In todays weekend blog, I am writing about one female singer of Indian film industry, who sang in may languages but her main work was in bollywood. She was the one singer who made her place in the Bollywood when Lata, Shamshad Begum, Asha Bhosle were at the top. She sang the songs for most of composers of that era, but her work with SD Burman and OP Nayyar was top class. She must have given playback for all the top heroines of 1950s, her career went into decline in 60s due to marital and personal problems. Friends, I am talking about Geeta Dutt.
She was born on 23rd November 1930, her maiden name was Geeta Ghosh Roy Chowdhuri. She was one of 10 children born to wealthy Zamindar family in a village named Idilpur (Now in Bangladesh). Her family moved to Calcutta in early 40s. But in 1942 her parents moved to Bombay.
She took her early musical training with K Hanuman Prasad, and who later launched into movies. she got the first break with an opportunity to sing in mythological film Bhakta Prahlad, whose music was composed by Hanuman Prasad. At the time she was just 16 years old. It was in early 50s she blossomed as female playback singer.
During her recording of songs for the film Baazi, she met its young and upcoming director who was actor also, his name was Guru Dutt. She fell in love with him and their romance culminated in marriage on 26th May 1953. Before marriage she used to sing by name Geeta Roy, and after marriage she changed it to Geeta Dutt.
In 1957 Guru Dutt had launched the film Gauri with Geeta Dutt as its singing star, but the project got shelved after just few days of the shooting. By then, Guru Dutt had got romantically involved with Waheeda Rehman and this affected his marriage with Geeta Dutt, and she took to drinking. In 1958 , SD Burman had a fall out with Lata Mangeshkar, and he attempted to work with Geeta Dutt as the main singer of his compositions rather than another upcoming singer Asha Bhosle. However, out of her personal problems, Geeta Dutt would not practice her art sufficiently and failed to meet Burman’s demanding standards. It was during this time he started promoting Asha Bhosle.
In 1964, Guru Dutt died, which was presumably a suicide. Geeta Dutt then suffered a serious nervous breakdown and ran into financial problems. She tried to resume her singing career, cutting discs at Durga Puja and giving stage shows. She also performed a leading role in a Bengali film Badhu Baran in 1967. She sang admirably well in Anubhav(1972 film), which was her final performance to the music of Kanu Roy.
She expired on 22nd July 1972 due to cirrhosis of liver.
I am listing below my favourite Geeta Dutt numbers with their YouTube link. Please note that listing is in random order.
1 Mera Sundar Sapna Beet Gaya- 1956- Bhai Bhai (Film), Rajender Krishan (Lyricist), Madan Mohan (Music Director). On screen Kamini Kaushal.
2 Babuji Dheere Chalna, Pyar Mein Jara Sambhalna-1954-Baazi(F), Majrooh Sultanpuri (L), OP Nayyar (MD). On screen Shakila with Guru Dutt.
3 Preetam Aan Milo, Dukhiya Jiya Bulaye– 1955- Mr & Mrs 55 (F), Saroj Mohini Nayyar (L), OP Nayyar (MD). On screen Background song featuring Madhubala.
4 Jaane Kya Tune Kahi, Jaane Kya Maine Suni-1957-Pyasa (F), Sahir Ludhianavi, SD Burman (MD). On screen Waheeda Rehman with Guru Dutt.
5 Aaj Sajan Mohe Ang Laga Lo, Janam Safal Ho Jaye– 1957-Pyasa(F), Sahir Ludhianavi (L), SD Burman (MD). On screen Jr artist with Guru Dutt & Waheeda Rehman.
6 Nanhi Kali Sone Chali, Hawa Dheere Aana– 1959- Sujata (F), Majrooh Sultanpuri (L), SD Burman (MD). On screen Sulochana.
7 Na Jao Saiyan Chuda Ke Baiyam, Kasam Tumhari Main Ro Padungi– 1962- Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (F), Shakeel Badayuni (L), Hemant Kumar (MD). On screen Meena Kumari with Rehman.
8 Khayalon Mein Kisi Ke Is Tarah Aaya Nahin Karte-1950– Bawre Nain (F), with Mukesh (Singer),Kedar Sharma (L), Roshan (MD). On screen Raj Kapoor and Vijayalakshmi
9 Meri Jaan Mujhe Jaan Na Kaho Meri Jaan-1972-Anubhav (F), Gulzar (L), Kanu Roy (MD). On screen Tanuja with Sanjeev Kumar.
10 Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu– 1958-Howrah Bridge (F), Qamar Jalalabadi (L), OP Nayyar (MD). On screen Helen.
11 Ae Dil Mujhe Bata De, Tu Kis Pe Aa Gaya Hai-1956-Bhai Bhai (F), Rajender Krisshan (L), Madan Mohan (MD). On screen Shyama.
12 Ankhon Hi Ankhon Mein Ishara Ho Gaya– 1956-CID (F), with Mohd Rafi (S), Jaan Nisar Akhtar (L), OP Nayyar (MD). On screen Dev Anand & Shakila.
13 Na Yeh Chand Hoga, Na Taare Rahenge-1954- Shart (F), SH Bihari (L), Hemant Kumar (MD). On screen Shayma
14 Thandi Hawa kali Ghata, Aa Hi Gayi Jhoom Ke-1955- Mr & Mrs 55 (F), Majrooh (L), OP Nayyar (MD). On screen Madhubala.
And lastly, this song is considered to be the best of Geeta Dutt, and is also rated as 10 best ever song by a playback singer, and the song is
15 Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Hassen Sitam, Tum Rahe Na Tum Hum Rahe Naa Hum -1959- Kaagaz Ke Phool (F), Kaifi Azmi (L), SD Burman (MD).On screen background song featuring Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman.
Hope you liked my selection.
Waiting for your views/comments.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
16th April 2021