It’s a lazy Sunday morning, and the tranquil atmosphere is punctuated by the sound of whistling – a carefree, uplifting tune that instantly lifts the mood. Perhaps you’re sipping tea in your balcony, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature, when suddenly, a catchy whistled melody wafts through your mind. For Bollywood enthusiasts, this is a common phenomenon, and it’s often triggered by some of the most iconic songs in Hindi cinema.
Think of “Chand Sifarish” from Aamir Khan’s “Fanaa,” Shah Rukh’s “Hey Re Hey Yeh Kya Hua” from “Dil To Pagal Hai,” or the enchanting tune from Dev Anand’s “Nau Do Gyarah” – these are just a few examples of popular Bollywood songs that feature whistling. The list can be longer or shorter, depending on your love for Hindi film music. But have you ever wondered which song first introduced the sweet, simple sound of whistling to Indian cinema?
Breaking Free from Classical Music
The first talking film, “Alam Ara,” was released in 1931, marking the beginning of a new era in Indian cinema. However, the initial decade of film songs was dominated by classical music-based compositions. Music directors adhered to the traditional rules of Indian music, and the sound was often formal and rigid. With the film industry centered in Mumbai, Lahore, and Kolkata, the early years saw a mix of different cultural influences shaping the music.
One such influential figure was Ghulam Hyder, a talented musician from Sindh (now in Pakistan). Initially, Hyder was studying dentistry, but his passion for music led him to learn from Babu Ganeshlal. He eventually became a harmonium player in a theater in Calcutta and later joined Kishore Shourie’s film production company, Kamla Movietone, in Lahore. Hyder’s understanding of Punjabi folk culture and his experimentation with new sounds led to the creation of some iconic film songs.
A New Era in Film Music
Ghulam Hyder’s biggest musical hit came with the 1941 film “Khazanchi.” This movie changed the landscape of Hindi film music forever, introducing a freestyle approach that broke away from the constraints of classical music. The songs were infused with a new kind of enthusiasm and energy, and Shamshad Begum’s solo numbers became a highlight of the film. The first song, “Sawan Ke Darshare Hai,” is particularly notable, as it featured a whistled tune that would become an iconic element in Hindi cinema.
The song’s carefree, playful vibe was a departure from the traditional, formal sound of earlier film music. The scene, featuring actress Ramola Devi riding a bicycle with friends, is often cited as one of the first instances of a fun, energetic song sequence in Bollywood. The fashion of salwar-kameez, worn by Devi in the film, also became popular after “Khazanchi.”
The Introduction of Whistling in Film Songs
In “Sawan Ke Nazare Hai,” a group of boys is shown whistling along to the tune, creating a refreshed, lively atmosphere. This was the first time whistling was used in a Hindi film song, and it marked the beginning of a new trend. Other music directors took notice of Ghulam Hyder’s innovative approach and began incorporating whistling into their compositions.
The sound of whistling soon became a staple in Bollywood, used to convey a sense of joy, freedom, and playfulness. In Dev Anand’s “Nau Do Gyarah,” the whistled tune in “Hum Hai Rahi Pyaar Ke” perfectly captures the hero’s carefree, fun-loving personality. So, the next time you find yourself whistling along to a catchy Bollywood tune, remember the pioneers like Ghulam Hyder who introduced this simple yet effective element to Indian cinema.
