Category Archives: My Lists

“Almost Solo” Songs

My Lists

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.

“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.