Category Archives: My Lists

“Raag Shivaranjani – 90s Songs”

My Lists

This is the last post of 2025 and I am writing on a different topic – classical music. I have not learned classical music or the shastra (science) and rules it is based on. But I do have an ear for it! Today’s post is about Hindi film songs based on raga Shivaranjani. All songs are from films released in 1990s and beyond. This raga is normally associated with the karuna ras (pathos/compassion), romance (in separation), and devotion. Over the years, film music has made great and effective use of this raga. Its presentation leaves a lasting impact on the listener.

Hindi film music has made use of different ragas, making it more charming and wholesome. Film music or light music is not required to strictly follow the established “rules” of the raga. It can be presented in a diluted or mixture form; but the raga retains its identity, enough for the listener to identify it. That too in the limited duration of a few minutes when you consider a film song. Our music directors have been able to achieve this balance perfectly, demonstrating their mastery.

Though less common than previous decades, popular and not so popular ragas do keep popping up in film compositions even today. I believe raga Shivaranjani saw a resurgence after Tere mere beech mein from Ek Duje Ke Liye (1981) became famous, and the trend continued till the 1990s.

In Hindi movies, Shivaranjani makes it’s presence felt in romantic songs (Baharon phool barsaao, Maan mera ehsaan, Rimjhim ke geet sawan, Mera pyaar bhi tu hai, Aa mere humjoli aa and Tere mere beech mein). But is more effective in “sad” songs where the hero’s or heroine’s condition, be it longing, separation, pathos etc is beautifully captured in these compositions (Bahut din beete, Laage na mora jiya, Jaane kahan gaye woh din, Mere naina saawan bhaado, O saathi re, Awaaz deke humein tum bulaao).

So, over to today’s list of Shivaranjani songs, all post 1990s and from different music directors of that era. Which are your favorite songs? – do add in the comments!

1) Song: Priyatama O Meri Priyatama
Film: Prem Qaidi (1991)
Credits: Sameer | Anand-Milind | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Sadhana Sargam

We start with an Anand Milind composition. Prem Qaidi was Karisma Kapoor’s debut film and was paired with Harish (Telugu actor making his debut in Hindi cinema). The film and its music did well.

This is a romantic song picturised on the fresh young leads. The tune and melodious singing bring out the beauty of Shivaranjani. Anand Milind have used Shivaranjani in many songs, the most famous are possibly Dhak dhak karne laga (Beta) and O Priya Priya (Dil) (both inspired from south Indian songs!).

2) Song: Ilu Ilu
Film: Saudagar (1991)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Manhar Udhas, Sukhwinder Singh, Udit Narayan and Kavita Krishnamurthy

Laxmikant Pyarelal have made use of this raga since the 60s in songs with different shades like Bahut din beete (Sant Gyaneshwar), Humein to ho gaya hai pyar (Mere Humdum Mere Dost), Haye re haye (Humjoli) and Aa mere humjoli aa (Jeene Ki Raah), and continued using it till the 90s. Such is the charm of this raga.

Ilu Ilu was a very popular song and presented the raga in a lighter mood. It showcased the blossoming of romance between the actors (Vivek Mushran and Manisha Koirala, both making their debuts). Anand Bakshi makes clever use of the phrase “I love you” by shortening it to Ilu. The accompanying catchy tune ensures the message is well received in this long song.

3) Song: Tune Preet Jo Mujhse Jodi
Film: Meera Ka Mohan (1992)
Credits: Indeevar | Arun Paudwal | Suresh Wadkar and Anuradha Paudwal

Meera Ka Mohan was a film produced by Gulshan Kumar of T-Series and had some great tracks similar to his other offerings. The movie didn’t do well but its songs were popular at that time. Unfortunately, Arun Paudwal had passed away before the film’s release.

This is a romantic song starring Avinash Wadhwan & Ashwini Bhave and would be played on the small screen frequently. The picturization and presentation is typical 90s and Shivaranjani is the winner.

4) Song: Dil Ek Mandir Pyar Hai Pooja
Film: Jeena Marna Tere Sang (1992)
Credits: Ibrahim Ashq | Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen | Anuradha Paudwal

The film starred Sanjay Dutt and Raveena Tandon as lovers, who are forced to separate. This song plays in the background. We see the lovers separated, tortured and in general going through the agony of separation. Needless to say, the raga brings out the required emotions effectively. Dilip Sen and Sameer Sen gave many hit songs in the 1990s and this was one of their initial movies with good music.

5) Song: Jeeta Tha Jiske Liye
Film: Dilwale (1994)
Credits: Sameer | Nadeem Shravan | Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik

Nadeem Shravan truly arrived with the breakthrough Aashiqui (1990) and all its songs were successful. Known for their melodious music, they used Shivaranjani in many songs like Kya karte the sajana (Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka), Aaj hum tum o sanam (Saathi), Tere dard se dil abaad raha (Deewana) and Kitna pyaara tujhe (Raja Hindustani).

This song has 2 versions. One in happier times between the leads (Ajay Devgan and Raveena Tandon) and this as a sad version. Ajay Devgan plays the piano and sings his heart out and Raveena can’t control herself and is compelled to join him. I feel the sad version is more impactful because of the mood of Shivaranjani, which suits the situation perfectly.

6) Song: Jaanu Jaanu Jaanu
Film: Criminal (1994)
Credits: Indeewar | M M Kreem | Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik

M M Kreem (or M. M. Keeravani) is a south Indian music director, now more famous for the Oscar winning Naatu Naatu (RRR). Criminal was shot simultaneously in Telugu and Hindi. This is a fast, romantic number with an infectious tune, thanks to Shivaranjani. The song has a strong South Indian influence and sounds “different.” For some reason, even the singers sound different! We see Nagarjuna dancing with Ramya and Manisha Koirala. I would prefer the tune to the picturization.

7) Song: Kinna Sona Tujhe Rab Ne Banaya
Film: Aisi Bhi Kya Jaldi Hai (1996)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | Gaurishankar Sharma | Sonu Nigam

Kinna sona was originally a non-film song by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Set in Shivaranjani, it became famous and was used multiple times in Hindi films including Bewafa Sanam (1994), Raja Hindustani (1996) and recent Marjaavaan (2019). The catchy Shivaranjani based tune caught the fancy of music directors and the audience.

This is a comparatively weaker version from a lesser known film. The picturization could have been better. If I remember correctly, this was meant to be a “made for TV” film by Sachin but had a theatre release too. The song has Vivek Mushran wooing a reluctant Srishti Behl. A light number, this was also one of Sonu Nigam’s initial songs.

8) Song: Hata Saawan Ki Ghata
Film: Hello Brother (1999)
Credits: Faiz Anwar | Sajid-Wajid | Babul Supriyo and Jaspinder Narula

This was Sajid Wajid’s first major film as a composer duo. Shivarajkanai is presented in perhaps its most peppy form here leaving you surprised. Salman Khan and Rani Mukherjee perform this fun number. The singing is energetic. The composition feels fresh and appealing after so many years, maybe because of the raga based tune?

9) Song: Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai
Film: Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai (2001)
Credits: Sameer | Anu Malik | KK

In a filmy situation, Tushar Kapoor is desperately searching for Kareena Kapoor. He notices her and tries to chase her but fails to reach her. What follows is this song venting his frustration. KK sings the high pitch song in his inimitable style. The tuneful song leaves its impression.

10) Song: Kyon Ki Itna Pyaar
Film: Kyon Ki… (2005)
Credits: Sameer | Himesh Reshammiya | Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik

This is a Himesh Reshammiya composition but you are reminded of Nadeem Shravan songs from the 1990s. This song also appears in two versions. The first has Salman Khan and Rimi Sen in happier times. The other version is sung by Kareena Kapoor (a doctor) for Salman Khan who plays a mental patient. This is one of the typical Shivaranjani tunes that gets you hooked. The beauty of the raga doesn’t wane, indeed!

Shah Rukh Khan – 1 actor – 10 voices

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Shah Rukh Khan is celebrating his 60th birthday today (02-November). Famous as SRK or King Khan or Baadshah, he is arguably the most famous star since Amitabh Bachchan. He had first appeared in T.V. serials on Doordarshan and made his film debut in 1992. Interestingly, he played the obsessive lover or anti-hero in his initial films before settling into his evergreen romantic hero image. The image became stronger with a string of hit films. His performances, chemistry with his co-stars, the charm, mannerisms and swagger have all created the matchless SRK phenomenon.

Today’s post is dedicated to SRK through his songs. Over his career of 30 years, multiple playback singers have had the opportunity to sing for him. We can say the songs in their voices have also contributed to SRK’s success as a leading man for so many years. So, here are 10 songs of the actor in 10 different voices. Which are your favourites? do mention in your comments.

1) Song: Dil Aashna Hai
Film: Dil Aashna Hai (1992)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | Anand-Milind | Suresh Wadkar and Sadhana Sargam

This was supposed to be SRK’s debut movie but it released after Deewana. Dil Aashna didn’t do well but Deewana was a success. I believe this is the only movie (apart from Guddu (1995)) where Suresh Wadkar has sung for SRK. It is a not a bad song and the voice suits the tune and mood (if not SRK!).

2) Song: Koi Na Koi Chhahiye
Film: Deewana (1992)
Credits: Sameer | Nadeem-Shravan | Vinod Rathod and Chorus

This was SRK’s debut film and marked his dashing entry into the film industry. This was his introduction song and he arrived in style. SRK won the Filmfare Best Debut award that year. He played the reckless cum obsessive character and the audience welcomed him with open arms. Vinod Rathod’s voice suits him perfectly here. He also sang Aisi deewanagi in the same film. Interestingly, Rishi Kapoor played the leading hero and had Kumar Sanu singing for him.

3) Song: Ye Kaali Kaali Aankhen
Film: Baazigar (1993)
Credits: Dev Kohli | Anu Malik | Kumar Sanu, Anu Malik and Chorus

SRK continued his good run in 1993 and played the openly negative character of Ajay Sharma in Baazigar. But the audience didn’t mind! This was another hugely successful film with great songs. Baazigar deservedly got SRK the Best Actor Filmfare award. SRK’s energy and dance skills are on display in this song. This was his first film with Kajol. They are one of the best remembered pairings of their time.

Kumar Sanu was the one of the top singers of the 90s and sang for SRK in many movies till 1997. Kumar Sanu won the Filmfare Best Playback Singer award for this song.

4) Song: Tu Mere Saamne
Film: Darr (1993)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Shiv-Hari | Udit Narayan, Lata Mangeshkar and Chorus

Another movie, another obsessive lover. SRK stalks Juhi Chawla. She is another actress who made a great pair with SRK. SRK’s role had been offered to Rishi Kapoor who declined and recommended SRK’s name to Yash Chopra. The rest is of course history. The dialogue I love you, K-k-k- Kiran has become iconic. SRK was nominated in the Best Villain category in the annual Filmfare awards.

This was the first film where Udit Narayan became SRK’s voice and has possibly sung the most songs for him.

5) Song: Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaoon
Film: Yes Boss (1997)
Credits: Javed Akhtar | Jatin-Lalit | Abhijeet, Alka Yagnik and Chorus

Abhijeet is often cited as SRK’s voice. The charming Badi Mushkil Hai from Anjaam was his first song for SRK. In Yes Boss, SRK again teams up with Juhi Chawla. The soft romantic number is pleasant to listen to and view on the screen. Abhijeet won the Filmfare Award for Best Playback Singer for his effort. One thing to note, SRK is not steady for a moment throughout the song. What an energy the actor has!

6) Song: Satrangi Re
Film: Dil Se (1998)
Credits: Gulzar | A. R. Rahman | Sonu Nigam, Kavita Krishnamurthy and Chorus

This can be termed as a legendary song for its lyrics, singing, music, exotic location and the choreography. The picturization is marvellous and Manisha Koirala never looked so ravishing! Sonu Nigam was slowly making his name at that time and this song proved his prowess and versatility. Sonu went on to sing some prominent songs for SRK in various genres.

7) Song: Main Hoon Don
Film: Don (2006)
Credits: Javed Akhtar | Shankar Ehsaan Loy | Shaan and Chorus

Don was a remake and faced criticism when compared with the original. But the film was a success. Shaan has sung a handful but famous songs for SRK. This is a self description song and Shaan adds his special touch.

8) Song: Ankhon Mein Teri
Film: Om Shanti Om (2007)
Credits: Vishal Dadlani | Vishal-Shekhar | KK

After being more than 15 years in the industry, SRK continued his successful run at the box office. He was paired with new heroines like Deepika and Anushka, who made their debuts in his films. OSO was produced by Gauri Khan under SRK’s home production Red Chillies.

The late KK was in a class of his own. Unfortunately, he sang only a couple of songs for SRK. This is a lovely romantic song in a retro setting and KK takes it to another level. SRK and Deepika elevate the impact with their onscreen chemistry.

9) Song: Haule Haule
Film: Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008)
Credits: Jaideep Sahni | Salim-Sulaiman | Sukhwinder Singh and Chorus

Sukhwinder Singh got his first hit with Chaiyyan Chaiyyan in Dil Se. Who can forget SRK emoting on top of the train? He sang a few more songs including this one from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. In the film, a goofy looking SRK is forced to marry Anushka Sharma due to unavoidable circumstances. She maintains a distance from him. But the positive SRK convinces his heart that matters will improve and love will blossom slowly and gradually. Sukhwinder won the Filmfare Best Playback Singer award for this song.

10) Song: Gerua
Film: Dilwale (2015)
Credits: Amitabh Bhattacharya | Pritam | Arijit Singh & Antara Mitra

And the final song in the voice of Arijit Singh, the most famous voice of the current generation. SRK appears with Kajol in this not so memorable Rohit Shetty film. But the song is a delight and succeeds in bringing out the same vibes that only SRK can. Come, paint me in the colour of love.

“Boys v/s Girls” – 90s Songs

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Hero v/s heroine or boy v/s girl is one of the common situations in Hindi movies. This normally happens when the lead pair meet for the first time and their initial interaction is not very promising. And we have them expressing their emotions through a song.

Today’s post covers the boy v/s girl theme through 10 songs, all from the 1990s and beyond. It is interesting that most of these songs can be termed as “college songs.” It seems that the whole college is ready to participate in the song by supporting the hero and heroine respectively. There are other situations including a marriage song which features this theme. I hope you enjoy and which songs do you remember?

1) Song: Aaj No Chhodunga Tujhe
Film: Dil (1990)
Credits: Sameer | Anand-Milind | Udit Narayan, Anuradha Paudwal and Chorus

Raja (Aamir Khan) and Madhu (Madhuri Dixit) are college mates and can’t stand each other. They keep looking for an opportunity to insult each other without caring for the consequences. They go to great lengths to achieve this. In this song they voice out those bitter feelings. This was one of the super hit songs from the movie. Interestingly, it was not in the original release and was shot and added after the film became a hit.

2) Song: Khudko Kya Samajhti Hai
Film: Khiladi (1992)
Credits: Sameer | Jatin-Lalit | Abhijeet, Udit Narayan, Sapna Mukherjee, Kavita Krishnamurthy and Chorus

This is a typical college song involving the boys against the girls. Its Rose Day. Ayesha Jhulka insults Akshay Kumar who attempts to gift her a red rose as a mark of their love. He teams up with the boys (including Deepak Tijori) and she with the girls (including Sabeeha). He describes the heroine’s rudeness and other qualities in detail, and she responds in kind. By the end of the song, they reconcile and fall in love.

3) Song: Shehar Ki Pariyon Ke Peeche
Film: Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | Jatin-Lalit | Udit Narayan, Sadhana Sargam and Chorus

JJWS was based on college life, its highs and lows and the competition associated with it. This is a situational song. It is Diwali night and the young girls and boys have gathered in the neighbourhood. The girls are of the opinion that the boys are easily influenced by westernized girls from big cities and not the seedhi saadhi types from small towns. Ayesha Jhulka starts the song with this complaint and Aamir Khan responds in his style on behalf of the boys. A lesser known song but melodious and effective.

4) Song: Mat Kar Itna Guroor
Film: Aadmi Khilona Hai (1993)
Credits: Sameer | Nadeem-Shravan | Pankaj Udhas and Alka Yagnik

This is a college function song based on the theme “Old Meets New”. Its Govinda (a senior) against Meenakshi Sheshadri (a new student). He has fallen in love at first sight but she doesn’t care and insults him outright. The song is an opportunity for them to convey their opinions about each other.

5) Song: Shava Ye Nakhra Ladki Ka
Film: Suhaag (1994)
Credits: Sameer | Anand-Milind | Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik and Chorus

Another typical song where all the college students seem to be a part of the song. (Wonder when they study!). Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgan are college mates. The girls (Karisma Kapoor and Nagma) are angry at them and fed up with the boys’ attitude. The boys tease them through the song and the girls return their sentiment.

6) Song: Joote Do Paise Lo
Film: Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (1994)
Credits: Dev Kohli | Raam Laxman | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Lata Mangeshkar and Chorus

HAHK was a film choc-a-bloc with songs, many related to the wedding and other traditional customs. This particular song depicts the “joota chhupai or chori” i.e. “hiding the groom’s shoes” custom. A unique song but fitting today’s theme!

Its marriage time and the girls (led by Madhuri Dixit) have hidden the groom’s shoes. The boys (led by Salman Khan) have to locate them else end up paying a ransom. Its a fun song as each party tries to outwit each other.

7) Song: Neela Dupatta Peela Suit
Film: Hameshaa (1997)
Credits: Dev Kohli | Anu Malik | Abhijeet, Sadhana Sargam and Chorus

Raja (Saif Ali Khan) is dreaming about his Rani and he coincidentally meets a new student named Rani (Kajol). Rani has entered the college as a new student seeking admission. A scene later, we have this song where he is flirting with her and she shows him his rightful place.

8) Song: Ye Kaisa Ladka Hai
Film: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
Credits: Sameer | Jatin-Lalit | Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik and Chorus

This is not a typical boy v/s girl song but a song between 2 friends – Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) and Anjali (Kajol). They are the best of friends but are bound to keep bickering over small things almost daily. The news spread quickly whenever they fight (again?!). They mock each other through the song. However by the end of the day, they are back to being friends as never before.

9) Song: Boys Are Best
Film: Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne (2003)
Credits: Jay Verma | Himesh Reshammiya | Shaan and Sunidhi Chauhan

This was a forgettable film starring Zayed Khan and Esha Deol. The song is placed immediately after the hero and heroine meet in Goa. The hero proclaims that boys are best whereas the heroine is quick to counter him.

10) Song: Ladki Kyon Naa Jaane Kyon
Film: Hum Tum (2004)
Credits: Prasoon Joshi | Jatin-Lalit | Shaan and Alka Yagnik

Another song where the hero (Saif Ali Khan) and heroine (Rani Mukerji) meet for the first time. They are strangers who need to spend a few hours together in Amsterdam. However the hero is soon irritated by her typical “girly” thoughts and antics. He starts singing the song wondering why girls cannot be like boys. She is ready to confront him and highlight the irritating behaviour displayed by boys.