Monsoon Melodies

Now that its pouring down rather incessantly for the last few days, I prefer to keep myself within the confines of the four walls...it was rather obvious, after getting drenched almost everyday and not once, but twice-thrice in a day :-( !! The monsoons have always been my favourite season (Traffic jams, water logging not withstanding)...wait, I would like to clarify - favourite just for playing and composing music — the moment I see a rain cloud my heart sings. The melodies drive away any irritation at being stuck indoors. And of course, there always is pipping hot coffee and "bhajis" + Hindi film music - there's not much else you need in life :-) Yesterday while playing, I tried to compile my favourite rain songs from Hindi films — in no particular order of preference... * Rhim Jhim Gire Saawan (Manzil) - there are two variations of this song, one by Lata Mangeshkar - featured on Amitabh Bachchan - & Moushmi Chaterjee and Mumbai in the rains. and the other by Kishore Kumar. The music is by R.D.Burman, and lyrics by Yogesh. * Aaj Rapat Jaaye (Namak Haram) - Amitabh Bachchan and Smita Patil sizzle in this rain song. Making out on a hand cart never seemed more appealing :-P. Brilliant music by Bappi Lahri and great lyrics by Anjaan. * Dil Tera Deewana Hain Sanam (Dil Tera Deewana) - Thunder, Lightening and Rain seem to be a good combination for hormones to start acting up. In this song Shammi Kapoor declares undying love for Mala Sinha. Music is by Shankar Jaikishen, Lyrics are by Shailendra. * Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si (Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi) - Kishore Kumar and Madhubala and a broken down car. The chemistry between the actors is sweet and playful. An indicator of a much more innocent era. Music by SD Burman, lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri. * Ghanan Ghanan (Lagaan) - The fabulously energetic rain song with A.R.Rahman at his best. The song is relief, joy, yearning, all melded together with great melody, rythmn and a folksy quality that translates to the people’s link to rain. Lyrics are by Javed Akhtar. * Koi Ladka Hain (Dil To Paagal Hain) - The song has a great sense of innocence and reflects a great sense of the joy of life that has been rejuvenated by rains. The singers are Lata Mangeshkar and Udit Narayan. Music is by Uttam Singh and lyrics by Anand Bakshi. SRK and Madhuri and a gaggle of kids feature in this feel good song on the rains. * Tip Tip Barsa Paani (Mohra) - the music is by Viju Shah and I somehow like Raveena Tandon's gyrating moves in this song :P * Ab Ke Saawan Main Ji Daare (Jaise Ka Taisa) - yeah, I know quite a name for a film! Actually came to know about this song thanks to the re-arranged version from the movie Dil Vil Pyaar Vyar. The original is sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Kishor Kumar. * Pyar Hua Iqrar Hua (Shri 420) - Possibly the most iconic image that springs from Bollywood's sepia-toned past is that of Raj Kapoor and Nargis under an umbrella. Composed by Shankar-Jaikishen, this even happens to be one of the first few songs I learned on the keyboard. * Rimjhim Rimjhim (1942 A Love Story) - A very refreshing song, the music directed by none other than my favourite, Panchamda! Lyrics again by Javed Akthar. I just hope, I haven't missed any...