Geeta Dutt is a name that still echoes in the heart of Indian music lovers even after 50 years of her death.
Geeta Dutt was born in undivided Bengal (now known as Bangladesh) on 23rd November 1930. Since her birth, Geeta was fond of music, recognizing that, her family members let her learn music. In 1942, Geeta's family members moved to Bombay. That became a turning point in her life. Geeta Dutt got her first break as a singer for a film called 'Bhakta Prahlad' by Hanuman Prasad. Her voice got noticed by great composer Sachin Dev Burman in 1947. That meeting is considered the second big thing in her life as a professional singer. While lending voices for beautiful songs, she got married to Guru Dutt, an upcoming director in 1953. A book can be written about her life post-marriage. Let's just keep those things aside and cherish the most beautiful songs sung by her.
'Babuji Dheere Chalna' from 'Aar Paar' (1954):
O.P. Nayyar and Geeta Dutt combination is an immortal pair in the history of Bollywood playback singing. This song is a foot-tapping cabaret number, picturized on Shakila in a restaurant. The lyrics were written by Majrooh Sultanpuri.
'Waqt Ne Kiya Hasin Sitam' from 'Kaagaz Ke Phool' (1959):
This is such a bittersweet song by Geeta Dutt during a hard time in her personal life. The song was picturized on Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rahman. This is one of the most moving and soulful melodies by Geeta Dutt. The lyrics were written by Kaifi Azmi.
'Thandi Hawa Kali Ghata' from 'Mr.And Mrs 55' (1955)
This beautiful song was filmed on Madhubala. The song was choreographed by a group of ladies dancing under umbrellas. This was another classic song by O.P. Nayyar and Geeta Dutt pair, where Majrooh Sultanpuri wrote the lyrics.
'Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo' from 'Howrah Bridge' (1958)
This is another sensational song sung by Geeta Dutt. It became a rage during the time of its release. The song featured the gorgeous Helen in the film. This song contributed largely to the box office collection of Howrah Bridge.
'Yeh hai Bombay Meri Jaan' from 'CID' (1956):
This is a duet song by Geeta Dutt and Mohammad Rafi. The music composer of this song was again O.P. Nayyar. This song features Johnny Walker along with Kumkum. The best part about this song is depicting the charms of Mumbai town.
Iconic Bengali songs:
Geeta Dutt also sang some iconic Bengali songs composed by renowned music directors like Nachiketa Ghosh, Hemant Kumar, and so on. The most famous Bengali songs are ‘Tumi Je Amar’ from 'Harano Sur' (1958), ‘Ei Sundar Swarnali Sandhyay’ from the film Hospital, released in 1960, ‘Nishiraat Banka Chand Aakashe’ from 'Prithibi Amare Chaay' (1957), 'Jhanak Jhanak Kanak Kankan Baaje' from Indrani (1958). These songs became immortal due to her voice and composition.
The career that began with a meteoric rise ended tragically due to personal and professional issues.
