Created by : Rakesh Roshan & Shashi Ranjan for ‘Netflix’
OTT platforms are now exploring the space of docu-series showcasing lives & work of some of Bollywood’s legendary actors, writers, singers from yester-years that today’s generation wouldn’t even have heard of. The latest in docu-series titled ‘The Roshans’ seemed promising. With four parts to it, two devoted to the famed music composers and two to the director & actors that form the ‘Roshan’ legacy. We discovered it was a warm and wholesome treat for music buffs like us & die hard fans of Hrithik Roshan !
Part 1 is sheer delight for ‘music lovers’ & delves into composer Roshan’s life & times, a simple man with quintessential big dreams, his initial struggles to get a foothold in Mumbai‘s tough music industry and his extraordinary creative journey from the ‘50s till ‘70s what was later called the ‘golden era’. There’s a fine blending of story-telling (by sons, Rakesh & Rajesh and grandson Hrithik), with nostalgic reminiscences of veterans from the bygone era, coupled with intimate interviews from those contemporary music composers, stars and film directors closely associated with ‘Roshan’ family and clips of Roshan’s super compositions. Interestingly, his wife Ira, was a singer & song-writer too.
The big repertoire of musical genius that Roshan displayed in his long career stands out despite great stalwarts like Dada Burman, Salil Chowdhary, Naushad, C Ramchandra, Madan Mohan and others, all splendidly competing. Snippets reveal the kind of lively banter and camaraderie that existed between them, one composer would applaud good work of another or feign jealousy with humour. Roshan was advised by Burman never to change his style that was based on soulful melodies, He once confessed that ‘Rahe Na Rahe Hum..’(Mamta) tune was lifted from Dada’s old classic ‘Thandi Hawaein.’ ! Rajesh (Roshan) shares that when Roshan passed away, Madan Mohan broke down in tears.
That brings us to the huge bouquet of incredibly beautiful compositions from Roshan that deserve mention. Starting from the hit ‘Khayalon Mein..’ (‘Bawre Nain’ in 1950), his range was truly amazing from classical gem ‘ Laga Chunri Mein..’ (Dil Hi Toh Hai) and qawali ‘Na Toh Karwan Ki..’ (Barsaat Ki Raat)) to the lyrically romantic ‘Ab Kya Misal Doon..’(Aarti) & ‘Jo Vada Kiya..’ (Taj Mahal) to the poignant ‘Rahte the Kabhi..’(Mamta) & ‘Dil Joh Na Keh Saka..’(Bheegi Raat), the list goes on.. My favourite is all time great philosophical number ‘Man Re Tu Kahe Na..’(Chitralekha), rated as one of the finest songs. Sadly Roshan was not given his due recognition that he richly deserved. Yet fans remain indebted for the treasures he left. ‘The Roshan’ legacy has reached the drawing rooms of people through this series. Let’s savour it’s entire heartwarming experience !
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