Category Archives: My Lists

Shammi Kapoor – “Transport Mode” Songs

My Lists

Shammi Kapoor – the name is enough! He is the star, the performer who created his own style and became a bankable hero in the late 50s and 60s. Of course, this was not easy. After initial failures, he tasted success with Tumsa Nahi Dekha (1957) and followed up with more.

This was the era of Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and (his own brother) Raj Kapoor. While it may have been difficult to match the fame of the trio, he managed to carve a special place for himself. His fans would vouch for that. His screen presence was entertainment guaranteed. Typical of his on screen persona, he would stalk the heroine, trouble her, revel in comedy and dance. His natural sense of rhythm was adequately reflected in the song picturization. And with Mohammed Rafi providing playback, the songs were bound to be a winner.

Shammi Kapoor passed away on 14th August 2011 and today’s post is dedicated to his memory. One noticeable thing about him was that it was difficult to see him sitting down and staying calm. He would always be on the move. In this context, today’s theme covers 10 songs where Shammi Kapoor is in transport mode. Land, water, air – he avails it all. Enjoy the post and which similar songs do you remember?

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

Tumsa Nahi Dekha was the turning point in Shammi Kapoor’s career. After a string of flops, he tasted success that led to emergence of the “Shammi Kapoor” phenomenon. He developed his own style. In this song, he “hijacks”a tonga before the heroine (Ameeta) can engage it. As both are travelling to the same destination, she reluctantly boards the tonga. After that, the hero is in his full element. He teases and flirts with her. She is of course, not impressed. He would go on to do many such songs throughout this career. While the song is picturised in a tonga, there are hardly any outdoor shots. Seems it was all shot in a studio!

2) Song: Dekho Ji Ek Bala Jogi Matwala
Film: Chinatown (1962)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | Ravi | Mohammed Rafi and Meenu Purushottam

A train journey, a disguised Shammi Kapoor. And you know the rest. The heroine Shakila’s father is taking her back to Calcutta. He doesn’t approve of his daughter meeting the “good for nothing” hero. But Shammi Kapoor is not one to back off easily. He disguises himself as a sadhu and boards the train. What follows is a devotional song where he makes attempts to impress her father. She recognizes him and joins him in the singing. Shammi Kapoor played a double role in this film convincingly.

3) Song: Yahaan Ke Hum Hain Rajkumar
Film: Rajkumar (1964)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi

Shammi Kapoor plays the prince who is returning home after spending time abroad. This is his “welcome” home song involving a long procession. He is in truly transport mode here! The song starts in a car, then he rides an elephant, a horse and finally starts walking. He is making people aware that the prince is back. And he enjoys drawing attention to himself.

4) Song: Ye Chand Sa Roshan Chehra
Film: Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)
Credits: S.H. Bihari | O.P. Nayyar | Mohammed Rafi

It’s time to get in a water mode. Shammi Kapoor woos Sharmila Tagore in a shikara, a wooden boat used in Kashmir. The water and shaking of the boat has no effect on our hero. He is in full form – bending, dancing, jumping all over, and finally, falling in to the water!

5) Song: Subhan Allah Haseen Chehra
Film: Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)
Credits: S.H. Bihari | O.P. Nayyar | Mohammed Rafi

Another song from the same movie. Sharmila Tagore is travelling on a truck with her friends and the villain (Pran, who else!). Shammi Kapoor joins disguised as a pathan’s wife and performs this delightful song. The singing, the catchy rhythm and performance make it memorable.

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

This is one of those “searching for love” songs. This is also an introduction of the hero song. The movie was forgettable but the songs were good. Shammi Kapoor enters the frame riding a horse. He sings, wondering when and where he will meet his beloved.

7) Song: Asmaan Se Aaya Farishta
Film: An Evening In Paris (1967)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi, Sharmila Tagore(?) and Chorus

This is truly one of the unique songs in Hindi cinema and probably first of its kind. Shammi Kapoor dangles from a helicopter as he sings to Sharmila Tagore (who is water skiing). Later he hops on a boat. The song stands out for its picturization because shooting in foreign locations was not so common then. Water skiing, as a sport was also probably new for the audience.

8) Song: Hoga Tumse Kal Bhi Saamna
Film: An Evening In Paris (1967)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi

Back on land on a two wheeler in a picnic situation. Shammi Kapoor disguises himself as an Arab called Hukku Pasha and follows Sharmila Tagore on a scooter (a Vespa?). The song may not be well known as other gems from the movie. But it does show Shammi Kapoor utilizing the scooter to perform his antics and get closer to the heroine. And she doesn’t seem to mind the attention.

9) Song: Chakke Mein Chakka
Film: Brahmachari (1968)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi and Chorus

Shammi Kapoor with a bunch of kids in Brahmachari. In the song it’s the kids’ day out. They all get in the vintage car and visit an amusement park which is filled with thrilling rides. Later they visit a garden and take a ride in the toy train. Shammi Kapoor was nominated and won the Filmfare award for Best Actor Filmfare award for this performance.

10) Song: Re Mamma Re Mamma
Film: Andaz (1971)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi

And finally a song from Andaz, probably his last film as a leading man. Shammi Kapoor plays a widowed father. His daughter (played by Baby Gauree) is miffed at him. He follows her in a jeep and sings this song to calm her down and take her home.

Mohammed Rafi – Teasing the Heroine songs

My Lists

It has been a year already. Last year I had posted Describing the heroine songs remembering the great Mohammed Rafi, whose death anniversary falls on 31st July. Our heroes describe the beauty of the heroine in happier times but they also get into a naughty mood sometimes. This leads to some situations involving teasing or flirting with the heroine. While the heroine will be annoyed, the annoyance doesn’t stay that long. The hero is soon forgiven and romance walks in to take the story ahead.

The teasing / flirting can be expressed in different ways as evident from the songs in today’s post. Mohammed Rafi, being the versatile artist could mould his voice to fit any situation and leave his impact. So, here are 10 songs, all on different heroes. Which songs do you remember?

1) Song: Apni To Har Aah Ek Toofan Hai
Film: Kala Bazar (1960)
Credits: Shailendra | S. D. Burman | Mohammed Rafi

This is an unusual song set in a train compartment. Waheeda Rehman is travelling to Ooty with her parents. She and her mother have occupied the top berths while her father is sitting in the lower berth. Dev Anand is the fourth passenger, a stranger. He suddenly starts singing this song. The lyrics portray as if he is singing a devotional song to the uparwala (the almighty!) but that is not so. He is actually addressing the song to the heroine whom he wants to impress. (Unknown to her, he has been following her and wants to get close, as in fall in love).

This is a soft song with an undertone of teasing. The heroine keeps wondering the meaning and intention of the lyrics. Mohammed Rafi impresses by singing with an extra soft tone.

Apni toh har aah ek toofan hain,
Kya kare woh jaan kar anjaan hain,
Uparwala jaan kar anjaan hain,
Apni toh har aah ek toofan hain

2) Song: Aji Qibla Mohtarma
Film: Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | O. P. Nayyar | Mohammed Rafi

Joy Mukherjee was one of the those 60s heroes who was blessed to have Mohammed Rafi as his playback voice in majority of the songs. This is a playful song in Nasir Hussain’s movie. Joy Mukherjee and Asha Parekh are out in the countryside when the heroine’s friends arrive unexpectedly. She doesn’t know how to tackle the situation. And the hero embarrasses her further by singing this teasing number.

Aji qibla, mohtarma, kabhi shola, kabhi naghma,
Iss aap ke andaaz ka haaye kya kehna

3) Song: Hum Hi Se Mohabbat
Film: Leader (1964)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Mohammed Rafi

It is rare to see Dilip Kumar in a teasing and flirtatious mood and Mohammed Rafi adds an extra dimension with his singing. There is a long scene which culminates into the song. Dilip Kumar annoys Vyjanthimala to the fullest extent with his irritating antics. Her reactions are worth noticing too.

Hum hi se mohabbat hum hi se ladaai,
Are maar daalaa duhaai duhaai,
Abhi naasamajh ho uthaao na khhanjar,
Kahi mud na jaaye tumhaari kalaai

4) Song: April Fool Banaya
Film: April Fool (1964)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi and Saira Banu

Biswajeet was another hero who immensely benefited by Mohammed Rafi singing for him. There are many romantic songs of this combination. Based on the April Fool’s Day concept, this is a typical song where the hero tricks and “fools” the heroine (Saira Banu). She is angry with him and he doesn’t miss the chance to irritate her further.

April fool banaya toh unko gussa aaya,
To mera kya kasoor, zamane ka kasoor,
Jisne dastoor banaya

5) Song: Lal Chhadi Maidaan Khadi
Film: Janwar (1965)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi

How can a Mohammed Rafi list be complete without a Shammi Kapoor song? He probably sang the most number of teasing numbers for Shammi Kapoor. What a perfectly matching voice! In this song he refers to the heroine (Rajshri) as a red stick and bothers her as only Shammi Kapoor can.

Laal chhadi maidaan khadi,
Kya khub ladi kya khub ladi,
Ham dil se gaye ham jaan se gaye,
Bas aankh mili aur baat badhi

6) Song: Ae Nargis-E-Mastaana
Film: Arzoo (1965)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi

This is a bit different song but with a teasing tone. The heroine (Sadhana) has some misconceptions about the hero (Rajendra Kumar). But they have been almost resolved. The hero voices his feelings by taunting her and listing down his “complaints.” She readily accepts them and this is the beginning of romance between the two characters. This was a period when Rajendra Kumar could do no wrong. His consecutive films were turning hits. Not the forget the contribution of Mohammed Rafi in achieving this success.

Ae nargis-e-mastaana,
Bas itni shikayat hai,
Bas itni shikayat hai

Samjha humein begaana,
Bas itni shikayat hai,
Bas itni shikayat hai

7) Song: O Dilbar Janiye
Film: Haseena Maan Jayegi (1968)
Credits: Prakash Mehra | Kalyanj Anandji | Mohammed Rafi

Compared to his brother Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor had a mild personality and you would normally not imagine him in such flirting with the heroine songs. But here he attempts to do that (and succeeds). He goes all out in chasing Babita and being a nuisance. Once again, Mohammed Rafi complements the onscreen happenings with his impressive rendition.

O dilbar jaaniye tere hain hum tere,
Chhupa lenge in aankhon mein,
Sanam hum gham tere

8) Song: Rukh Se Zara Naqaab Hata Do
Film: Mere Huzoor (1968)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi

Like the first song, this has a soft and subtle tone. The film is set in Lucknow with all the tehzeeb and etiquette. So the flirting has to match, right? Mohammed Rafi sings for Jeetendra who flirts/ woos a burqa clad Mala Sinha. Jeetendra plays a poet (shaayar). There is no much moving around as the characters are travelling in a train. But the desired effect is achieved by the lyrics, composition and, of course the vocals.

Apne Rukh Per Nigaah Karane Do,
Khubsurat Gunaah Karane Do,
Rukh Se Pardaa Hataao Jaan-E-Hayaa,
Aaj Dil Ko Tabaah Karane Do,
Rukh Se Zaraa Naqaab Uthaa Do Mere Huzoor
Jalwaa Phir Ek Baar Dikhaa Do Mere Huzoor

9) Song: Chup Chup Chup Kyo Baithi Ho
Film: Hamrahi (1974)
Credits: Jan Nisar Akhtar | Kalyanji Anandji | Mohammed Rafi

And here is another train song with Mohammed Rafi in a mischievous mood. Actually Randhir Kapoor in a flirty mood with his co-passenger Tanuja. Travelling together on a long journey, will our hero miss the opportunity?

Chup chup chup kyu baithi ho,
Main bhi akela or tum bhi akeli ho,
Tumsa haseen dekha nahi mujhsa jawaan hoga kaha,
Khatre bade hai in raho mein, ho aaja aaja meri baho mein,
Chup chup chup kyu baithi ho…

10) Song: O Meri Mehbooba
Film: Dharam Veer (1977)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Mohammed Rafi

And to end the list, a Dharmendra – Zeenat Aman song. He, a blacksmith and she a princess. Actually things have got sorted between the two but our hero has fun troubling her and plays a prank one last time. She detests him as he sings the song but that is temporary. By the end of the song all is forgiven and the romance is on track.

O meri mehbooba mehbooba mehbooba,
Tujhey jaana hai toh jaa teri marzi mera kya,
Par dekh jo tu ruth kar chali jayegi,
Tere saath hi mere marne ki khabar aayegi,
O meri mehbooba

“Yaad” Duet Songs

My Lists

Yaad means memory or remembrance. It can be good or bad. In Hindi cinema, yaad is most commonly associated with separation. And mostly involving lovers or family members. When you leave or separate from someone, the best way to express yourself is through a song. There are so many songs on yaad and yaadein. In today’s post, we revisit some duet songs on this theme.

1) Song: Kahan Ho Tum
Film: Malhar (1951)
Credits: Kaif Irfani | Roshan | Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar

Malhar is an obscure film produced by Mukesh under the banner Darling Films(!). The only “yaad“of this movie today is its beautiful songs. This memorable song is picturized on Arjun and Shammi (the same Shammi who became famous as a character actress in later years). A sorrowful song and probably one of those which is best heard than seen!

Kaha ho tum, zaraa awaaz do, hum yaad karte hai,
Kabhi bharte hai aahe aur kabhi fariyaad karte hai,
Kaha ho tum…

2) Song: Yaad Kiya Dil Ne
Film: Patita (1953)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Hemant Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

A classic composition by Shankar Jaikishan and one of those immortal duets. The voices blend nicely with the onscreen characters. Dev Anand and Usha Kiran enjoy some moments of bliss on screen.

Yaad kiya dil ne kahaan ho tum,
Jhumati bahaar hai kahaan ho tum,
Pyaar se pukaar lo jahaan ho tum,
Pyaar se pukaar lo jahaan ho tum

3) Song: Tumhe Yaad Hoga
Film: Satta Bazaar (1959)
Credits: Gulshan Bawra | Kalyanji Anandji | Hemant Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

While the movie stars Balraj Sahni and Meena Kumari, the song is picturized on another young pair of Suresh and Vijaya Chowdhury. Similar to the song from Malhar, this is another song to be enjoyed in its audio version. A lilting composition by Kalyanji Anandji, enhanced by the soulful singing.

Tumhe yaad hogaa kabhi hum mile the,
Mohabbat ki raaho mein mil ke chale the,
Bhoola do mohabbat mein hum tum mile the,
Sapna hi samjho ke mil ke chale the…

4) Song: Aapne Yaad Dilaya To Mujhe Yaad Aaya
Film: Aarti (1962)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | Roshan | Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

Aarti had all good songs and this is another classic composition by Roshan. Meena Kumari is so expressive as she responds to Pradeep Kumar and joins him in the duet.

Aapne yaad dilaya to mujhe yaad aaya,
Ke mere dil pe pada tha koi gham ka saya,
Aapne yaad dilaya

5) Song: Woh Jab Yaad Aaye
Film: Parasmani (1963)
Credits: Asad Bhopali | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

This is one of the best songs of Laxmikant Pyarelal in their debut film with a combination of good lyrics and singing. Filmed on a forgettable couple of Mahipal and Geetanjali, this is a memorable song in raag Yaman. It describes the state of the separated characters.

Wo jab yaad aaye bahut yaad aaye,
Gham-e-zindagi ke andhere mein humne,
Chirag-e-mohabbat jalaaye bujhaaye,
Wo jab yaad aaye bahut yaad aaye

6) Song: Yaad Mein Teri
Film: Mere Mehboob (1963)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

Mere Mehboob was another movie with one great song after the other. Rajendra Kumar and Sadhana play the romantic couple. This is a sad song about separation when the lovers are forced to move away from each other. Life is a sorrow when your loved one is not with you with only memories as your companion.

Yaad mein teri jaag jaag ke hum, raat bhar karwatein badalte hain,
Har ghadi dil mein teri ulfat ke, dheeme dheeme chiraag jalte hain, Jabse toone nigaah pheri hai, din hai soona to raat andheri hai,
Chaand bhi ab nazar nahin aataa….ab sitaarein bhi kam nikalte hain,

Yaad mein teri jaag jaag ke..

7) Song: Wo Din Yaad Karo
Film: Hamrahi (1963)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

A light song talking about golden times. Mehmood and Shubha Khote are a married couple with kids. They remember the memorable times when they had lesser domestic compulsions. Life was so enjoyable then but alas change is inevitable.

Woh din yaad karo, woh din yaad karo
Woh chhup chhup ke milna, woh hansnaa hansaana,
Woh din yaad karo

Woh din yaad karo, woh din yaad karo,
Woh phoolon ki chhaiyyaan, woh mausam suhaana,
Woh din yaad karo

8) Song: Yaadon Ki Baaraat
Film: Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R. D. Burman | Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar

A duet which becomes a reuniting song for 3 brothers. The youngest brother (Tariq) sings the song which their family used to sing together every year. However their parents are killed and the three brothers are forced to separate. They remain connected by the memory of those times. After many years, through a coincidence, the 3 of them are at the same location. While Tariq sings, Vijay Arora joins in and identifies himself as his elder brother. The third brother Dharmendra is overjoyed to find his long lost brothers.

Yaadon Ki Baaraat Nikli Hai Aaj Dil Ke Dwaare,
Dil Ke Dwaare,
Sapnon Ki Shehnai Beete Deeno Ko Pukare,
Dil Ke Dwaare,
Ho O O Chhedo Tarane Milan Ke Pyaare Pyaare,
Sang Hamare….

9) Song: Naam Gum Jayega
Film: Kinara (1977)
Credits: Gulzar | R. D. Burman | Bhupinder Singh and Lata Mangeshkar

An iconic song because of the words “Meri awaaz hi pehchaan hai, gar yaad rahe“! From the pen of Gulzar. The song describes how things, events will come and go but ultimately its the voice which will remain eternal, only if remembered.

Naam gum jaayegaa,
Chehra ye badal jayegaa,
Meri awaaz hi pehchaan hai,
Gar yaad rahe…

10) Song: Yaad Aa Rahi Hai
Film: Love Story (1981)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | R. D. Burman | Amit Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

And to end the list a song between two young lovers. A typical situation where the boy meets the girl and hate each other. Circumstances lead them to spend time together. Later when they separate, the separation leads to the realization of love. They sing this beautiful duet remembering each other. Starring Kumar Gaurav and Vijayta Pandit. There is a solo version of the song for which Amit Kumar won the FilmFare award.

Yaad aa rahi hai, teri yaad aa rahi hai,
Yaad aane se, tere jaane se, jaan ja rahi hai