Magic in Tunes – From Charade to Gumnaam

For all songs in this series, go here.

I was watching a program on Henry Mancini on TV (Henry Mancini 100 at Hollywood Bowl) that happened in California. They were playing his famous tunes and songs that he had either composed or conducted in Hollywood films in the second half of 20th century. He was an American composer, conductor, arranger, pianist and flutist. One of the theme song that he composed for the 1963 American romantic comedy mystery film Charade was playing and I immediately recognized as it being copied into a Bollywood film (Hindi).

Here is the 1963 Charade movie’s theme song

And now to the 1964 Indian Hindi language mystery film Gumnaam (= Anonymous) where this music was used for a recurring song in the film that kept playing, taunting the characters while they are killed one by one. An unfairly overlooked album from this movie, the music was composed by the duo Shankar-Jaikishan, Background vocals provided by the legendry Lata Mangeshkar and Lyrics penned by Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri. (unfortunately cannot post the original video as it is copyrighted and cannot be posted on WordPress 😦 )

Incidentally for the 2016 Indian Hindi language supernatural horror film 1920 London, this song was recreated but used the chorus mostly from the original song. Background Vocals provided by Jubin Nautiyal and Antara Mitra. Music composed by Kaushik-Akash for JAM8 and Lyrics penned by Kunaal Vermaa (same again, couldnt post the original video as the owner had restrictions. So only a music one)

Here are the English transliterated Lyrics of the song from 1963 Hindi movie:

Gumnam Hain Koi; Badnam Hain Koi
Kisko Khabar Kaun Hain; Woh Anjan Hain Koi
Gumnam Hain Koi; Badnam Hain Koi
Kisko Khabar Kaun Hain; Woh Anjan Hain Koi
Gumnam Hain Koi

Kisko Samjhe Hum Apna; Kal Ka Nam Hain Ek Sapna
Kisko Samjhe Hum Apna; Kal Ka Nam Hain Ek Sapna
Aaj Agar Tum Zinda Ho; Toh Kal Ke Liye; Kal Ke Liye Mala Japna
Gumnam Hain Koi; Badnam Hain Koi
Kisko Khabar Kaun Hain; Woh Anjan Hain Koi
Gumnam Hain Koi

Pal Do Pal Ki Masti Hain; Bas Do Din Ki Basti Hain
Pal Do Pal Ki Masti Hain; Bas Do Din Ki Basti Hain
Chain Yaha Par Mehenga Hain; Aur Maut Yaha; Maut Yaha Par Sasti Hain
Gumnam Hain Koi; Badnam Hain Koi
Kisko Khabar Kaun Hain; Woh Anjan Hain Koi
Gumnam Hain Koi

Kaun Bala Toofani Hain; Maut Ko Khud Hairani Hain
Kaun Bala Toofani Hain; Maut Ko Khud Hairani Hain
Aaye Sada Veeranon Se; Jo Paida Hua; Paida Hua Woh Pani Hain

Gumnam Hain Koi; Badnam Hain Koi
Kisko Khabar Kaun Hain; Woh Anjan Hain Koi
Gumnam Hain Koi; Badnam Hain Koi
Kisko Khabar Kaun Hain; Woh Anjan Hain Koi
Gumnam Hain Koi