Woh Jab Yaad Aaye

Can you name a film that isn’t just black and white but also of colour?

My Sketch of Lata Mangeshkar

Parasmani – a fantasy musical drama film of the 60s shot partly in black n white and rest in Eastman colour. It can be rated several notches higher, more for its music and dance (4 dance directors involved) than for its stars or the story, thanks to some outstanding music by Lakshmikant Pyarelal in their debut film. This film marked the beginning of their leap into film industry, with all songs swirling into super hits. The most beautiful duet song “Woh Jab Yaad Aaye” was sung by Rafi and Lata.
While you resume reading, you may also listen to the song here

The film also announced the onset of Rafi-Lata duets. Those were the years when Rafi and Lata reigned. The voice of Rafi putting punch into the rendition and an equally gifted voice of Lata, transporting us to a world of our own. Melody and passion lingering on, leaving those historic visuals far behind.

Paras (played by Mahipal) gets lost in the sea when his ship strikes a storm, only to be found by a poor villager. He grows up to be a singer of fame. This leads him to an Emperor’s palace where he falls in love with the Emperor’s daughter, Rajkumari (played by Geetanjali). Can he marry her?

Not till he finds a rare gem “Parasmani” (Philosopher’s Stone that converts iron into gold) which will save the Emperor’s life. For, this jewel will lift the curse the emperor is now under, that he will die the day his daughter weds”.

The song is sung enroute Paras’s  mission inside the cave.  Mahipal and Geetanjali  recall in isolation their memories of love amidst their lives of sorrow. Lilting music one can enjoy listening, thanks to lyrics of love flowing – memories rushing, tears flowing, heart burning, lighted lamp of love disappearing. We, the listeners are sure to get lost in a world filled with love and light and of memories, dull and bright.

1/6 songs from

Film: Parasmani (1963)   Director: Bhabubhai Mistry          Music Directors: Laxmikant Payrelal

Lyrics: Asad Bhopali, Farooq Kaiser, Indeevar      Singers: Lata, Rafi, Mukesh, Kamal Bharot

Actors: Mahipal, Geetanjali

Image Link:

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UwbdK8CKhWQ/maxresdefault.jpg