#56 Naya Daur: Top 100 Bollywood Albums

Music: O P Nayyar

Lyricist: Sahir Ludhianvi

Label: Saregama HMV

Director: BR Chopra

The 2001 hit Lagaan is often compared to Naya Daur for its storyline that pitted the son-of-the-soil protagonist against foreign invaders in an unevenly matched contest. The similarity even extended to the themes covered in the soundtracks, ranging from romantic to inspirational to devotional. Composer O P Nayyar won his only Filmfare award for the songs of this film where he and lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi got to prominently portray the folk flavour of their native land Punjab. While the composer featured singer Shamshad Begum (with whom the man had created a lot of great songs) in one of the songs, the album belonged to Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhonsle; the former in particular providing a fine display of versatility with his brilliant delivery of the diverse genres.

On a related note: The comic piece Main Bambai Ka Babu reminds me at times of another light-hearted song that came out the same year, Sar Jo Tera Chakraaye. There are obvious commonalities to both of course – Ludhianvi's words, Rafi's voice, Johnny Walker's portrayal. Wonder if there was some common factor in the arrangement as well.

Best Song of Naya Daur: The album had one song of the kind OPN tends to be often remembered for – tonga song. A convenient fit in the film centered on tonga-wallahs, Maang Ke Saath Tumhara was a beautifully written romantic piece that Rafi and Asha delivered to perfection, with that comforting clip-clop in the backdrop. 

1. Aana Hai To Aa (Singer: Mohammed Rafi)
2. Maang Ke Saath (Singers: Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle)
3. Reshmi Shalwar Kurta (Singers: Asha Bhosle, Shamshad Begum)
4. Saathi Haath Badhana (Singers: Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle)
5. Uden Jab Jab (Singers: Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle)
6. Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawanon Ka (Singers: Mohammed Rafi, S. Balbir)
7. Main Bombay Ka Babu (Singer: Mohammed Rafi)
8. Dil Leke Daga Denge (Singer: Mohammed Rafi)
9. Ek Diwana Aate Jate Humse Chhed Kare (Singer: Asha Bhosle)

Listen to the entire album of Naya Daur here:

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

#57 BARFI!: TOP 100 BOLLYWOOD ALBUMS