Renowned for his soul-stirring compositions, which are still hummed by music lovers, Jaidev crafted some of the most memorable melodies of Indian cinema, such as “Main Zindagi Ka Sath Nibhata Chala Gaya,” “Allah Tero Naam,” and “Kabhi Khud Pe Kabhi Halat Pe,” “Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar,” “Seene Mein Jalan,” “Aap Ki Yaad Aati Rahi,” “Ye Dil Aur Unki Nigahon Ke Saye,” and many more.
Early Life
Jaidev Verma, known simply as Jaidev, was a distinguished figure in the realm of Hindi film music, born on August 3, 1918, in Nairobi, Kenya. His father worked as a railway official in Kenya. Jaidev’s family moved to Ludhiana, India, in 1927 after the death of his father. Jaidev’s early exposure to music came from his mother, who used to sing devotional songs and bhajans. His family moved to Ludhiana, India, in 1927. His father’s blindness in the 1930s placed family responsibilities on young Jaidev. After his father’s death in 1943, he arranged his sister’s marriage to Sat-Paul Varma.
Jaidev’s musical training began early, starting with vocal lessons from Sardar Sohan Singh and Prof. Barkat Rai in Ludhiana. Jaidev’s early life was marked by a passion for the arts that led him to Mumbai, the heart of India’s film industry, at the young age of 15. His initial foray into the world of cinema was as a child actor with the Wadia Film Company. However, his true calling was music, His musical education continued under the guidance of Krishnarao Jaokar and Janardan Jaokar.
A pivotal moment in Jaidev’s life came when he met Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. In 1943, he moved to Lucknow to learn sarod under from him. Jaidev’s years under the tutelage of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan were formative, not just in honing his musical skills but also in shaping his collaborative spirit. He later trained briefly at Uday Shankar’s India Cultural Centre in Almora, though the centre closed in 1944.
Jaidev In films
At 15, Jaidev ran away to Bombay in 1933, inspired by the film Ali Baba Chalis Chor (1932). He acted in eight films for Wadia Movietone, including Vaman Avatar (1934), Hunterwali (1935), and Miss Frontier Mail (1936), credited as “Master Jaidev,” dubbed the “Indian Frankie Darro” for his stunt roles. Acting proved unsuitable, and he returned to Ludhiana after his father’s blindness. He worked as a music teacher in a local school. In 1943, he joined Ali Akbar Khan in Lucknow, later accompanying him to Bombay. There, he assisted Khan on Navketan’s Aandhiyan (1952) and Humsafar (1953), playing sarod and surmandal for background scores.
It was with Navketan Films that Jaidev found the canvas to paint his musical expressions. He later worked under the legendary S.D. Burman. He contributed to several landmark scores for films such as “Taxi Driver” (1954), “House No. 44” (1955), “Kala Pani” (1958), and “Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi” (1958).
This period was crucial as it allowed Jaidev to observe and learn from the interactions between stalwarts. His first independent break, however, came with Chetan Anand‘s “Joru Ka Bhai,” which, despite its commercial performance, showcased Jaidev’s potential as a music director. In the film the song “Subah Ka Intezaar Kaun Kare” “Tu Sach Batla Mujhe Jogi,” sung by Lata Mangeshkar was espacially notable.
Breakthrough and Long Struggle
His breakthrough came with the classic “Hum Dono” (1961), which featured timeless tracks that are cherished to this day. Directed by Amarjeet for Navketan, this Dev Anand starrer features Jaidev’s career-defining score. The movie featured songs that have become evergreen hits, such as “Allah Tero Naam” based on raag Gaud Sarang, “Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar” on Raag Yaman Kalyan, “Main Zindagi Ka Saath” on raag Bhairavi, and “Kabhi Khud Pe Kabhi Halat Pe” on Raag Gara. This film established Jaidev as a notable music director in the industry.
Although Hum Dono established him as a talented musician, he did not get many offers, which was a pity. His subsequent films were few, but he gave them his hundred percent. In 1963 came Sunil Dutt‘s Mujhe Jeene Do, a dacoit-courtesan love story. The film had playful “Nadi Naare Na Jao Shyam” sung by Asha Bhosle. It also has “Ab Koi Gulshan Na Ujde” by Rafi, “Tere Bachpan Ko Jawani Ki Dua” and “Raat Bhi Hai Kuch Bheegi Bheegi” by Lata.
In 1966 he gave music to Nepali film “Maitighar.” He also gave music to Jiyo Aur Jeene Do (1969), and Sapna (1969). Some of his notable songs include “Are Zalim Na Tu Humse Khafa Hota Toh Kya Hota,” “Dil Jawan Hai Aarzoo Jawan” (Samundari Daku), Kis Kis Ko Deepak Pyar Kare (Anjali), Dekh Li Teri Khudai, Aaj Achanak Toot Gaye Kyun Man Beena Ke Taar, Jab Gham-E-Ishq Sataata Hai and Chale Ja Rahe Hain, (Kinare Kinare), Aansoo Chhupaye Aankh Mein (Hamare Gham Se Mat Khelo), and many more.
Jaidev The Master of Soulful Melodies
Jaidev assisted S.D. Burman on Guide (1965), composing “Din Dhal Jaaye” and “Tere Mere Sapne” (both in raags Bilawal and Gara). Dev Anand’s decision to credit Burman solely was a major setback.
Throughout his career, Jaidev was known for his ability to blend traditional and folk elements with cinematic themes. He created a unique soundscape that’s still loved by audiences. Directed by Sunil Dutt, Reshma Aur Shera (1971) earned Jaidev his first National Film Award. Songs like Tu Chanda Main Chandni (raag Maand, Lata Mangeshkar), Ek Meethi Si Chubhan (raag Pahadi, Lata Mangeshkar), and Jaa Ri Pawaniya (folk-based, Manna Dey) capture the desert romance, blending folk and classical elements. The film flopped but is remembered for its music.
One of his most exceptional works came in Ved Rahi’s lost film “Prem Parbat (1973),” starring Rehana Sultan, Nana Palsikar and Satish Kaul. The film had songs like Raat Piya Ke Sang Jaagi Re Sakhi, and fanb favourite “Yeh Dil Aur Unki Nigaahon Ke Saaye.”
Bhimsain’s Gharonda (1977) have Ek Akela Is Shahar Mein (raag Misr Pahaadi, Bhupinder Singh). The film also haver Do Deewane sung by Runa Laila and Bhupinder Singh. The songs, reflecting alienation, became radio hits, contributing to the film’s cult status.
Muzaffar Ali’s Gaman (1978) about a migrant taxi driver earned Jaidev his IInd National Film Award. Seene Mein Jalan (raag Yaman, Suresh Wadkar), Ajeeb Saneha (Raag Gara, Hariharan), and Aapki Yaad Aati Rahi (Raag Bhairvi, Chhaya Ganguly) evoke urban isolation. The film’s modest budget belied its musical impact.
Famous songs
Some of his notable films in the 1970s and 80s include Ashadh Ka Ek Din (1971), Do Boond Pani (1971), Ek Thi Reeta (1971), Parinay (1974), Andolan (1975), Laila Majnu (1976), Alaap (1977), Kissa Kursee Ka (1977), Doooriyan (1978), Solva Sawan (1978), Tumhare Liye (1978), Aai Teri Yaad (1980), Ek Gunah Aur Sahi (1980), and Jumbish (1985).
Some of his memorable songs from these films include Peetal Ki Mori Gaagri (Do Boond Pani),” “Yeh Wohi Geet Hai Jisko Maine (Man Jaiye),” Pyaas Thi Phir Bhi Taqaza Na Kiya (Alingan), Dar-O-Deewar Pe Hasrat Se Nazar Karte Hain (Andolan), “Likh Kar Tera Naam Zamin Par” and “Laila Majnu Do Badan Ek Jaan The” (Laila Majnu), “Aayi Ritu Saawan Ki,” “Chand Akela Jaaye Sakhi Ri” (Alaap), “Zahar Deta Hai Mujhe Koi (Wohi Baat),” “Zindagi Mein Jab Tumhare Gham Nahin The (Dooriyan),” “Aasman Par Ik Sitara (Jumbish),” and many more
Other Work
In the later years of his career, Jaidev composed music for films like “Ankahee (1985),” which won him his third National Film Award. The score, with minimal orchestration, complements the film’s emotional depth. The film had classical compositions like “Raghuvar Tumko Meri Laaj,” and “Thumak Thumak Pag Dumak Kunj Madhu,” by Bhimsen Joshi, and Mujhko Bhi Radha Bana Le Nandlal, and “Kauno Nagariya Lootal Ho Thagwa,” by Asha Bhosle.
Jaidev was not just a music director; he was an innovator who introduced new voices to the industry. Singers like Suresh Wadkar and Hariharan owe their breaks to Jaidev’s keen ear for talent. His protégé Chhaya Ganguly in “Gaman” is another name that stands out in the list of talents he brought to the fore.
His non-film album “Madhushala,” sung by Manna Dey, which set the poetry of Harivansh Rai Bachchan to music, remains a classic, showcasing his versatility and depth as a composer.
While much is known about Jaidev’s collaborations within the film industry, his interactions with artists from other fields are less documented. For instance, his engagement with Meera Mukherjee, a sculptor and painter, during her research on metal casting techniques, reflects his interest in diverse art forms.
Despite many of his films not faring well at the box office, Jaidev’s music never failed to touch hearts. His compositions transcended commercial success, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and music lovers alike.
Personal Life
Jaidev never married, dedicating his life to music. He remained close to his sister Ved Kumari’s family, who settled in the United Kingdom. In his later years, he lived as a paying guest in a small, cluttered room in Mumbai’s Churchgate area, owning little beyond his harmonium. His health declined in the 1980s, exacerbated by industry struggles. On January 3, 1987, he was hospitalized at Breach Candy Hospital after vomiting blood. He died on January 6, 1987, at age 68.
Although Jaidev is not with us anymore, but his music lives on, immortalised through the melodies that define the golden era of Hindi cinema. His life and works remain a source of inspiration, a reminder of the power of music to evoke emotions and memories.
Jaidev on IMDB
