Cineplot Music

Pankaj Mullick (1905 – 1978)

Pankaj Mullick

A venerated composer, singer, and actor, Pankaj Mullick was one of the leading music directors of the early days of the sound era. Born in Calcutta, Mullick had an early interest in music. He gave up college to concentrate solely on music, and went on to be trained under Durgadas Bannerjee and Dinendranath Tagore. After releasing his first record in 1926, he joined the Indian Broadcasting Company. His association with radio lasted long; during this time he presented such popular programmes as Sangeet Shikshar Asar and Mahishamardini.

Mullick joined films during the silent era. His first film assignment was to provide background music by conducting a live orchestra during the screening of International Filmcraft’s silent films, Chasher Meye and Chorekanta. He then joined New Theatres as a composer for the costume epic, Yahudi Ki Ladki. During the 1930s, Mullick, along with R.C. Boral, composed music for some of the most famous films of the era, such as Devdas, Maya, and President. Mullick was especially lauded for his work in Mukti, where he composed music for one of Rabindranath Tagore’s songs, Diner sheshe ghumer deshe. The film also featured several of Tagore’s lyrics and original tunes.

The period after Mukti saw Mullick focus on playback singing and acting. Some of his most popular renditions include Kab tak niras ki andhiyari (Doctor), Piya milan ko jana (Kapal Kundala), and Ye kaun aaj aaya savere savere (Nartaki). He eventually turned his attention back to composing film music.

In 1973, Mullick was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to Indian cinema. He played an important role in shaping the successful singing careers of such musical giants as K.L. Saigal and Kanan Devi. Mullick has also been credited with popularizing Rabindra Sangeet in Hindi. His autobiography, Amar Jug Amar Gaan, was published in 1980.

Listen!

Piya milan ko jana , Singer – Pankaj Mullick, Music – Pankaj Mullick, Film – Kapal Kundala, Year –1939

Bollywood . Music Directors . Singing Stars