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Salil Chowdhury

Room No. 203 (1980)

A rare and underrated soundtrack featuring Asha, Manna Dey and Mahendra Kapoor, with complex melodic structures showcasing Salil’s versatility in the early 1980s.

Aawaaz Poster

Film Information

Language: Hindi

Lyrics: D.S. Aazaad

Room No. 203 (1980) is one of Salil Chowdhury’s lesser-known soundtracks, yet it includes some incredibly rich melodic constructions and complex interludes.

Asha Bhonsle and Manna Dey deliver superb vocal performances, particularly in songs with sudden key changes — a trademark Salil device.

The Bengali version of RN4 (“Hain jawaan, dil ke mere armaan”) was sung by Salil himself — a rare treat.

RN3 is a beautifully evolved Hindi adaptation of the Bengali children’s classic “O Maago Maa”, originally sung by Antara Chowdhury. The Hindi version stands out because of its lush orchestration and layered prelude.

Songs

Nr Song Singer(s) HndMalTamTel KanBngOth
RN1 Ek haseena chali saDak pe Mahendra Kapoor ✔--- ---
RN2 Haay re haay.. haay re qismat dekho Manna Dey ✔--- ---
RN3 Kal thaa meraa, aaj ye teraa dil hai Asha Bhonsle ✔-EO4- -AN8-
RN4 Hai.n jawaan, dil ke mere armaa.n Asha Bhonsle ✔--- -OS46-

Notes & Background

Room No. 203 contains unexpected musical gems. Asha’s “Kal thaa meraa, aaj ye teraa dil hai” features one of the richest prelude arrangements ever used in a Salil composition of this period.

The Bengali equivalent of RN4 was sung by Salil himself — surprisingly complex with multiple key modulations. Asha’s Hindi version matches the difficulty flawlessly.

RN3 stands out as a mature reinterpretation of the beloved Bengali children’s classic “O Maago Maa” — transforming innocence into a fully orchestrated adult melody.