Golden era of music never went away: Joy Mukerji's wife

Late actor-director Joy Mukerji's wife Neelam, set to release her husband's 1974 film "Love In Bombay" soon, says the music of the film will be enjoyed by all and sundry as music lovers still enjoy old compositions.

"The golden era never went. It has always been there. The most popular radio programmes are the ones featuring the old music. Even music channels, they play more of old film songs. The golden era of music has been there. Even today, the maximum sales are of the old songs or their compilations," Neelam told IANS.

She feels that old songs still enjoy a longer shelf life compared to the new songs.

"What is marvellous is that we still remember those old songs, their tunes and words. We still hum and sing them," she said and added that people hear new songs in the theatre, "enjoy them there... but once you are out of the theatre, you don't even remember them".

"This is not a personal offence to anyone," she said.

Composed by Shankar-Jaikishan and penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri, the music album of "Love in Bombay" offers a bouquet of songs sung by Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi and Kishore Kumar.

"Shankar-Jaikishan's music is evergreen. Then they have teamed up with Majrooh Sultanpuri. Asha Bhosle has sung very well," said Neelam.

"Rafi saab is my personal favourite singer and I don't think anyone can match him. Kishore Kumar was my husband's uncle, he used to make up things on his own during the recording and start singing... I am very sure people will enjoy it," she added.

The music of the film has been released by Saregama India Ltd. and has great numbers like "Na main boli", "Majha naav aahe Ganpatrao" and "Saiyan saiyan", among others.

Joy had directed "Love In Bombay" and he also acted in it along with Waheeda Rehman. Joy's character is said to be inspired by funny Australian movie 'Crocodile Dundee'.

Talking about the release date of the film, Neelam said they are "planning to release it by mid or end of July this year".