MADAN MOHAN 

  1. 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.

FILMOGRAPHY:

YearFilm Title
1950Aankhen
1951Ada
1951Shabistan
1952Anjaam
1952Ashiana
1953Baghi
1953Dhoon
1954Mastana
1954Ilzaam
1955Railway Platform
1955Society
1955Mem Sahib
1956Bhai Bhai
1956Chhoo Mantar
1956Fifty Fifty
1956Naya Andaz
1957Dekh Kabira Roya
1957Night Club
1957Pocket Maar
1958Adalat
1958Jailor
1958Khazanchi
1958Night Club
1959Baap Bete
1959Bank Manager
1959Chacha Zindabad
1959Duniya Na Mane
1959Madam XYZ
1959Mohar
1959Satta Bazaar
1960Barkha
1960Halla Gulla
1960Manzil
1960Qaidi No. 911
1960Samundar
1961Akeli Mat Jaiyo
1961Sanjog
1961Senapati
1962Anpadh
1962Ghazal
1962Khilona
1962Pooja
1963Akeli Mat Jaiyo
1963Suhagan
1964Jahan Ara
1964Pooja Ke Phool
1964Woh Kaun Thi?
1965Neela Aakash
1965Rishte Naate
1965Suhagan
1966Dulhan Ek Raat Ki
1966Mera Saaya
1966Naunihal
1966Pooja
1966Saanjh Aur Savera
1966Sharaabi
1967Dastak
1967Heer Ranjha
1967Naunihal
1967Raat Aur Din
1968Chirag
1968Ghar Ka Chirag
1968Raja Aur Runk
1969Hindustan Ki Kasam
1969Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai
1969Veer Ghatotkach
1970Dastak
1970Heer Ranjha
1970Khamoshi
1970Mastana
1970Sharafat
1971Laila Majnu
1971Parwana
1971Reshma Aur Shera
1971Saudagar
1971Shankar Hussain
1972Hanste Zakhm
1972Heer Ranjha
1972Koshish
1972Shor
1973Hindustan Ki Kasam
1973Naya Din Nai Raat
1973Saudagar
1973Sharafat Chhod Di Maine
1974Chor Machaye Shor
1974Prem Parbat
1974Roti Kapda Aur Makaan
1974Woh Main Nahin
1975Mausam
1975Saheb Bahadur
1976Laila Majnu
1976Shankar Hussain
1977Chhoti Si Baat
1977Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaye
1977Karm
1977Kinara
1977Swami
1978Ghar
1978Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki
1978Muqaddar Ka Sikandar
1978Pati Patni Aur Woh
1979Gol Maal
1979Jurmana
1979Meera
1979Ratnadeep
1980Aasha
1980Do Aur Do Paanch
1980Thodisi Bewafaii
1981Basera
1981Ek Duuje Ke Liye
1981Kalyug
1981Silsila
1981Umrao Jaan
1982Bazaar
1982Namak Halaal
1982Prem Rog
1982Shakti
1983Arth
1983Avtaar
1983Mandi
1983Masoom
1983Razia Sultan
1983Sadma
1983Woh 7 Din
1984Bhavna
1984Duniya
1984Mashaal
1984Saaransh
1985Ram Teri Ganga Maili
1985Saagar
1985Tawaif
1986Aakhree Raasta
1986Chameli Ki Shaadi
1986Janbaaz
1986Naam
1986Swati
1987Ijaazat
1987Mr. India
1987Susman
1988Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak

YearFilm Title
1970Dastak
1970Heer Ranjha
1971Parwana
1971Reshma Aur Shera
1971Shankar Hussain
1972Hanste Zakhm
1972Laila Majnu
1973Hindustan Ki Kasam
1974Roti Kapda Aur Makaan
1975Mausam
1975Saheb Bahadur
1980s (Unreleased Work)
2004Veer-Zaara (Posthumous; old compositions revived by son Sanjeev Kohli)

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