Datta Davejkar is a composer about whom very little known and talked about in the Hindi film industry. He composed music for a few Hindi films but he worked a lot for Marathi films. He composed music only for a few Hindi films but he'll be remebered for long for one reason: He introduced singers like
Lata Mangeshkar and
Asha Bhosle. He gave Lata her first break in a Marathi film Maazhe Baal (1943) and later in a Hindi film titled Aap Ki Sewa Mein (1947). He also gave Asha a song in his Marathi film Maazhe Baal.
Not much is known about the initial years of the composer. Datta's father used to play tabla for folk plays as well as in Urdu plays. Datta learned how to play tabla and harmonium from his father and had developed a inclination towards the music. He also started composing songs. Famous actress/singer of those times Shanta Apte invited Datta to perform for her during her stage shows.
In 1941, Datta got his first break to compose music for a Marathi film, titled, Muncipality which was followed by Sarkari Pahune in 1942. In 1947 he composed music for the Hindi film Aap Ki Sewa Mein, which marked the entry of
Lata Mangeshkar to the Hindi music world. He gave Lata her first solo hindi song with 'Pa Laagoon Kar Jori Re...'. He later composed music for actor Premnath's Golcounda Ka Qaidi, which was produced and directed by the actor himself. This was a big film for him but unfortunately it failed badly at the box office. In 1948 he composed music for Vasant Joglekar's Adalat.
He compoosed music for a lot of Marathi films including Rangalya Ratri Ashya, Paathlaag, Pahu Re Kitni Vaat, Thoraataanchi Kamlaa, Padchaaya, Chimanrao Gundyabhao, Pedgaonche Shahane, Juna Te Sona, Sant Vahate Krishna Mai, Sukhaachi Sawali, Viasakh Vanwaa, Yashoda and his last film release to date was Pahaate Punyechi (1992).
His non- - film song ‘Sainik Ho Tumchyaa Saathi’ was a super - hit and its sales proceeds went to the welfare of Armed Forces. Datta also composed music for twelve plays including Thank You Mr. Glad for which he learnt German music.
