#45 Pehli Nazar: Top 100 Bollywood Albums

Music: Anil Biswas

Lyrics: Safdar Aah Sitapuri

Label: Saregama HMV

Director: Mazhar Khan

Pehli Nazar that came out in 1945 had music by another of the pioneering figures of the industry and one of the primary composers from the 30s to early 50s – Anil Biswas. With words from Safdar Aah Sitapuri, Biswas produced a soundtrack that is most famous for giving singer Mukesh his first hit. The composer's ingenious orchestration (fab use of violins in particular) characterised the songs, one of which also featured on vocals Biswas's sister, the talented Parul Ghosh.

Best Song of Pehli Nazar: This would indeed be the above-mentioned career-defining song of Mukesh – the heart-rending Dil Jalta Hai Toh Jalne De. Over time, Mukesh would develop his own identity and proficiency in delivering melancholic compositions, but this song had him imitate the then master of the genre, K L Saigal, albeit doing a fine job of it.

1. Hothon Pe Masarrat (Singer: Parul Ghosh)
2. Tay Karke Badi Door Ki (Singer: Mukesh)
3. Pehli Nazar Ka Teer (Singer: Naseem Akhtar, Mukesh)
4. Unka Ishara Jaan Se Pyara (Singer: Naseem Akhtar)
5. Jawani Ye Bharpoor (Singers: Naseem Akhtar, Mukesh)
6. Dil Ko Samjhaye Hue (Singer: Roshan Ara Begum)
7. Dil Jalta Hai Toh Jalne De (Singer: Mukesh)
8. Karam Kar Parwardigaar (Singer: Parul Ghosh)
9. Khan Kabul Se Aaya Ji (Singer: Binapani Mukherjee)

Listen to Dil Jalta Hai from Pehli Nazar here:

(With contributions by Praveen VR, co-founder of musicaloud.com)

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