Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Madan Mohan Kohli
- Birth Date: June 25, 1924
- Birth Place: Baghdad, Iraq
- Nationality: Indian
- Father: Rai Bahadur Chunnilal Kohli (Worked in the film industry)
- Education: Studied in Dehradun, Lucknow, and Mumbai
- Occupation: Music Director, Composer
- Active Years: 1947–1975
Madan Mohan was born in Baghdad, Iraq, where his father was posted. His family later moved to India, where he developed a passion for music. Although he initially joined the Indian Army, he later pursued a full-time career in Bollywood as a music composer.
Musical Career
Early Career (1947–1950s)
- Worked as an assistant to music directors like S. D. Burman and Shyam Sunder.
- First film as an independent composer: Aankhen (1950).
- Gained recognition with Bhai-Bhai (1956) – The song Kadar Jane Na became a hit.
Golden Era (1950s–1970s)
Madan Mohan became famous for his soulful, ghazal-based compositions. He was known for his deep understanding of classical music and poetic lyrics, often working with renowned lyricists like Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, Kaifi Azmi, and Majrooh Sultanpuri.
Notable Films and Hit Songs
Bhai-Bhai (1956) – Kadar Jane Na
Dekhoji (1957) – Tum Ho Saath Raat Bhi Haseen Hai
Adalat (1958) – Jaana Tha Humse Door
Woh Kaun Thi? (1964) – Lag Jaa Gale, Naina Barse Rimjhim
Haqeeqat (1964) – Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo
Mera Saaya (1966) – Tu Jahan Jahan Chalega
Heer Ranjha (1970) – Milo Na Tum To Hum Ghabrayein
Mausam (1975) – Dil Dhoondta Hai
Collaboration with Singers
- Lata Mangeshkar – His most famous collaborator; she called him “Ghazal Ka Shehzada” (King of Ghazals).
- Mohammed Rafi – Worked on patriotic and romantic songs.
- Talat Mahmood, Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle – He composed for all major singers of the era.
Unique Musical Style
- Ghazal-based Film Music – He brought classical ghazals into Bollywood mainstream.
- Minimal Instrumentation – Focused on melody and poetic lyrics.
- Melancholic, Emotional Tunes – Many of his songs were deeply emotional and expressive.
Later Career and Posthumous Recognition
- Despite composing legendary songs, Madan Mohan never won a Filmfare Award, as his music was often overshadowed by composers like S. D. Burman and Shankar-Jaikishan.
- Passed away in 1975, but his unused compositions were revived in Veer-Zaara (2004) by Yash Chopra.
- Songs like Tere Liye and Do Pal (from Veer-Zaara) became huge hits.
Awards and Recognitions
National Award for his contribution to Indian music (Posthumous).
Lata Mangeshkar Award in his honor.
Multiple Lifetime Achievement Awards posthumously.
Personal Life
- Married to Sheela Kohli.
- Had three children, including Sanjeev Kohli, who worked in the music industry.
- Loved poetry and often composed tunes for famous ghazals.
Death and Legacy
- Died: July 14, 1975, at the age of 51 in Mumbai.
- Though he didn’t get much recognition during his lifetime, his music is now considered legendary.
- Known as one of Bollywood’s greatest composers, especially for ghazals.
- Influenced later composers like Jagjit Singh and A. R. Rahman.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :
YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPYP2SCVVN8&pp=ygUWIE1hZGFuIE1vaGFuIGludGVydmlldw%3D%3D
