Tribute To Ravindra Jain: Songs Of Friendship

Musician-lyricist Ravindra Jain passed away due to multiple organ failure on Friday, October 9, in Mumbai. He was 71. The composer began his career in 1972, and his first song was sung by legendary singer Mohammad Rafi. However, the song was never released. The visually-impaired musician composed songs for a number of films. Notable songs include Chor Machaye Shor (1974), Geet Gaata Chal (1975), Chitchor (1976) and Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se (1978), Nadiya ke Paar (1982) and Vivah (2006). He was felicitated with a Padmashree, the fourth highest civilian award in India, in 2015.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

(See pictures here)

Jain shared a special relationship with singer Yesudas, whom he used to describe as ‘The Voice of India’. Their phenomenal partnership began in 1976, with the memorable Chitchor, starring Amol Palekar. A Hindu report quotes Ravindra Jain saying, “I was on the lookout for a fresh voice for Amol Palekar. And when I heard your (Yesudas’) voice, I heard the voice of India, of Hindustan. I played it to Basu da (Basu Bhattacharya, director of Chitchor) and he also said he had never heard such a divine voice before. All the greats, including singers, agreed that this was a unique voice. That was how the songs of Chitchor were made.” In fact, Racindra Jain was such a talent that Rajshri Productions wanted him in all their early productions.

Legend has it that Ravindra Jain once said, the face he would like to see if he ever received a vision was that of Yesudas. Together, they produced songs like ‘Gori Tera Gaon Bada Pyara’, ‘Goriya Re’ (Naiyya, 1979) and ‘Jab Deep Jale Aana’ (Chitchor), which continue to be popular among music lovers.

Here’s some of Ravindra Jain’s most memorable work, with Yesudas and other artists:

1. Jab Deep Jale Aana (Chitchor)