Mahendra Kapoor, a well known name in the history of Hindi Film Music is still remembered for his spirited rendering of all those famous patriotic songs (mainly from Upkaar, Purab Aur Paschim) and soft romantic numbers (from Gumrah, Humraaz & more). His impressive body of work has a unique collection of unforgettable songs ranging from the subtle “Aadha Hai Chandrama” to the explosive “Na Munh Chhupa Ke Jiyo”. Very few music lovers know that Mahendra Kapoor was trained by the great Mohd. Rafi himself, in his initial struggle days in Mumbai and he really learned a lot from the great maestro of Indian Film Industry in those early days of his career.
Here I would like to share an amusing anecdote related with Mahendra Kapoor’s wide range of high notes used in the song “Na Munh Chhupa Ke Jiyo” from the film “Humraaz” enacted by Sunil Dutt on the screen.
In the start of the song and also in one of its Antra, Mahendra Kapoor goes for an effortless alaap of high notes and holds it for more than 3 bars in the song. However, while shooting the sequence, due to this brilliant rendition by the veteran, Sunil Dutt had a tough time as it was difficult to keep his mouth wide open for such a long time in the shot. But he was able to manage it fine with his innocent smile and cool persona on the screen. And now as we look back in the past, the incident can be taken as a big compliment from the great Sunil Dutt to another great Mahendra Kapoor, for his flawless singing skills.
To witness it clearly on the screen, just watch the song once again and you will notice the hitch clearly.
