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Salil Chowdhury

Kaabuliwaalaa (1961)

A deeply emotional Salil Chowdhury score, immortalised by Manna Dey’s patriotic classic and Hemant Kumar’s soulful rendition.

Kaabuliwaalaa Poster

Film Information

Language: Hindi

Lyricists: Prem Dhawan, Gulzar (Song #1)

Kaabuliwaalaa (1961), based on Tagore’s iconic story, features one of the most celebrated emotional soundtracks by Salil Chowdhury.

Manna Dey’s “Ai Mere Pyaare Watan” remains one of the greatest patriotic songs in Indian cinema history — soul-stirring, restrained and deeply moving.

Hemant Kumar leads the title theme and the tender children’s song, showcasing Salil’s mastery in folk-influenced melodic writing.

Songs

Nr Song Singer(s) HndMalTamTel KanBngOth
KW1 Gangaa aaye kahaa.n se, gangaa jaaye * Hemant Kumar ✔--- -GN1-
KW2 Ai mere pyaare watan, ai mere bichhDe chaman Manna Dey ✔--- ---
KW3 Ho ya qurbaan... o sabaa kehna mere dildaar ko Mohammed Rafi, Chorus ✔--- ---
KW4 Kaabuliwaalaa... nanhi munni kyo.n kumhalaaya Hemant, Usha, Sabita Chowdhury, Ranu Mukherji ✔--- ---

* Lyrics by Gulzar

Notes & Background

The Bengali version of “Gangaa aaye kahaan se” was sung by Manna Dey in the film Ganga. His emotional, pathos-filled voice gave the song an entirely different dimension.

Meanwhile, Manna Dey’s “Ai Mere Pyaare Watan” from this Hindi film remains one of the greatest patriotic songs ever recorded — subtle, haunting and timeless.

Hemant Kumar’s title song and children’s chorus piece capture Salil Chowdhury’s tender melodic writing, rooted in folk flavour yet enriched with orchestral sophistication.

Kaabuliwaalaa is considered one of Salil’s finest emotional soundtracks — a tribute to compassion, longing, love and human connection.