A TRIBUTE TO SHANKAR-Post 1971
By the early 1960s, Shankar Jaikishan ( SJ ) had established themselves as the emperors of Hindi film music. Not only did they charge more than the hero of the film, film titles carried their name as a major USP. Producers knew that if SJ provided the music, half their job was done. Even black & white movies, in an industry rapidly moving to color, hit the jackpot if SJ provided the music. Examples were “Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai “ and “Sasural “. Hit after hit followed. Naturally, SJ were in a position to pick and choose and commanded their price.
The laws of success also create the laws of envy, jealousy and plotting of downfalls. A section of producers called United Producers were very worked up on SJ’s popularity and perceived arrogance. Nasir Hussain moved to O P Nayyar after SJ demanded a higher price after the tremendous musical success of “Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai “. Ditto with J Om Prakash after “Ayee Milan Ki Bela”. Leading lady Sadhana gave three megahits with SJ – Asli Naqli, Rajkumar and Arzoo.
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