Kishore Kumar's famous song 'Chhoti Si Ye Duniya' is said to be related to resentment. Lyricist Shailendra wrote its initial lines during differences with composers Shankar-Jaikishan. Later this song became a part of the film Rangoli.
Kishore Kumar Song: There are many stories hidden behind the old songs of Hindi cinema, which are still discussed even today. Some songs were written keeping the story of the film in mind, while some started from some personal experience. 'Chhoti Si Yeh Duniya' sung by Kishore Kumar is also one such song. It is said that its initial lyrics were written by the famous lyricist Shailendra in anger. Later these words were put to music and this song was included in the 1962 film Rangoli.
Which song of Kishore Kumar was written in anger?
It is about the song 'Chhoti Si Ye Duniya' from the 1962 film 'Rangoli'. Kishore Kumar and Vyjayanthimala were seen in the lead roles in this film. The film was directed by Amar Kumar, while the music was composed by the duo Shankar-Jaikishan.
This song was written by Shailendra and Kishore Kumar gave his voice. A version of the song was also sung by Lata Mangeshkar.
With the popularity of the song, the story of its writing also became famous. It is said that it started not from the story of any film, but from the resentment between the lyricist and the composer.
Shailendra was angry with one thing said by Shankar-Jaikishan
The pair of Shailendra, Hasrat Jaipuri and Shankar-Jaikishan were very popular in that era of Hindi cinema. Especially the work of these four was very much liked in Raj Kapoor's films.
According to old film stories, once composers Shankar-Jaikishan got the responsibility of composing the music of the film 'College Girl'. The producers of the film wanted the songs to be written by another lyricist.
Shankar-Jaikishan accepted this condition of the producer. When Shailendra came to know about this, he felt very bad. He felt that despite working together for a long time, the musicians did not consider it necessary to talk to him about this decision.
Angered Shailendra met his fellow lyricist Hasrat Jaipuri. After this, both of them reached the musician's office to talk to him.
When no one was found in the office, I wrote a message on paper.
It is said that when Shailendra and Hasrat reached the office of Jaipuri musicians, neither Shankar nor Jaikishan were present there.
Shailendra ordered the paper from an employee present there. He wrote a few lines on it and asked the employee to give this paper to the musicians when they arrived.
There was anger in those words, but the language was such that it could also become a part of a song.
Shailendra left from there. He might not have thought at that time that his message written in anger would one day become a film song.
How was the entire song prepared for the film Rangoli?
After some time, when work on the songs of the film 'Rangoli' started, Shankar-Jaikishan contacted Shailendra.
According to the popular story, the musicians told him that the melody of one song was already ready and now the rest of the lyrics had to be written.
Shailendra did not understand which song was being talked about. Then the musicians showed him the same paper which he had left in his office in anger.
It is said that Shailendra was surprised to see the lines written by him. Later, taking the same sentiment forward, he composed the entire song.
However, some details of this story differ in different articles. Therefore, it should be seen as a prevalent phenomenon in film history.
Kishore Kumar's voice made the song memorable
This song of 'Rangoli' shows the resentment of relationships and the hope of meeting again. Shailendra expressed his views in colloquial words.
The way Kishore Kumar sang it, the meaning of the song became deeper. In his singing one can feel both complaint and belongingness.
Shankar-Jaikishan's music gave it a different identity. The special thing is that the feeling of the version recorded in Lata Mangeshkar's voice feels different from the version with Kishore Kumar.
Both the versions have their place among music lovers.
Why is this song remembered even after 64 years?
It has been 64 years since 'Rangoli' was released in the year 2026. Even after such a long time, this song is discussed not only for Kishore Kumar's singing, but also because of the interesting incident behind it.
Shailendra's specialty was that he used to write difficult feelings in simple words. His same style is also heard in songs like 'Awara Hoon', 'Mera Juta Hai Jaapi' and 'Pyaar Hua Iqrar Hua'.
The story of 'Chhoti Si Yeh Duniya' tells that sometimes the personal experiences of artists also become the reason for memorable creations.