It is no surprise that today a legendary composer like Roshan is rarely talked about. Even when he was at the height of success, he shunned publicity and just concentrated on his passion for making great music. Legend has it that when Roshan was offered a film by Raj Kapoor, an ideal opportunity to have his career ascend even higher, he was more concerned at the director’s rift with Shanker-Jaikishen and encouraged them to patch up. It is actions like these that made Roshan such a well-loved and popular man within the industry. He had lost out on a RK film but that makes no difference to what was a glittering career. Sadly, Roshan left the world too soon at the age of 50 but his legacy lives on in the songs that he has gifted us with.

“Bahu Begum” is one of Roshan’s best albums that showcases the gift that he had of composing melodious numbers with a strong classical base. It is also a must-listen for fans of poet, Sahir Ludhianvi, for the songs are set to his thought-provoking lyrics.

Lata Mangeshkar dazzles in “Duniya Kare Sawaal To Hum Kya Jawaab Den”. Ludhianvi’s talent for poetry that exude philosophical wisdom comes to the fore in this number where an individual feels like she is being judged by the entire world. This is the kind of theme that Ludhianvi had always relished exploring. Roshan’s score is quiet and lilting reflecting the erudite thoughts expressed in the verses. The song seems just made for Meena Kumari. The idea of suffering quietly and standing against the whole judgmental world suits her image to the T. The same song is extended to another version titled, “Kya Jawab Den”. This one is also rendered by Mangeshkar.

Ever since the huge success of qawallis in Roshan’s earlier effort, “Barsaat Ki Raat”, his name was the first one to come to mind if any film director or producer desired a qawalli in their film. This album has two tracks in that genre and both are sung by Manna Dey and Mohammad Rafi. “Dhoond Ke Laoon Kahan Se Main” combines both the singers’ voices to rollicking effect. It helps that there is quite a difference in their voices; Dey’s voice is light while Rafi’s voice is heavier. The second collaborative effort of the two artists, “Vaqif Hoon Khoob Ishqade” is basically an extension of the previous song. The tune is slowed down but the main essence of it is the same.

Ludhianvi’s lyrics are the main highlight of “Niklay Tay Kahan Jaane Ke Liye Aur Pahunche Kahan, Maloom Nahin” (by Asha Bhosle). The age-old theme of someone suddenly losing their heart is given an entertaining interpretation. Otherwise, the jovial song is average despite its boisterous music and hearty singing by Bhosle.

“Hum Intezaar Karenge Tera Qayamat Tak, Khuda Kare Ke Qayamat Ho Aur Tu Aaye” definitely belongs in the top ten best of romantic duets by Asha Bhosle and Mohammad Rafi. The song is a bewitching joy. The use of classical instruments is more noticeable here and gives the song that required periodic feel, a feel of belonging to another era (the film is a period saga). Bhosle has the most number of lines in the duet and her rendition is flawless. Rafi makes his entrance just after the middle of the song. There is another version of this song by Rafi, “Hum Intezaar Karenge”. This time the song is still romantic but takes on a rather wistful tone.

Rafi is just magical in “Log Kehte Hain Ke Hum Tumse Kinara Karlen”. This number demonstrates why Rafi is a legend. His is a sweet voice that emotes a deep feeling of love and passion. On each and every listen, his singing always moves me and leaves a deep impression in my heart.

“Pad Gaye Jhoole Saawan Rut Aayi Re, Pad Gaye Jhoole!” is a winner due to the infectious blending of two wonderful voices: Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. They sound like they are having a blast singing together! As a result, you cannot help but be swept along by the zestful tune and the honeyed voices.

With such a wonderful collection of tunes, “Bahu Begum” is an album to treasure.