Indian Music and Artists

During the Emergency (1975-1977), Kishore Kumar's songs were banned on All India Radio because he refused to perform at a Congress rally in Bombay. His non-compliance with the government led to this retaliatory action.

'Vande Mataram' is India's national song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1882. It's distinct from 'Jana Gana Mana' which is the national anthem. 'Sare Jahan Se Achcha' and 'Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo' are patriotic songs but hold no official constitutional status as national song or anthem.

Strings, the Pakistani pop-rock band, contributed 'Naajaney Kyun' to the Spider-Man 2 soundtrack (2004, not 2004 blockbuster Spiderman). The song gained international exposure through the film.

In the 2006 film 'Don', Amitabh Bachchan did not sing any songs - all songs were sung by professional playback singers. In 'Silsila' he sang 'Neela Aasman So Gaya', in 'Baghban' he sang 'Holi Khele', and in 'Nishabd' he sang 'Come On Come On' - all featuring his voice. This makes 'Don' the correct answer for which film doesn't feature a Bachchan song.

M.S. Subbulakshmi was originally supposed to sing 'Allah Tero Naam, Eshwar Tero Naam' from the 1959 film 'Jaagte Raho', but due to scheduling conflicts, the opportunity went to Lata Mangeshkar, whose rendition became iconic. Geeta Dutt, Asha Bhosle, and Suman Kalyanpur were not the first choice for this particular song.

After their 5-year estrangement (roughly 1958-1963), S.D. Burman and Lata Mangeshkar reconciled for 'Bandini' (1963), which featured memorable songs like 'Mere Ghar Aayi Ek Nanhi Pari'. The film marked their successful reunion and renewed collaboration.

Asha Bhosle received her first Grammy nomination in 1997 for the album 'Legacy', a collaboration with Kronos Quartet that showcased her versatility across genres. Her second nomination came in 2006 for 'You Have Stolen My: Songs from R.D. Burman's Bollywood'.

Mohammed Rafi sang playback for Kishore Kumar in 'Pyar Deewana' (1950s), a rare occurrence since they were both leading playback singers. The other listed films like 'Raagini', 'Shararat', and 'Bhagam Bhag' also feature this uncommon pairing.

Majrooh Sultanpuri was the first lyricist to receive the Dada Saheb Phalke Award (1998), India's highest film honor. His incredible span covered songs for heroes from K.L. Saigal era to Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan, and heroines from Nargis to Madhuri over five decades.

P. Susheela sang poet-lyricist Vaali's first song "Oorai Therinjukitten" in the 1963 film Karpagam. This launched Vaali's legendary career as a lyricist. S. Janaki, MS Viswanathan (composer), and TMS Soundararajan were not associated with this specific debut.

The song "Raja Raja Chozhan Naan" from the film Rettai Vaal Kuruvi was written by lyricist Mu. Meththa (Mu. Mehta). Vaali, Vairamuthu, and Ilayaraja (who is primarily a composer) did not pen this specific historical song about the Chola emperor.

Ithu Namma Aalu features music by K Bagyaraj. K Bagyaraj is known for multifaceted contributions to Tamil cinema including direction, writing, and occasional music composition.

Pa. Vijay received the National Film Award for Best Lyrics for Ovvoru Pookalume from Autograph (2004). The song's meaningful lyrics about the fragility and beauty of life resonated widely with audiences.

Ahathiyan (S. A. Rajkumar) wrote the lyrics for Kathal Kottai (1996). The film's songs, including the popular title track, are credited to his pen and contributed to the film's success.