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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: 02 October 2017

Last Updated: 02 October 2017

In the beginning of the song, I hear a stringed instrument. I think it is a sitar. Please correct me if I am wrong.

1936_jay-bhaarat_06_buraa-kisako-maanooN
{mp3remote} http://hindi-films-songs.com/song11/1936_jay-bhaarat_06_buraa-kisako-maanooN.mp3 {/mp3remote}

Now you know!

 Listen to Tarzan and King Kong (1965)

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Published: 06 September 2017

Last Updated: 06 September 2017

Nobody has done a proper study, but it is commonly believed that Kaharwaa taal is by far the commonest taal used in Hindi film songs. In the 30s it was different. Here is Alison Arnold in her doctoral thesis (1991).

She probably had access to only about 80 songs of the thirties. I have about 1,260 songs. This exercise should be done again. I am sure a paper based on it can be published in a reputable journal. If somebody volunteers, I will be happy to send all these songs. 

Now you know!

 Listen to Durga Pooja (1962)