If you've ever been enchanted by Bollywood's melodies, you've likely tried playing iconic tunes on your guitar. One such unforgettable melody is from the 1980 film 'Karz,' particularly the song 'Ek Haseena Thi.' This film's theme music prominently features the same captivating guitar riff.
Upon release, 'Karz' struggled in theaters—a fact openly acknowledged by actor Rishi Kapoor and director Subhash Ghai in multiple interviews. Nevertheless, its music captivated so many that they revisited the film time and again. Composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, the music's allure belied the assumption that the duo handled all instruments themselves. Have you ever wondered who cast the spell with his guitar across 500 films like 'Karz,' 'Aashiqui,' and many more?
The Guitar Wizard: Gorakh Sharma
The magical guitar that brought the iconic 'Karz' theme music to life belonged to none other than Gorakh Sharma. In the golden era of Hindi cinema, the 1950s, music director Pandit Ramprasad Sharma imparted his vast knowledge to music giants like Naushad, C. Ramchandra, Uttam Singh, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, and Anu Malik.
Source: aajtak
Gorakh Sharma, born on December 28, 1946, to Ramprasad Sharma, mastered music notation and various instruments at a young age. Proficient with string instruments, Sharma began his film career playing the mandolin, the same instrument Shahrukh Khan made famous in 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.'
Part of Hindi Film Music Since Age 14
Initially part of 'Bal Suril Kala Kendra,' a musical group with notable talents like Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Usha Mangeshkar, Meena Mangeshkar, and Pyarelal Sharma, Gorakh flourished. Laxmikant and Pyarelal, as a duo, composed music for films, while Gorakh, Pyarelal's younger brother, became their regular collaborator. At just 14, Gorakh played the mandolin in the interludes of Guru Dutt's 1960 masterpiece 'Chaudhvin Ka Chand.'
Source: aajtak
Master of the mandolin, Gorakh learned guitar from Anibal Castro, revered as India's premier jazz musician. His guitar prowess, comparable to international legends like Larry Coryell and Miles Davis, resonated in films for three decades. Reports suggest Gorakh was the first bass guitarist artist in Hindi film history.
Source: aajtak
Among the Elite Top-Grade Music Artists
In a bygone era, the Cine Musicians Association graded artists, determining their fees. Among top-rated were Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, renowned for the santoor, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, a celebrated flutist, and Gorakh Sharma.
Before passing in 2018, Gorakh's illustrious career spanned 50 years and over 500 films, scoring over 1,000 songs. His artistry graced legendary tracks like 'Jaadu Teri Nazar,' 'Sanso Ki Zarurat Hai,' 'Main Shayar To Nahi,' and 'Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi.' His music lives on, resonating with the soul of cinema.
