One of the most well-read music directors of Hindi film industry, Chitragupt Shrivastava was born in Bihar’s Chhapra district. A double Master of Arts in Economics and Journalism, he also received training in music at the Bhatkande College of Music, Lucknow. After working as a lecturer in Patna for a few years, Chitragupt made his way to Mumbai. In the beginning, he assisted another alumnus of the Bhatkande College, S.N. Tripathi and also sang songs for him.
Though his first film as an independent music director was “Toofan Queen” (1946), it was the song “Ada Se Jhoomte Hue” from “Sindbad The Sailor” (1952) that brought him recognition. Another rather popular of his compositions was “Chal Ud Ja Re Panchhi” from “Bhabhi” (1957). The year 1959 brought with it the film “Barkha”, which proved to be another feather in Chitragupt’s cap. Songs like “Ek Raat Mein Do Do Chand Khile” and “Sur Badle Kaise” instantly struck a chord with listeners.
When “Main Chup Rahoongi” (1962) was released, songs like “Chand Jaane Kahan Kho Gaya”, turned Chitragupt into a household name. He also composed music for the first film made in Bhojpuri, his native language - “Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo” (1962). In the song “Itni Naazuk Na Bano” from “Vaasna” (1968), one can note that the versatile Mohammed Rafi not only sang, but emoted the song, under Chitragupt’s music direction. Chitragupt's legacy continued in the film industry through his sons - music directors Anand - Milind.
A heart attack in 1968 and a paralytic attack in 1974 left him weak, and he passed away in 1991.
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