Shankar–Jaikishan: A Special Tribute on Jaikishan Dayabhai Panchal's Birthday

Imagine the lives of two young men, Shankar and Jaikishan. One hails from Hyderabad and the other from Gujarat. Both are aspiring musicians who have come to Mumbai with dreams of making a name for themselves in Hindi cinema. They find themselves sitting outside the office of a prominent filmmaker, waiting for their chance to be called in. As time passes and they are still not summoned, they strike up a conversation and realize they are both chasing the same dream.

The elder of the two was Shankar Singh Raghuvanshi, while the other was Jaikishan Panchal. As they continued to wait, still without a call from inside, an idea sparked in Shankar’s mind. He turned to Jaikishan and suggested that instead of pursuing their individual dreams separately, they should join forces and create music together. This thought lingered in Jaikishan's mind, and they left the office with a shared resolution: one day, they would make it as music directors.

Their determination soon led them to meet the legendary Prithviraj Kapoor, who invited them to compose music for his plays at Prithvi Theatre. Impressed by their talent, Prithviraj opened new doors for them. His son, Raj Kapoor, was planning to produce and direct his own film, "Barsaat," and with a natural affinity for music and poetry, he sought out two gifted lyricists, Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri. Raj, unafraid of taking risks, formed a team to handle the music for his film.

As a result, the music of "Barsaat" became a phenomenon, creating a craze not only in India but also across the world. The Shankar–Jaikishan team became a vital part of the RK banner's legacy, scoring the music for iconic films such as "Awara," "Shree 420," "Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai," "Sangam," and "Mera Naam Joker." Their compositions established a new trend in Hindi film music, leaving an enduring impact that continues to resonate today. Raj Kapoor referred to them as the "soul" of his life and films, and discussions often revolved around how Shankar arranged the songs while Jaikishan crafted the melodies. They composed music for countless other films as well, many of which achieved success largely due to their remarkable soundtracks. Their collaboration not only transformed the musical landscape of Hindi cinema but also created timeless melodies that are cherished by audiences around the globe.

During the making of "Sangam," the first signs of discord between the two friends emerged, and this disappointing rift only deepened before Raj Kapoor could embark on his magnum opus, "Mera Naam Joker." One reason for the divide between Shankar and Jaikishan was Shankar's steadfast determination to push their creative boundaries, while neither Jaikishan nor Raj Kapoor supported Sharda's voice. As the production of "Mera Naam Joker" progressed, the tension between Shankar and Jaikishan became increasingly apparent. However, it was Raj Kapoor's magic that kept them united through this turbulent period. Yet, fate had a cruel twist in store, and Jaikishan passed away at the young age of forty. This was also a time when pillars of the RK banner, like Shailendra and Mukesh, had died, leaving Raj Kapoor devastated. If anyone felt the weight of these losses acutely and was left feeling isolated, it was Shankar.

Shankar received the biggest shock when Raj Kapoor decided not to consider him for any of his films in the way he had in the past. Afterward, Raj Kapoor's final film, "Ram Teri Ganga Maili," featured Ravindra Jain instead of Shankar, leaving him completely without work. While Shankar continued to compose music for some mediocre films featuring Sharda as the star singer, the very audiences that once lifted him up had now mercilessly cast him down. Regaining the status he once held as part of the Shankar-Jaikishan team proved to be incredibly difficult.

Shankar was often described as someone whose personality did not conform to the industry's ways and was even considered arrogant. However, he also had a better and more human side. Renowned actor and industry leader Chandrashekhar, who was directing and starring in the film "Street Singer," requested Shankar to compose music for his project. Shankar readily agreed, but on one condition: he would be credited not as Shankar, but as Suraj. Despite this, Shankar presented music for Chandrashekhar’s film that still resonates with people today.

I would often see the great Shankar strolling around Nariman Point, where he had lived for many years, and he seemed quite sad when he went unrecognized. I had observed him several times walking near the LIC building, which was dedicated to honor the Shankar-Jaikishan duo, unaware that it was the first tribute to film personalities. The last time I saw him was at a small hotel named "Shehnaz," right in front of Mahim Church, where he was having lunch with some unknown people. This was the same Shankar for whom entire restaurants were once reserved during those glorious days. On April 25, he was found dead in his apartment near the ministry. Jaikishan received a royal funeral, but only about twenty people attended Shankar's last rites.

It is said that in his final days, he had become a very bitter man. A person who witnessed the reigns of life, yet felt envy towards those enjoying it. He faced betrayal, humiliation, and the sheer cruelty of those who had once idolized and admired him when he still had value. Life sometimes feels like a cruel illusion. Why does life often seem terrifying to live? Shankar may live on through his music, but what about those who have neither seen nor understood life?

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