1949

The golden age opens: voices crossing Partition's line, the new alphabet of Lata–Rafi–Mukesh–Talat, and the composers' new order from Naushad to Shankar–Jaikishan. The Hindi film song is taking its summit form. A year that built an age: Barsaat opens the RK/Shankar-Jaikishan sound, Andaz's triangle, and Mahal's 'Aayega Aanewala' proclaims the Lata era. Our archive holds 8 songs and 8 films of this year — each page growing toward the most comprehensive account of its subject. Films in the archive this year include Andaz 1949, Badi Behen 1949, Barsaat 1949, Dillagi 1949. Essential records: Chup Chup Khade Ho Badi Behen, Jiya Beqarar Hai Barsaat, Tu Kahe Agar Andaz.