Snehal Bhatkar was always remembered for his exceptional work in Hindi and Marathi film music. Some of his most famous songs include Kabhi Tanhaiyon Mein Yun Hamari Yaad Aayegi, Haal-E-Dil Unko Sunaana Tha, Rut Hai Suhani Baadal Chhaaye Re, Dil Ka Milna Mushkil Hai, and many more.
Early Life and Career
Snehal Bhatkar was born Vasudev Gangaram Bhatkar on July 17, 1919, in Mumbai. He was raised by his mother, who was a singer herself, after his father died when he was only one and a half years old. It was his mother who taught him music before he joined Shri Krishna Sangeet Vidyalaya in Dadar. After his training, he started singing in various programmes and also got a job at the H.M.V. record company in the 1940s.
It was the time when he met noted filmmaker Kidar Sharma, who gave him a chance as a singer in his 1944 film “Kaliyan.” The song was “Saajan Paas Bula Lo” under the music direction of G.A. Chishti.
He went on to sing for a few more films like Lady Doctor (1944), Neel Kamal (1947), Sant Tukaram (1948), Rangeela Rajastan (1949), Sangeeta (1949), Bhola Shankar (1951), and Hari Har Bhakti (1956).
Snehal Bhatkar The Musician
His first film as a music composer was “Rukmini Swayamwar,” sharing credits with music director Sudhir Phadke as “Vasudev-Sudhir.” The collaboration comes to an end after the film.
Bhatkar’s career took off with the 1947 film “Neel Kamal,” which was also the adult debut film of Raj Kapoor and Madhubala. It has songs like “Bhool Jate Hai, Bhool Jaya Karen” by Rajkumari and “Jaiyo Na Bides” by Rajkumari and Bhatkar. The film was also the beginning of a long and fruitful association with filmmaker-lyricist “Kidar Sharma.” Together, they created memorable songs that are cherished to this day. One of his most notable works is the song “Kabhi Tanhaiyon Mein” from the movie “Hamari Yaad Aayegi,” sung by Mubarak Begum.
The duo worked on films like Sohag Raat (1948), Thes (1949), Gunah (1953), Ganga Ki Lehren (1958), Scout Camp (1958), Hamari Yaad Aayegi (1961), Fariyad (1964), and Pehla Kadam (1980). Some other notable songs from their collaboration are “Lakhi Babul Mere,” “Dil Tod Ke Chale Jana Hai,” “Jo Dil Kadmo Pe,” “Kabhi To Poora Tol Prani,” “Ankhon Mein Teri Yaad Liye Ja Raha,” “Haal-E-Dil Unko Sunaana Tha,” “Rut Hai Suhani Baadal Chhaaye Re,” and many more.
Other Work
Bhatkar also gave music to films like Sant Tukaram (1948), Sati Ahalya (1949), Hamari Beti (1950), Pagle (1950), Nand Kishore (1951), Aaj Ki Baat (1955), Bindiya (1955), Daku (1955), Diwali Ki Raat (1956), Jaldeep (1956), Ganga Ki Lehren (1958), Hariyaa (1958), Chhabili (1960), Guru Bhakti (1960), and Deepak (1963).
His contribution to Marathi songs is also well known. He also worked extensively in Marathi cinema and composed non-film songs like bhajans, devotional songs, and patriotic songs, which are still popular. Some of the notable songs include “Bahu Asot Sundar,” “Variyane Kundal Hale,” “Preeticha Nav Vasant Phulala,” “Tuj Sathi Shankara,” and many more.
Some of his other songs include “Kisane Ye Kisane Chhede Taar” Hamari Beti (1950), “Pyar Ki Nazaron Se Unko,” “Woh Chali Gham Ki Hawa,” in Aaj Ki Baat (1955), “Leheron Pe Leher,” “Ae Mere Humsafar,” in Chhabili (1960), “Aap Ne Huzoor Mujhe” in Fariyad (1965), “Yeh Khushi Ka Sama,” “Yeh Khushi Ka Sama Zindagi,” in Diwali Ki Raat (1956), “Bolo Bolo Sajan” in Thes (1949), “Sada Mulk Punjab” in Hariya (1958), and many more.
Top Ten Songs
Kabhi Tanhaiyon Mein
Film: Hamari Yaad Aayegi (1961)
A haunting melody of solitude, originally composed for Lata Mangeshkar but immortalized by Mubarak Begum’s soulful rendition. Its poignant lyrics and minimal orchestration define Bhatkar’s signature style.
Lehroun Pe Lehar
Film: Chhabili (1960)
A rare and poetic track, showcasing Bhatkar’s ability to blend Hemant Kumar and Nutan’s voices with evocative lyrics, creating an immersive emotional experience.
Hum Par Jaadoo Daal Gaye
Film: Gunah (1953)
Sung by Lata Mangeshkar, this playful yet soulful composition highlights Bhatkar’s knack for crafting light-hearted melodies with depth.
Raadhaa Ke Man Kee Muraliyaa Pukaare
Film: Nand Kishore (1951)
Lata sang this rare devotional track with a serene melody, reflecting Bhatkar’s roots in bhajan music.
Dil Kaa Milnaa Mushkil Hai
Film: Hamari Beti (1950)
A tender romantic song from Nutan’s debut film, showcasing Bhatkar’s ability to evoke emotion through simple arrangements. The song has two versions, one in Mukesh‘s voice and the other in Lata’s.
Woh Chalee Gham Kee Hawaa
Film: Aaj Ki Baat (1955)
Lata sang the melancholic track, capturing the essence of loss, with Bhatkar’s minimalist approach amplifying its emotional weight.
Pyaar Ki Nazron Se
Film: Harihar Bhakti (1956)
Talat Mahmood’s velvet voice blends spirituality with melody, a testament to Bhatkar’s versatility.
Bahu Asot Sundar
Album: Non-film Marathi song
Sung by Jyotsna Bhole and Bhatkar himself, it is a patriotic Marathi song praising Maharashtra.
Variyane Kundal Hale
Album: Marathi devotional folk
A traditional Marathi devotional song, reflecting Bhatkar’s deep connection to spiritual music.
Tuj Sathi Shankara
Film: Chimukla Pahuna
Lata Mangeshkar sang this heartfelt Marathi film song, an iconic composition which showcased the legacy of both the legends.
Personal Life
Snehal Bhatkar passed away on May 29th, 2007 at the age of 88. He was survived by two sons: Ramesh Bhatkar and Avinash Bhatkar, and a daughter, Snehlata Bhatkar. His son Ramesh Bhatkar is a Marathi actor who acted in “Sehme Hue Sitare (1994),” which was also Snehal Bhatkar’s last film.
Snehal Bhatkar on IMDB
