THE MUSIC OF AMAR AKBAR ANTHONY (1977)

Manmohan Desai was one of the leading film directors of Bollywood in the 1960s and 70s.

- H. S. Billimoria

He started his career in 1957 with 'Janam Janam ke Phere'. A Raj Kapoor film, 'Chhalia' followed in 1960.

Manmohan had a very good ear for music and, in his initial years, worked with Kalyanji Anandji, Shankar Jaikishan and R D Burman. After 'Roti' in 1974, he moved to Laxmikant Pyarelal and together they produced some highly successful albums.'

Amar Akbar Anthony' was one such blockbuster. Opinions differ on whether the movie was successful because of Amitabh Bachchan's outstanding performance or Manmohan Desai's 'masala' filled direction. The fact remains that Desai, Bachchan and LP combined to deliver a blockbuster.

The music of 'AAA' was superhit and a money spinner for Polydor India. LP used Mohammed Rafi's versatile vocal chords to maximum effect to create some unforgettable numbers. Anand Bakshi wrote the lyrics.