Lyricist Yogesh Left For Heavenly Abode
Lyricist Yogesh is no more. What a critical time, when I stay hardly two km from Madhuban Apartments where he took last breath , I could not reach there to pay my respect to departed soul due to extra-ordinary circumstances .
He wrote many immortal songs which will remind us a very simple man and his powerful poetry.
I met him many times at my friend Manohar Thakur’s Vishakha Apartament opposite Lotus Petrol Pump in Andheri , and listened many of his timeless pieces in his own voice. We last met at Idlish Cafe just before the lockdown on our platform Chitra Nagari Samvaad Manch, an initiative to bring creative minds staying in and around Goregaon East.
The memories flash back :
He was born and brought up in Nawabi Town Lucknow , known for its culture and literature. He came to Bombay during sixties to try his luck in Hindi films , his immediate connect was Dharmendra Gaur, his cousin who made name and fame by than . But somehow Dharmendra Gaur did not respond the way he expected , so he decided to be on his own feet.
Yogesh struggled a lot , initially could not find any work in Film Industry. To survive in city, he took up a job at a furniture shop. The only worry was that his best friend worried should not know about this, and even requested the shop’s owner to maintain secrecy…“under any circumstances”.
However, Sattu (Satya Prakash), Yogesh’s best friend, discovered his secret. One day Yogesh saw him standing outside the shop – peering at him – and trembled. Later, outside the shop, Sattu wept as he embraced Yogesh. He asked him to leave such jobs and stick to writing.
Yogesh didn’t think he could find anything to do in films, despite any effort he made. Sattu, however, was sure he would become a songwriter.
“He had great belief in me,” he told remembering his initial days struggle in Bollywood.
His friend Sattu’s attitude given Yogesh a new surge to struggle . Yogesh and Saty Prakash were not related by blood. They had, however, been friends from school in Lucknow, where Sattu had seen Yogesh recite and work upon words in grade 5.
As they embraced outside that furniture shop, Yogesh wondered: “Who is this person embracing me? Who sent him to me? Why does he love me so much? Why does his heart grieve for me?”
The thought that led him to write his famous lines for the film Anand –
“Kahin to ye dil kabhi mil nahin pate
Kahin se nikal aaye janmon ke naate
Hai meethi uljahn, bairi apna man,
Apna hi hoke sahe dard paraye
(with some, our heart can never rhyme
with others, we can make - bonds for endless time
We are in a sweet dilemma –
For our heart’s our own foe;
It’s ours but for others’ pains
we find it thrum and glow.)”
Each stanza of this song is pure spiritual document of human life.
Sattu continued do work to sustain himself as well as his friend Yogesh so that he should not waste his time in doing menial jobs. His unconditional support and Yogesh’s hardwork paid off . Yogesh had finally found his place in the industry. He is one of the Bollywood lyricist who has put deep thoughts in simple words.
This is evident in another song from the same film – “Zindagi kaisi hai paheli hai,
kabhi ye hansaye, kabhi ye rulaye
(An enigma, a puzzle – such is life.
At times, it makes us laugh,
At times, it’s full of strife)”
In fact, this song was written, composed separately, not initially a part of story . Then, the Hrishikesh Da shot scenes at the beach, all to accommodate the song.
As work started coming in, Sattu became very happy. Yogesh would sing to him drafts of his songs and seek his opinion.
However, there was always this problem. Yogesh could borrow lessons from life and make them into sensible film lyrics. He was, however, not suited for politics in cinema. “I have no hesitation in admitting that I am a very simple man,” he admitted candidly.
He often found himself subjected to ill treatment of producers, and non-payment of dues. One of the troublesome producers, for instance, made him write lines after lines for a song just to feed his own ego. Yogesh persisted as long as he could and kept following him. Then, he left in a huff, exasperated by the producer’s power trip.
In another instance, a living music ‘legend’ needed work in Mumbai. Yogesh travelled with him to producers’ offices and introduced him. When the legend got work, he promptly refused to take Yogesh’s calls.
Friends and well wishers often warned him about his simplicity. They told him to not be so helpful and good to others. Yogesh couldn’t help it though and persisted in his ways. During a project, he didn’t mind sharing the lyricist’s credits with another writer. He made no fuss. Most would have.
The decision to not go down the bad path – that is sanskaar,” he said while shedding light on his way of thinking. “I can confidently say I have not gone down the path of badness, though I had opportunities,” he added.
It mattered to him all the time how he conducted himself. He couldn’t bring himself to be unfair or unhelpful.
Asked if he was fit for the film industry, he responds by stating that people should be careful, and not spend too much energy chasing the industry people.
There was a time in his life after grand success of ‘Anand’ and ‘Rajnigandha’, work did not automatically come to Yogesh.
He consoled himself by the thought that there were several good writers then, and perhaps producers didn’t like his work that much.
People can hardly forget these timeless master pieces written by Yogesh :
1.Kai Baar Yun Bhi Dekha Hai (Rajnigandha – 1974) : A very philosophical song sung by Mukesh and filmed on Dinesh Thakur and Vidya Sinha with the composition of Salil Chaudhary which highlights the running of the heart after a mirage, breaking all the bounds.
2. Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli Haaye (Anand – 1970): The immortal philosophical song of Manna Dey, the singer and Rajesh Khanna, the performer with the music of Salil Chaudhary.
3. Rimjhim Gire Saawan, Sulag Sulag Jaaye Mann (Manzil – 1979) : A very romantic rain song sung by Lata and Kishore for Moushumi Chatterjee and Amitabh Bachchan which has been composed by Pancham Da (R.D. Burman).
4. Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaaye (Anand – 1970) : Mukesh’s immortal song sung for Rajesh Khanna under Salil Da’s music direction. This lyric contains a unique blend of pain and love. A lonely person visualizes someone’s love as the day loses its existence into dusk and the evening deepens.
5.Na Jaane Kyun Hota Hai Yeh Zindagi Ke Saath (Chhoti Si Baat – 1975) : A very touching song sung by Lata, composed by Salil Chaudhary and filmed on Vidya Sinha which underscores this peculiarity of love that after the separation from the beloved, the heart reminisces even the most trivial things of him / her.
6. Aaye Tum Yaad Mujhe, Gaane Lagi Har Dhadkan (Mili – 1975) : A very touching song sung by Kishore Kumar and filmed on Amitabh Bachchan with the melodious composition of Sachin Da (S.D. Burman).
7. Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuchh Kaha (Baaton Baaton Mein – 1979) : A very romantic duet in the enchanting voices of Asha and Amit Kumar with a romance-soaked dancing performance of Amol Palekar and Tina Munim. Rajesh Roshan has composed it.
8. Rajnigandha Phool Tumhare Mehke Yun Hi Jeevan Mein (Rajnigandha – 1974) : A very soft and heart-winning romantic song linking someone’s love to the fragrance of the flowers of tuberose. Lata has sung it for Vidya Sinha in Salil Da’s music direction.
9. Raaton Ke Saaye Ghane, Jab Bojh Dil Par Bane (Annadaata – 1972) : Lata’s underrated song sung for Jaya Bhaduri with Salil Da being the composer. This beautiful song is an inspiring one which renders the invaluable message never to lose hope despite adverse times.
10. Kahan Tak Yeh Mann Ko Andhere Chhalenge (Baaton Baaton Mein – 1979) : This is one of the most underrated songs of Kishore Kumar and the least known song of the movie. Penetrating the heart of the listener deep within, this sad song touches many shores of the ocean called emotion. Rajesh Roshan has composed it and Amol Palekar has performed on it.
11. Maine Kaha Phoolon Se Hanso To Woh Khilkhila Kar Hans Diye (Mili – 1975) : A very good song inspiring to live the life to the fullest just like the flowers. Lata has sung it for Jaya Bhaduri under Sachin Da’s music direction.
12. Badi Sooni Sooni Si Hai Zindagi Yeh Zindagi (Mili – 1975) : Kishore Da’s sad song sung for Amitabh Bachchan with Sachin Da being the composer.
13. Tum Jo Aao To Pyar Aa Jaaye (Sakhi Robin – 1962) : A romantic duet of Manna Dey and Suman Kalyanpur sung for Ranjan and Shalini with Robin Banerjee as the music director.
14. Sau Baar Banaakar Maalik Ne Sau Baar
Mitaaya Hoga (Ek Raat – 1968) : A long forgotten yet immensely beautiful song of Rafi, composed by Usha Khanna in which the beauty of the lady is praised by the lover with different metaphor used to narrate the beauty of her different limbs. Ravi Kumar sings it on the screen praising the beauty of SImi Grewal.
15. Yeh Din Kya Aaye Lage Phool Hansne (Chhoti Si Baat – 1975) : A very beautiful song whose every word is soaked in joy and enthusiasm of a happy heart. Under Salil Da’s music direction, Mukesh has sung it for Amol Palekar.
He wrote many immortal songs which will remind us a very simple man and his powerful poetry.
I met him many times at my friend Manohar Thakur’s Vishakha Apartament opposite Lotus Petrol Pump in Andheri , and listened many of his timeless pieces in his own voice. We last met at Idlish Cafe just before the lockdown on our platform Chitra Nagari Samvaad Manch, an initiative to bring creative minds staying in and around Goregaon East.
The memories flash back :
He was born and brought up in Nawabi Town Lucknow , known for its culture and literature. He came to Bombay during sixties to try his luck in Hindi films , his immediate connect was Dharmendra Gaur, his cousin who made name and fame by than . But somehow Dharmendra Gaur did not respond the way he expected , so he decided to be on his own feet.
Yogesh struggled a lot , initially could not find any work in Film Industry. To survive in city, he took up a job at a furniture shop. The only worry was that his best friend worried should not know about this, and even requested the shop’s owner to maintain secrecy…“under any circumstances”.
However, Sattu (Satya Prakash), Yogesh’s best friend, discovered his secret. One day Yogesh saw him standing outside the shop – peering at him – and trembled. Later, outside the shop, Sattu wept as he embraced Yogesh. He asked him to leave such jobs and stick to writing.
Yogesh didn’t think he could find anything to do in films, despite any effort he made. Sattu, however, was sure he would become a songwriter.
“He had great belief in me,” he told remembering his initial days struggle in Bollywood.
His friend Sattu’s attitude given Yogesh a new surge to struggle . Yogesh and Saty Prakash were not related by blood. They had, however, been friends from school in Lucknow, where Sattu had seen Yogesh recite and work upon words in grade 5.
As they embraced outside that furniture shop, Yogesh wondered: “Who is this person embracing me? Who sent him to me? Why does he love me so much? Why does his heart grieve for me?”
The thought that led him to write his famous lines for the film Anand –
“Kahin to ye dil kabhi mil nahin pate
Kahin se nikal aaye janmon ke naate
Hai meethi uljahn, bairi apna man,
Apna hi hoke sahe dard paraye
(with some, our heart can never rhyme
with others, we can make - bonds for endless time
We are in a sweet dilemma –
For our heart’s our own foe;
It’s ours but for others’ pains
we find it thrum and glow.)”
Each stanza of this song is pure spiritual document of human life.
Sattu continued do work to sustain himself as well as his friend Yogesh so that he should not waste his time in doing menial jobs. His unconditional support and Yogesh’s hardwork paid off . Yogesh had finally found his place in the industry. He is one of the Bollywood lyricist who has put deep thoughts in simple words.
This is evident in another song from the same film – “Zindagi kaisi hai paheli hai,
kabhi ye hansaye, kabhi ye rulaye
(An enigma, a puzzle – such is life.
At times, it makes us laugh,
At times, it’s full of strife)”
In fact, this song was written, composed separately, not initially a part of story . Then, the Hrishikesh Da shot scenes at the beach, all to accommodate the song.
As work started coming in, Sattu became very happy. Yogesh would sing to him drafts of his songs and seek his opinion.
However, there was always this problem. Yogesh could borrow lessons from life and make them into sensible film lyrics. He was, however, not suited for politics in cinema. “I have no hesitation in admitting that I am a very simple man,” he admitted candidly.
He often found himself subjected to ill treatment of producers, and non-payment of dues. One of the troublesome producers, for instance, made him write lines after lines for a song just to feed his own ego. Yogesh persisted as long as he could and kept following him. Then, he left in a huff, exasperated by the producer’s power trip.
In another instance, a living music ‘legend’ needed work in Mumbai. Yogesh travelled with him to producers’ offices and introduced him. When the legend got work, he promptly refused to take Yogesh’s calls.
Friends and well wishers often warned him about his simplicity. They told him to not be so helpful and good to others. Yogesh couldn’t help it though and persisted in his ways. During a project, he didn’t mind sharing the lyricist’s credits with another writer. He made no fuss. Most would have.
The decision to not go down the bad path – that is sanskaar,” he said while shedding light on his way of thinking. “I can confidently say I have not gone down the path of badness, though I had opportunities,” he added.
It mattered to him all the time how he conducted himself. He couldn’t bring himself to be unfair or unhelpful.
Asked if he was fit for the film industry, he responds by stating that people should be careful, and not spend too much energy chasing the industry people.
There was a time in his life after grand success of ‘Anand’ and ‘Rajnigandha’, work did not automatically come to Yogesh.
He consoled himself by the thought that there were several good writers then, and perhaps producers didn’t like his work that much.
People can hardly forget these timeless master pieces written by Yogesh :
1.Kai Baar Yun Bhi Dekha Hai (Rajnigandha – 1974) : A very philosophical song sung by Mukesh and filmed on Dinesh Thakur and Vidya Sinha with the composition of Salil Chaudhary which highlights the running of the heart after a mirage, breaking all the bounds.
2. Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli Haaye (Anand – 1970): The immortal philosophical song of Manna Dey, the singer and Rajesh Khanna, the performer with the music of Salil Chaudhary.
3. Rimjhim Gire Saawan, Sulag Sulag Jaaye Mann (Manzil – 1979) : A very romantic rain song sung by Lata and Kishore for Moushumi Chatterjee and Amitabh Bachchan which has been composed by Pancham Da (R.D. Burman).
4. Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaaye (Anand – 1970) : Mukesh’s immortal song sung for Rajesh Khanna under Salil Da’s music direction. This lyric contains a unique blend of pain and love. A lonely person visualizes someone’s love as the day loses its existence into dusk and the evening deepens.
5.Na Jaane Kyun Hota Hai Yeh Zindagi Ke Saath (Chhoti Si Baat – 1975) : A very touching song sung by Lata, composed by Salil Chaudhary and filmed on Vidya Sinha which underscores this peculiarity of love that after the separation from the beloved, the heart reminisces even the most trivial things of him / her.
6. Aaye Tum Yaad Mujhe, Gaane Lagi Har Dhadkan (Mili – 1975) : A very touching song sung by Kishore Kumar and filmed on Amitabh Bachchan with the melodious composition of Sachin Da (S.D. Burman).
7. Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuchh Kaha (Baaton Baaton Mein – 1979) : A very romantic duet in the enchanting voices of Asha and Amit Kumar with a romance-soaked dancing performance of Amol Palekar and Tina Munim. Rajesh Roshan has composed it.
8. Rajnigandha Phool Tumhare Mehke Yun Hi Jeevan Mein (Rajnigandha – 1974) : A very soft and heart-winning romantic song linking someone’s love to the fragrance of the flowers of tuberose. Lata has sung it for Vidya Sinha in Salil Da’s music direction.
9. Raaton Ke Saaye Ghane, Jab Bojh Dil Par Bane (Annadaata – 1972) : Lata’s underrated song sung for Jaya Bhaduri with Salil Da being the composer. This beautiful song is an inspiring one which renders the invaluable message never to lose hope despite adverse times.
10. Kahan Tak Yeh Mann Ko Andhere Chhalenge (Baaton Baaton Mein – 1979) : This is one of the most underrated songs of Kishore Kumar and the least known song of the movie. Penetrating the heart of the listener deep within, this sad song touches many shores of the ocean called emotion. Rajesh Roshan has composed it and Amol Palekar has performed on it.
11. Maine Kaha Phoolon Se Hanso To Woh Khilkhila Kar Hans Diye (Mili – 1975) : A very good song inspiring to live the life to the fullest just like the flowers. Lata has sung it for Jaya Bhaduri under Sachin Da’s music direction.
12. Badi Sooni Sooni Si Hai Zindagi Yeh Zindagi (Mili – 1975) : Kishore Da’s sad song sung for Amitabh Bachchan with Sachin Da being the composer.
13. Tum Jo Aao To Pyar Aa Jaaye (Sakhi Robin – 1962) : A romantic duet of Manna Dey and Suman Kalyanpur sung for Ranjan and Shalini with Robin Banerjee as the music director.
14. Sau Baar Banaakar Maalik Ne Sau Baar
Mitaaya Hoga (Ek Raat – 1968) : A long forgotten yet immensely beautiful song of Rafi, composed by Usha Khanna in which the beauty of the lady is praised by the lover with different metaphor used to narrate the beauty of her different limbs. Ravi Kumar sings it on the screen praising the beauty of SImi Grewal.
15. Yeh Din Kya Aaye Lage Phool Hansne (Chhoti Si Baat – 1975) : A very beautiful song whose every word is soaked in joy and enthusiasm of a happy heart. Under Salil Da’s music direction, Mukesh has sung it for Amol Palekar.
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