Dev Anand was supposed to star in this classic whodunit but because of certain differences with Nasir Husaain the producer, Dev walked out. In comes Shammi Kapoor. Shankar Jaikishan, Shammi Kapoor’s favourites were supposed to score for this Vijay Anand directed flick but Shammi listens to some compositions of SD Burman’s son, the new kid on the block, and loved them. In comes RD Burman. Rest, as they say, is history.

The son of legendary SD Burman had been noticed for the right reasons in his last few efforts (Chote Nawab, Bhoot Bangla), but it was with the music of ‘Teesri Manzil’ that Pancham, as he was lovingly known as, broke into the scene bigtime, creating a new paradigm in Hindi film music. By drawing influence from Jazz, Blues, Rock & Roll, he gave birth to the ‘beautiful wild’ without losing the melodious heritage of our culture. And, Majrooh being the quintessential film poet, gave him the appropriate lyrical company.

Side One of the LP opens up with the James Bond inspired Title Music. The second track is the phenomenal Main Hoon Pyar Tera with its Beatlesque guitar opening and the wildly beautiful Ah Aa Aaja, Aha Aa Aaja refrain, sung terribly well by both Mohd. Rafi and Asha Bhosale. The song was equally well performed, on the screen by Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parikh. The track caught the imagination of the then young India, like a wildfire.

The third track is the sweetly melodious ballad, Deewana Mujhsa Nahin by Mohd. Rafi with some beautiful poetry inserted in it.

Humne Bhi Rakh Di Hai

Kal Pe Kal Ki Baaten

Jeevan Ka Hasil Hai

Pal Do Pal Ki Baaten

I’ve pushed tomorrows talk for tomorrow

As what’s important are

The words that we are saying in this moment (Rough translation)

The side ends with the playful duet by Rafi and Asha, Main Inpe Marta Hoon. Interestingly, all the songs in the album has Rafi in them. Something that changed in the subsequent Nasir Hussain movies, with Kishore Kumar taking the front seat.

Side Two starts off with another dance classic, O Haseena with its huge horns and various twists and turns. The Hindi film industry keeps ripping it off time and again, even till now, both musically and cinematically. Remember Ruk Ja O DIl Deewaane from DDLJ or Badtameez Dil from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani?

Next up is the second ballad of the album. The sonorous Tumne Mujhe Dekha, once again sung with a great finesse by Mohd. Rafi. The interludes are exquisite, the antaras (verses) are soulful and the lyrics are beautiful.

The last song of the album is a playful duet (Rafi & Asha Bhosle), O Mere Sona Re wherein, interestingly, the woman is trying to sweet-talk the man who is a little miffed with her. Usually, it’s the other way around in Hindi film songs.

‘Teesri Manzil’ is a gigantic musical achievement by RD Burman and Majrooh. It broke musical boundaries and shaped it for the future. It gave a new voice to the young India of 60’s who wanted to let go of the burden of difficult times. It defied the past and defined the future. And it’s a must have LP in your collection if you are into Hindi film music.

Year: 1966

Label: Saregama

Manufacturer: Sony DADC

Genre: Original Soundtrack

Rating: *****

LP Courtesy; Sony DADC

Reviewed by Meraj Hasan

Meraj Hasan is a Mumbai based communication professional (and an amateur poet/musician) with a passion for listening to music the vinyl way. His 25 year old Technics turntable along with a humble collection of LPs across genres like Classic rock, Classical, Blues and Jazz (amongst others) are his prized possessions.

He can be reached at +91 9833410791 or email: meraj.hasan@gmail.com