This was 1947. An important year in many aspects. In the annals of the
history of India, it got freedom from the British rule that year. It was also a great year in the life of Geetaji
because she was spotted by S.D. Burman to sing few songs in his new movie. Burmanda, already an established film
force and a respected music director, heard Geetaji’s two lines from the songs of her debut movie, “Bhakt Prahlad”.
He got hold of her address and met her at her place. He decided to use her voice for his next film with Filmistan,
“Do Bhai”, even though the producer of the film wasn’t sure about the choice. Burmanda had Geeta record a song and
showed the results to the skeptical producer. Happy with what he heard he gave Burmanda go ahead to utilize Geetaji’s
singing talents. The music of the film was a major hit. In particular, her song “Mera Sundar Sapna Beet Gaya” became
an overnight sensation. Her voice was so fresh, unique and ethereal it appeared to have breathed life into those songs.
The record sales of the album in general and that song in particular scaled new heights. Thanks to Geetaji’s songs, the
movie became a huge box-office hit. For the next three years - was almost unchallenged and ruled as the number
one playback singer in the Bombay film industry.
With the breakthrough “Do Bhai” provided, Geetaji was in great demand. She worked during that year at least in several movies. For “Do Bhai” she sang four solos and two duets. Burmanda also had another movie during that year called “Dil Ki Rani”. Bolstered by the confidence she provided with the singing in “Do Bhai”, he had Geetaji sing five solos in it. In the coming years, her association with Burmanda was going to take her into hitherto unchartered territories for good.
Another big name music directors she sang for in 1947 was C. Ramchandra. He composed music for “Leela” and “Sajan” during
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