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Published: 23 October 2017

Last Updated: 23 October 2017

Western instruments have been used for a long time, e.g. Harmonium, from the time of the dramas. When did they first use them in the talkies? I have read many articles making vague, general remarks. Recently, I found a concrete example in writing. Here is S D Burman reviewing the music of Chandidas (1931, Bangla) in 1931. An excerpt:

Of course, most people already know the great work of Karthik in chronicling the use of Western tunes by Indian film musicians:

Karthik on plagiarism

Now you know!

Listen to Meri Bhabhi (1969) 

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Published: 22 October 2017

Last Updated: 22 October 2017

In this song from Dr Madhurika (1935), perhaps sung by Sabita Devi, I am hearing music coming from a wooden reed with holes, not quite flute. Judge for yourselves:

Listen to 1935_Dr-madhurikaa_09_moree-pyaaree-pyaaree-gaiyaa.mp3

Now you know!

 Listen to Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati (1969)

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Published: 21 October 2017

Last Updated: 21 October 2017

Right from the beginning, during the silents and even the talkies, people complained that they had to pay too much money for only a 2-3 hour program. They were comparing it with theater where for the same money the show would last all night, 6-8 hours! So to attract such people, theater owners had to have extra programs, live dancing, singing or poetry recital by famous people. Here is an example from my friend K Pasupuleti's book on Hyderabad. It is an excellent book on the cultural scene in the region during early 20th century

Music and Arts in Hyderabad

Here is the image

It announces the film Chowringhee (1942) with the cast and brief story. Also adds that there will be a live poetry reading with poets like Jigar Muradabadi, Saghir Nizami and Bismil Allhabadi (who by the way, is the one who wrote 'sarafaroshi ki tamanna' that you hear in all films on the Marxist revolutionary Bhagat Singh). The ad is from the Palace Talkies for a matinee show at 3 pm that day.

Now you know!

 Listen to Apna Khoon Apna Dushman (1969)