Category Archives: My Lists

“Holi” 90s songs

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Its time for Holi and today’s post is a celebration of film songs based on this colorful festival. It is probably the most favorite festival depicted in Hindi cinema. There have been some all time hit songs all the way from Holi Aayi Re Kanhai, Jaa Re Hat Natkhat, Aaj Na Chhodenge Bas Humjoli, Holi Ke Din and Rang Barse. It is a long list and the songs have continued to remain popular.

Today’s post is about post 90s Holi songs. There are some traditional and others with a modern touch in line with the times. Needless to say, the festival and theme continues to stay relevant in Hindi cinema. So enjoy, and which songs do you remember?

1) Song: Ang Se Ang Lagaana
Film: Darr (1993)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Shiv-Hari | Sudesh Bhosle, Vinod Rathod, Devaki Pandit, Alka Yagnik and chorus

Darr is the story of love and obsession. Sunny Deol and Juhi Chawla are celebrating Holi with her bhaiya Anupam Kher and bhabhi Tanvi Azmi. Everything is all right until Shah Rukh Khan enters disguised as a Dhol player. An entertaining song as you wait to see what happens next. Shiv Hari had given us the evergreen Rang Barse from Silsila, which was also a Yash Chopra production.

2) Song: Rang Di Rang Di
Film: Dhanwaan (1993)
Credits: Sameer | Anand-Milind | Nitin Mukesh, Suresh Wadkar, Kavita Krishnamurthy and Chorus

This is a melodious composition in Raag Shivaranjani. The song starts on a sombre note but becomes lively when Karisma Kapoor remembers the Holi celebrations in a flashback. Ajay Devgan and Manisha Koirala are her co-actors, celebrating in full swing.

3) Song: Jhankaaro Jhankaaro
Film: Krantiveer (1994)
Credits: Sameer | Anand-Milind| Udit Narayan, Sapna Awasthi and chorus

Krantiveer was a hard hitting film but also featured some melodious and catchy numbers. Nana Patekar forces Dimple Kapadia to tell her story. She reacts in shock and mentions one word “Holi” as she remembers this song in a flashback. In happier times, she is celebrating Holi with her lover (played by Girish Malik) but their life is going to change soon.

4) Song: More Kanha Jo Aaye Palat Ke
Film: Sardari Begum (1996)
Credits: Javed Akhtar | Vanraj Bhatia | Asha Bhosle

And now a different flavour. This is not a typical song with Holi visuals. The protagonist Kirron Kher (and Smriti Mishra who played the young Sardari) enact the song as part of a song recording scene and a stage performance. It is a thumri style song based on raag Pilu. It describes the Holi sequence involving Lord Krishna or Kanha. The lyrics, music, and rendition are all impactful.

5) Song: Soni Soni Ankhiyon Wali
Film: Mohabbatein (2000)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Jatin-Lalit | Udit Narayan, Jaspinder Narula, Manohar Shetty, Udbhav, Ishaan, Shweta Pandit, Sonali Bhatawdekar, Pritha Mazumdar

This is a multi starrer of a song in all respects. Shah Rukh Khan enjoys the festivities with his students (Uday Chopra, Jimmy Shergill and Jugal Hansraj), and their love interests (Shamita Shetty, Preeti Jhangiani and Kim Sharma). Not to forget Anupam Kher and Archana Puran Singh carrying forward their track from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). Aishwarya Rai makes an appearance as well. The song is a combination of festive celebration, teasing with a touch of romance.

6) Song: Hori Khele Raghuveera
Film: Baghban (2003)
Credits: Sameer | Aadesh Shrivastava | Amitabh Bachchan, Sukhwinder Singh, Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik

This song immediately reminds you of Rang Barse. The tune is inspired from the folk music of Uttar Pradesh and sung by Amitabh Bachchan himself. While he plays an aged character, he enjoys to the fullest with his wife (played by Hema Malini) and joined by family and friends.

7) Song: Holi Re
Film: Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005)
Credits: Javed Akhtar | A. R. Rahman | Aamir Khan, Udit Narayan, Madhushree, Srinivas and Chinmayee Sripada

This song has the stamp of A. R. Rahman and you are reminded of Lagaan’s music. A good song but somehow not remembered easily today. The song showcases a boisterous celebration of Holi with Aamir Khan and Rani Mukherji participating.

8) Song: Do Me A Favour Lets Play Holi
Film: Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005)
Credits: Sameer | Anu Malik | Anu Malik and Sunidhi Chauhan

A desi song with a western twist, courtesy Anu Malik. He also lends vocals to this different number. Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra perform the song which is a mix of traditional and western elements, right from the lyrics, choreography to the costumes. Its different, but catchy.

9) Song: Itna Mazaa…Balam Pichkari
Film: Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
Credits: Amitabh Bhattacharya | Pritam | Vishal Dadlani & Shalmali Kholgade

This is arguably the most famous Holi song post 1990s. The infectious tune makes you want to groove. And it is a treat to watch. Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kalki Koechlin and Aditya Roy Kapur add their glamour to to the setting.

10) Song: Gori Tu Latth Maar
Film: Toilet – Ek Prem Katha (2017)
Credits: Siddharth-Garima | Manas-Shikhar | Sonu Nigam & Palak Muchhal

And the final and a unique song in this list. It showcases the tradition of Latth Maar Holi from the Barsana and Nandgaon towns in Mathura. Here the women hit the men with sticks who try to shield themselves. In the movie, the heroine Bhoomi Pednekar is adamant to have a toilet installed in her husband’s house. He disagrees and she leaves him. He comes to meet her during Holi. This is an opportunity for him to seek forgiveness. Will she relent?

“Hoping to fall in love” male songs

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Today’s post is about our filmy heroes who are hoping to fall in love. They are lonely. They wander around dreaming of the heroine who will enter and become the love of their life. More often than not, the heroine arrives leading to the beginning of the romantic track. Hope you enjoy and recall similar songs!

1) Song: Jawaniyaan Ye Mast Mast
Film: Tumsa Nahi Dekha (1957)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | O.P. Nayyar | Mohammed Rafi

This is an introduction song of the hero Shammi Kapoor. He has grown up, and is looking for someone to enter his life. This was the film that turned Shammi Kapoor’s career and made him a star after a string of flops. This was also Nasir Hussain’s first film as a director. He went to make many films on the same formula.

Jawaaniyaan ye mast mast bin piye,
Jalaati chal rahi hai raah me diye,
Na jaane iname kisake waaste hun mai,
Na jaane iname kaun hai mere liye,
Mere liye mere liye

Sabhi haseen sabhi jawaan,
Kahaan pe dil ko haariye,
Sabhi hai dil ke mehmaan,
Kise kise pukaariye,
Jawaaniyaan ye mast mast bin piye

2) Song: Lakhon Hai Nigaah Mein
Film: Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | O.P. Nayyar | Mohammed Rafi

This song is almost a carbon copy of the earlier song. And coming from the same director. Another tale of lost and found. The hero has grown up into a handsome young man. He introduces himself through this song describing there are many girls around him but he is waiting for that special one who stands apart.

Laakho hai nigaah mein, zindagi ki raah mein,
Sanam haseen jawaan,
Hoton pe gulaab hai, aankhon me sharaab hai,
Lekin woh baat kahan

3) Song: Mast Nazar Dekh Idhar
Film: Ek Dil Sau Afsane (1963)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh

This is a party song. Raj Kapoor plays the eligible bachelor. He is on the lookout for a suitable life partner. There are many girls in the party, all vying for his attention. He imagines one of them may be the suitor he is looking for.

Mast nazar dekh idhar ham hain wahi dilwaale,
Ishq mein jo dete hain jaan hum hain wahi matwaale

4) Song: Kisi Na Kisi Se Kabhi Na Kabhi
Film: Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)
Credits: S. H. Bihari | O. P. Nayyar | Mohammed Rafi

Shammi Kapoor seems to be a specialist for these type of songs. This time, he is off to Kashmir where he hopes to meet someone and fall in love.

Kisi na kisi se kabhi na kabhi,
Kahin na kahin dil lagaanaa padegaa

5) Song: Ye Dil Na Hota Bechara
Film: Jewel Thief (1967)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | S. D. Burman | Kishore Kumar

Dev Anand voices out his intentions and hopes that someone beautiful may be his companion. He is actually following Tanuja and irritating her with his actions.

Suna jabse zamaane hain bahar ke,
Hum bhi aaye hain raahi banke pyar ke,
Koyi na koyi bulayega,
Khade hain hum bhi raaho mein

Yeh dil na hota bechara,
Kadam na hote aawara,
Jo khubsurat koi,
Apna humsafar hota

6) Song: Jaane Mera Dil Kise
Film: Laat Saab (1967)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi

Another introductory song of Shammi Kapoor, this time he is singing while riding a horse. Set in the surroundings of Kashmir, he wonders if he will find love in these lush green valleys.

Jaane meraa dil kise dhoondh rahaa hai in hari-bhari waadiyon mein,
Kabhi na kabhi to takraayegaa dil dil se inhin aabaadiyon mein

7) Song: Josh E Jawani
Film: Around The World (1967)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh

Raj Kapoor is working on a ship. He sings this song as he completes his cleaning duties. He talks about the vigour of youth and his loneliness, hoping that someone will oblige him soon.

Josh-e-jawaani haaye re haaye,
Nikle jidhar se dhoom machaaye,
Duniya ka mela, Main hoon akela,
Kitna akela hoon main

8) Song: Lakhon Hai Yahan Dilwale
Film: Kismat (1968)
Credits: S. H. Bihari | O. P. Nayyar | Mahendra Kapoor

Biswajeet acted in some hit films in the 1960s. Most of them had lovely songs which contributed to the film’s success. Kismat had some great songs. In this song, he addresses the heroine (Babita) sitting as a hotel guest and hinting his intention. Will she acknowledge?

Laakho hai yaha dilwaale, aur pyaar nahi milta,
Aankho me kisi ki wafa kaa iqaraar nahi milta

9) Song: Mere Sapnon Ki Rani
Film: Aradhana (1969)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | S. D. Burman | Kishore Kumar

The film that established Rajesh Khanna features this timeless song. He plays the dashing airforce officer waiting for the queen of his dreams to arrive. Sharmila Tagore is peeping through the train window as he passes by in his jeep merrily singing Chali aa tu chali aa.

Phul Si Khil Ke, Paas Aa Dil Ke,
Dur Si Mil Ke, Chain Naa Aaye,
Aur Kab Tak Mujhe Tadapaayegi Tu,
Mere Sapno Ki Raani Kab Aayegi Tu

10) Song: Kahi Karti Hogi
Film: Phir Kab Milogi (1974)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R. D. Burman | Mukesh

In a forgettable movie, Biswajeet is on a hard earned holiday where he hopes to meet “her”.  His wishes are answered and he sees Mala Sinha immediately after this song. Later, they sing the same song as a duet.

Kahin karti hogi, woh mera, intezar
Jiski tamanna mein, phirta hoon bekaraar

“Almost Solo” Songs

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Hindi films are incomplete with songs. Some songs take the narrative ahead and some are there simply to entertain. We have many accomplished singers who sing those lovely compositions. The songs are in the form of solos or duets, some backed by chorus and some having multiple singers.

Then there are some which sound like a solo i.e. featuring one singer. But on close observation, you realize there is another singer’s presence in the song. Their contribution is limited to singing the mukhda, a few words or even humming. I wonder if these songs can be called solos? How about terming them as “almost solos” because technically they are not duets?

So, here is a list of some songs on this theme. Do you remember any such songs?

1) Song: Woh Chand Khila
Film: Anari (1959)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh

This is a sweet and playful song picturised on Nutan and the “simple” hero Raj Kapoor. Nutan’s character does most of the singing. But hold on, the hero croons something too, calling out the movie’s title! Raj Kapoor via Mukesh sings only one line at the beginning…naa samjhe woh anari hai.

2) Song: Madhuban Mein Radhika
Film: Kohinoor (1960)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Mohammed Rafi and Ustad Niyaz Ahmed Khan

This is an evergreen semi-classical song picturized on Dilip Kumar. He sings and plays the sitar while Kumkum responds through her dance moves. A lovely song based on raga Hameer. While a predominantly solo song by Mohammed Rafi, it has a very small classical portion sung by Mukri’s character, apparently for comic relief. These fast and difficult taans are voiced by Ustad Niyaz Ahmed Khan, a classical vocalist of the Kirana gharana.

3) Song: Ho Re Ho Re Jhanan Ghoongar Baaje
Film: Gunga Jumna (1961)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Lata Mangeshkar, Mahendra Kapoor and Chorus

Dilip Kumar, playing Gunga is being released from the prison and returning home. Vyjanthimala (as Dhanno) is eagerly waiting for him and sings this song in anticipation. The male portion at the end (O..ho..hooo) where Gunga announces his arrival is said to be voiced by Mahendra Kapoor (though he is not officially credited).

4) Song: Thandi Hawa Ye Chandni Suhani
Film: Jhumroo (1961)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | Kishore Kumar | Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

Another gem of a song in the voice of Kishore Kumar. But the song begins in a female voice. We see Madhubala humming at the beginning. She gets diverted by Kishore Kumar’s singing as he begins his portion and occupies the song. It seems Asha Bhosle does the humming, but the song is known as a Kishore Kumar solo.

5) Song: Yeh Mera Prem Patra
Film: Sangam (1964)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

This as we know is a Mohammed Rafi song. Rajendra Kumar sings it addressed to Vyjanthimala. The song continues after the hero’s portion is done. Towards the end, Lata Mangeshkar starts humming and sings two lines…ke tum meri zindagi ho, ke tum meri bandagi ho. The song ends on that note.

6) Song: Aaj Hai Pyaar Ka Faisla
Film: Leader (1964)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi

This is a fantasy song from a boring movie with great songs. Lata Mangeshkar sings for Vyjanthimala. Her lover Dilip Kumar has been converted to stone. She sings and dances in agony to bring him back in human form. Her efforts are successful. At the end, the hero emerges, and Mohammed Rafi delivers a couple of lines of a sher – Husna se ishq kabhi door nahi reh sakta. Dil agar dil hai to, majboor nahi reh sakta.

7) Song: Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho
Film: Hanste Zakhm (1973)
Credits: Kaifi Azmi | Madan Mohan | Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

This is a beautiful song by Madan Mohan with a terrific music arrangement. Navin Nischol is driving a taxi and he sings this number addressed to Priya Rajvansh. Midway into the song, they are sitting beside the sea when she sings the mukhda. There is no music, you hear Lata Mangeshkar’s clear voice with the waves lashing in the background. Then, the tempo increases like never before. It is back to the hero to sing the last stanza and complete the roller coster of a song.

8) Song: Parda Hai Parda
Film: Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Mohammed Rafi, Amit Kumar and Chorus

This is one of the entertaining songs of the most entertaining Amar Akbar Anthony. Akbar (Rishi Kapoor) sings this qawwali addressed to Neetu Singh. His catch line is “Akbar mera naam nahi hai.” His friend Anthony (Amitabh Bachchan) is sitting in the audience and reacts with wah wah and only one line – Akbar tera naam nahi hai towards the end.

The story goes that Kishore Kumar was approached to sing that line but he quoted a high price. In the end, it was sung by his son Amit Kumar. (Note: For some reason, the “Tips” company version circulated on YouTube has Mohammed Rafi singing that line. He sings “Akbar mera naam nahi hai” whereas you can easily see Amitabh mouthing “Akbar tera naam nahi hai.” I wonder why this editing was done).

9) Song: Tere Bina Jiya Jaye Naa
Film: Ghar (1978)
Credits: Gulzar | R. D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar

Ghar was directed by Gulzar. Rekha and Vinod Mehra play the happily married couple. This is a melodious and well picturized song. Lata Mangeshkar is the main singer and Kishore Kumar unexpectedly joins at the end to sing the mukhda. It seems there are 2 versions of the song available – one as a solo and the “duet” which appears in the movie soundtrack.

10) Song: Aur Is Dil Mein
Film: Imaandaar (1987)
Credits: Prakash Mehra | Kalyanji Anandji | Suresh Wadkar and Asha Bhosle

This hit song appears twice in this forgotten movie. Sanjay Dutt and Farah play the leads who fall in love and get separated. In this song, Sanjay Dutt sings his heart out describing that all he cares for is the heroine and her love. The heroine is sitting as a guest, listening and reacting to this rendition. Suresh Wadkar almost sings the full song. At the end, the heroine is unable to control herself and sings a couple of lines in admission of her love. These are sung by Asha Bhosle who also sings the “proper” solo version earlier in the film.