Classic Songs: Those words of lag ja throat which touch the soul even today. Who was Raja Mehndi Ali Khan?

News India Live, Digital Desk: Lag Ja Gale Ki Phir Ye Haseen Raat Ho Na Ho…” Even today, when this song from the 1964 film ‘Woh Kaun Thi’ comes to our ears, time seems to stand still. Lata Mangeshkar’s velvety voice and Madan Mohan’s magical music made it immortal. But do you know who penned those painful and spiritual words? He was a great lyricist. Raja Mehndi Ali Khan. Even though he is not among us today, these words written by him will continue to beat in the hearts of many generations to come.

Madan Mohan and Raja Mehndi: A timeless pair

The duo of Raja Mehndi Ali Khan and composer Madan Mohan has given many unique gifts to Bollywood. When Raja Saheb wrote ‘Lag Ja Gale’ for ‘Woh Kaun Thi’, Madan Mohan was looking for a tune that could do justice to the depth of the words. Interestingly, the tune of this song was earlier rejected by the film’s director Raj Khosla. But due to the trust of Madan Mohan and Raja Saheb, it was kept in the film, and today it is counted among the best love songs in the world.

Journey from Sialkot to Mumbai

Raja Mehndi Ali Khan was born in Sialkot (now in Pakistan) in undivided India. He was not only a lyricist but also a skilled poet and writer. Raja Saheb, who was a close friend of Saadat Hasan Manto, beautifully portrayed both patriotism and romance through his pen. The famous song ‘Watan ki raah mein watan ke naujawan shaheed ho’ from the film ‘Shaheed’ (1948) also came from his pen.

The magic of words was hidden in simplicity

Raja Mehndi Ali Khan’s specialty was that he used to express very complex emotions in very simple words. Some other famous songs written by him are:

‘Naina Barse Rimjhim-Rimjhim’ (Who was she)?

‘Your eyes considered me worthy of love’ (illiterate)

‘Agar Mujhse Mohabbat Hai’ (Your Shadows)

‘Tu Jahan Jahan Chalega’ (My Shadow)

An unsung star whose light still shines

On 29 July 1966, Raja Mehndi Ali Khan said goodbye to the world. His death at the age of just 38 was an irreparable loss to the music world. The work he did in his short career is still an example for the film industry. ‘Lag Ja Gale’ is still the most listened to old song on YouTube and streaming platforms, which is the biggest proof of the power of Raja Saheb’s writing.