Rajendra Krishan - The Lyricist Who Paid Best Tribute To ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ - PART I

Do you remember the super hit songs like the romantic number Man doley mera tan doley...(NAGIN) or the comedy song Ek Chatur Naar Karke Shringaar…(PADOSAN) or Tumhi mere mandir, tumhi meri poojo….(KHANDAN), the chartbuster Are Rafta Rafta Dekho Aankh Meri Ladi Hai… (KAHAANI KISMAT KI). Wanna know who has written these hit lyrics? 

Well few may know that these songs were penned by the great lyricist Rajendra Krishan, who wrote lyrics in many movies with eminent music directors like Shankar-Jaikishan, Madan Mohan, Hemant Kumar, Sachin Dev Burman, Rahul Dev Burman, Salil Chowdhury, and Laxmikant-Pyarelal but tragically he is a forgotten legend. 

Listen to Rajendra Krishan Songs on Raaga.com

June 6, marks the birth anniversary of Rajendra Krishan, who is best remembered for penning the best tribute on our father of nation Mahatma Gandhi. The soul stringing lyric Suno suno ai duniya waalon, bapu ki yeh amar kahani... still makes our eyes moist. 

Raaga.Com remembers this veteran lyricist and enlightens readers about his immense contribution to Indian cinema and unveils the mystery behind the song…. 

Suno suno ai duniya waalon, bapu ki yeh amar kahani...

The younger generation may have not heard about the soulful appeal sung by Mohammed Rafi and composed by music director Husnlal Bhagatram but the senior generation must have surely heard this song that was a regular feature on All India Radio at each death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

Few know why the song was conceived and who wrote and composed the song. Now readers are aware about the lyricist and music director but still the mystery hound why the song was written. Of Course the song was written to pay homage to the great soul but more than tribute it was written to stop the fanatical violence that erupted after the death of Gandhiji, the apostle of peace, who was murdered by a fundamentalist. As a result there was large scale violence throughout India. To curb this violence the film industry decided to make a song that made an appeal to Hindu and Muslim to condemn violence and stay united. The following lines from the song did wonders to unite the Hindus and Muslim and brought peace in India. Carefully read the philosophical lines ….

Hindu Muslim Ke Seenon Mein Phir Bhadaki Nafrat Ki Jwaala,

Jisko Dekh Ke Dukhi Huva, Quraan Aur Geeta Ka Rakhwala,

Nawakhali Mein Khoon Ki Holi Haivanon Ne Kheli,

Daya Ki Murat Bapu Se Yeh Peeda Gayi Na Jheli,

Tan Pe Langoti Haath Mein Danda Hoton Pe Thi Prem Ki Baani,

Nagar Nagar Paidal Phirtha Tha Assi Saal Ka Buudha Praani,

Suno Suno Ay Duniya Walon Bapu Ki Yeh Amar Kahani...

(Hindu and Muslim killed each other in hatred,

Watching this, Bapu was who defended both Quran and Geeta was pained, 

There was violence everywhere and bloodshed, 

Bapu, who was apostle of peace, could not see this painful sight, 

Dressed half naked and a stick in hand 

80 year old Bapu used to wander by foot appealing for peace

Listen Listen o people of world this is the immortal tale of Bapu) ) 

NOTE: In our next issue read about Rajendra Krishna’s debut in films and his relation with AVM Production

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