Come September and its enhanced Indian Version.

There is this oft repeated allegation of our yesteryear music directors copying a Hollywood tune. While it is true but only a true connoisseur will realise how those tunes were embellished further with the use of both western and Indian percussion instruments to enhance the quality of the sound and the songs in its entirety. Here is one example. This is a Shankar-Jaikishen special inspired by the "Come September" tune ( The Ventures) and you will appreciate how they up the ante of the song with their orchestration. Raj Kapoor the show man, the master of song choreography takes it to another level.

Watch the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Osioi6qvjg

The song starts off with the accordion, then the drums, a hint of cabasa ( a hand held percussion instrument with beads inside) and Vijayalaxmi ( on whom the song is picturised) enters fleetingly twirling her dupatta to the musical beats and into the frame.. and the violins follow and the famous Pathani dholak and the famous Dattaram Tabla tekas join the harmony and Lata's melody takes over occasionally interrupted by the mandolin. The expressions of Vijayalaxmi with her coy and come hither looks and Raj stands mesmerised. The whole package is magical and the experience ethereal.

From my impressions, Shankar-Jakishan were the quintessential music directors of Bollywood’s Golden Age. They combined the authenticity of traditional Indian music with the modern sophistication of Western influences to produce songs that appealed to the masses. It’s not surprising that some of their tunes reflect inspiration from foreign influences, but what is remarkable is that several of the songs like “ Sunte They Naam Hum” are remembered today as some of this duo’s most treasured gems.