AANKHEN (1950) is significant as it marked Madanji’s debut after a lot of personal and professional struggle. A very strict father who, despite being a studio baron, discouraged his son from entering the film world. After unsuccessful attempts to become an actor, forced stints in the army and as a radio executive on AIR, in late 40s, Madanji somehow combined with two like-minded friends who were also looking for an entry in films. Together they borrowed money and pooled their respective yet limited resources into making AANKHEN. Producer-Director, Devendra Goel, actor Shekhar and Madanji all made their entry in films with AANKHEN. Madanji’s debut as a composer was even more difficult as there were musical giants already creating magic in films and he had to compete with his much-respected seniors.

AANKHEN which starred Nalini Jaywant opposite Shekhar, flopped, but a few songs were noticed and appreciated. It is a milestone film, less for the music quality but more because it gave the industry a new composer. Notably the female songs were sung by Shamshad Begum and Meena Kapoor. Also, Madanji used voices of Mukeshji and Rafi Saab, while even singing a duet himself, and had friend Raj Khosla leading a chorus song. However, neither Lataji nor Talat Mahmood Saab sang in this film.