Laxmikant-Pyarelal: One of the Successful Names in Bollywood Music

Hailing from humble backgrounds, Laxmikant and Pyarelal turned their hardships to their advantage with their remarkable musical talent. During their professional career from the 1960s to 1990s, they worked with renowned music directors like Sachin Dev (S.D.) Burman, Naushad, C. Ramchandra and Kalyanji-Anandji.

It was the eminent singer, Lata Mangeshkar, who gave them their first break. Lata Mangeshkar also sang maximum songs with the composer duo. Similarly, the singing legends Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi and Kishore had their loyalties with Laxmikant Pyarelal. Each recorded a maximum number of songs of their career with Laxmikant-Pyarelal compared to any other music director.

Here's a detailed account of the successful career of Laxmikant Pyarelal or L-P as they were fondly called.

Besides, Laxmikant and Pyarelal had their first encounter at Lata Mangeshkar's music academy for children, Sureela Kala Kendra. The similarity in age and economic background and the common love for music helped create a strong bond between the young musicians. On learning about their financial status, Lata Mangheskar suggested the musicians' names to the prominent music directors in those times S D Burman, C. Ramchandra and Naushad.

Here on, Laxmikant and Pyarelal paired together as Laxmikant-Pyarelal duo. They became assistants to the famous composer duo, Kalyanjji-Anandji, for movies like Bluff Master (1963) and Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965).

Laxmikant and Pyarelal got their first break as music director for Babubhai Mistry's Parasmani. The movie had many popular songs like ‘Hasata Hua Nurani Chehara’, and ‘Woh Jab Yaad Aaye, Bahut Yaad Aaye. ’

Then came their next big hit for the movie Dosti (1964). The Rajshri Productions' film had songs like 'Chahoonga Main Tujhe Shaam Savere' and 'Rahi Manwa' that won them their first Filmfare award for Best Music Director.

Though Laxmikant-Pyarelal began as assistants for R D Burman, Pyarelal has often mentioned their strong bond with R. D Burman. Pyarelal has often mentioned how as artists, they co-existed harmoniously in the industry.

Laxmikant-Pyarelal went on to give memorable hits for several movies, including Milan (1967), Do Raaste (1969), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Karz (1980), Hero (1983), Utsav (1984), Khalnayak (1993) and many more.

There's an interesting story behind the all-time favourite song 'My Name is Anthony Gonsalves' from Amar Akbar Anthony. Director Manmohan Desai wanted the name to be 'Anthony Fernandes'. However, Pyarelal changed it to 'Anthony Gonsalves' as a tribute to his violin teacher of the same name.

Laxmikant-Pyarelal's music was inspired by the famous music director duo Shankar-Jaikishan. However, the former duo created their niche as their career progressed.

The duo also managed a rare feat of getting successful singers to record one song, 'Humko Tumse Ho Gaya Hain Pyaar Kya Kare' from Amar Akbar Anthony. This song had the voices of the legends - Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Mukesh and Mohammad Rafi. L-P's genius can also be seen in the movie Karz where a ghazal 'Dard-e-Dil Dard-e-jigar' was given a Western twist.

In the 70s, when Rafi's singing offers reduced, the composer duo brought his career back on track with songs like 'Parda Hai Parda' from Amar Akbar Anthony, 'Ek Raasta Do Raahi' from Ram Balram ((1980) and ‘John Jani Janardan Tar Ram Pam Pam’ from Naseeb (1981).

Laxmikant-Pyarelal also gave a break to new singing talent who later became prominent names in the industry. The composer duo introduced playback singers including Kavita Krishnamurthy, Suresh Wadkar, Vinod Rathod, Sukhwinder Singh, and Roop Kumar Rathod.

Laxmikant passed away in 1998. Pyarelal continued the legacy with a few compositions. He also arranged music for playback singer Kumar Sanu's music directorial debut. Pyarelal also composed the orchestra music for the song 'Dhoom Tana' from Om Shanti Om (2007).

While many musicians from the bygone era do not appreciate the new age music, Pyarelal has different views. In interviews, he has mentioned how he appreciates all kinds of music. Though he has never favoured remixes of songs. Together, Laxmikant and Pyarelal created numerous hits and won several awards. They are fondly remembered as L-P even today.