Introduction: The Obscure Origins of a Timeless Song
“Pyar Kiya Hai Aise…”, a timeless melody penned by Kafeel Azar, composed by the renowned Music Director Chitragupt, and sung by the legendary Mohammed Rafi, holds a unique tale of revival and restoration. Originally recorded for the 1962 Bengali film “Sorry Madam” by Dilip Bose, the film faced unfortunate circumstances due to financial troubles and the untimely death of Dilip Bose’s wife. Consequently, the film was deemed inauspicious and was never released, leaving this remarkable song in obscurity.
Achille Forler’s Restoration Endeavor
Decades later, a Frenchman named Achille Forler, associated with Deep Emotions, a music company in collaboration with Universal Music, took on the challenging task of restoring the song recordings for “Sorry Madam.” This intricate musical journey involved sending the recorded tapes to Equus Studios in Belgium for meticulous restoration. His vision was to unearth and preserve this forgotten piece of musical history.
Successful Revival and Album Release
Despite the initial challenges, Achille Forler’s unwavering perseverance bore fruit when the meticulously restored album finally saw the light of day in February 2010. Silk Road Communication proudly released the album, which not only featured the iconic “Pyar Kiya Hai Aise” but also included an extra track titled “Teri Ada…”. The release was further complemented by an engaging audio documentary narrated by Dilip Bose’s sons, Bobby and Rajesh. Anand-Milind, the talented music director duo and sons of Chitragupt, also contributed significantly to the album’s successful comeback.
A Frenchman’s Unwavering Dedication
Achille Forler’s dedication to bringing this Mohammed Rafi gem into his catalogue was truly remarkable. In an interview with Deccan Herald, he famously expressed his willingness to be patient and even perform Shirshasana (headstand) for a year if it meant securing the inclusion of this Rafi album in his collection. His extraordinary commitment ultimately paid off, and “Pyar Kiya Hai Aise…” found its rightful place in his catalogue under the name “Hindi Memorabilia,” designated as Catalogue # SR025.
A Cherished Piece of Hindi Music History
The revival of “Pyar Kiya Hai Aise…” is a profound testament to the resilience and dedication of music enthusiasts like Achille Forler. Through meticulous restoration efforts, this hidden gem by Mohammed Rafi now stands as a cherished piece of Hindi Memorabilia. The captivating story behind the song adds an invaluable layer of intrigue and depth to its timeless melody, making it an absolute must-listen for all fans of classic Hindi music.
In the next article, we will talk about Mere Sapnon Ki Rani, Roohi Roohi …, another timeless piece of classic music.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani