Musical Highlights From R.K. Films

This months find is from the archives and an LP in the wrong sleeve. I've tried to find the sleeve on the internet without much success so you'll just have to make do with the label and two stills from the films the songs come from. These early Bollywood films are a delightful blend of east and west - one minute your hear the influence of Spain and sometimes Tin Pan Alley!

"Nanhe Munne Bachche" comes from the 1954 film "Boot Polish". Here's a brief description of the plot and background-

"BOOT POLISH is a touching story of a preteen brother and sister, abandoned by their father to care of an abusive prostitute aunt, who survive life in an Indian squatters' camp, aided by a friendly cripple, by learning to shine shoes instead of begging. A heartwarming Hindi classic about the struggle to survive, BOOT POLISH was produced by megastar Raj Kapoor. The film won a Special Mention award for its outstanding child performance (Baby Naaz) at the 1955 Cannes Film Festival."

The other two songs come from the 1955 film "Shree 420". Here's a short description of the plot and background-

"Raj is an orphan who comes to Bombay with the dream of making it big. His cheerful spirits and ideals are crushed by the harsh realities of a big city. He encounters Vidya, a poor school teacher who has very high principles. After a spell of unemployment, he lands a job in a laundry. When he delivers a dress to a rich client (Maya), his life takes an unusual turn. The client dresses him up and parades him in front of several rich and influential people as a "Prince". His sleight-of-hand tricks win her a big sum of money, but she mocks him and casts him out. However, Seth Sonachand Dharmanand spots the fake Prince and offers him a partnership in his under-hand dealings. With money at his command, Raj finds himself increasingly alienated from the people he loves (Vidya, Ganga Mai) and unhappy with himself. Matters come to a head when a housing scam threatens to defraud thousands of common men and women of their life's savings."


A clip here from another song in the film at You Tube. You can also see further clips from Shree 420.

Discover more about Lata Mangeshkar HERE, Asha Bhosle HERE and Mohd. Rafi HERE.


Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle - Nanhe Munne Bachche

Mukesh & Chorus - Mera Joota Hai Japani

Lata Mangeshka - Ichak Dana Beechaki Dana


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