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understanding of the situation
present. Unlike a solo song where
the singer is often reminiscing,
expressing the feeling towards a
person or a situation by themselves,
a duet is mostly sung keeping the
existing situation in mind. Its in the
present and the mood can change
towards the end of the song. The
song ‘Kya Mausam hai’ from the
movie “Doosra Aadmi” is a good
example of this. Filmed on Rakhee,
Rishi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor this
And then love blooms and the whole scenario song starts off with Rishi proposing
changes! a romantic alliance with Rakhee a woman older
I have seen that in general the language of than himself with a tragic past. Kishore Kumar
duets is not very heavy either. voices Rishi and Lata is the voice of Rakhee. The
It is very conversational and written bearing song has been written by Majrooh Sultanpuri and
the scene in mind. Take for example the the music is by Rajesh Roshan. The movie has
duet “Aapki ankhon mein kuch” from Ghar, several beautiful, hummable numbers. Coming
starring Rekha and Vinod Mehra. The scene is back to the song, “Kya Mausam hai” you get
extremely soft and romantic. The whole mood the subtle feeling that Rakhee is attracted to this
of a newly wedded couple spending their young man who is estranged from his newly wed
first months of marriage in marital euphoria wife, who also reminds her of her dead lover.
has been brought about very tenderly in this And while she is getting warmed up to this new
song. Penned by Gulzar and set to music by sensation inside her, she is suddenly reminded
RD Burman, this duet is arguably one of the of her dead lover. Rafi saab sings four lines in
finest songs sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata a high pitch for Shashi Kapoor. It is said that he
Mangeshkar. barely practiced for his lines as he had no time
The different singing styles of Lata and to come to the rehearsals. But these lines are the
Kishore add to the richness of the song. You pivotal point of the entire song! Rakhee stabilizes
can feel the hearts of the singers and their herself and comes back with a great rejoinder to
distinctly different approaches towards music. Rishi’s proposal, “chal kahin door nikal jaye” (
Lata’s approach and focus in bringing out the let’s get lost and disappear from this world with
‘bhava’ of love and intimacy is brought about each other) with “accha hai sambhal jayein” ( its
in a very melodious form. She never misses a good if we regain composure).
chance to embellish a note and bring out the
beauty of a particular phrase. The little soft Will continue….
giggle after the line,’ bewajah taarif karna
aapki aadat to nahi” fits in perfectly with
the conversational style of the song. Kishore
Kumar’s laid back and stylish approach
comes as a pleasant contrast to our ears.
The art of singing a duet comes from a deeper
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