Nagin Been - Nagin by Ravi, Kalyanji Virji Shah

Released as part of Nagin, Nagin Been - Nagin announced itself as a standout the moment it reached listeners. Credit goes to Hemant Kumar for a score that understands exactly what the song needs and nothing more.

Ravi, Kalyanji Virji Shah understood what this song required and delivered it without excess — the restraint itself becomes the emotion. Hearing Nagin Been - Nagin without thinking of a talented ensemble cast is almost impossible for anyone who has seen Nagin.

1954 marked the release of Nagin, and Nagin Been - Nagin was the track that ensured the album would be remembered. The emotional register of Nagin Been - Nagin is wide enough to fit celebration and solitude equally well.

Running to 21:45, the song is exactly as long as it needs to be, which is the hardest length for a songwriter to find. This is music that holds up — not because it is perfect, but because it is honest, and honesty in a song is irreplaceable.