Though Balraj Sahni was never the conventional film hero, he nevertheless had his share of great songs picturized on him. Here’s a look at some of the songs filmed on the great actor.
We begin with probably one of the most memorable songs picturized on Sahni playing the kind hearted warden of a women’s reform home from Amiya Chakravarty’s Seema (1955).
Chakravarty and Sahni re-united for Kathputhli (1957) set against the backdrop of the theatre world co-starring Vyjayanthimala. Here is a Subir Sen gem from the film beautifully enacted by Sahni.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RF8Dcg2PqA
An early Indo-Soviet co-prodcution, Pardesi (1957), saw this unforgettable farewell song picturized on Sahni. The film made it to the competition section of the 1958 edition of the Cannes Film Festival.
Though Sahni doesn’t lip-sync in this song, it is nevertheless a fine romantic song from Lajwanti (1958) co-starring Nargis in one of her last films.
Again, though primarily lip-synced by Minoo Mumtaz, a great song nevertheless from the awesome cult crime thriller, and one of the best B films of Hindi cinema, Black Cat (1959).
One of Pandit Ravi Shankar’s few forays into Hindi film music, here’s a beautiful romantic song between Sahni and the gorgeous Leela Naidu from Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Anuradha (1960).
And finally, Sahni’s most popular song ever from Yash Chopra’s multi-starrer, Waqt (1965). What life he brings to Manna Dey’s amazing rendering of this evergreen hit!
Wonderful performance by Lala Kedar Nath (father of 3 kids)
Sudhir /// July 8 2023