The Quirky Habit of Composer Chitragupt: A Lucky Broken Sandal and a Laugh with Lata Mangeshkar

Mumbai, November 15 (Daily Kiran) : Chitragupt Srivastava, a celebrated composer from the golden era of Hindi cinema, is known for his melodic tunes that resonate deeply with audiences. His compositions, such as “Chal Ud Ja Re Panchi,” “Laagi Chhute Na Ab To Sanam,” and “Chali Chali Re Patang,” showcase a blend of folk sweetness and classical beauty. However, an amusing anecdote about his quirky habit of wearing a broken sandal during recordings adds a unique charm to his legacy.

Born on November 16, 1917, in Gopalganj, Bihar, Chitragupt was known for his humble and introverted nature. He approached his work with seriousness, yet maintained a simple lifestyle. He regarded an old sandal as his lucky charm, refusing to part with it even after it broke.

Chitragupt believed that wearing this sandal during recording sessions brought him good fortune. Consequently, he would show up at studios wearing it, despite the laughter it drew from others. He remained unfazed by their teasing.

One day, when he arrived at a recording studio, he struggled to walk properly due to the broken sandal. Noticing his difficulty, the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar inquired about his condition, suspecting he might be in pain or injured.

Chitragupt explained that he was wearing his broken sandal, which he considered lucky. Mangeshkar, amused, suggested he buy a new pair, but he firmly declined, insisting that this sandal ensured successful recordings. Her laughter echoed through the studio as she quipped that he trusted his sandal more than her voice, bringing smiles to everyone present.

Throughout his illustrious career, Chitragupt composed music for over 100 films. His contributions extended beyond Hindi cinema, significantly impacting Bhojpuri films, including the iconic “Ganga Maiya Tohhe Piyari Chadhaiibo,” which helped redefine the genre.