September 9, 2009

Bollywood & The Beatles

Today, 9-9-09, marks the worldwide release of the newly remastered Beatles catalog. The Beales changed the world and Bollywood was no exception. What follows are songs that were heavily influenced by the Beatles' music. Special thanks to itwofs.com for compiling the list of songs.

First up, Shankar-Jaikishan's "Dil Use Do Jo Jaan De De" from Andaz (1971) which was inspired by "With A Little Help From My Friends" from 1967's "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band."





Anu Malik's "Paagalpan Chaa Gayaa" from Jaanam (1992) is strikingly similar to "And I Love Her" from "A Hard Days Night" released in 1964.





Shankar-Jaikishan's "Dekho, Ab To" from Jaanwar (1964) draws heavy "inspiration" from "I Want To Hold Your Hand" released in 1964.






"Jaane Bhi De Sanam Mujhe" from Around The World (1967) is another Shankar-Jaikishan song. This time they borrow some of the melody from the Beatles' "I'll Get You" from 1964.




Of course the Beatles, in particular George Harrison, were influenced by Indian classical music. In 1967, George studied the sitar with maestro Ravi Shankar.



Some would say George's "Within You, Without You" from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band has elements of Naushad's "Ek Shahinshah Ne Banavake" from Leader (1963).




In 1968, The Beatles went to India and studied transendental meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. They also wrote some of their greatest songs while there. Many of which appeared on the "White Album." The Beatles occasionally used Indian instrumentation on their songs. "Norwegian Wood," "The Inner Light," and "Love You To" prominently feature the sitar, tabla and other musical instruments.

5 comments:

  1. fab post only knew of the one from Janwar before your post, i need to watch my Andaz dvd asap

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  2. Thanks bollywooddeewana... yeah, I think it had to be a "fab post" since its about the "Fab Four." :) And of course, Bollywood is fab, too :)

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  3. Great post, I also love the Beatles. I think you can safely say they were instrumental in introducing sitar music & other Indian influences like yoga to the West.

    btw, I think I spotted a young Mr Naidu in blue swimming trunks in the Andaz song (pause it at 0:22) !

    Asli Jat

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  4. Glad you liked it, Asli Jat. Yep, the Beatles still rule after all these years and the influence of Indian culture, music, and mysticism in their songs and lives can't be denied :)

    Yeah, it appears I made a cameo appearance in Andaz :)

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  5. Great post and a wonderful blog! Andaz was positively inspired by The Beatles sound.

    I would like to share a link to my post about George Harrison's 1967 Kashmir trip.

    ReplyDelete

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