsaat”…. 1950.
SJ started with flourishing start from their very first film. All songs his but my favorite is this song being based on UP folk and its give pleasant to here Lata’s fresh voice.

Aaja Ke Intezar Main ..Lata – Rafi … ”Halaku” …. 1951.
If I were to rate, the best duet of Lata-Rafi I would vote for this. Totally different song few western beats in the songs reminds you the belle dance tunes. The song has been sung on very high pitch.

Jane Na Najar Pehchane Jigar.. Lata – Mukesh…. “Aah”…. 1951.
Once again, all the songs hit but this is my choice from this film, sweet, melodious duet once again SJ proves that they are masters in creating melody for the masses. Best use of the Flute.

Hum Tujhse Mohabbat Kar Ke Sanam Mukesh …. ’’Aawara’’ 1955
It is difficult to choose the best of Awara but this is song is of my liking as this song is sad one and SJ have shown they are master in creating sad melody too.

Ramaiyya Wasta Waiyya … Mukesh, Lata and Rafi. ’’Shree 420’’ 1956.
The best song on based on Indian Folk. You listen to this song again and again you will not get bored.

Ai Mere Dil Kahin Aur Chal .. Talat Mehmood …. “Daag” 1954.
The pieces of Accordion and the Mandolin have given this song very good ear pleasing moments and on top of it Talat has sung this song magnificently, with different mood.

Yad Kiya Dil Ne Kaha Ho Tum .. Lata - Hemant Kumar…. “Patita” 1955.
All time favorite song and one of the best duet songs of Lata & Hemant. Once again SJ proved that they can create the melody by using Accordion effectively. The best song to be played on the Mouthorgan.

Aja Sanam Madhur Chandni Main. Lata – Manna Dey…. ’’Chori Chori’’ 1955.
Once again the pieces of Accordion have been used beautifully. Evergreen and everfresh song.

Aa Neel Gagan Tale Pyar Hum Kare … Lata – Hemant….. ’’Badshah’’ 1956.
Lata and Hemant are at their best in this particular song, SJ’s conduction of orchestra is superb. Once again, excellent use of the pieces of Accordion has given this song smoothing melodious touch.

Nain Mile Chain Kahan… Lata – Manna Dey…. ’’Basant Bahar’’ 1957.
Melodious fast track duet song ’dholak’ and the flute by Pannalal Ghosh have been used magnificently.

Man Mohana Bade jhoothe…. Lata Mangeshkar… ’’Seema’’ 1958.
It is a big challenge for present lot of singers music directors that can they produce such a high quality classical based song ? NO ! they can’t. One of the best song on Indian Classical Raags and my all time favorite.

Wo Chand Khila…Mukesh – Lata ’’Anadi’’ 1959.
What an orchestra? Once again SJ’s favorite instrument Accordion has been used effectively. I have no words to praise for the conduction of the orchestra.

Ajeeb Dastan Hai... Lata “Di Apna Aur Preet Parayi” 1960.
Foot stepping, western style, extremely melodious song, excellent use of Guitar.

Ye Mera Deewanapan Hai…Mukesh … “Yahudi” 1961.
I have no words to praise this song. All together different type of sad song.

Nakhre Wali Kishor Kumar…. “New Delhi” 1962.
Yet another western style, foot stepping, evergreen song.

Yaad Na Jaye Beete Dinon Ki … Mohammad Rafi… “Dil Ek Mandir” 1962.
SJ has utilized Rafi extremely well and from this song Rafi SJ combination became more closer and have produced some of the best melodies.

O Mere Sanam …. Kukesh – Lata. “Sangam” 1963.
I feel Sangam is SJ’s best musical movie. All the songs composed in different ways. It is difficult for me to select but since this particular song is based on Rag ‘Bhairavi’ You will like it more

Mujhko Apne Gale Laga Lo.. Rafi – Mubaraq Begam…. “Humrahi” 1964.
Smoothing melodious duet one of the songs which I would like to here again and again.

Ajahu Na Aaye Balma… Rafi – Suman Kalyanpur…. “Sanjh Aur Savera” 1965.
Classical based duet on very high pitch.

Sajanwa Bairi Ho Gaye Hamar… Mukesh….”Teesri Kasam” 1966.
Typical folk from UP. Sad song but with melody.

Aasman Se Aaya Farishta… Rafi… “An Evening In Paris” 1967.
Western style fast track romantic song. Rafi and SJ at their best.

Kaun Hai Jo Sapnon Main.. Rafi … “Jhuk Gaya Aasman” 1968.
Yet another western style romantic song “class of it’s own” from Rafi and SJ.

Dil KI Girah Khol Do..Lata – Mannade… “Raat Aur Din” 1968.
My personal favorite.

Parde Main Rehane Do… Asha Bhonsle.. “Shikar” 1968.
Based on Egyptian folk tune and superbly composed song.

Rukh Se Zara Naquab Hata Do.. M. Rafi.. “Mere Huzoor” 1969.
One of the best Gazal song.

Jane Kahan Gaye Wo Din… Mukesh “Mera Nam Joker” 1971.
The last best song of SJ. Based on rag ‘SHIVARANJANI’.