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Salil Chowdhury

Laal Batti (1957)

A unique soundtrack set against the backdrop of a railway station on the eve of India’s Independence.

Laal Batti Poster

Film Information

Language: Hindi

Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri

The story unfolds on a lonely railway platform where stranded passengers spend the night as India nears Independence. Salil’s music captures the mood of transition — playful, poignant, and experimental.

Songs

Nr Song Singer(s) HndMalTamTel KanBngOth
LB1 Chhuk chhuk.. khoob teri gaaDi waah re Manna Dey, Chorus ✔------
LB2 Kyaa se kyaa ho gayaa re Nirmalendu Chowdhury, Chorus ✔------
LB3 Haay jhilmil jhilmil ye shaam ke saaye Lata Mangeshkar ✔SP3--OE3SC46-
LB4 Desi kyaa bidesi, goraa bhi kitnaa Shamshad Begum, Manna Dey ✔------

Notes & Background

Laal Batti (1957) is a rare Salil soundtrack set entirely around trains, railway platforms and the mood of a nation in transition.

“Haay jhilmil jhilmil ye shaam ke saaye” (LB3) is the musical gem of the film. Its interlude theme was later adapted by Salil into:

Salil most likely composed the Hindi version first, with others following its success.

The Shamshad–Manna duet (LB4) is one of the surprising highlights of the album — tailor-made for Shamshad’s energetic voice.

Although LB2 may not be his strongest composition, the album remains a charming and historically important addition to Salil’s 1950s catalogue.