Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

My Playlist with Kajal

My Playlist with Kajal

RECENTLY launched British radio station Lyca Gold has delighted listeners with classic Bollywood songs.

The entertaining line-up includes Gold Breakfast Show with Kajal, from 6am-10am, which plays Hindi film music from the 1950s to the 1990s and has various segments, including listeners sharing their all-time favourite song with a memory behind it.


Eastern Eye got the show’s host, Kajal to select the 10 golden oldies she loves.

Aate Jaate Hanste Gaate from Maine Pyar Kiya: The soundtrack was composed by Raamlaxman and every song was beautiful, but this is my favourite. It’s a start of a journey leading to love and also my first wedding dance song.

Saat Samundar Paar from Vishwatma: What isn’t there to like? The African tribe music with upbeats made you want to dance, no matter how crazy it sounded. The song’s opening is also a great reminder of how we all partied to this as kids. It is beautifully sung by Sadhana Sargam and amazingly performed by the late Divya Bharti onscreen.

Ae Mere Humsafar from Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak: Another great 1980s song that reminds me of the days when long-distance relationships were the norm. No social media, no mobiles phones, just love letters, that’s how simple life was. Also, it is pictured on my favourite duo, Juhi Chawla and Aamir Khan. A beautiful memory.

Pyar Mein Dil Pe Maar De Goli from Mahaan: RD Burman was at his best here with the music composition for Mahaan, especially this track. The various sound effects, combined with the vocals of Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle, just worked so well.

Chhalka Yeh Jaam from Mere Hamdam Mere Dost: True Mohammad Rafi fans will know why I love this song. Only Rafi ji could infuse acting into his songs – whether it was sadness, celebration, happiness, romance, or any other emotion, only he could create a moment in a classic song like this.

Aa Kahin Dur Chale from Laawaris: I think the song says it all. Just one of those tracks I listen to when I am driving alone.

Zindagi Ki Yahi Reet Hai from Mr India: I grew up with this song, and applied it to my life. From a young age, we siblings lived a very simple life, appreciating what we had and not what we didn’t. The obstacles that arise in life are temporary, and Kishore Kumar really emphasised that with the lyrics in different raagas that made the song so important. A touch of sadness blended with a pinch of happiness. The perfect song of life.

Kya Hua Tera Vaada from Hum Kisise Kum Naheen: All the songs on my favourite album are sung with emotion, drama, romance, and power. Mohammad Rafi ji once again pulled off this song with pain, yet strength. It almost feels he was going through the same thing at the time of singing this.

Teri Galiyon Mein from Hawas: This is a personal reminder of when my papa used to take me for a long drive every week (so I could avoid homework). He had a cassette which he labelled No74 and this song was on it. I used to rewind it to listen to it again and again. A very beautiful memory of papa and I.

Kabhi Tanhaiyon Mein Yoon Hamari Yaad Aayegi from Hamari Yaad Aayegi: This is mum’s ultimate favourite song from this classic 1961 film, with the vocals of Mubarak Begum and music composed by Snehal Bhatkar. It has a very strong message of the impact of loneliness and how one can cope with it. I cannot imagine this song being recreated, as its simplicity is untouchable.

More For You

Dr Punam Krishan: ‘My book inspires children to appreciate their bodies’

Dr Punam Krishan

Dr Punam Krishan: ‘My book inspires children to appreciate their bodies’

AN ASIAN doctor said she wants children to feel excited and empowered about their bodies when they read her new book.

Published last month, Dr Punam Krishan’s You & Your Body helps children and families understand the human body and make positive choices about well-being, the author said.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jagjit Singh: The ghazal maestro who redefined Indian music

Jagjit Singh

Jagjit Singh: The ghazal maestro who redefined Indian music

ASJAD NAZIR

JAGJIT SINGH is always part of the conversation when discussing India’s greatest and most influential music artists. Born on February 8, 1941, the singer, musician, and composer left behind a lasting legacy before passing away on October 10, 2011, at the age of 70.

Eastern Eye marks the birth anniversary of the silky-voiced maestro by telling his remarkable story – from humble beginnings to making an incredible global impact, suffering an unbearable heartbreak, and creating songs that are still enjoyed by many millions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Playwright Farrah Chaudhry's 'Community' is a love letter to brown lives in Birmingham

Farrah Chaudhry

Playwright Farrah Chaudhry's 'Community' is a love letter to brown lives in Birmingham

IN A world where the media often focuses on differences, a British Asian playwright has shone the spotlight on the shared humanity within brown and Muslim communities.

Birmingham-based Farrah Chaudhry said her latest comedy-drama, Community, challenges stereotypes, offering a narrative that celebrates everyday lives, connections, and healing.

Keep ReadingShow less
Brasil! Brasil! at the Royal Academy: A journey through Brazilian modernism

Banana Plantation (1927) by Lasar Segall

Brasil! Brasil! at the Royal Academy: A journey through Brazilian modernism

THE Royal Academy has a wonderful, new exhibition called Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism featuring more than 130 works by 10 Brazilian artists from the 1910s to the 1970s.

As with all great art, it gives you a real feel for Brazil.

Keep ReadingShow less
Vicar played by Rishi Nair takes centre stage in 'Grantchester'

Rishi Nair in Grantchester

Vicar played by Rishi Nair takes centre stage in 'Grantchester'

RISHI SUNAK is now so famous as the first Indian occupant of 10, Downing Street, that when people refer to “Rishi”, it is automatically assumed that people are referring to the former prime minister.

But now, there is a new Rishi in town – and he has smashed the glass ceiling in just as spectacular a manner.

Keep ReadingShow less