| "Mi Dolkara Daryacha Raja" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Lata Mangeshkar, Hemant Kumar | |
| from the album Geet Shilp Marathi Geete | |
| Language | Marathi |
| Genre | Koli geet |
| Length | 7:21 |
| Label | Saregama India Ltd A RSGP Group Company |
| Songwriter(s) | Shanta Shelke |
| Composer(s) | Hridaynath Mangeshkar |
"Mi Dolkara Daryacha Raja" is a 1969 Marathi-language song sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Hemant Kumar, with lyrics by Shanta Shelke. Composed by Hridaynath Mangeshkar.
Development
In West Bengal, the ‘Kahars’—who carry palanquins on their shoulders—sing in a distinct rhythm for their own enjoyment. Hridaynath Mangeshkar, having heard these songs, decided to create a Koli song with a similar rhythm. He approached Shanta Shelke to write lyrics about the life of the Kolis.
Shanta Shelke composed a song that blends Marathi and Konkani, carefully crafted after observing the lives and mindset of the fishermen, both men and women, as well as the geography and social dynamics of the Konkan region. The composition reflects his in-depth study over several days. The song's music incorporates a rhythmic pattern, with the chorus prominently featuring the lines ‘Valhav Re Nakhava’.
This song, first broadcast on the radio in 1969, became an instant hit and received widespread acclaim.
Reception
Loksatta praising the emotional depth and musical structure of the song, highlight how the melody shifts from intense, expansive highs to introspective, calming lows, reflecting the bittersweet and contemplative nature of the lyrics and wrote "the song takes the listener on an emotional journey, from turbulence to peace, creating a deep connection with both the natural world and the speaker's inner feelings."
Kailas Kamod of Sakal praises the song for its exquisite musical composition, which beautifully captures both the serene and tumultuous moods of the sea. He also lauds the choice of singers, noting that Hemant Kumar's folk music background and the absence of the letter ळ (La) make his voice perfectly suited for the song. Additionally, he commends Lata Mangeshkar's skillful use of Konkani pronunciation, which adds a distinct rhythm to the piece. Kamod writes, "When listening to the lines ‘Valhav Re Nakhava,’ the rhythm created evokes the sensation of being in a boat, gently swaying on calm waves. The first stanza has a joyful melody, while the music in the second stanza vividly conveys the fierce power of the stormy sea."
Influence
The tune of the song was adapted for the Tamil song "Vanthenda Paalkaaran" from the film Annaamalai (1992). Composed by Deva and sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, the song used the folk melody to elevate Rajinikanth's mass hero image.
The tune was also reused in 1990 Hindi song "I Love You" for the soundtrack of Mahasangram film.
References
- ^ Kusnur, Narendra (2021-07-01). "Hemant Kumar — The voice behind haunting melodies". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 2022-08-30. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
Hemant Kumar's Hindi film career slowed down in the 70s, but he reamined a huge name in Rabindra Sangeet, also composing for Bengali films. He sang in other languages too, with the 1969 Marathi duet with Lata, 'Mi dolkar daryacha raja', composed by Hridaynath Mangeshkar, becoming a big hit. His voice still stirs fans whether they listen to the Bengali song 'Dagor dagor chokhe' or 'Ya dil ki suno'.
- "मी डोलकर डोलकर". Aathavanitli Gani. Archived from the original on 2024-12-16. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
- ^ Kamod, Kailas (2024-06-23). "मी डोलकर दर्याचा राजा..." Sakal (in Marathi). Archived from the original on 2024-06-23. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
- "मी डोलकर". Loksatta (in Marathi). 2015-08-21. Archived from the original on 2024-12-16. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
- Srinivasan, Karthik (2018-11-20). "The Kannada And Marathi Roots Of Rajinikanth's First Hero Introduction Song". www.filmcompanion.in. Archived from the original on 2024-12-11. Retrieved 2024-12-16.