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Published: 01 March 2018

Last Updated: 01 March 2018

Master Nissar (aaj kyon ham se pardaa hai) has mentioned that he used to play female roles. I never knew where and how. Turns out it was on stage when he played Sita.

Master Nissar (Sita) was given two general songs, in the flower garden, "jay shiv onkaaraa (aartee)", near the Ashok tree, "are raavaN too dhamakee dikhaataa kise (etc.). These songs were very popular. Nissar's voice, embellishments, and correct pronunciation, clearly was very attractive.

Now you know!

Bharat 34 Lata Roshan

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Published: 28 February 2018

Last Updated: 28 February 2018

There have been Panjabi songs in Hindi films from the 30s, even Hindi songs based on Panjabi tunes. This is the earliest example I know when the tune and words of a Panjabi song from a Panjabi film were lifted by a Hindi film composer and lyricists.

Listen to 1940_Yamla-Jutt_main-koyal-vanger.mp3

Listen to 1941_Circus-kee-sundaree_main-koyal-baaGh-kee.mp3

Now you know!

Bharat 33 Lata Roshan

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Published: 27 February 2018

Last Updated: 27 February 2018

Everybody know about knows about all the western instruments that the colonists brought with them. pianos, violins, harmoniums etc.  Here is the story of the virginal, brought to India during the Jahangir's rule!

Now you know!

Bharat 32 Lata Ravi Shankar