Arranged Marriage - A Small Movie

I had earlier written about divorce rate in India being pretty low (http://vbala99.blogspot.com/2011/02/divorce-rate-and-cultural-issues.html).

I came across an interesting video (http://vimeo.com/22309808) on arranged marriages. 

It's a 12 min video and about 220MB in size.

The man and the woman talking to each other in the video are quite unlike each other in their tastes and in their goals. The woman is a thinker (not presumably only because of her background).

Yet they make it a success. The recipe is the drive in each person and the ability to adjust to make it a success. And if that drive is there it doesn't matter how little the two persons have things in common, that's the message I read from the video. Apparently opposites attract.

If that is the case there was never any need to get to know each other and ask 20 questions. One could have chosen any mate at random with the same result. if the man (or the woman) chose someone very different from the one they chose, could it have failed?

But is the recipe right? Universally valid?

I am inclined to think that there are some basic "things" that have to be match. Imagine a relationship that sprouts on the internet. Let's say I start liking a person on the net. The person has a lovely sense of humor, very intelligent, has a good job etc etc. And then I meet the person in real life and find that the person is the same gender as me. (Hypothetically let's assume both of us were very private persons and never had a phone call and didn't divulge our real names).

Another example (http://vbala99.blogspot.com/2011/04/big.html) is that of the relationship between the leads in the Tom Hanks movie Big. Everything seemed fine. In this case the issue was the unflinching willingness in both parties. Tom Hanks didn't have it and he didn't realize it. How the heck could the female lead have figured that Hanks was a boy in adult clothing and that he wasn't ready for it?

Having common interests is hardly a recipe for success (the video supports my notion). Having something else much more fundamental suiting each each is important.

The issue is: How do we figure out those fundamental things about ourselves and about the other person? Indian astrology suggests a way. But it's quite prone to mistakes. (http://vbala99.blogspot.com/2009/07/vedic-astrology.html).

A very interesting way of predicting success in a relationship is brought out in the book Blink (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blink_(book)) by Malcolm Gladwell. The analysis of facial expressions from the video tape of a conversation between 2 people in a relationship supposedly can be used to predict the success of the relationship accurately more than 90% of the time. The expressions have been categorized into anger, joy, disgust etc (about 45 different expressions if I remember correctly). The presence of disgust is a sure shot recipe for a breakdown as per the research that Gladwell quotes.

Coming back to the video on arranged marriages which I started out this post with, was there any disgust shown by either party? Hmmm. Well, when the man said his goals were to make money etc, the woman's expression bordered on boredom. Her question was deeper and the man's reply, she felt, was shallow.

How did it work then? A ha. Wouldn't we all like to know? 

None Of The Men Are

"None of the men are in US custody and their whereabouts are unknown.". This is an excerpt from an article  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13194861 on Mumbai 2008 attacks.

While the usage "None of us is" is considered generally to be more appropriate, the "None of us are" form is also used frequently.

The use of "are" and "is" when used in conjunction with "None of" has been of interest to me. A friend of mine earlier used the "are" form. And I would often tease her "You is a fool and so are your uncle". She couldn't stand it and after a lot of deliberation switched to the "None of us is" form.

It was amusing to listen to the pregnant pause which would follow her "None of us", when she would figure out the right verb and continue "is ...". 

So when I saw this "None of the men are..." in the BBC site now, I smiled.

Piano And Dance Songs In Hindi And Tamil Movies

I had earlier written about song pairs (songs with same tune) in different languages http://vbala99.blogspot.com/2010/12/old-indian-movies-songs-and-actors.html.

I listened to this song Saath Ho Tum Aur Raat Jawaan Neend Kise for the first time - sung by Mukesh and Asha from the movie Kaanch Ki Gudiya (1961, MD: Suhrid Kar). I still can't believe it. I have never heard of the music director - seems to be a Bengali. But the music is so beautiful. 

The song Beqaraar Dil Tu Gaaye Ja from the movie Door Ka Raahi (1971, MD: Kishore) has a very melodious tune. The movie is directed by Kishore Kumar. incidentally most of the actors also are Bengali (Tanuja was married into a Bengali family). The singers are Kishore and ... and... Sulakshana Pandit.

The song Aa Bata Dein sung by Rafi in the movie Dost (1974, MD: Laxmikant Pyarelal) is interesting because it is an outdoor song with children playing - there is not much of a dance. But the music is that of a dance song with Dharmendra, Hema Malini and guess who - Shatrughan Sinha. Rafi and LP have made good music here, considering it is a 1974 song.

An offbeat dance song is Aao Mein Bataaoon Tu Hai Kya sung by Rafi and Asha in the movie Qawwaali Ki Raat (1964, MD: Iqbal Quereshi). The dance is quite elegant and the primary artistes in the sequence are Mumtaz and Devan Verma. Mumtaz looks very cute normally. But here is a song: O Meri Maina sung by Manna De and Usha Mangeshkar in Pyaar Kiye Ja (1966, MD: Laxmikant Pyarelal) where Mumtaz wears pants and OH MY GOD, she should never wear pants. Voluptuous women are much better off in a sari or skirt or even in a loose salwar without slits.

One of the sweetest piano songs is Brindavanamum Nanthakumaranum sung by AM Raja and Jikki pair in the movie Missiamma (1955, Rajeswara Rao S). I could keep listening to the song forever.

To give the previous song good company is Dilruba Dil Pe Tu sung by Rafi and Asha in the movie Rajkumar (1964, MD: Shankar Jaikishan). I wonder what magic Shankar and Jaikishan wove into their songs. Their songs are usually awesome.

A melodious piano song is Mein Khushnaseeb Hoon sung by Lata in Tower House (1962, MD: Ravi). And you can imagine what a Ravi song from early 1960s would be like. If you do not know assume the answer is Great.

An offbeat but very nice piano song is Dil Se Mila Ke Dil Pyaar sung by Lata in Taxi Driver (1954, MD: SD Burman). The video is worth watching as the song is worth listening to.

An interesting offbeat dance and piano song from the black and white era is Naazuk Hoon Albeli Hoon sung by Asha in the movie Sunehre Kadam (1966, MD: Buco C Rani). 

I listened to this song Zara Si Baat Pyaar Ki sung by Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur in the movie Salaam Memsaab (1961, MD: Ravi). The song is gorgeous, you will soon be tapping your feet. What magic Ravi has! The interesting thing is that the music makes me think that it was created by OP Nayyar and not Ravi. This is one of the best piano songs I have come across. And the dance is unobtrusive - I wonder who the dancer is. Overall the experience is so pleasant. The way Suman Kalyanpur pronounces Shakal as Shakl is cute.

Another offbeat and nice piano song is Pambara Kannaale ஹே பம்பரக்கண்ணாலே காதல் சங்கதி சொன்னாளே sung by Chandrababu in the movie Manamagal Thevai (1957, MD: Bhanumathy P). The combination of the very talented Chandrababu and Bhanumathy has come out well in this song.

The song Aji Rooth Kar Ab Kahaan Jaayiyega sung by Lata in the movie Aarzoo (1965, MD: Shankar Jaikishan) is a piano song which is unique in the sense that the song and tune is worth giving a skip especially considering it is a SJ song. Strange. What were SJ thinking of when they created this "melody"?

Raat Bhi Hai Kuch Bheegi sung by Lata in the movie Mujhe Jeene Do (1963, MD: Jaidev) is lovely. The dance is formal, both Sunil Dutt and Waheeda look great even in black and white. I wish Waheeda had put a little more effort in lip syncing. The polished floor where she dances looks awesome.

Now let's come to a Hindu classical dance Madhuban Mein Radhika Naache Re sung by Rafi in the movie Kohinoor (1960, MD: Naushad). The lyrics were penned by Shakeel Badayuni just like in the movie Baiju Bawra. I do not know what magic Naushad, Shakeel Badayuni and Rafi weaved into songs but this song is one i fall in love every time I listen to it. I visualize the mridanga or tabla and someone dance. Listening to the line Mridanga Baaje Thiri Tthitum Thiri Tthitum Tha Tha is ecstasy.

Mere Mehboob Qayaamat Hogi sung by Kishore in the movie Mr X in Bombay (1964, MD: Laxmikant Pyarelal) is an interesting piano song. Kishore also was the hero in the movie. There is a scene where the heroine imagines him playing the piano. The song has good melody, not very common in an LP song. The 1964 movie was in black and white. Kinda surprising. 

Somehow I had missed listing this song in this post for a long time. It goes on to show how little I watch videos - I tend to listen to songs while I do something else. The gorgeous song is Mein Dil Hoon Ek Armaan Bhara sung by Talat in the movie Anhonee (1952, MD: Roshan). Roshan has created some gems. 

A very offbeat western dance song is Aayi Zindagi Ki Raat sung by Rafi and Asha in the movie Wanted (1961, MD: Ravi). The dance is as elegant as the song is melodious (Ravi in early 60's). Another similar elegant dance and nice song is Le Lo Phuldani Le Lo sung by Zohrabai Ambalewali and Shamshad Begum in the movie Jaadu (1951, MD: Naushad).

The next western dance is Nigaahon Pheka Hai Panje Pe Chhaka sung by Rafi and Geeta Dutt in the movie Jaali Note (1960, MD: OP Nayyar). The music is awesome, most songs in this movie being very nice. This movie belongs to my music Hall of Fame. I guess the dancer with Dev Anand was Helen. 

Another nice similar western dance song is Dekh Ke Teri Nazar sung by Asha and Rafi in Howrah Bridge (1958, MD: OP Nayyar). The extras, males, dancing is a treat to watch.

One of the most beautiful song and dance is Aiyaiyya Karoon Mein Pyaar Suku Suku sung by Rafi in the movie Junglee (1961, MD: Shankar Jaikishan). The sung is off beat of course and the dance is even more so. And the dance - song is worth watching. Hats off to SJ and whoever was the choreographer.

The song Ding Dong Koi Dil Ko Sambhaalo Mera Dil Chala sung by Geeta Dutt in the movie Grihasti (1963, Ravi) is a group dance where the dance is as elegant as the song is melodious. The early 1960's were the best years of Ravi.

Aayi Zindagi Ki Raat is a dance song from Wanted (1961, MD: Ravi). I think this is the only nice song from the movie. I am rather surprised, Ravi being the MD. This song includes an elegant western dance and it's nice listening to as well.

Aa Ja O Tadap Ke Hai Armaan Ab Raat Guzarne Waali Hai sung by Lata in Aawaara (1951, MD: Shankar Jaikishan) is a beautiful piano song. Nargis reminds me so much of Shabana Azmi (both Muslims huh? Maybe it's the face that neither of them smiles easily.).

Milte Hi Aankhen Dil Hua Deewaana Kisi Ka is a lovely piano sung by Shamshad Begum and Talat from the movie Baabul (1950, MD: Naushad). Another lovely Shamshad Begum piano song is Mere Gore Gore Gaal sung along with Rafi from the movie Dulhan (1958, MD: Ravi). I still can't believe that it's Shamshad Begum singing a rocking fast number. 

The song Zindagi Ittefaaq Hai sung by Mahendra Kapoor and Asha in the movie Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969, MD:Ravi) is an interesting piano song. It's a long song - about 7 minutes. The first half of the song is sung only by Asha while Mahendra Kapoor joins her in the 2nd half. Mumtaz looks very cute!

My next favorite piano song is Ek Chaand Aasmaan sung by Rafi and Mahendra Kapoor from the movie Aadmi (1968, MD:Naushad). This was remade from the Tamil movie Aalaiyamani (1962, MD:Viswanathan Ramamurthy). The story line is identical. The songs and the acting in both Tamil and Hindi were exceptional.

The next piano song is also a lovely Chaand song, Chaandi Ki Deewar sung by Mukesh in the movie Vishwaas (1969, MD: Kalyanji Anandji). The song sequence features Jeetendra. (Mukesh singing for Jeetendra? Hmm). The color in the movie reminds me of Waqt, I know not why. I find the song to be poignant and soothing.

A beautiful piano song is Tera Jaana Dil Ke Armaano Ka Lut Jana sung by Lata in the movie Anaari (1959, MD: Shankar Jaikishan). The anguish in Lata's voice, emoted equally well in Nutan's face, is exquisite. A lovely dance from the same movie is Nineteen Fifty Six sung by Manna De and Lata. The choreography is lovely, the song is not as good.

Jab Se Balam Ghar Aaye sung by Lata in the movie Awaara (1951, MD: Shankar Jaikishan) is a reasonably good piano song. More than the song I am stunned by the picture quality and the set. The visual is grand. It's all indoors (no one usually plays the piano outdoors). 

Yehan Mein Ajnabi Hoon sung by Rafi in the movie Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965, MD: Kalyanji Anandji) is a poignant song. The music is terrific as are Nanda and Shashi Kapoor in the video. Nanda's  lipstick color matches her dress so well.

A beautiful piano song is the one sung by Rafi, Woh Khushi Mili Hain Mujh Ko in the movie Mere Huzoor (1968, MD: Shankar Jaikishan). Rafi's voice is grand. Rafi sings for Rajkumar who plays the piano in the song sequence. This is one of the few songs where the singer takes a song to a high level.


Another great dance and piano song is Dil Ke Jharoke Mein sung by Rafi in Brahmachaari (1968, MD: Shankar Jaikishan). Rajshree, in a red dress, and Shammi look smashing. The movie is very touching and the song  is outstanding.

Geet Gaata Hoon from the movie Laal Patthar (1971, MD: Shankar Jaikishan) has the actor Vinod Mehra playing the piano, with Kishore singing the song for Mehra. Beautiful song, isn't it??

The Geeta Dutt song Aye Dil Mujhe Bata De from Bhaai Bhaai (1956, MD: Madan Mohan) is beautiful. The lilting melody of the song is like a lullaby. Strictly speaking there isn't much piano in this song, though a piano is shown. 

Another lovely piano and cabaret dance song from Bhaai Bhaai (1970, Shankar Jaikishan) is Aaj Raat Hai Jawaan sung by Asha. 

A lovely Joy Mukherjee - Asha Parekh piano duet is the song Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye Humdum sung by Lata in the movie Love in Tokyo (1966, MD: Shankar Jaikishan). What is it about red sarees? Jazbon ko jaga deta hai.

The song Tum Bin Jaaoon Kahaan sung by Rafi in the movie Pyaar Ka Mousam (1969, MD: RD Burman) is a wonderful piano song. The same song is sung by Kishore  also in the same movie. And their original tune is a Bengali song with music by RD Burman as mentioned in another post.

An old and lovely piano song is Jawaan Hai Mohabbat Haseen Hai Zamaana sung by Noor Jahan in the movie Anmol Ghadi (1946, MD: Naushad). I think Noor emigrated to Pakistan during partition. Thank God, Naushad stayed back. There is another decent piano song in this movie Mein Dil Mein Dard Basa Laai sung by Suraiya. And guess what.. There is a horse song also - Uran Khatole Pe Ud Jaoon sung by Shamshad Begum. This movie is 71 years old at the time of writing about this movie. Wowow.

Jo Diya Thha Tum Ne Ek Din sung my Mahendra Kapoor from Sambandh (1969, MD: OP Nayyar) is a very sweet song. Another amazing piano song by the same MD is Aao Huzoor Tum Ko sung by Asha in the 1968 movie Kismat. There is very little piano in this song but they do show a piano in the video and the song (music I mean and of course Asha) is just wowowow. 
Each of the songs in the movie Kismat is lovely. It is rather surprising that OP Nayyar hardly won any Filmfare awards for music direction. Search for Nayyar in the link.

Hearing the song Kahiye Janaab E Ali sung by Asha in the movie Do Dilon Ki Daastaan (1966, MD: OP Nayyar) I tend to visualize a nice western dance. I have not come across the video so I can only imagine.

The song Mini Mini Chichi sung by Mukesh and Lata in Katputli (1957, MD: Shankar Jaikishan) is a nice song. But what makes the song unique is the very very elegant dance on the road. Vyjayanthimala is exquisite in a sari even if the sequence is in black and white.

Another lovely OP Nayyar song is Ek Pardesi Mera Dil Le Gaya sung by Asha and Rafi in the movie Phaagun (1958, MD: OP Nayyar). An interesting thing is that another song in the same movie Teer Yeh Chhup Ke sung by Asha seems to have a similar tune. As I have mentioned in another post, Ek Pardesi song itself seems to have been copied from Chalo Chalo Chale Hum sung by Rafi and Shamshad Begum in the movie Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1954, MD: SN Tripathi). Readers are welcome to check the songs out and confirm. There is another very nice dance song in Phaagun - Chham Chham Ghunghroo Bole sung by Asha. It's an outdoor group dance - switch on the video, remove your footwear, put your feet up and enjoy. In one of the shots they show only Madhubala's legs twisting along with the others (extra) and they are so synchronized. I wondered whether it was in fact Madhubala. Then the shot zoomed out and it was her (ok she).

Coming to another strange, yet sweet, OP Nayyar dance song is Chham Chham Jaago Jaago Savera Hua sung by Geeta Dutt in the movie Baaz (1953, MD: OP Nayyar). It's a group dance as well. The Geetas (Bali and Dutt) make it worth watching. Remember this song is more than 60 years old. 

The song Aye Husn Zara Jaag by Rafi in the movie Mere Mehboob (1963, MD: Naushad) is very sweet. As are all the songs in the movie. I can't still forget Sadhana in the grey outfit when she (Lata) sings Mere Mehboob Tujhe.

The piano song "Kisi Pathhar Ki Moorat Se" in the movie Humraaz (1967, D: Ravi) is sung by Mahendra Kapoor. All songs in this movies are lovely.

The song Dil Ka Soona Saaz Taraana Dhoondega sung by Rafi is from the movie Ek Naari Do Roop (1973, MD: Ganesh Sharma). Shatrughan Sinha plays on the piano which is a little strange to imagine. Piano is associated with refinement. And Sinha is not.

Le Gayi Dil Gudiya Japan Ki sung by Rafi in the movie Love In Tokyo (1966, MD: Shankar Jaikishan) is an interesting song. It has the music of a dance number and it has Joy Mukherjee's dance which is more of a monkeying around like Shammi used to be. There really is no dance or there is very little dance. Tokya in 1966, 50 years back, seems to have been roads and infrastructure as the cities of India have now.

Another song, very nice by the way, which has the lyrics and music of a dance song but that has no dance is Jhana Jhana Jhan Baaje Paayaliyaan sung by Rafi and Lata in Rani Roopmati (1957, MD: SN Tripathi). It's very interesting also to see a very pretty Nirupa Roy as a heroine - one remembers her only as a mother figure in Deewar, Amar Akbar Anthony etc. Originally a Gujrati, she married a Bengali and hence the Roy surname.

The song Dhoom Dhadaaka sung by Shamshad Begum Amber (1952, MD: Ghulam Mohammad) is interesting in the sense that the dance sequence is more interesting to watch than the song is to hear. 

The song Chham Chham Ghoongru Bole sung by Asha in the movie Kaajal (1965, MD: Ravi) and Balma Maane Na sung by Lata in the movie Opera House (1961, MD: Chitragupta) are both nice songs with a nice dance as well. Padmini dances in the Kaajal song. They share one more thing in common - both the songs are in Raag Malkhauns as per the Wiki on the Raag. Read also this for more information on the Raag.

The song "Aaj Ki Raat Mere Dil Ki Salaamee Le Le" by Rafi from Ram Aur Shyam (1967, MD:Naushad) is simply beautiful as is Waheeda. The formally dressed Dilip Kumar shown through a triangle formed by the piano stand and base of the piano and Waheeda dressed in a red sari (there we go) are nice to watch. Of course the music and Rafi's voice are exquisite. The para Meine chaha ke bata doon mein haqeeqat apni is simply wowow.

"Jinhe Hum Bhoolna Chaahe Wo" is a nice piano song, though the tune is sad and different from the rest in this post. This is sung by Mukesh from the movie Aabroo (1968, MD: Sonik Omi). Rehman looks posh and handsome as usual. While the lady (Vimmi?) looks like she got out of a modeling session for a jewelry store. Nothing seems real about her. Wonder who the guy playing the piano is... Deepak Kumar?

Another lovely Mukesh song with piano is Suhaani Chaandni Raatein Humein Sone Nahin Deti in the movie Mukti (1977, MD: RD Burman). This is a little offbeat with Mukesh singing for a bearded Shashi Kapoor with RD's music. Shashi looks like a drug addict with his beard. Halfway through the song we are taken to a waterfall. Wonderfall was inside the hall along with the piano or maybe Shashi was playing the piano outdoors close to the waterfall. The cast includes Vidya Sinha. I wonder why I am so troubled to see Shashi and Vidya being paired. Can't put my fingers on it yet.

I was reminded of a newer piano song "Piyu Bole Piya Bole" sung by Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal in the 2005 movie Parineeta (MD: Shantanu Moitra). If you can visualize the 1960's and puchka and Victoria Memoria and trams and this song you are transported into a different world.

There is another piano song in the same movie Kaisi Paheli Zindagaani sung by Sunidhi Chauhan. This is a very melodious song, Rekha doesn't look her age at all - my mom keeps saying she has her father Gemini Ganesan's nose, whatever that means. Incidentally the movie is worth watching and Saif is so good in it. I loved the movie Parineeta. The characters have been brought out especially well. The role portrayed by Vidya Balan is beautiful. And I still can't believe that Saif Ali Khan did justice to his role. Perhaps there is still hope for Indian cinema.

A beautiful piano song in Tamil is Kan Pona Pokkile sung by TMS in Panam Padaiththavan (1965, MD: Viswanathan Ramamurthy). It includes an elegant dance with Sowcar Janaki and RS Manohar. This is one of the rare songs you can hear and watch, if you can tolerate MGR. All the woman have fairly large hips hidden by the layers of formal dress they are wearing. But despite all this the song is wowowow.

An interesting Tamil piano song is Poovilum Melliya Poongodi from the movie Kannan Varuvaan (1970, MD: ShankarGanesh) sung by TMS. It's interesting because the dance music is lively and nice - not exactly like a typical song from the music directors.

A truly melodious piano song is Unnidam Mayangugiren Ullaththaal Nerungugiren sung by Yesudas in the movie Then Chinthuthe Vaanam (1975, MD: V Kumar). This song again is one you want to listen to when you are alone and one with nature. 

Of course I can never forget the song Chalo Ek Baar Phir Se Ajnabi Ban Jaaye sung by Mahendra Kapoor from Gumraah (MD: Ravi, 1963). Both this song and Raha Gardishon Mein Hardam were set to tune by Ravi, both are sad songs, both have lovely lyrics (these are probably the only two songs whose lyrics I know / understand). And in both these songs, the tune changes drastically in the song almost to the point of making it apaswaram (besur). In Raha Gardishon song, it's the shehnai music in the beginning and in the piano song Chalo Ek Baar, it's in the middle. Focus on these lines

ki yeh jalve paraaye hain
Mere hamraah bhi rusvaaiyaan hain mere maajhi ki

After  "yeh jalve paraaye hain" and before "Mere hamraah bhi rusvaaiyaan" don't you see a track change?


The piano song was written by Sahir Ludhyanvi based on an incident from his own life. I have a Sardarji friend who sings both these songs very well. And he tells me that it was his father who was Sahir's class mate, way back, who (the father) first wrote the piano song and that Sahir... This song seems to have more anecdotes than just one about Sahir and Sudha.

Another lovely song is Dheere Dheere Machal sung by Lata from Anupama (1966, MD: Hemant Kumar). Wonder who the woman playing the piano is. The man seems to be a Bengali. As per this article, the woman may be Surekha.

The song Dil Lagaakar Hum Yeh Samjhe by Asha from Zindagi Aur Maut (1965, MD: C Ramchandra) sung by Mahendra Kapoor is an old piano song and quite soothing.

Tum Apna Ranjo Gum Apni Pareshaani sung by Jagjit Kaur in the movie Shagoon (1964, MD: Khayyam) is an offbeat piano song, though her voice is not as sweet like Lata's or Vani Jayaram's. Did you know Jagjit was married to Khayyam?

I find the song Chale Thhe Saath Mil Ke by Rafi from Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1968, MD: Kalyanji Anandji) being relatively less melodious compared to other songs I have mentioned. The deterioration of music perhaps had started around this time. 

An interesting piano song is Paththar Ke Sanam by Rafi from Paththar Ke Sanam (1967, MD: Laxmikant Pyarelal). While Manoj Kumar plays the piano, there is little piano I can hear if I hear the audio only. A nice song nevertheless.

An amazingly melodious song is Aap Ke Haseen Rukh Pe sung by Rafi in the movie Bahaaren Phir Bhi Aayegi (1966, OP Nayyar). The combination of Rafi and OP Nayyar is sheer genius. And of course the sweet innocence of Tanuja and the formally dressed Dharmendra...

One of the oldest piano songs I have come across is Man Mein Kisi Ki Preet Basa Le sung by Lata in Aaraam (1951, MD: Anil Biswas). Quite a nice song.

Another old piano song is Mein Dil Hoon Ek Armaan Bhara sung by Talat Mehmood in Anhonee (1953, MD: Roshan). Such a sweet song, with Raj Kapoor and Nargis in the movie.

Chehre Pe Khushi Chha Jaati Hai sung by Asha in the movie Waqt (1965, MD: Ravi) with a star cast is a song with a melody that is mediocre. Raj Kumar looks handsome as ever and so does Sunil Dutt. Sadhana in a garish pink dress hmmm.

The song Saaz Ho Tum Aawaaz Hoon Mein sung by Rafi in the movie Saaz Aur Aawaaz (1966, Music: Naushad) is a piano song... This song also happens to be in one list of top Rafi songs. Well, aah, I beg to differ. It's an eminently forgettable song as is Saira Banu's dance.

Jahaan Pe Basera Ho sung by Lata in the movie Basera (1981, MD: RD Burman) is very high pitched nor is it exceptionally melodious. Far more beautiful is the rose garden shown in the song.

Another unexceptional piano song is Aaj Duniya Badi Suhaani Hai sung by Asha in the movie Nartaki (1963, MD: Ravi). That Ravi created such a pedestrian song is surprising. While I see a piano in the video I don't hear it in the song.

Enna Enna Vaarthaigalo is a beautiful piano song sung by P Susheela from the movie Vennira Aadai (1965, MD: Viswanathan Ramamurthy). The piano, the tune and Susheela's voice create beautiful music.

Cauvery Oram Kavi Chonna sung P Susheela from the movie Aadi Perukku (1962, MD: AM Raja) is interesting for a few reasons. The song of course is melodious, and it is a composition of AM Raja's. And Chandrababu is shown playing the piano, rather an unusual thing for Chandrababu. And the legs of the woman in skirts dancing in the beginning of the song - not bad at all. 

The song Pambara Kannale sung by Chandrababu in the movie Manamagal Thevai (1957, MD: Bhanumathy P) is a typical song by that singer... Melodious.

A very beautiful piano song is Kaveri Oram Kathai Chonna sung by P Susheela in Aadi Perukku (1962, MD: AM Raja).

The next dance song which also has elephants is Kaathal Enbathu Ethuvarai sung by Chandrababu and PB Srinivas in Paatha Kaanikkai (1962, Viswanathan Ramamurthy). This is a song sequence worth listening to.

A beautiful piano song is Aththaanin Muththangal sung by P Susheela in the movie Uyarntha Manithan (1968, MD: MS Viswanathan). Surprisingly its MS Viswanathan alone without Ramamurthy. And still lovely. Another nice piano song is from the movie Then Chinthuthe Vaanam (1975, MD: V Kumar) sung by Yesudas. Black and white movie from 1975, strange isn't it?

Another Tamil oldie is Andru Vanthathum Ithe Nila sung by TMS in dathe movie Periya Idaththu Penn (1963, MD: Viswanathan Ramamurthy). Melodious song but the piano is only shown for a few seconds!! It also has a nice western dance in formal wear. Music is very melodious.

A relatively new and nice piano song is the Kishore song Pyaar Deewana Hota Hai from Kati Patang (1970, MD: RD Burman).

Coming on to a newer song Ruk Ja O Dil Deewaane sung by Udit Narayan in the movie Dilwaale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge (1995, MD: Jatin Lalit), I can only sigh. While this is OK to listen to occasionally, this song certainly doesn't thrill me as the movie did. The song is mediocre (even that is an exaggeration). I included it to provide a contrast.

A friend sent me this video - Que Sera Sera. I am including this as lagniappe. 

Apparently an Indian version of Que Sera Sera is in the movie Aaravalli "Chinna Pennaana Pothile"

Now we come to dance songs.
Of course there are plenty of dance songs in Indian movies. So I will choose the rarest of the rare ones in this post.

The first one that comes to mind is the song Jhanak Jhanak Baaje Tori Paayaliya sung by Manna De in the movie Mere Huzoor (1968, MD: Shankar Jaikishan) mesmerizes me. The tune, the Kathak dance (I  assume it's Kathak), Manna da's voice and Raj Kumar's drunken singing.... wowowow. 

But now if you watch the dance Paas Rehte Hue Bhi Tujhse Bahut Door Hain sung by Lata in the movie Mere Mehboob (1963, MD: Naushad) we see Sadhana trying to dance but it doesn't happen. Sadhana is a gorgeous lady but her dance naa. There are great songs in this movie but then this post is about piano and dance songs.

Another great Manna De classical dance song is Chham Chham Baaje Re Paayaliya from the movie Jaane Anjaane (1971, MD: Shankar Jaikishan) with Shammi Kapoor and Leena Chandravarkar. Leena and Shammi make quite an offbeat combination as is such a song in the 70s. But then even for a person like me who doesn't understand anything classical SJ, Naushad have created quite an impression.

There is a reason why I love Ravi. Listen to Yeh Bahaar Yeh Sama Ye Jhoomti Jawaaniya sung by Asha in Ghar Sansaar (1958, MD: Ravi). The music and the dance will get you on your feet and tapping in no time. This is a must see and hear song.

The song Neela Pattu Aadai Katti sung by P Susheela in the movie Veera Thirumagan is OK but what distinguishes the song is the group dance. That is worth watching.

Another song with beautiful music is Laaga Chunari Mein Daag sung by Manna De in the movie Dil Hi Tho Hai (1963, MD: Roshan). Roshan and Manna De are mesmerizing.

A beautiful dance song is Aa Bhi Ja Rasiya Man Mora Pyaasa sung by Manna De and Lata in the movie Phoolon Ki Sej (1964, MD: Adi Narayana Rao). Vyjayanthimala's dance and Lata's voice are stunning. The dance also happens to well choreographed. Manna Da's classical voice along with Vyjanthimala's dance make it worth watching.

Sheeshe Ka Ho Ya Patthar Ka Dil sung by Lata in the movie Baak Ek Raat Ki (1962, MD: SD Burman) is very nice dance song. It comes as an oasis in a breeze. Both the song and Waheeda's dance (it's a group dance actually) are worth watching.

A beautiful and melodious dance song is Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyaar Ke Charche sung by Lata And Rafi in the movie Brahmachari (1968, MD: Shankar Jaikishan). Mumtaz's dance is cute. (Red dress?). And there is also a piano right in the beginning of the dance sequence. Mumtaz looks very cute. The orange/red sari she wears looks more like a petticoat. Wonder how she wore it  and how she is able to dance it. Probably it was pinned or stapled all over. If you didn't know, Mumtaz was very active in the 2nd half of 1960s and had acted in many movies with Dara Singh. Largely these movies were unnoticed and so were the songs in these movies. 

An interesting and delicious dance song is Kisi Nargisi Nazar Ko Dil Denge Hum sung by Mukesh (yes Mukesh) in the movie Mein Nashe Mein Hoon (1959, MD: Shankar Jaikishen). It's as lilting as the Joy Mukherjee strip tease song Yeh Jhuki Jhuki Nigaahen Teri sung by Rafi in Aao Pyaar Karen (1964, MD: Usha Khanna). The latter is just WOWOWOW.

Another offbeat dance song - this time by Johny Walker - is Beta Dar Mat Dar Mat sung by Rafi in Bhaai Behan (1959, MD: N Dutta). The music, the western dance and Johny Walker make a very nice combination.

Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyaar Ke Charche sung by Lata And Rafi in the movie Brahmachari (1968, MD: Shankar Jaikishan) is a fast dance number. Shammi, Rajashree and Mumtaz look ravishing in the song sequence. When I watch this song I am reminded of the song Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye Humdum sung by Lata in the movie Love in Tokyo (1966, MD: Shankar Jaikishan) - maybe it is the red dress that the women wear in both songs and both are sung in a party with the Maths professor Pran in both.

Now we come to another song with Shammi but slow. And beautiful. Dilruba Dil Pe Tu sung by Rafi and Asha in the movie Rajkumar (1964, MD: Shankar Jaikishan). This was probably the first movie I saw of Sadhana and fell in love with her in this song. She looks gorgeous and as good as in Mere Mehboob singing the song in the grey salwar suit. But then I am digressing. SJ's music is... No I do not want to describe it. Listen to it. Better still, watch the song. I saw the movie at Maratha Mandir almost 5 years back. Those were the days I used to go to the theater almost every week and most often it was to Maratha Mandir. It's quite another story that I haven't been to a theater in more than 10 years.

A beautiful dance song is Aadaatha Manamum Undo sung by TMS and MLV in the movie Mannaathi Mannan (1960, MD: Viswanathan Ramamurthy). MLV's voice is wowow.

The next dance song I love is Madhuban Mein Radhika Naache Re sung by Rafi in the movie Kohinoor (1960, MD: Naushad). What a song that is.... Especially when Rafi sings the line Mridang Baaje Thiri Thithum. Unfortunately the dance is quite pedestrian in comparison to the song.

Here is the reverse. A nice dance song (but  the song isn't great) is Nooraandu Kaalam Vaazhga sung by Soolamangalam Sisters in the movie Pesum Deivam (1967, MD: KV Mahadevan). The set and the dance are worth watching. 

Humdum Mere Maan Bhi Jaao sung by Rafi in the movie Mere Sanam (1965, MD: OP Nayyar) is a lovely dance song with Biswajeet and Asha Parekh (in a red sari). OP Nayyar incidentally had some of his best melodies with Asha (singer) in color movies in the 1960s. He had some great melodies in black and white movies in the 1950's with Geeta Dutt. He also created some really low class music in the 1950's. I can't yet explain why his 1950's music had such highs and lows. Matter of fact. most songs of Shankar Jaikishan, OP Nayyar and Ravi in the 1970's were worth listening to with the audio on mute only.

Next comes one of the best dance sequences that I have come across and it's incidentally in Tamil. Yes, you guessed it. It is the (Sabaash Sariyani Potti) song Kannum Kannum Kalanthu sung by Jikki and P Leela in the movie Vanjikottai Valiban (1958, MD: C Ramchandra). Yes it is the Hindi/Marathi music director. Of course, the dance by Padmini and Vyjayanthimala is superb. The hall where they dance is mind boggling. Wonder which palace has that kind of hall. The song isn't as good as the dance. And then when I think of the lesser heroines like Madhuri Dixit dancing, I am speechless. Kinda crass I think. Of course, Sabash, sariyana potti was said by PS Veerappa.

We have now a very nice old dance and piano song Jhoom Jhoom Ke Naacho sung by Mukesh in Andaaz (1949, MD: Naushad). Interesting to see a combination of Naushad with Mukesh and Mukesh singing for Dilip Kumar instead of for Raj Kapoor who is also in the scene. I wonder who the dancer is. There are few more piano songs in the same movie. Let's go to the one I like Tu Kahe Agar Jeevan Bhar by Mukesh (for Dilip Kumar). A lovely song though strange to see Mukesh lending his voice to a piano song. The Western style dance by the lady wearing a saree is elegant. The next piano song is Darna Mohabbat Kar Le in the same movie sung by Shamshad Begum and well it's not a must watch (the video or hear the audio) song. Next we come to Hum Aaj Kahin Dil Kho Baithhe sung by Mukesh (for Dilip Kumar of course). I wonder how it happened that there are so many piano songs in this movie. Maybe someone in Bombay rented out a piano cheaply in 1949.

A lovely piano song is Kyun Mujhe Itni Khushi sung by Asha in the movie Anupama (1966, MD: Hemant Kumar). As an extra the song also has a Shashi Kala, Devan Verma (and David) dance. Devan Verma looks handsome - his Bengali features come through, Though I am not sure he has Bengali blood - he is part of the Shashidhar family if I am not mistaken.

Now we come to some cabaret dance songs. The first is Duniya Mein Logon Ko sung by Asha in the movie Apna Desh (1972, MD: RD Burman). The music is beautiful and fast. Like other cabaret dance songs in this post this one too is chosen primarily for the fast number than for a great dance. Rajesh Khanna with a mustache. Ughhh. 

The next cabaret song is Piya Tu Ab Tu Aa Ja - Monica Oh My Darling sung again by Asha in the movie Caravan (1972, MD: RD Burman). Again this song is amazing as the previous one.. Fast, titillating music.

The next in the cabaret song series is O Haseena Zulfon Waali sung by Asha and Rafi in the movie Teesri Manzil (1966, MD: RD Burman). This was the era of RD and cabaret songs with Helen. Asha looks on while Shammi sings and dances with Helen. Another wonderful dance song from the same movie is Aa Ja Aa Ja Mein Hoon Pyaar Tera sung by Rafi. The beats is just wowowow and so is Shammi (while Asha Parekh demurely watches on - boy, but when she does join...).

Whenever I come across Teesri Manzil, I immediately think of the Tamil movie Puthiya Paravai (1964, MD: Viswanathan Ramamurthy) They are not copied from each other. What they both share is a nice murder mystery with some terrific songs thrown in. A nice dance song in this movie is Paarththa Kyaabagam Illayo sung by P Susheela. A lovely piano song from the same movie is Unnai Ondru  Ketpen Unmai Cholla Vendum by sung by P Susheela. While the song is very nice and the south Indian Asha Parekh (Saroja Devi I mean) is in a red sari, I have to confess that piano / dance songs in Hindi are a class better than the Tamil ones - take any with Shammi or Joy Mukherjee Or Dilip Kumar on the piano with Waheeda or Asha Parekh or Rajashree in a red sari :). 

Incidentally the Salwar Kameez that Saroja Devi wears in the song Chittu Kuruvi Muththam Koduththu (a beautiful song by the way) is kinda similar to the one that Kanchana wears in Kaathalikka Neramillai (hmm Enna Paarvai Unthan Paarvai). Both were 1964 movies and both songs sung by P Susheela and neither was a dance / piano song. I kinda digressed from the main theme. I just realized that in the K Neramillai movie all the songs were outdoor songs except Malarendra Mugam Indru sung by MS Raju and LR Easwari which included yodeling by Henry Daniel who apparently was a good piano player and played it in one of the songs in Puthiya Paravai.

A lovely western dance song is Huzoor E Waala Jo Ho Izaazat sung by Minu Puroshottam and Asha in the movie Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi (1966, MD: OP Nayyar). The dance and the song are a treat - must watch.

I am now including a cabaret song with a cheesy dance sequences. But the song that I have in mind is amazing.  With partly "Telugu" lyrics the song Badkamma Ekad Boto Ra is sung by Rafi and Sharda in the movie Shatranj  (1969, MD: Shankar Jaikishan). I include this song only because the music and the rendition by both the singers is amazing. The way Helen moves her hips synchronizing with each Enkanna is just wow. While the dance is not certainly high quality by itself Mehmood, Rafi and Sharada and Helen's dance make a very interesting combination.

Now we come to the song Chilar Kudippathu Pole sung by TMS and LR Easwari to a cabaret dance by 37 year old Helen (yes Salman Khan's aunt) in the movie Change Muzhangu சங்கே முழங்கு (1972, MD: MS Viswanathan). The lyrics are by Kannadasan. Both the song and the dance are awful and worthy of getting into DANCE HALL OF Horrors. It is interesting to see a 55 year old MGR (born in 1917) paired with a 20 year old Lakshmi. MGR doesn't look 55 at all.

The next song with a Helen dance is Mere Dil Kabhi Tho Koi Aayega sung by Lata in Mein Chup Rahoongi (1962, MD: Chitragupta). This Helen dance is not a cabaret dance. Helen being fully dressed I couldn't recognize her. Of course the best Helen song is a orthopedic song in the movie Cha Cha Cha (Subah Na Aayi Shaam Na Aayi) with Helen in a character role. And Rafi's song is just WOWOWOW.

We now come to a very old cabaret dance song - Ek Do Teen Aa Ja Mousam Hai Rangeen sung by Shamshad Begum in the movie Aawaara (1951, MD: Shankar Jaikishan). Raj Kapoor smoking a cigarette in the corner of his mouth and a bar scene with Shamshad - it's gorgeous.

Now we come to a set of drum / group  dance songs.

The first is Bangle Ke Peechhe by Lata in the movie Samaadhi (1972, MD: RD Burman). Asha Parekh in a Ghagra with a nice RD tune and Lata's voice in the background. The large set and a nice group dance is worth watching and listening. When I see Parekh's dress I am reminded of Sadhana in Ek Phool Do Mali (with the handsome Sanjay Khan) Yeh Parda Hata Do!! Asha Parekh was about 30 years old - a little over the hill for such a dance sequence, unlike the three Khan's who at 51 still consider themselves adolescents.

The next is the classic drum dance song from the Tamil movie Chandralekha with the beautiful TR Rajakumari. I saw the movie in a small auditorium in South India Club more than 30 years back.. And remember having my mouth open most of the time.

The next is the drum dance from the movie Jewel Thief (1967, MD: SD Burman) - Hothhon Mein Aisi Baat sung by Bhupendar and Lata. A gorgeous song supposedly in Gangtok - I had become mad about Sikkim after watching this movie...But then the dance is all indoors.

Daiya Re Daiya sung by Asha in the movie Leader (1964, MD: Naushad) is a drum and dance like in the Tamil movie Chandralekha. Only it is Vyjayanthimala here instead of TR Rajakumari. And the movie is in color.

The song Kajra Laga Ke Bindiya Saja Ke sung by Lata in Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli (1971, MD: Laxmikant Pyarelal) is interesting. The song itself is not very melodious. But the dance is worth watching.

A wild card entry in this post is the very very recent dance song sung by Abhijeet and Sadhana Sargam. And that is Yeh Jo Teri Paayal Ki Chhan Chhan Hai from the movie Maasoom (1996, MD: Anand Raj Anand). I loved this song and the dance when I watched it for the first time recently. The temples in the background.. The large set, the group dance and the choreography. In general I consider anything more recent than 1970 to be unworthy of my attention. But this is one of those few songs. Ayesha Jhulka is as cute as she was in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar. An interesting thing in the dance is that at times there are two groups of dancers, each doing a different thing.. One has to zoom out to see it..What makes the song even more interesting is the South Indian temples as background for the song and choreography of the group dance. Definitely worth watching (and listening too).

One of the most melodious dance songs is Aasmaan Pe Hai Khuda sung by Mukesh in the movie Phir Subah Hogi (1958, MD: Khayyam) -  the music reminds me of tap dance music with Fred Astaire or the sequence in Singing In The Rain.

The song Aadha Hai Chandrama sung by Mahendra Kapoor and Asha in the movie Navrang (1959, MD: C Ramchandra) is next. Sandhya's dance is as beautiful as the song is melodious. Towards the end Sandhya dances away with the pots on her head - there is a small pond with flowers and the moon in the distance. The scene is so serene.. Utterly captivating. 
This song was incidentally the first in my collection - suggested by Jalani.

I was watching the video of the song Baar Baar Dekho sung by Rafi in the movie Chinatown (1962, MD:Ravi). And then I realized how lovely the music is and how melodious the song.. Shammi sporting a moustache and the demure Shakila. Beautiful to watch the girls dancing in swirling skirts (and very nice calf too).

I was watching the Tamil movie Chiththi (1966, MD: MS Viswanathan). The slow version of the song Santhippoma Ini Santhippoma by TMS and LR Easwari is a nice, though the happy version is nicer. Unfortunately the happy version is not a phone song.

Haaye Haaye Yeg Nigaahen sung by Kishore in the movie Paying Guest (1957, MD: SD Burman) is a nice dance song. The dance is nice and so is the song. But this is not a song that makes me tap my feet.

Dekho Bijli Dole Bin Baadal Ki sung by Asha and Usha in the movie Phir Wohi Dil Laaya Hoon (1963, MD: OP Nayyar) is a sweet classical song with a nice dance sequence with two female dancers of whom one is the heroine Asha Parekh. The interesting thing is that I couldn't believe she (the one in the cream / yellow dress) was Asha. So slim. And one more strange thing is the quality of a classical dance in a Hindi movie. I thought such dance sequences were kinda there largely or only in Tamil. One rarely got to see a good dance in Hindi films even in the 1960's.

The next dual dance song is Tu Hai Mera Prem Ke Devta sung by Manna De and Rafi in the movie Kalpana (1960, MD: OP Nayyar). Never knew OP Nayyar composed music for dance songs. And the combination of Manna De and OP Nayyar is again very strange. Manna De is one of the best classical singers and OP Nayyar was anything but classical. Padmini, primarily a south Indian actress, is the heroine in the movie. I love the song much more than the dance, despite having Padmini. The song Alaikum Salaam sung by Asha and Sudha Malhotra is nice but I wouldn't say the same thing about the dance.
Couple more dance songs in the same movie are Bekasi Hadd Se Jab Guzar Jaaye and Chale Aao Kharidaaro Ki Hum Ulfat Lutaate Hain sung by Asha (who else). Nothing much to write about. The only surprise is the MD being OP for dance songs. Again Asha singing for Padmini seems kinda strange. I would have thought Lata would have been a better fit. But then OP and Lata don't mix. I wonder though. Why am I so uncomfortable with Asha Singing for Padmini or Manna De singing for OP Nayyar music.

The song Man More Baanwra sung by Rafi in the movie Ragini (1958, MD: OP Nayyar) is interesting on few counts. The song is more like a Shankar Jaikishan or Naushad song than a Nayyar one. I have never come across a Nayyar "religious" sounding song. Second Rafi sings for Kishore. Incidentally there are hardly any terrific songs sung by Kishore to OP's music. Also Padmini is again the heroine in the movie. She has a sister named Ragini - which also happens to be name of the movie.

Now we have a couple of dance songs. I have included them because I like the songs very much. And well the dance is... hmmm uhhh is worth not mentioning. They are Dil Ki Girah Khol Do sung by Manna De and Lata in the movie Raat Aur Din (1967, MD: Shankar Jaikishan). The next one is Aage Bhi Ja Ne Na Tu sung by Asha in the movie Waqt (1965, Ravi). Both the songs are more of party songs nothing classical about the dance. 
The next song is Ankhiyan Sang Ankhiyaan Laagi Aaj sung by Rafi in the movie Bada Aadmi (1961, MD: Chitragupta). This song has a classical dance sequence. The memorable thing in this song is that the dance sucks while Rafi's voice and Chitragupta's music are both beautiful. The dance quite puts me off - it seems to be totally wrong for the song. I am not sure whether the choreography was wrong or whether the dancer did not do a good job. Or whether it was intentional - I haven't seen the movie.

The next song which is Ankhiyaan Milaage Jiya Bharmaake sung by Zohrabai Ambalewali from the movie Rattan (1944, MD: Naushad). This is a song I like and that is surprising considering the 1944 vintage. I rarely have liked songs from pre-1953.

Another dance song with a lovely tune and sung well by Manna De is Tera Naina Talaash Karen in the movie Talaash (1969, MD: SD Burman). In this song again I get the same feeling as in the previous one - that the dance doesn't do justice to the song.

A nice dance song is Aa Bhi Ja Raat Dhalne Lagi sung by Lata in Teesri Kasam (1966, MD: Shankar Jaikishan). About 50 seconds into the song, Waheeda dances on her toes (both). I thought this was very difficult. Watch out for it.

A very recent and nice dance (but outdoor with an ensemble cast) is Kokku Para Para in the movie Chandramukhi (2005, MD:Vidyasagar) sung by Tippu, Manikka Vinayagam, Rajalakshmi, Ganga. This is a fast beat, happy song with a multitude of stars - almost every  actor in this movie is present in this song and flying a kite. The camera is above the ground and the song video is worth watching.

In order to feel good, I mention this song Mose Chhal Saiyaan Beimaan sung by Lata in the movie Guide (1965, MD: SD Burman). Waheeda as well as the song and the photography and the choreography are just wowow.



Additional reading: 

• Horse songs: http://vbala99.blogspot.com/2011/10/melodious-horse-songs-in-indian-movies.html
• Phone, train, cycle songs: http://vbala99.blogspot.com/2014/11/telephone-train-cycle-songs.html
• http://vbala99.blogspot.com/2010/12/old-indian-movies-songs-and-actors.html
• http://vbala99.blogspot.com/2011/02/music-directors.html
• Here someone has written about flower songs.

A Simple Way To Track Expenses, Incomes And Accounts

A friend of mine asked me for some help to help track expenses at home. And to keep track of money given by her boss towards his expenses which she makes (meaning stuff for his house or the office that she buys for her boss). While her boss trusts her implicitly she still likes to keep track of money that he pays her and settle accounts. Every once in a while she gives him an account of where the money was spent. 

Then she has a running account with a cousin for whom similarly she makes purchases.

Sounds familiar? 

On top of it if you have a need for keeping track of future expenses and know how much balance you are likely to have in each account (so that your cheques don't bounce, you have to make sure that a minimum amount is in the account)?

Well there is a simple solution. All you need is Microsoft Excel. A spreadsheet that I have does all this and more. So if you need to know where you spent money, what your balance will be in future, who owes you how much or how much do people owe you, this spreadsheet will help you.

And it takes 5 minutes each day to update your transactions on the spreadsheet. You don't have to depend on your memory or write in pieces of paper. You get to track all the information that I mentioned above in one spreadsheet.

Note: This is not a spreadsheet meant for investment planning. This is meant for tracking your expenses, account balances.