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Geeta Dutt, the legendary playback singer of the golden era of Indian cinema, left an indelible mark on the music industry with her soulful and emotive voice. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the captivating journey of Geeta Dutt’s life, exploring key milestones that shaped her career and personal experiences.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings:
Geeta Dutt, born Geeta Ghosh Roy Chowdhuri on November 23, 1930, in Faridpur, Bengal (now Bangladesh), exhibited a passion for music from a young age. She was one of 10 children born to a wealthy Zamidar family in a village named Idilpur, Madaripur Subdivision (Now in Bangladesh). Later her family shifted to Kolkata and Assam in the early 1940s, leaving behind their wealth. In 1942, her family moved to Bombay. She continued her schooling at the Bengali High School. Her journey into the world of music started with classical training under the guidance of Pandit Vinayak Rao Patwardhan.
Entry into Bollywood:
Geeta’s entry into Bollywood was serendipitous. Renowned composer K Hanuman Prasad discovered her talent during a singing performance at a radio station. He trained and groomed her in singing and later launched her into singing for films. Her first break was in the mythological film Bhakt Prahalad for which Hanuman Prasad was a composer. She sang two songs from this film. That time she was sixteen years old. This marked the beginning of a prolific collaboration that produced timeless classics.
Her Rise to Stardom:
Geeta Dutt’s breakthrough came with the song “Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu” from the film “Howrah Bridge” (1958). Her unique voice, marked by its emotional depth, soon became synonymous with the era’s romantic and melancholic melodies.
Musical Legacy and Iconic Songs:
Geeta Dutt’s repertoire includes an array of evergreen hits; she recorded over 1417 songs in Hindi films. In addition, she sang songs in many other languages including Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Punjabi and Bhojpuri. She sang in Nepali evergreen film Maitighar (1966).
Some of the songs sung under S. D. Burman’s direction:
“Mera Sundar Sapna Beet Gaya” (Do Bhai – 1947)
“Woh Sapne Waali Raat” (Pyaar – 1950)
“Tadbir Se Bigdi Hui Taqdeer” (Baazi – 1951)
“Aan Milo Aan Milo” (Devdas – 1955) With Manna Dey
“Aaj Sajan Mohe Ang Lagalo” (Pyaasa – 1957)
” Jane kya tune kahi” (Pyaasa – 1957)
“Hum Aap Ke Aankhon Main” (Pyaasa – 1957) with Mohd. Rafi
“Hawa Dhire Aana” (Sujata – 1959)
“Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam” (Kaagaz Ke Phool – 1959)
“Janu janu re” (Insaan Jaag Utha) with Asha Bhosle.
Some of the songs she sang under O. P. Nayyar’s direction:
“Zara Saamne Aa” (Baazi – 1953)
“Babuji Dhire Chalna” (Aar Paar – 1954)
“Thandi Hawa Kali Ghata” (Mr. & Mrs. ’55 – 1955)
“Jaane Kahan Mera Jigar Gaya Ji” (Mr. & Mrs. ’55 – 1955)
“Jab Badal Lehraya” (Chhoomantar – 1956)
“Mere Zindagi Ke Humsafar” (Shrimati 420 – 1956)
“Jaata Kahan Hai” (CID – 1956)
“Aye Dil Hain Mushkil” (Aka “Bombay Meri Jaan”) (CID – 1956), With Mohammed Rafi
“Chor, Lutere, Daku” (Ustad – 1957)
“Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu” (Howrah Bridge – 1958)
“Kaisa Jadoo Balam Tune Dara” (12 O’clock – 1958)
Some of the songs sung under Hemant Kumar’s direction
“Jai Jagadish Hare” Composed by A Sanskrit Poet Jayadeva Circa 1200 AD (Anand Math – 1951)
“Na Jao Saiyaan Chhuda Ke Baiyaan” (Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam – 1962)
“Kaise Roko Ge Aise Toofan Ko” (Anandmath – 1952) With Talat Mahmood
“Madbhari Hain Pyar Ki Palken” (Fashion – 1957)
“Na Yeh Chand Ho Ga” (Shart – 1954)
“Piya Aiso Jiya Mein Samaye Gayo” (Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam – 1962)
“Chale Aao Chale Aao” (Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam – 1962)
In Madan Mohan’s direction:
“Aye Dil Mujhe Bata De'”(Bhai Bhai – 1956)
For film Anubhav (1971)
“Mujhe Jaan Nah Kaho Meri Jaan” (Anubhav – 1971) Music: Kanu Roy
“Mera Dil Jo Mera Hota” (Anubhav – 1971) Music: Kanu Roy
“Koi Chupke Se Aake” (Anubhav – 1971) Music: Kanu Roy
Several songs for film Jogan:
“Ghunghat Ke Pat Khol”
“Mein Tou Girdhar Ke Ghar Jaon”
“Mat Ja Mat Ja Jogi”
“Dag Mag Dag Mag Dole Naiya”
“Mein Tou Prem Diwani”
These songs continue to be cherished by music enthusiasts across generations.
Personal Life and Challenges:
Despite her professional success, Geeta Dutt faced personal challenges, including a tumultuous marriage with filmmaker Guru Dutt. The ups and downs in her personal life often found reflection in the emotional depth of her renditions.
Tragic End and Legacy:
Geeta Dutt’s life took a tragic turn with her untimely demise on July 20, 1972, at the age of 41. Her legacy, however, lives on through her timeless music, which continues to inspire and enchant listeners.
Remembering Geeta Dutt Today:
Even decades after her passing, Geeta Dutt remains an influential figure in the history of Indian playback singing. Her contributions to the industry are celebrated through retrospectives, tributes, and continued admiration from fans worldwide.
Conclusion:
Geeta Dutt’s life was a symphony of triumphs and tribulations, and her musical legacy continues to resonate across time. As we remember this iconic singer, we cherish the melodies that immortalized her in the hearts of millions, ensuring that the magic of Geeta Dutt lives on for generations to come.