Chhayaa (1961) | Salil Chowdhury

Film Information

Language: Hindi

Lyricist: Rajinder Krishan

Chhayaa (1961) remains a shining example of Salil Chowdhury’s fusion of Western classical influences with Indian melody. The soundtrack features unforgettable duets, soulful solos and rich orchestral arrangements.

“Itna Na Mujhse Tu Pyaar Badha” is considered one of the greatest romantic songs of Hindi cinema, with both duet and slow solo versions attaining legendary status.

Songs

Nr	Song	Singer(s)	Hnd	Mal	Tam	Tel	Kan	Bng	Oth
CH1	Ya kah de hum insaan nahi.n	Mohammed Rafi	✔	-	-	-	-	-	-
CH2	Chham chham naachata aayee bahaar	Lata Mangeshkar	✔	-	-	-	-	-	-
CH3	Itnaa na mujhse tu pyaar baDhaa	Lata Mangeshkar, Talat Mahmood	✔	-	-	-	-	-	-
CH4	aa.nkho.n mei.n masti sharaab ki	Talat Mahmood	✔	-	-	-	-	DM1	-
CH5	aa.nsoo samajh ke kyo.n mujhe	Talat Mahmood	✔	-	-	-	-	LM6	-
CH6	Dil se dil ki Dor baandhe	Lata Mangeshkar, Mukesh	✔	-	PV5	-	-	HM10	-
CH7	Itna na mujhse tu pyaar baDhaa (Slow Version)	Talat Mahmood	✔	-	-	-	-	-	-

Notes & Background

Salil’s love for Western classical music is unmistakable in Chhayaa. The Title Music draws inspiration from Beethoven’s Für Elise, echoing its elegance and emotional depth.

The iconic “Itna Na Mujhse Tu Pyaar Badha” (CH3 & CH7) incorporates stylistic motifs reminiscent of Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor — a perfect marriage of classical structure and Hindi melody.

The slow Talat version (CH7) features one of the most stunning interludes Salil ever wrote. Its tenderness and string harmonies remain unmatched.

“Aansoo Samajh Ke Kyon Mujhe” showcases an extraordinary use of prelude and interlude arrangements — Salil at his experimental best.

“Dil Se Dil Ki Dor Baandhe”, the Lata–Mukesh duet, continues to be admired for its simplicity, charm and lyrical beauty.