With the music of SANJOG, MANMAUJI and ANPADH in early 60s followed by a blockbuster year in 1964 with JAHANARA, GAZAL, HAQEEQAT, WOH KAUN THI and in 1966 with MERA SAAYA, Madanji had set high expectations for himself. At the same time, he had to adapt to the different styles of films being made in mid 60s... some with more light situations in romantic, youthful films with requirement of modern and western arrangements that were being used by others, especially the younger new composers who were emerging and attaining success.

CHIRAG (1969) was the third film in which Madanji worked with Raj Khosla, after the musical success of WOH KAUN THI and MERA SAAYA. And Madanji created a score that was so different... modern and yet rich in melody. Musical arrangements of a very high standard... violins very well deployed, and yet the sitar and Indian instruments in some of the songs that demanded it. Since Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, who teamed up with him in the earlier two films, had recently passed away, Madanji worked with Majrooh Sultanpuri after a long gap in this film. The Sunil Dutt - Asha Parekh starrer did not appeal to audiences as it was considered too heavy by audiences who had started enjoying more light films by then. It was disappointing for Madanji as his hard work went largely unnoticed, and this also affected his future teaming with Raj Khosla who had moved on to younger composers by then.

The very well composed and arranged title song was deleted from the film and is rarely heard. The Raag Megh based, ‘Chhaayi Barkha Bahaar’ is an amazing composition and arranged with memorable rhythmic patterns. It took hours to record due to the large musical team including chorus, yet sounds so fresh. While the song ‘Teri Aankhon Ke Siwa’ became popular at that time, it is even more appreciated today. The two versions were separately done and arranged. The Rafi Saab version is the happy romantic one, while the Lataji one is sad and emotional.

Madanji was very happy with Majrooh Saab’s lyrics. In the link below we can hear Lataji sharing her experience about this and the recording of ‘Teri Aankhon Ke Siwa’.
Click here to Listen to the Audio