Javed Akhtar recalls Jai Kishan's 'Seeta Aur Geeta' link on 55th death anniversary
Synopsis
Javed Akhtar's tribute to Jaikishan on the composer's 55th death anniversary has surfaced a little-known slice of film history: the maestro was the original choice to score Seeta Aur Geeta, but passed away in 1971 at 41 before the project began — a tantalising 'what if' for fans of Hindi cinema's golden era.
Key Takeaways
Javed Akhtar paid tribute to Jaikishan on his 55th death anniversary via a post on X .
Akhtar revealed that Jaikishan was originally chosen to compose music for the 1972 film Seeta Aur Geeta .
Jaikishan died on 12 September 1971 at age 41 due to liver cirrhosis , before the project could proceed.
Shankar–Jaikishan composed together from 1949 to 1971 , working with legends like Lata Mangeshkar , Mohammed Rafi , and Kishore Kumar .
After Jaikishan's death, Shankar continued under the same name, later scoring hits for Be-Imaan and Sanyasi .
Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar paid tribute to late music director Jaikishan on his 55th death anniversary, recalling a brief but memorable association that left a lasting impression on him — including an untold chapter in the making of the 1972 classic Seeta Aur Geeta.
The Seeta Aur Geeta Connection
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Akhtar revealed that Jaikishan was originally slated to compose the soundtrack for Seeta Aur Geeta, the Hema Malini-starrer directed by Ramesh Sippy. The collaboration never materialised — Jaikishan passed away on 12 September 1971 at the age of 41, before the project could move forward.
In his post, Akhtar wrote: 'On 12th September 1971 music director Jai Kishan had passed away at the age of 41. I had a very short association with him. Originally he was to give music for Sita aur Gita.' He added: 'I had narrated the script to him but then death took him away. Our few meetings have left a deep impression on me. He was a very nice man.'
About Seeta Aur Geeta
Released in 1972, Seeta Aur Geeta features Hema Malini in a celebrated dual role as identical twins separated at birth, who grow up with contrasting personalities and inadvertently swap lives as adults. The film also stars Sanjeev Kumar, Dharmendra, Manorama, Roopesh Kumar, Satyen Kappu, Honey Irani, and Pratima Devi. It remains one of Hindi cinema's most beloved comedies of that era.
The Legacy of Shankar–Jaikishan
Jaikishan was one half of the iconic composer duo Shankar–Jaikishan, alongside Shankar Singh Ram Singh Raghuvanshi. Together from 1949 to 1971, the pair crafted some of Hindi film music's most enduring compositions, working with legendary voices including Mukesh, Mohammed Rafi, Manna Dey, Kishore Kumar, Talat Mahmood, Lata Mangeshkar, Suman Kalyanpur, Asha Bhosle, and Sharda.
Their notable credits include Mera Naam Joker, Andaz, Tum Haseen Main Jawaan, Dharti, Pagla Kahin Ka, and Pehchan. The duo also shared a prolific creative bond with lyricists Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri, producing songs that remain staples of Bollywood nostalgia.
After Jaikishan's Passing
Jaikishan died on 12 September 1971 due to liver cirrhosis at the age of 41. Following his untimely death, Shankar continued composing under the Shankar-Jaikishan name. After a difficult period, he returned to form with musical blockbusters in Manoj Kumar starrers Be-Imaan and Sanyasi.
Akhtar's recollection on the anniversary serves as a reminder of what might have been — and of Jaikishan's enduring influence on a generation of filmmakers and artists who crossed paths with him.
Point of View
And they deserve more than occasional anniversary posts. Systematic archival work — not just social media tributes — is what would rescue these details from obscurity.
NationPress
16 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Javed Akhtar say about Jaikishan on his 55th death anniversary?
Javed Akhtar posted on X that Jaikishan was originally meant to compose the music for Seeta Aur Geeta, but died before the project could take shape. He described their few meetings as leaving 'a deep impression' on him and called Jaikishan 'a very nice man.'
Who was Jaikishan and what is he known for?
Jaikishan was one half of the legendary Hindi film music duo Shankar–Jaikishan, active from 1949 to 1971. The pair composed for iconic films including Mera Naam Joker and Andaz, collaborating with singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, and Kishore Kumar.
Why did Jaikishan not compose for Seeta Aur Geeta?
Jaikishan passed away on 12 September 1971 due to liver cirrhosis at the age of 41, before work on Seeta Aur Geeta could begin. The 1972 film, directed by Ramesh Sippy and starring Hema Malini, was eventually made with a different musical arrangement.
What happened to Shankar after Jaikishan's death?
After Jaikishan's death in 1971, Shankar continued composing under the Shankar-Jaikishan name. Following a difficult phase, he returned to success with music for Manoj Kumar films Be-Imaan and Sanyasi.
What is Seeta Aur Geeta about?
Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), directed by Ramesh Sippy, stars Hema Malini in a dual role as identical twins separated at birth who grow up with different personalities and inadvertently swap lives. The film also features Sanjeev Kumar and Dharmendra.
