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Salil Chowdhury

Heeramoti (1959)

Although Roshan was the official music director, Salil Chowdhury composed the opening song and the title music — both deeply rooted in Bengali folk inspirations.

Heeramoti Poster

Film Information

Language: Hindi

Lyricist: Shailendra

Although Roshan was the film’s music director, he fell ill during a cultural trip to Russia. He personally requested Salil Chowdhury to compose the Title Music and the opening song.

The melody is based on Salil’s 1940s Bengali composition “Aay re poushaali baataase”, written during the Bengal famine years.

The orchestration resembles his Madhumati era music — sweeping strings, steady rhythm, and choral flourishes.

Songs

Nr Song Singer(s) HndMalTamTel KanBngOth
HT1 Naach re dharti ke pyaare Lata Mangeshkar, Hemant Kumar, Chorus ✔--- ---

Notes & Background

Heeramoti marks one of the rare occasions where Salil contributed just a single song and the title theme — yet both stand out vividly.

“Naach re dharti ke pyaare” is fully Salil in its construction: folk roots, energetic rhythm, and lush choral harmonies.

The song is adapted from Salil’s early Bengali composition “Aay re poushaali bataase”, originally written after the Bengal Famine.

The Title Music contains orchestral movements reminiscent of his Madhumati score — especially the deep cello passages.

Even with Roshan composing the rest, Salil’s musical imprint remains unmistakable.