Patience is the silent composer in showbiz tales, and none exemplifies it better than Ravindra Jain’s decade-spanning quest for Raj Kapoor’s nod, exploding into the masterpiece ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili.’ This behind-the-scenes drama reveals the heart of Bollywood’s music legacy.
February 28, 1944, Aligarh: Ravindra Jain, born blind, absorbed music like a sponge under his father’s guidance. Audition failures at five radio stations tested him, until 1969’s Mumbai move with guru Radhe Shyam Jhunjhunwala.
First milestone: January 14, 1971, ‘Lori’—Rafi’s ‘Ye silsila hai pyar ka.’ Lata’s quartet and Lata-Asha duet ensued, but incompletion loomed. ‘Kanch Aur Heera’ (1972) delivered Rafi’s ‘Nazar aati nahi manzil,’ praised amid box-office quiet.
A prolific run: ‘Saudagar,’ ‘Chor Machaye Shor,’ ‘Tapasya,’ ‘Gehri Chaal’ influences in ‘Chit Chor,’ ‘Insaaf Ka Tarazu,’ ‘Mati Balidan Ki’—Jain’s touch turned ordinary films melodic.
Enter Raj Kapoor fixation. Jain bombarded with outreach. ‘Wait for the right script,’ Kapoor urged. Years ticked by until Pune’s birthday gala. Jain’s ‘Sun Sahiba Sun’ sealed it: ‘You’re on for Ram Teri Ganga Maili!’
1985’s release—a bold narrative of forbidden love and social strife—rode Jain’s transcendental songs to glory, including Filmfare win. From Aligarh alleys to cinematic peaks, Jain’s odyssey celebrates endurance’s melody.