Madan Mohan Kohli (1924-75)
Hindi film composer born in Baghdad. Son of Rai Bahadur Chunilal, the production controller of Bombay Talkies and founder of Filmistan. Joined the army in WW2. Employed in the Lucknow station of AIR (1946) where he received his only musical education in the company of singers like Faiyaz Khan, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Begum Akhtar. First film: Devendra Goel’s Aankhen, where singer Lata Mangeshkar apparently refused to sing for him, considering him an untrained newcomer. However, they became close friends and his second film, J.B.H. Wadia’s Madhosh, features both Mangeshkar and Talat Mahmood, the latter singer being most closely associated with his compositions. Madhosh included the hit Talat song Meri yaad mein. Wrote some of Hindi cinema’s most famous compositions, such as Geeta Dutt’s Ai dil mujhe bata de in M.V. Raman’s Bhai Bhai, Mangeshkar’s Lag ja gale and Naina barase in Woh Kaun Thi and several ghazals, like Aapki nazaron ne samjha in Mohan Kumar’s Anpadh. Was Chetan Anand’s regular composer following the popularity achieved by the songs from Haqeeqat. In the 70s worked with Hrishikesh Mukherjee (Bawarchi) and Gulzar (Koshish, Mausam). Apparently also scored the following films which remained uncensored: Jahan Mile Dharti Akash, Jahan Tum Wahan Hum, Ummeed Pe Duniya Jeete Hain, Maine To Mohabbat Ki Hai, Naya Janam Phir Wohi Shyam, Rehnuma and Salma. See Raju Bharatan, ‘Those Madanutties’ (1995).
FILMOGRAPHY: 1950: Aankhen; 1951: Ada; Madhosh; Shabistan; 1952: Anjaam; Ashiana; Khubsoorat; Nirmohi; 1953: Baghi; Chacha Choudhury; Dhun; Dana Pani; 1954: Ehsan; Ilzaam; Mastana; 1955: Railway Platform; Santosham/Naya? Admi; 1956: Bhai Bhai; Fifty Fifty; Mem Sahib; Pocketmaar; 1957: Beti; Chhote Babu; Dekh Kabira Roya; Gateway of India; Samundar; Sheroo; 1958: Aakhri Dao; Adalat; Chandan; Ek Shola; Jailor; Khazanchi; Khota Paisa; Night Club; 1959: Baap Bete; Bank Manager; Chacha Zindabad; Duniya Na Mane; Jagir; Minister; Mohar; 1960: Bahana; 1961: Sanjog; Senapati; 1962: Anpadh; Manmauji; 1963: Akeli Mat Jaiyo; 1964: Aap Ki Parchhaiyan; Ghazal; Haqeeqat; Jahan Ara; Pooja Ke Phool; Sharabi; Woh Kaun Thi; Suhagan; 1965: Bombay Race Course; Naya Kanoon; Neela Akash; Rishte Naate; Dak Ghar; 1966: Dulhan Ek Raat Ki; Ladka Ladki; Mera Saaya; Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare; 1967: Ghar Ka Chirag; Jab Yaad Kisiki Aati Hai; Naunihal; Nawab Siraj-ud-Dowla; 1968: Ek Kali Muskayi; 1969: Chirag; 1970: Dastak; Heer Ranjha; Maa Ka Aanchal; Maharaja; 1971: Parwana; 1972: Bawarchi; Koshish; Sultana Daku; 1973: Dil Ki Raahein; Ek Mutthi Aasmaan; Hanste Zakhm; Hindustan Ki Kasam; Prabhat; 1974: Asliyat; Chowkidar; 1975: Mausam; 1976: Laila Majnu; Sharafat Chhod Di Maine; 1977: Saheb Bahadur; 1978: Jalan; Inspector Eagle; 1980: Chaalbaaz.