Golden Era Bollywood Review: Manna Dey - Phool Gendwa Na Maro (Don't hit me with Flowers)

Remember that I said that Manna Dey's songs were used for comical purposes in their movies? Well, Phool Gendwa Na Maro is a great example of this. The video is comical in intent, and I must admit, I do find it quite funny. Due to this, the song faded from the Indian populace's mind, until 2016 that is. That is when singing prodigy Nishta Sharma performed the song on Voice India Kids. India can be pretty crazy over these talent shows, and her performance is easily the best yet. I'd even say I hold her version in nearly equal regard as the original, and I say that greatly.

Similar to Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Phool Gendwa is driven by its classic Indian production. In fact, those two songs hold a lot in similar. The music is written by Roshan, Manna Dey sings, and both speed up to a classic climax. The biggest different is that in Phool Gendwa, to work with the video, Manna Dey has to repeat the same segment again and again, nearly running out of air. Thankfully, Roshan makes it work excellently.

Of course, Phool Gendwa is one of those breathless songs where a traditional singing training is a requirement to sing basically. Thankfully, both Manna Dey and Nishta Sharma are traditionally trained, and nail the classic sound. The song also samples the classic Nagin theme from Man Dole Mera Tan Dole. That might be one of the most sampled themes ever in music history, while still remaining fresh. Till this day, Phool Gendwa still gives that same rush of joy.

Rating: 10/10