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'It's like losing a family member'

Lata Khubchandani

Music composer Kalyanji of Kalyanji-Anandji fame passed away in Bombay after a prolonged battle with asthma.

Says a shocked Lata Mangeshkar: "Is that true? I was just talking about him -- I don't believe it! I'd heard his wife was ill and had called to inquire about her health just a week ago. He'd told me, 'I'm not too well. My doctor wants me to get admitted into a hospital, but I felt better, so I didn't go.'

"I'm extremely sorry -- we've worked together for so many years... I've had a great relationship with his family -- his wife is such a fabulous cook. Our relationship didn't stop at composer and singer. He was so full of humour. He'd always joke and laugh and keep everybody in splits. We never saw him unhappy.

"He was also philosophical towards life. He always said nothing will remain forever. I remember the song Man dole mera tan dole which was composed by Hemant Kumar (Nagin). For the first time, Kalyanjibhai played the claviolin. He played the been on it. It became so famous.

"The songs of Saraswatichandra, too, were immensely popular. I sang for him in Gujarati for Akhandsaubhagyavati. We did many stage shows together, too.

"I just don't know what to say. It's like losing a family member."

Amitabh Bachchan, who rose to great heights of popularity as a stage artiste with Kalyanji's stage shows, says: "Kalyanjibhai and his family are like family members to me. We go back many, many many, many years -- he's been almost like a father figure to us.

"When we were struggling artistes, his music room was the one place we would all get together at. He was always so generous, kind and encouraging -- full of laughter and jokes. He was such an exciting human being.

"The music sessions at his place were a delight -- he fed us, looked after us... we'd spend hours singing songs and cracking jokes. What a wonderful companion he was. He initiated me into stage shows, and since 1981, we've performed together. We've done some of the greatest shows on stage -- some were marathon ones! We did Madison Square Gardens. That was the first time an Indian show was held. Then at the Gaint stadium in New Jersey -- another first. And at Wembley Stadium -- another first.

"I have so many, many memories of our world tour -- of America, UK, Europe, West Indies, South Africa....

"He had this amazing ability to spot talent. He'd pick up young kids and train them. He even took them along with us for stage shows. He's done some great work. And the manifestation of his efforts was the show, The Little Wonders, which was a platform for young talent.

"It's a huge loss for me personally. I really have no words to express my grief."

Kavita Krishnamurthy says: "I didn't know... Oh God, I don't believe it. He was such a wonderful man. I didn't sing for him much, but knew him very well. Every time I went to his house, I've seen him with a harmonium. He was so encouraging to newcomers, listening to them, interacting with them, teaching them... He's one of the nicest people I've seen in the industry. He truly loved music and was so affectionate.

"I think his songs were very close to the Indian man's heart -- they were simple melodies, had clean, simple lyrics. He chose good lyrics, too. I love his composition, Chhod de saari duniya kisike liye, and all the songs he composed for Manoj Kumar's films."

Manoj Kumar, who worked with Kalyanji for almost all his films, says: "I find it difficult to swallow this news. I met him last at the inaguration of the Laxmikant Chowk at Juhu. I don't believe he's no more. You're not joking with me, are you? I've known him ever since I came to Bombay. I've never met anyone more truthful and genuine. He was a fabulous technician and so sincere to his work. He was a wonderful friend, too.

"I first met him at Mehboob Studios, if I remember correctly. He was recording for Hemant Kumar -- he was a musician then. We met often, very often. Among the films we worked with, there's Upkar of course. But before that, we did Himalay Ki God Mein, Purab Paschim, Yaadgaar.

"He gave me the best songs. Actually, he's given the best melodies to the country. Take Mere desh ki dharti, Main to ik khwab hoon and Kasme wade, to name but a few.

"He felt very strongly about our culture. He brought Govinda ala re and garba in Saraswatichandra in the song Chhod chali babul ka desh.

"He was a producer's man. But he was also something of a daredevil. If senior singers refused to sing for him, he didn't bother. He just trained more singers.

"We'd sit in his music room for hours. There was always plenty of food and laughter at his house. He was so large-hearted. He gave shelter to a number of people like Johnny Lever, Dinesh Hingoo and other mimicry artistes. He's trained so many young people -- his Little Wonders is itself is a wonder."

Read the earlier story