The journey from Lieutenant to ‘Prince of Ghazals’: The story of Madan Mohan, who was recognized by the world after his death

In the history of Indian film music, if any pair is known for providing solace to the soul, it is the pair of music composer Madan Mohan and ‘sura empress’ Lata Mangeshkar. Songs like ‘Lag Ja Gale’, ‘Aapki Nazaron Ne Samjha’ and ‘Naina Barse Rimjhim’ have retained their magical hold even today. Lata Mangeshkar not only considered him her favorite musician but also treated him like a brother. But the story of this ‘Prince’ of the world of music is as melodious as it has been equally full of struggle.

From military uniforms to musical notes

Very few people know that before getting into the depth of music, Madan Mohan was deployed in the army to protect the country. During the Second World War, after completing his one-year military training in 1943, he served as ‘Second Lieutenant’ in the Indian Army. When he resigned from the army after the horrors of the war, he returned to Mumbai. He started his musical journey by joining ‘All India Radio’, which later gave a new height to Lata Mangeshkar’s voice.

Rich in principles, who got recognition late

Madan Mohan’s music was such a unique confluence of ghazal and classical music, which went straight to the heart. He was a man of extreme simplicity and principles. Due to being away from the glamor and show off of the film world, he had to struggle for work many times in his career. He often lagged behind in the commercial race of the film industry. It is ironical that the artist who gave his best tunes in films like ‘Woh Kaun Thi’, ‘Anpadh’ and ‘Heer Ranjha’ did not get the status he deserved during his lifetime.

His music became immortal after his death

When Madan Mohan said goodbye to this world in 1975, only then did people understand the real value of his tunes. The fame that his music gained after his death made him immortal forever. Lata Mangeshkar fondly called him the ‘Prince of Ghazal’, and today his compositions are no less than a school for music students and lovers. Madan Mohan’s simplicity and his deep music proved that real talent does not need any show off, it always stands the test of time.