Category Archives: My Lists

“Mohammed Rafi” Describing The Heroine Songs

My Lists

Mohammed Rafi, one of Hindi cinema’s most accomplished and versatile singers left suddenly for his heavenly abode on 31 July 1980. But his legacy proposers. His repertoire is vast and choosing a theme itself can be a challenge. So I thought of selecting 10 songs where Rafi sounds extra sweet. In all these songs, the hero is describing the heroine’s beauty. Perhaps Rafi’s singing make the beautiful stars shine brighter! What do you think?

1) Song: Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho
Film: Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Ravi | Mohammed Rafi

One of the most iconic songs in this theme, Guru Dutt sees his beautiful wife sleeping and gently starts singing this song comparing her to the full moon, sun and so on. Waheeda Rehman looks strikingly beautiful and deserves the accolades!  It was apt that Rafi won the Filmfare best singer award for this song.

Zulfein hain jaise kaandhe pe baadal jhuke hue,
Aankhen hain jaise meay ke payaale bhare hue,
Masti hai jis me pyaar ki tum, woh sharaab ho
Chaudhvin ka chand ho..

2) Song: Ab Kya Misaal Doon
Film: Aarti (1962)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | Roshan | Mohammed Rafi

A simple song featuring Pradeep Kumar singing for his wife Meena Kumari. He compares her beauty to the brilliance of the moon. As if the moon’s rays have assumed human form and settled on earth. How poetic and Rafi’s voice enhances the effect.

Chehre main ghul gaya hai haseen chandni ka noor,
Aankhon mein hai chaman ki jawan raat ka suroor,
Gardan hai ek jhuki hui daali gulab ki,
Ab kya misaal doon main tumhare shabaab ki

3) Song: Yeh Chaand Sa Roshan Chehra
Film: Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)
Credits: S.H. Bihari | O.P. Nayyar | Mohammed Rafi

Compared to the first two songs, there is no subtle business here. Its Shammi Kapoor singing in his boisterous style and wooing the heroine in full public view! Rafi’s signing, Shammi’s verve, Sharmila’s rawness and Kashmir, all in one frame! It also demonstrates Rafi’s tremendous range as a singer.

Ikk cheez qayamat bhi hai logon se suna karte the,
Tumhe dekh ke maine maana woh theek kaha karte the,
Hai chaal mein teri zaalim, kuch aisi bala ka jaadu,
Sau baar sambhala dil ko, par ho ke raha bekabu,
Taarif karoon kya uski jisne tumhein banaya

4) Song: Yeh Teri Saadgi
Film: Shabnam (1964)
Credits: Javed Anwar | Usha Khanna | Mohammed Rafi

I would say a different and underrated song for a B-grade movie but so wonderfully sung. Mehmood sings this for an unknown(?) heroine Vijayalakshmi. The images don’t matter when the tune and singing are unforgettable.

Chaal me shokiyaan ya nasheeli bijliyaan,
Har taraf ye shor hai gir padega aasmaan,
Par teri khaamoshi…allama allama,
Ye teri saadgi ye tera baankpan,
jaane bahaar jaane chaman haaye,
tauba shikan tauba shikan

5) Song: Aapke Haseen Rukh Pe
Film: Baharen Phir Bhi Aayegi (1966)
Credits: Anjaan | O.P. Nayyar| Mohammed Rafi

Dharmendra singing for not one but two beauties – Mala Sinha and Tanuja. Of course he is in love with one of them, but the other one loves him too, creating that tricky triangle. Rafi’s honeyed voice flows like a meandering river carrying the listener with him.

Khuli laton ki chhaon mein khila khila ye roop hai,
Ghata se jaise chhan rahi subah subah ki dhoop hai,
Kisi mein woh kashish kahan jo aap mein huzoor hai,
Mera dil machal gaya to mera kya kusoor hai

6) Song: Rukh Se Zara Naqaab
Film: Mere Huzoor (1968)
Credits: A | Shankar Jaikishan| Mohammed Rafi

This is for a formulaic song. Jeetendra, travelling in a train happens to see his co-passenger Mala Sinha’s face reflected in the mirror. He spends the journey singing the song describing all that he has seen and requesting her to dazzle him one more time. The song picturization is a bit annoying but Rafi excels, as usual.

Woh Marmari Se Haath Woh Mahakaa Huaa Badan,
Takaraayaa Mere Dil Se Muhabbat Kaa Ek Chaman,
Mere…Bhi Dil Kaa Phooll Khilaa Do Mere Huzoor
Rukh Se Zara…

7) Song: Nazar Na Lag Jaaye
Film: Night In London (1968)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal| Mohammed Rafi

Mala Sinha once again but this time with Biswajeet. The hero is warning her to be careful as her beauty is bound to attract an evil eye.

Dekh kar teri tarafa bahaar,
Aaja ho rahi hai bekaraar,
Chu rahe phool yun tujhe,
Jaise inhe bhi tujhase pyaar
Ye ho naa jaye, O my love

8) Song: Yeh Reshmi Zulfein
Film: Do Raaste (1969)
Credits: Anand Bakshi| Laxmikant Pyarelal | Mohammed Rafi

A situational song. In a college picnic, the hero Rajesh Khanna impresses Mumtaz by praising her silky hair and intoxicating eyes. Rafi’s signing adds that extra touch of teasing and naughtiness into the song.

Jo yeh aankhe sharam sey jhuk jayegee,
Saree bate yahee bas ruk jayegee,
Chup rehana yeh afasana, koi inn ko naa batalana,
Ke inhe dekhkar jee rahe hain sabhee

9) Song: Khuda Bhi Asmaan Se
Film: Dharti (1970)
Credits: Rajendar Krishan | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi

Mohammed Rafi was the voice of Rajendra Kumar and sung a number of romantic songs where he is praising or teasing the heroine. In this song, the hero comments that the creator himself is wondering who has created this marvellous beauty. What a compliment indeed!

Musavvir khud pareshaa hai ke ye tasvir kisaki hai,
Banogi jisaki tum aisi hasi taqadir kisaki hai,
Kabhi wo jal raha hoga, kabhi khush ho raha hoga

10) Song: Maine Poochha Chaand Se
Film: Abdullah (1980)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | R.D. Burman | Mohammed Rafi

And finally, a song which is probably one of the final songs of this great artist. Sanjay Khan with Zeenat Aman. The hero has confirmed that his beloved has no equal! The singing is soft and subdued.

Maine yeh hijaab tera dhoondha, har jageh shabab tera dhoondha,
Kaliyon se misaal teri poochi, phoolon ne jawaab tera dhoondha,
Maine poocha baag se falak ho ya zameen, aisa phool hai kahin,
Baag ne kaha har kali ki kasam, nahi nahi nahi
Maine poocha chand se…

“Mukesh” Solo Songs

My Lists

22 July is the birth anniversary of Mukesh Chand Mathur, more famously known as the singer Mukesh. He may not be as technically competent as his contemporaries and had his limitations. But he managed to leave a lasting impression on most of the songs he sung, which is indeed an achievement. It can be said that you can either like or dislike his singing but you certainly cannot ignore him.

There are some songs which I would say bear the Mukesh “stamp.” You cannot imagine any other singer signing that song with the same emotions. So, here are 10 solo songs of Mukesh picturised on different actors but all bearing the distinctive Mukesh stamp. Which songs do you recall?

1) Song: Hum Tujhse Mohabbat Karke
Film: Awara (1951)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh

Mukesh was undoubtedly Raj Kapoor’s voice all the way. It’s so difficult to select one song instead of a whole list. But this is from one of the earlier RK movies starring a young Raj Kapoor. Mukesh’s voice is the perfect foil and brings out the pathos and pitifulness of the situation through his singing.

2) Song: Yeh Mera Deewanapan Hai
Film: Yahudi (1958)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh

While Mohammed Rafi was Dilip Kumar’s voice, Mukesh has sung some limited but memorable songs in Andaz, Mela, Madhumati etc. In this song, Mukesh’s singing reminds us of K.L. Saigal’s singing style. The expressions bring out the character’s apprehension as he waits for his lover.

Dil Ko Tere Hi Tamanna,
Dil Ko Hai Tujhse hi Pyar,
Chaahe Tu aaye na aaye,
Hum karenge Intezaar…
Yeh mera Deewanapan hai…

3) Song: Jaaoon Kahan Bata Aye Dil
Film: Chhoti Behen (1959)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan| Mukesh

Picturised on an actor who would rarely get to lip sync songs. But what a fit! The singing brings out all the emotions that Rehman’s character is going through and the lyrics describe the futility of the situation.

Banke toote yahaan arzoo ke mahal,
Ye zameen aasmaan, bhi gaye hain badal,
Kehti hai zindagi, is jahaan se nikal,
Jaaoon kahan bata aye dil

4) Song: Mujhko Is Raat Ki Tanhaai Mein Awaaz
Film: Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960)
Credits: Shamim Akhtar Jaipuri | Kalyanji Anandji | Mukesh

It is difficult to imagine Mukesh on Dharmendra but this was the latter’s debut movie. While other singers eventually became Dharmendra’s voice, Mukesh suits the song and the mood of the hero. Here he is remembering his lady love who has apparently died and her memories keep haunting him.

5) Song: Bhooli Hui Yaadon
Film: Sanjog (1961)
Credits: Rajendra Krishan | Madan Mohan | Mukesh

This is a song which is more Mukesh than the actor Pradeep Kumar. Beautiful tune in Yaman brought alive by Mukesh’s singing.

6) Song: Haan Deewana Hun Main
Film: Saranga (1961)
Credits: Bharat Vyas | Sardar Malik | Mukesh

Another gem but picturised on a forgettable Sudesh Kumar. Once again the expressions are top notch bringing out the desperateness of the character.

Maangi khushiya magar gham mila pyaar mein,
Dard hi bhar diya dil ke har taar mein,
Aaj koi nahi mera sansaar mein,
Chhod kar chal diye Mujhko majhadhaar mein,
Haye teer-e-nazar ka nishana hun main
Haan deewana hun main

7) Song: Teri Yaad Dil Se
Film: Hariyali Aur Raasta (1962)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh

After Raj Kapoor, Manoj Kumar was another actor who could carry Mukesh’s voice effectively. Similar filmy situation where the heroine is presumed dead and the hero brings out his emotions through a song.

Gham-e-ishq le phoonk de mera daaman,
Main apni lagi yun bujhaane chala hun,
Teri yaad dil se bhulaane chala hun…
Ke khud apni hasti mitaane chala hun

8) Song: Chandan Sa Badan
Film: Saraswati Chandra (1968)
Credits: Indeevar | Kalyanji Anandji | Mukesh

Mukesh in a happy romantic mood singing for Manish. His soulful singing describes the beauty of the heroine. Simple rendition with superb diction is the highlight of the song.

Tan bhi sundar mann bhi sundar,
Tu sundarta ki murat hai,
Kisi aur ko shayad kam hogi,
Mujhe teri bahut zarurat hai,
Pahale bhi bahut main tarsa hun,
Tu aur na mujh ko tarsana

9) Song: Oh Re Taal Mile
Film: Anokhi Raat (1968)
Credits: Indeevar | Roshan | Mukesh

Another tailor made song for Mukesh. Sanjeev Kumar sings a philosophical song as he brings home his newly wedded wife.

Suraj ko dharti tarse dharti ko chandrama, dharti ko chandrama
Paani mein seep jaise pyasi har aatma, pyasu har aatma
O mitwa re…
Paani mein seep jaise pyasi har aatma
Boond chhupi kis baadal mein
Koi jaane na

10) Song: Chandi Ki Deewar
Film: Vishwas (1969)
Credits: Gulshan Bawra | Kalyanji Anandji | Mukesh

This is meant to be a happy birthday song for the heroine. But a dramatic scene changes the situation and makes it a song of anguish for the hero Jeetendra.

Kal tak jisne kasame khai, dukh me sath nibhane ki,
Aaj woh apne sukh ki khatir ho gai ik begane ki,
Shehanaiyon ki goonj mein dabake reh gayi aah divane ki
Dhanavano ne deewane ka Gham se rishta jod diya
Ik dhanavan ki beti ne nirdhan ka daman tod diya
Chandi ki deewar na todi
Pyar bhara dil tod diya

“Parting” Romantic Songs

My Lists

Parting or separation is another common theme in movies. Parting between parents and children, siblings, friends and lovers are often shown on screen. Many a times, the parting is filled with sorrow. And the cycle is complete when a reunion occurs later or towards the end of the movie. Today’s post is not about sorrowful parting. Rather a romantic happy separation. The romantic couple has spent some hours (or moments?) together. Parting is imminent but not something they look forward to. Presenting 10 songs covering this temporary happy separation.

1) Song: Din Saara Guzaara
Film: Junglee (1961)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar

Shammi Kapoor and Saira Banu romancing in Kashmir. This is their last meeting for some time as he will be leaving Kashmir to go back home. A visually pleasing song capturing the beauty of the location and the lead pair.

Ye chanchal ye haseen raat, haay kaash aaj na aati,
Har din ke baad raat hai, ek din to thhahar jaati, Koi hum se bichhad ke na jaata, jeeene ka maza aaa jaata,
Mere yaar shabba khair, mere yaar shabba khair

2) Song: Abhi Na Jaao Chhodkar
Film: Hum Dono (1961)
Credits: Sahir | Jaidev | Mohammed Rafi & Asha Bhosle

One of the most memorable songs in this genre. Dev Anand is requesting Sadhana to not leave him so early but she knows him well and is not in the mood to agree. There is a long scene without dialogues which culminates beautifully into the song. We are also introduced to the signature tune which repeats in Main zindagi ka saath nibhaata chala gaya.

3) Song: Aaj Ki Mulaaqat Bas Itni
Film: Bharosa (1963)
Credits: Rajendra Krishan | Ravi | Mahendra Kapoor & Lata Mangeshkar

Guru Dutt and Asha Parekh as the romantic leads. Its refreshing to watch a happy Guru Dutt. This is a cute nok-jhok filled parting song.

Kabhi kabhi aise bhi aya karo, chaand nikale toh ghar jaaya karo,
Aayenge jaaenge marzi se hum, pyaar hai toh naaz bhi uthhaaya karo,
Achchhi nahin hoti hai zid itni, dekho hamein tumse hain preet kitni,
Aaj ki mulaaqaat bas itni

4) Song: Ab Der Ho Gayi Wallah
Film: Rustom Sohrab (1963)
Credits: Qamar Jalalabadi | Sajjad Hussain | Asha Bhosle

Rustom Sohrab is a costume drama. The song features an unlikely pair of Premnath (as Rustom) and Mumtaz (as Shahroo). Mumtaz is requesting him to let her leave and promises to meet him again.

5) Song: Aji Humse Bachkar Kaha Jaaiyega
Film: Arzoo (1965)
Credits:  Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi

A short song and sort of part 2 of Aji rooth kar ab with superb singing. Romantic couple Rajendra Kumar and Sadhana have been spending blissful moments in a shikara. Evening sets in and Sadhana gets ready to leave as he addresses the song to her.

Aji Humse Bachkar Kahan Jaaiyega,
Jahan Jaaiyega Hume Paaiyega

Yeh Kaisa Nasha Hai, Yeh Kaisa Asar Hai
Na Kabu Me Dil Hai, Na Bas Me Nazar Hai
Jara Hosh Aa Le Chale Jaaiyega
Theher Jaaiyega, Theher Jaaiyega

6) Song: Sayonara
Film: Love In Tokyo (1966)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Lata Mangeshkar

This will be one of the first songs that come to mind when we think of this theme. Asha Parekh masquerading as a Japanese lady, speaking in chaste Hindi and Joy Mukherjee falling for her. Evergreen song complemented by the sights of Japan.

Chhod de meri baahon ko, rok na meri raahon ko,
Itni bhi betaabi kya, samjha apni nigaahon ko,
Sayonara sayonara

7) Song: Chale Jana Zara Thehro
Film: Around The World (1967)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh & Sharda

Good lyrics and tune but an aging Raj Kapoor and much younger Rajshri are hard to digest. And Sharda..well…

Abhi aaye ho baitho toh, yeh mausam bhi suhana hai,
Abhi toh hal-e-dil tumko nigahon se sunana hai,
Nazar pyasi yeh dil pyasa, kisi kaa dum nikalata hai
Yeh manzar dekhakar jaana, chale jaana

8) Song: Dhal Gaya Din
Film: Humjoli (1970)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Mohammed Rafi & Asha Bhosle

A unique song set to the rhythm of badminton shots. The leads Jeetendra and Leena Chandawarkar are playing badminton. The sun sets as they continue playing. In between shots, Leena reminds him its time to go home but he insists her on staying, a bit longer.

9) Song: Achcha To Hum Chalte Hain
Film: Aan Milo Sajna (1970)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar

Another catchy and evergreen offering. Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh parting with a commitment to meet again. A nice give and take song with practical lyrics.

Kisine dekha to nahi tumhein aate, Nahi main aayi hoon chhupte chhupate,
Deir kar di badi, zara dekho to ghadi,
Offo meri to ghadi band hai, Teri yeh adaa mujhe pasand hai,
Dekho baatein waatein karlo jaldi jaldi, Phir na kehna abhi aayi abhi chal di,
To aao paas baithein pal do pal, Aaj nahin kal, kyon kyon! Aaj nahin kal,
Yeh to ek bahana hai, Wapas ghar bhi jaana hai,
Kitni jaldi yeh din dhalte hain. Haaye! Tata
Achcha to hum chalte hain

10) Song: Kal Ki Haseen Mulaaqat Ke Liye
Film: Charas (1976)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar

The song occurs in a hotel where Dharmendra and Hema Malini are staying in adjoining rooms. But separating for the night is difficult for both of them. Dharmendra is not in the mood to leave. A lot of convincing and pushing from Hema is needed as they sing the song. A pity the other guests do not complain!