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“Chaand” 90s Songs

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The moon and Hindi film songs have shared a long and fascinating relationship. Whether it is chaand, chanda, chandrama or chandamama, the moon has played many roles in our songs. Chandamama door ke, Chanda re meri patiya le ja, Woh chaand khila, Aadha hai chandrama, Chaand aahe bharega, Dheere dheere chal chaand gagan mein – there are so many songs dedicated to the moon. It can be a companion, a silent witness, or someone to whom you can pour your heart out, share your state of mind, or even complain! It has inspired romantic, dreamy and sad songs, and how often have we heard the beloved compared to the moon?

There is something rather amusing about this comparison, though. The moon, with its craters and barren landscape, is hardly the picture of beauty we imagine it to be! Yet, in the world of Hindi film songs, it remains the epitome of beauty, romance and longing.

The reason for remembering this celestial icon is Kojagiri Purnima (which is being celebrated today). Also known as Sharad Purnima, The festival marks the end of the monsoon season and transition to a cooler climate. Another festival just around the corner and depicted in movies is Karwa Chauth, when women eagerly await the sighting of the moon to break their fasts, praying for the longevity, health, safety and prosperity of their husbands. The Eid kaa chaand is another favorite representation in our movies.

Festivals or otherwise, the moon has inspired us with some truly memorable Hindi film songs. Today’s post explores songs from the 1990s onwards that present the moon in its many forms—as a confidant, a symbol of romance, an object of longing, and much more.

Which moon songs come to your mind?

1) Song: Chaand Aur Piya
Film: Aashik Aawara (1993)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant-Pyarelal | Sadhana Sargam

Aashik Aawara starred Saif Ali Khan and Mamta Kulkarni in the lead roles. The situational song is set against the backdrop of Karwa Chauth, when the heroine observes a fast for the hero. It is primarily picturised on Mamta Kulkarni and her mother, played by Rita Bhaduri.

While the heroine is praying happily for the hero, the mother, in a sad mood, hopes to see her husband, despite knowing that he is having an affair and made it clear that he will not return home that night. For her, the occasion becomes a test of faith and trust of their marital relationship. While the song may not be particularly remarkable musically, it highlights the significance of the moon and the Karwa Chauth ritual in a married woman’s life, symbolising her hopes and faith in her husband’s well-being and their relationship.

2) Song: Chaand Se Parda Kijiye
Film: Aao Pyaar Karen (1994)
Credits: Shyam Raj | Aadesh Shrivastava | Kumar Sanu

Aao Pyaar Karen may have flopped at the box office, but its songs were popular at the time of release. This song is set during a birthday celebration, with Somy Ali playing the birthday girl. Saif Ali Khan, however, sings the song thinking of his love (Shilpa Shetty), even as Somy Ali mistakenly assumes that his words are meant for her.

The song is essentially a paean to the heroine’s beauty. The hero playfully asks her to keep her distance lest the moon catch sight of her and attempt to steal her beauty. The underlying thought is reminiscent of the classic Sasural (1961) song Teri pyari pyari surat ko kisi ki nazar na lage, which similarly celebrates the beloved’s beauty while expressing the wish to protect her from the evil eye.

3) Song: Chaand Ne Kuch Kaha
Film: Dil To Paagal Hai (1997)
Credits: Uttam Singh | Udit Narayan, Lata Mangeshkar and Chorus

Set at a Valentine’s Day party, the melodious song carries a message of love. The moon has urged the night to fall in love, and the same message, “Pyaar Kar,” is extended to human beings. Three characters express their individual perspectives on love, with Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor singing the three stanzas. Karisma’s portion is particularly moving, as it captures the pain of unrequited love and the longing of a woman whose beloved remains unaware of her feelings.

4) Song: Gali Mein Aaj Chaand Nikla
Film: Zakhm (1998)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | M.M. Kreem | Alka Yagnik

Zakhm was a serious offering from Mahesh Bhatt. In the film, Pooja Bhatt and Nagarjuna are a married couple but in a complex relationship because they are from different faiths. Their relationship is not accepted by the hero’s family. Although he continues to support her, he visits her only occasionally, leaving her to raise their son largely on her own.

The song plays in the background when Nagarjuna finally visits the home of the woman who has been waiting for him. Poetically, his arrival is compared to the moon who has finally risen and its brilliance has illuminated the whole area.

5) Song: Mera Chaand Mujhe Aaya Hai Nazar
Film: Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan (1999)
Credits: Indeevar | Jatin-Lalit | Kumar Sanu

There is an interesting story behind the song. The film was originally conceived as Mr Aashiq in 1996, starring Saif Ali Khan and Twinkle Khanna. After the initial version was abandoned, Mahesh Bhatt reworked the project into Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan. According to records, some songs filmed for the earlier version were retained in the eventual release.

This is a soft romantic composition. The song expresses the hero’s excitement as he imagines being with the woman he loves. He compares her to the moon and asks the night to pass slowly, as he wants to savour the moment and prolong the romantic meeting. The lyrics also suggest that their romantic relationship has not yet reached its fulfilment: he longs for their love to blossom. There is a mix of excitement and anticipation.

6) Song: Chaand Chhupa Badal Mein
Film: Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
Credits: Mehboob | Ismail Durbar | Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik and Chorus

This is a multilayered song with the moon playing a key part. Aishwarya Rai celebrates Karwa Chauth at her in-laws’ home, although the circumstances make the celebration more of an obligation than a choice, given her forced union with her husband. As she participates in the rituals, she recalls the festival at her parents’ house. That was the time when she had shared a romantic interlude with the hero, played by Salman Khan, the man she truly loves.

The song thus captures both the festive traditions of Karwa Chauth and the underlying romance between the principal characters. And the moon is perceived differently – the hero wants to take advantage(!) of its absence; on the other hand, the woman are pleading the moon to appear soon, so they can celebrate its arrival.

7) Song: Chaand Aaya Hai
Film: Dil Hi Dil Mein (1999)
Credits: Mehboob | A.R. Rahman | Udit Narayan, Kavita Krishnamurthy

This is a kind of obscure remake film starring Kunal Singh and Sonali Bendre. The song is set during a Garba / Dandiya night, when the community gathers for traditional dancing during Navratri. The festive setting provides an opportunity for the lovers to express their attraction in a public celebration.

The moon is used as a metaphor for the heroine, describing how it has appeared on the earth in the form of a beautiful person. The actors communicate through their expressions and give a hint of romance. The lyrics also encourage them to seize the moment. A celebration like this offers a chance to speak, listen and reveal feelings that might otherwise remain unspoken.

8) Song: Yeh Chaand Koi Deewana Hai
Film: Chhupa Rustam (2001)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Anand–Milind | Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik

Mamta Kulkarni and Sanjay Kapoor feature in this famous and catchy song centered around the moon. This song uses the moon as a metaphor for a hopelessly lovestruck admirer. The opening thought conveys that the moon itself is a long-time lover. The lyrics imagine the moon as a deewana, wandering about and staying awake all night in pursuit of someone.

9) Song: Chaand Sifarish
Film: Fanaa (2006)
Credits: Prasoon Joshi | Jatin-Lalit | Shaan and Kailash Kher

Aamir Khan expresses his feelings for Kajol in this superhit song. The moon is personified as a messenger who will put in a word for the hero and convey the intensity of his love, including his willingness to lose himself completely in it. An unusual thought, perhaps, but one that is presented as deeply romantic! The hero is quite bold to express his feelings in a flirting manner. The song is wonderfully melodious, and its distinctive whistling has become one of its most recognisable and memorable features.

10) Song: Chaand Ki Katori
Film: Guzaarish (2008)
Credits: Vibhu Puri | Sanjay Leela Bhansali | Harshdeep Kaur

And finally, an abstract and offbeat song. This song uses the moon as a metaphor, describing it as a little bowl in the night sky. Sung beautifully, it has a distinctive, almost whimsical quality, though the lyrics carry a deeper meaning. Beneath the playful imagery lies a reflection on life’s struggles, fragile relationships, unfulfilled dreams and the hardships faced by the less fortunate. The contrast between the charming imagery of the moon and the underlying sadness gives the song a unique character. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s composition complements the unconventional lyrics, making this an interesting departure from the usual romantic songs that celebrate the moon.

“Parody Songs”

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Welcome to the world of parody songs which was a popular genre at one time but has slowly faded from the current generation of movies. The dictionary meaning of parody refers to a literary or musical work in which the style of an author or work is closely imitated for comic effect or in ridicule. How well said!

Parody songs are not “original” songs in the true sense. A parody composition replaces the original lyrics of a song with (often) funny / satirical lyrics. The tune is same but the lyrics are altered to suit the film situation. They are typically used as part of the comedy side plot where a single song or a string of songs depict the humorous or dramatic situation in the story. In older films, these songs would be commonly picturized on the supporting actors or comedians.

If done correctly, the songs are highly enjoyable and hilarious to watch (a classic example is Mr. India). The fun part is identifying the original songs and appreciating the remixed lyrics. No wonder, the lyricist has to be skilled enough to think of convincing lyrics for every song to make an impact.

I have collated 10 such songs, all from pre-90s films. The links are also shared in the song title. Hope you enjoy and let me know your favourites.

1) Song: Aaye Na Baalam, Ka Karoon Sajni
Film: Main Chup Rahungi (1962)
Credits: Rajendra Krishan | Chitragupta | Mohammed Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar and Chorus

This is a cute song from a school drama depicting an orphaned rabbit who takes on the mighty lion. Master Babloo performs the role of the rabbit as Meena Kumari and Sunil Dutt watch the performance. The songs includes parodies of well known songs like Aaye na baalam ka karoon sajni, Yahoo, Itna na mujhse tu pyaar badha, Ehsaan tera hoga mujhpar, Dadi amma dadi amma maan jaao, Husnawale tera jawab nahi, Dhoondo dhoondo re saajana, Zara saamne to aao chhaliye.

2) Song: Jaa Raha Hoon Main
Film: Akashdeep (1965)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | Chitragupta | Manna Dey, S. Balbir and Asha Bhosle

Akashdeep was a forgettable movie in spite of big names like Ashok Kumar, Dharmendra, Nanda and Nimmi but it had good music. This song features Mehmood as the performer with his wife Shubha Khote sitting in the audience. He is fed up of his wife and thinking of marrying a second time. This thought is described in the funny song which includes parodies of Ruk jaa o janewali ruk jaa, Jo wada kiya woh, Ae gulbadan, Main to tum sang, Kabhi to milegi, Tum mujhe bhool bhi jaao, Zaroorat hai, Mujhko apne gale lagalo.

3) Song: Dheere Re Chalo Meri Langdi Bandariya
Film: Insaaf (1966)
Credits: Akhtar Romani | Usha Khanna | Johnny Whisky and Usha Khanna

Insaaf was a B Grade movie starring Prithviraaj Kapoor, Dara Singh, Helen etc. This lesser known parody track is enacted by the comedian Johnny Whisky along with Jeevan Kala. It is a typical situation where the comedian is trying to woo his love interest and she asks him to leave her alone. He calls her a monkey and she responds in kind. They sing altered versions of songs like Main kya karu Ram mujhe buddha mil gaya, Gudiya hamse roothi rahogi, Teri pyaari pyari surat ko, Mere mehboob qayamat hogi, Ek tu jo mila, Bol Radha bol sangam. Interestingly, Johnny Whisky is credited as the singer of the song; his voice resembles that of Mukesh.

4) Song: Suno Suno Kanyaon Ka Warnan
Film: Haseena Maan Jayegi (1968)
Credits: Prakash Mehra (?) | Kalyanji Anandji | Mohammed Rafi and Mahesh Kumar

Shashi Kapoor plays a college student conducting “research” about different types of girls. He presents his findings to his friends in the form of 4 parody songs. Mohammed Rafi sings the male song (Mere desh ki dharti), while Mahesh Kumar is credited for the female songs (Pardesiyon se na ankhiyaan milana, Jogan ban jaungi saiyyan tore kaaran, Ab aage teri marzi, originally sung by Lata Mangeshkar). The mimicked female voice sounds like that of Mubarak Begum. Shashi Kapoor looks cute in drag and he performs with conviction proving how good an actor he was!

5) Song: Chhahe Koi Mujhe Bhoot Kahe
Film: Waris (1969)
Credits: Rajinder Krishan | R. D. Burman | Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle

This song is picturized on Mehmood and Aruna Irani as they try to rescue Baby Sonia (Neetu Singh) from some goons. They sing parodies of numbers like Yahoo, Dil ke jharokhon mein, Tu kitni achchi hai, An evening in Paris, Mere saamne wali khidki, Aaja aaja main hoon pyar tera as they tackle the bad guys. All seem to be enjoying the scene!

6) Song: Chal Chal Re Naujawaan
Film: Ek Phool Do Mali (1969)
Credits: Prem Dhawan | Ravi | Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle

This is a comedy song enacted by the supporting characters of David, Manorama, Brahmachari and Shabnam. Manorama wants her son in law (Brahmachari) to climb a mountain. He has no intention of doing so but is coaxed by his in-laws and wife. This leads to some funny lyrics from songs like Chal chal re naujawan, Jo wada kiya woh, Dil ke jharokhon mein, Zindagi bhar nahi bhoolegi, Dil ki kahaani rang layi, Neel gagan par udte baadal, Mere saamne wali khidki mein, PArde mein rehne do and Ye Raste Hai Pyaar Ke. The singing and the acting is too good.

7) Song: Mere Saamne Wale Kamre Mein
Film: Lakhon Mein Ek (1971)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | R. D. Burman | Manna Dey and Asha Bhosle

Lakhon Mein Ek was one of the films where Mehmood played the central character. The film revolves around his character and his neighbours, who all stay in a chawl. There is a married couple played by Ramesh Deo and Shubha Khote. The wife starts singing the song to tease her husband. They sings versions of RD & SD Burman songs like Mere saamne wali khidki mein, Puchho ho na kaise maine, Ye jo mohabbat hai, Jhan jhan jhan jhan paayal baaje, Mere sapno ki rani and O mere sona re.

8) Song: Ye Kaun Hai Ye Kaun Hai
Film: Main Sundar Hoon (1971)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Shankar Jaikishan| Mukesh, Manna Dey and Asha Bhosle

This is another film in which Mehmood plays the central character. He is Sundar, who becomes a film star. In this scene, he is part of a fund raising campaign organized by film stars. He performs a skit on family planning. Aruna Irani plays his wife. The performance is filled with parodies of songs like Wo kaun hai wo kaun hai, Teri pyaari pyaari surat ko, Roop tera mastana and Ae bhai zara dekh ke chalo.

9) Song: Radha Pyaar De
Film: Insaaf Ki Awaaz (1986)
Credits: Indeevar | Bappi Lahiri | Kishore Kumar, S. Janaki and Chorus

This in one of the cringiest songs and shows everything that was wrong in 1980s cinema. There is a comedy track between a married couple Jagdeep and Aruna Irani. Her ex-lover Asrani shows up and openly flirts with her. The result is this song which depicts Asrani as Lord Krishna and Aruna Irani as Radha; they belt out parodies of Bappi Lahiri songs. The lyrics are funny but the picturization is offensive. I doubt if such a song can be imagined and executed today.

10) Song: Na Maange Sona Chandi
Film: Mr India (1987)
Credits: Javed Akhtar | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Shabbir Kumar, Anuradha Paudwal and Chorus

And finally the all time favorite song. It is a rare parody song which is picturized on the main leads. All songs parodied are compositions by Laxmikant Pyarelal. From Na maangu sona chandi (Bobby) to Om Shanti Om (Karz), it is amusing to listen to and view the classic songs in a different context.

“Rain duets” 90s Songs

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It is the rainy season again and time for a post on this theme. I had written on the rain duets from the pre-90s  era a couple of years back. The post can be found here. Rain songs have their own charm. Most of the time they are used in romantic situations but sometimes they speak about longing and separation too. Today’s post is about rain duets all from the 1990s and beyond. Each song presents a different flavour of this much awaited season. Which songs do you remember?

1) Song: Saawan Jo Aag Lagaye
Film: Kasam Teri Kasam (1993)
Credits: Sameer | Naresh Sharma | Mano and Anuradha Paudwal

This was a forgettable film courtesy Gulshan Kumar and T-Series. But the film had good songs. It starred his brother Krishan Kumar along with Kanchan and Neeta Puri. He is married to Neeta but attracted towards his employee (Kanchan). This rain filled number is one of the better songs of the movie. The tune is melodious and is well sung. The male singer is Mano whose voice resembles S. P. Balasubrahmanyam.

2) Song: Pehle Pyaar Ki Pehli Ye Barsaat Hai
Film: Dil Hai Betaab (1993)
Credits:  K. K. Verma| Laxmikant Pyarelal | Udit Narayan and Kavita Krishnamurthy

This is probably another forgettable film of the 90s starring Ajay Devgan, Vivek Mushran and Pratibha Sinha. But this song was popular during its time. Ajay Devgan imagines he is singing this duet with his first love. This is probably one of the few songs where Ajay Devgan is made to dance! There is a lot of jumping around in the rain by the actors which looks funny.

3) Song: Rimjhim Rimjhim
Film: 1942: A Love Story
Credits: Javed Akhtar | R. D. Burman | Kumar Sanu and Kavita Krishnamurthy

What can we say about this song! It is subtle, melodious and leaves its impact. The picturization is lovely as we see the blossoming of love between the lead actors Anil Kapoor and Manisha Koirala. Many feelings are conveyed though they are not said openly.

4) Song: Tip Tip Barsa Paani
Film: Mohra (1994)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Viju Shah | Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik

This list cannot be complete without this song. The music pattern, singing and the picturization have made it an iconic song. A sensous Raveena Tandon woos a reluctant Akshay Kumar. He cannot resist her appeal and moves closer to her. There is a display of sizzling chemistry onscreen.

5) Song: Chhatri Na Khol Barsaat Mein
Film: Gopi Kishan (1994)
Credits: Sameer | Anand Milind | Kumar Sanu and Poornima

This is a typical song from Anand Milind. The picturization is actually amusing to watch. Shilpa Shirodkar is trying to convince Sunil Shetty to leave the umbrella aside and enjoy the rain,. But he is not interested and asks her to leave him alone. The song is sung impressively by the underrated Poornima.

6) Song: Koi Ladki Hai
Film: Dil To Paagal Hai (1997)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Uttam Singh | Udit Narayan, Lata Mangeshkar and chorus

This is a delightful song and stands out for its catchy tune and infectious rhythm. Right from the intro lines Ghode jaisi chaal haathi jaisi dum, o saawan raja kahaan se aaye tum? to the rhythmic lyrics Chaak dhoom dhoom, Chaak dhoom dhoom, it hooks you completely. Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor add their charm on screen with a bunch of kids frolicking in the rain.

7) Song: Jo Haal Dil Ka
Film: Sarfarosh (1999)
Credits: Sameer | Jatin Lalit | Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik

This is a well picturized duet song on Aamir Khan and Sonali Bendre. The song begins with a surprise birthday celebration and the scene transforms to a dreamy rainy setting. Love is finally admitted. Interestingly, the lyrics do not have a direct reference to the rainy weather or the feelings invoked because of it.

8) Song: Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala
Film: Koi Mil Gaya (2003)
Credits: Ibrahim Ashk | Rajesh Roshan | Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik

This is a cute song between the unlikely pair of Rohit (Hrithik Roshan) and Nisha (Preity Zinta) as depicted in the movie. It starts raining suddenly and Rohit starts singing and dancing. Hrithik gets a chance to display his impressive dancing skills. It is well choreographed by Farah Khan (she won the Filmfare Award).

9) Song: Saason Ko…Hum Tum
Film: Hum Tum (2004)
Credits: Prasoon Joshi | Jatin Lalit | Babul Supriyo and Alka Yagnik

This is a soft romantic duet starring Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukherjee. The lead couple are caught in the rain. She sees the people around them engaged in romantic situations. She imagines herself and the hero in place of those people. The rain does its job of bringing them together.

10) Song: Lagaa Lagaa Laaga Re Laaga Premrog
Film: Maine Pyaar Kyu Kiya (2005)
Credits: Sameer | Himesh Reshammiya | Kamaal Khan and Alka Yagnik

This is a random song in this messy comedy film. The rain is incidental to the situation. The wind is blowing, there is a hint of rain and Sushmita Sen starts performing the song. Salman Khan is embarrassed but he joins later after it starts raining heavily. The tune is catchy and Sushmita dances well.