#61 Jahan Ara: Top 100 Bollywood Albums

Music: Madan Mohan

Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan

Label: Saregama

Director: Vinod Kumar

Bollywood has seen a lot of great music produced thanks to movies belonging to the genre of historical romance dramas. A lot of them invariably involved the Mughals; Jahan Ara too was about a Mughal princess, portrayed by Mala Sinha. The movie however seems to have had little else going for it aside of its music, which meant the superlative songs that composer Madan Mohan and lyricist Rajendra Krishan created did not quite receive their due. Nevertheless, they are considered by music lovers among the composer's memorable works.

Best Song of Jahan Ara: It is said that Madan Mohan tried to revitalize Talat Mahmood's career through this soundtrack. Though the revival did not really happen, the singer did end up getting some of the movie's top songs. And to me, the best of the lot is Phir Wohi Shaam Wohi Gham, the characteristic quiver in Mahmood's voice was ideal for the soulful piece.

1. Kisi Ki Yaad Mein (Singer: Mohammed Rafi)
2. Haal-e-Dil (Singer: Lata Mangeshkar)
3. Baad Muddat Ke Yeh Ghadi (Singers: Suman Kalyanpur, Mohammed Rafi)
4. Ae Sanam Aaj Yeh Qasam (Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Talat Mahmood)
5. Phir Wohi Sham (Singer: Talat Mahmood)
6. Woh Chup Rahen (Singer: Lata Mangeshkar)
7. Main Teri Nazar Ka (Singer: Talat Mahmood)
8. Jab Jab Tumhein Bulaya (Singers: Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar)
9. Teri Aankh Ke Aansoon (Singer: Talat Mahmood)

Listen to the song Phir Wohi Shaam from Jahan Ara here:

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

#62 HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM: TOP 100 BOLLYWOOD ALBUMS