Usne Kahaa Thaa (1960) | Salil Chowdhury

Film Information

Language: Hindi

Lyricists:
Shailendra
Makhdoom Mohiuddin (Song #UK5)

Usne Kahaa Thaa (1960) contains some of Salil’s most complex and emotionally layered compositions. Set against a wartime backdrop, the soundtrack combines melody, choral depth, dramatic harmonies and intricate orchestration.

The songs feature Rafi, Lata, Talat, Manna Dey, and Sabita Banerji — a stellar combination that enhances the dramatic narrative of the film.

Songs

Nr	Song	Singer(s)	Hnd	Mal	Tam	Tel	Kan	Bng	Oth
UK1	ho chalte hi jaanaa, machalte hi jaana	Rafi, Manna Dey, Chorus	✔	-	-	-	-	-	-
UK2	machalti aarzoo, khaDi baa.nhei.n pasaare	Lata Mangeshkar	✔	-	TK2	-	-	SC40	-
UK3	aha rimjhim ke ye pyaare pyaare geet	Lata Mangeshkar, Talat Mahmood	✔	-	-	-	-	SY1	-
UK4	balkhaati sharmaati aa ja	Rafi, Lata, Chorus	✔	-	-	-	-	-	-
UK5	jaane waale sipaahi se poochho	Manna Dey, Sabita Banerji	✔	-	-	-	-	-	-

Notes & Background

“Aha Rimjhim ke pyare pyare geet” is one of Salil’s greatest achievements — featuring staccato Bach-influenced violin phrases, rich chord progressions and a melody of rare emotional depth. Even after decades, the composition remains unmatched in complexity and beauty.

“Machalti Aarzoo” (UK2) is an unforgettable Lata solo — haunting, delicate and harmonically rich. It carries Salil’s unmistakable signature.

“Jaane waale sipaahi se puchho” (UK5), based on Bombay Youth Choir tradition with lyrics by progressive poet Makhdoom Mohiuddin, features powerful choral writing far ahead of its time.

The soundtrack also contains a dramatic, sophisticated title theme reflecting the film’s wartime ethos.

Usne Kahaa Thaa is a masterclass in how Salil blended Western classical ideas, Indian folk influences and cinematic drama into one seamless musical narrative.