Category Archives: My Lists

R.D. Burman – Multiple Version/ Tandem Songs

My Lists

Rahul Dev Burman or R.D. or Pancham was one of the most talented and prolific music directors in Hindi cinema. Its been more than 30 years since he passed away on 4th January 1994. Arguably, he is the most well known of the composers of a bygone era for today’s generation. He is widely known for his musical “experiments” and attempts to create the desired sounds and effects in his songs.

Coming to the theme based on R.D. songs. We find there are different versions of one song used in the same movie. Sometimes, one version is happy and the other one is sung in sadder times. Both versions may be solos, sung by the same or different singer(s). Or can be a solo and later a duet. There are multiple variations to the theme itself! In today’s post, we will be visiting some multiple version or tandem songs, all composed by R.D. Burman. Which similar songs do you remember?

1) Song: Wadiyaan Mera Daaman
Film: Abhilasha (1968)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R.D. Burman | Mohammed Rafi | Lata Mangeshkar

Abhilasha is probably remembered only for its two famous songs. The catchy Pyar hua hai jabse and this multiple version song. The first version is a Mohammed Rafi solo. Sanjay Khan is romancing Nanda and crooning the song. Later, Nanda is remembering him and singing this song. But this time she is accompanied by his brother (played by Kashinath Ghanekar). He misinterprets her thoughts for him, leading to misunderstandings.

2) Song: Tum Bin Jaoon Kahaan
Film: Pyar Ka Mausam (1969)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R.D. Burman | Kishore Kumar | Mohammed Rafi

Another memorable song and R.D. excels. The song first appears as a Kishore Kumar solo when Bharat Bhushan is singing for his wife (Nirupa Roy) and young son. Then tragedy strikes and they get separated. The song appears again with an older and impoverished Bharat Bhushan singing on the roadside (Kishore Kumar again). Coincidentally, his long lost son, grown up as Shashi Kapoor is (conveniently) sitting nearby to hear, like and memorize the song. Shashi Kapoor later sings it for Asha Parekh as a romantic solo (this time voiced by Mohammed Rafi). While both the versions are famous, it sounds odd to think of Kishore Kumar as Bharat Bhushan’s voice in place of Mohammed Rafi who has sung so many hit songs for him in films like Baiju Bawra, Barsaat Ki Raat, Phagun etc.

3) Song: Chanda O Chanda
Film: Lakhon Mein Ek (1971)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | R. D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar | Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar

Lakhin Mein Ek is a remake of a Tamil movie “Edhir Neechal” (1968). The movie is centered around an orphan, played by Mehmood. The first version is a female solo. A sad Radha Saluja is unable to sleep. She addresses the moon and compares their plight. Later, in a filmy contrived situation, Mehmood is forced to take care of a neighbour’s child and make him sleep. He sings the same song as a lullaby. The song is melodious and R.D. manages to impart a sorrowful layer to it, suitable for the situation.

4) Song: Phoolon Ka Taaron Ka
Film: Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1972)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | R. D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar | Kishore Kumar

This is one of the famous brother-sister songs in Hindi movies. The first version is a childhood song. The brother is singing for his sister in happier times (featuring Master Satyajeet and Baby Guddi). But their life changes when the parents separate and so do the children. A grown up Dev Anand searches for his sister Zeenat Aman who has joined a band of hippies in Nepal. He sings the song in an attempt to remind her of the younger days. The song appears at a crucial point in the movie. A simple but impactful composition.

5) Song: Yaadon Ki Baaraat
Film: Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R.D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar , Padmini Kolhapure & Shivangi Kolhapure | Kishore Kumar & Mohammed Rafi

Another song where the two versions are set years apart. The first version is sung together by a family comprising of 3 sons. Their parents get killed. Circumstances lead the brothers to get separated and meet after 15 years. By coincidence, all 3 of them are in the same location, a hotel. The youngest brother (Tariq), sings the song and is soon joined by Vijay Arora. The eldest brother Dharmendra is unable to join the singing but is happy to see his brothers reunite after so many years.

6) Song: Tera Mujhse Hai Pehle Ka
Film: Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1973)
Credits: Sahir | R. D. Burman | Kishore Kumar | Kishore Kumar & Sushma Shreshtha

Aa Gale Lag Jaa was a rich heroine & poor hero story where the 2 lovers are separated by the cunning father of the heroine. They meet again a few years later.

The hero Shashi Kapoor sings this song for Sharmila Tagore initially as a romantic solo. Years later, his son sings this song in a party and is also joined by his father. The heroine is unaware of the bitter truth that the boy is actually her own son.

7) Song: Kahi Karti Hogi
Film: Phir Kab Milogi (1974)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R.D. Burman | Mukesh | Mukesh & Lata Mangeshkar

A highly forgettable movie directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. And featuring the rare combination of Mukesh with R.D. Burman. Biswajeet sings the male version thinking of the girl who will be entering his life as his beloved. Later, the same song is sung as a duet with the heroine Mala Sinha.

8) Song: Mere Naina Saawan Bhado
Film: Mehbooba (1976)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | R.D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar | Kishore Kumar

Mehbooba was a flop movie but its songs remain popular. The movie is based on the reincarnation theme where the lovers separate in one life and meet again in another life. Rajesh Khanna, a singer is reminded of his previous life through this song. A ghostly Hema Malini walks around the palace and its grounds. He follows her through the palace as she makes him recall his earlier life. And later he is destined to meet the present day Hema Malini. He sings the same song reminding her of the connection of their past lives. Set in raag Shivaranjani, this is a haunting composition by R.D. Burman.

9) Song: Rijhim Gire Saawan
Film: Manzil (1979)
Credits: Yogesh | R. D. Burman | Kishore Kumar | Lata Mangeshkar

This can be termed as an iconic song, and Kishore Kumar’s version is heard more often. The male version occurs at the beginning of the movie. Amitabh Bachchan is singing in his friend’s house. The singing is subdued but effective. The second version is slightly faster paced but musically rich in Lata Mangeshkar’s voice. Its a background song. The leads Amitabh and Moushumi are walking and running around Mumbai, in the rains. Highly enjoyable. Again, R.D. does a great job in both the versions!

10) Song: Hume Tumse Pyar Kitna
Film: Kudrat (1981)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R.D. Burman | Parween Sultana | Kishore Kumar

And the last song from a movie based on reincarnation. The first version is a classical inclined composition picturised primarily on Aruna Irani with the main leads watching her performance. She meets Rajesh Khanna before the show and remembers this old song which she has not sung for 30 years. Parween Sultana won the Filmfare award for this song.

The second version occurs in a flashback. Rajesh Khanna sings for Hema Malini in their previous life. Kishore Kumar’s version is subtle and romantic. Both songs are equally impactful as per their situations, courtesy R.D. Burman.

Naushad – Challenge and Competition Songs

My Lists

Today’s post is dedicated to the late music director Naushad Ali (born 1919), his birthday falls this week on 25 December. He was a passionate advocate of Indian classical and folk music, which he used predominantly in his compositions.

Today’s list theme involves a competition or challenge situation occurring in the movie’s story line, which then results into a song. All 10 songs are based on this situation and composed by Naushad, which in a way showcase his range and versatility. Hope you enjoy and do leave your comments on this great composer.

1) Song: Aaj Gawat Mann Mero Jhoomke
Film: Baiju Bawra (1952)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Ustad Amir Khan and Pt. D. V. Paluskar

The first song in the list is a direct face-off between Tansen (Surendra) and Baiju (Bharat Bhushan in Akbar’s court. Its a singing competition where the two accomplished singers will sing all through the night and try to melt a block of marble demonstrating their singing prowess. A classical number in raag Desi, brilliantly performed by stalwarts Ustad Amir Khan (singing for Tansen) and Pt. D. V. Paluskar. It makes for an exciting watch as the outcome will decide if Baiju will be able to avenge his father’s death and fulfill his life long objective of killing Tansen.

Prem ke karan premi gaawe,
Taanon se patthar pighlaawe,
Jagat mein rahe maan re
Aaj gawat mann mero jhoom ke

2) Song: Chandan Ka Palna
Film: Shabab (1954)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Hemant Kumar

Another royal setting. Here the princess (played by Nutan) suffers from insomnia. However hard she tries, she is unable to have a peaceful sleep. She realises that music may be a remedy to her ailment. Soon musical exponents from all over are invited and challenged to cure the princess with a display of their talent. Many come and try but are unsuccessful. Finally, the hero (Bharat Bhushan) accepts the challenge. He presents this moving lullaby set in raag Pilu and emerges successful. Naushad makes use of very few instruments fitting the situation and Hemant Kumar sounds soothing.

3) Song: Teri Mehfil Mein Kismat Azamaakar
Film: Mughal-e-Azam (1960)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Lata Mangeshkar, Shamshad Begum and Chorus

It is entertainment hour for Prince Salim (Dilip Kumar). Anarkali (Madhubala) and Bahar (Nigar Sultana) compete against each other in bait baazi (a verbal game of Urdu poems). They are presenting the differing perceptions about the concept of love. Prince Salim will pick the winner.

Mohabbat Karne Waalon Ka Hai Bas Itna Hi Afsana,
Tadapnaa Chupke Chupke Aahe Bharnaa Ghut Ke Mar Jaana,
Kisi Din Ye Tamasha Muskuraa Kar Ham Bhi Dekhenge,
Teri Mehfil Mein Kismat Azamaakar Hum Bhi Dekhenge,
Aji Haa Ham Bhi Dekhenge

4) Song: Madhuban Mein Radhika
Film: Kohinoor (1960)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Mohammed Rafi and Ustad Niaz Ahmed Khan

Rajlakshmi (Kumkum) is ready for her dance performance but the experienced musicians are not ready to play for a “fresher.” A young man Rajkumar Dhivendra Pratap (Dilip Kumar) steps in. He is ready to perform with her as a singer cum musician. They end up challenging each other. The dancing, singing, music are all top notch. Dilip Kumar plays the sitar convincingly in this raag Hameer composition.

5) Song: Mere Mehboob Tujhe
Film: Mere Mehboob (1963)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Mohammed Rafi

This is an annual mushaira, where Urdu poets are competing by reciting their shayari compositions. One of the participants is the hero Anwar (Rajendra Kumar). He presents this romantic song. It is dedicated to the burkha clad girl he had collided with, resulting in a romantic encounter. Once again, the focus is on the poetry presentation and singing with minimal use of instrumentation.

Bhool sakti nahin aankhen woh suhana manzar,
Jab tera husn mere ishq se takraraya tha,
Aur phir raahon mein bikhare the hazaron naghmein,
Mein woh naghmein teri aawaz ko de aaya tha, Saaz-e-dil ko unhi geeton ka sahara de de,
Mere khoya hua rangeen nazaara de de,
Mere mehboob tujhe…

6) Song: Mere Mehboob Mein Kya Nahin
Film: Mere Mehboob (1963)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle

From the same movie, we have another song between 2 friends Husna (Sadhana) and Naseemara (Ameeta). They are conversing about their respective beloved which soon progresses into a competitive song. Through the song they describe him and try to outdo each other. There is a lot of comparison, adjectives and superlatives used. Both are unaware they are describing the same person which is going to lead to complications!

Mera mehboob ek chaand hai husn apana nikhaare huey,
Asmaan ka farishta hai woh roop insaan ka dhaare huey,
Rashk-e-jannat hai woh mehejabin,
Mere mehboob mein kya nahin

7) Song: Aaj Hai Pyaar Kaa Faisla
Film: Leader (1964)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Lata Mangeshkar

Leader is a mess of a movie. This song is a dream/fantasy sequence which appears randomly in the plot. Dilip Kumar and Vyjanthimala are on the run. He is injured and they take refuge in a temple during a stormy night. He is resting. She lies down next to him and enters a dreamy world. Her lover has been converted to stone. She is challenged to bring him back through her love and dedication. And being a Hindi movie heroine, this is an opportunity to display her impactful singing and dancing skills! A random song but nevertheless beautiful composition by Naushad.

8) Song: Saaz Ho Tum
Film: Saaz Aur Awaaz (1966)
Credits: Khumar Barabankvi | Naushad | Mohammed Rafi

A contrived situation resulting in a challenge. An uninvited Joy Mukherjee meets Saira Banu. She is angry with him and they insult each other. He challenges her she won’t be able to control herself and start dancing once he begins singing. And that is what happens. Naushad blends many raagas and instruments in this song. A melodious number with impressive singing by Rafi.

9) Song: Teri Payal Mere Geet
Film: Teri Payal Mere Geet (1993)
Credits: Hasan Kamal | Naushad | S. P. Balasubrahmaniam

This is one of Naushad’s last movies. The song is between a dancer Laila (Meenakshi Sheshadri) and singer Premi (Govinda). Laila has been invited to perform at a wedding but refuses to perform due to personal reasons. She makes an excuse that she is unable to think of a song. Premi volunteers to sing a song and she can accompany him. Both challenge each other and end up performing together. While the song is forgettable, Meenakshi’s dancing is exquisite and a delight to watch.

10) Song: Ishq Ki Dastaan
Film: Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story (2005)
Credits: Naqsh Lyallpuri, Syed Gulrez | Naushad | Kavita Krishnamurthy and Preeti Uttam

This was the last movie in Naushad’s career. The song is a qawwali style competition between the 2 performers Arjuman Bano (Sonya Jahan) and Ladli Begum (Kim Sharma). While one talks about being open about love, the other counters stating that love is a feeling and doesn’t need to be made public.

Raj Kapoor – Self-Description Songs

My Lists

14th December 2024 was Raj Kapoor’s 100th birthday. Widely regarded as the first showman of Hindi cinema, he carved a place for himself as a successful actor and director. Controversies apart, his all time hit movies and evergreen songs have made him an endured figure in cinematic history. Today’s post is dedicated to this showman. In all the songs, he talks about himself. Some are an introduction to his character while some show his state of mind or how he was treated by others.

1) Song: Main Zindagi Mein Hardam Rota Hi Raha Hoon
Film: Barsaat (1949)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi

This was the second movie directed by Raj Kapoor which established his banner R.K. Films. It marked the successful entry of Shailendra, Hasrat Jaipuri and Shankar-Jaikishan in the RK camp. In this song, he is expressing his state of despair as the lyrics tell us. Also this is one of the few songs sung by Mohammed Rafi for Raj Kapoor considering Mukesh was his “regular” playback voice.

Umeed ke diye bujhe dil me hai andhera,
Jeevan kaa to saathi na bana koi bhi mera,
Phir kiske liye aaj main jeeta hi raha hoon,
Main zindagi mein hardam rota hi raha hoon

2) Song: Awara Hoon
Film: Awara (1951)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh

What can be said about this song? It is so iconic! It established the Charlie Chaplin inspired tramp character firmly in the minds of the audience. The general image of a simple, vulnerable yet charming man continued throughout his career.

Ghar-baar nahin, sansar nahin, mujhse kisi ko pyar nahin,
Us paar kisi se milne ka iqrar nahin, mujhse kisi ko pyar nahin
Sunsan nagar anjaan dagar ka pyara hoon,
Awara hoon, awara hoon

3) Song: Main Dil Hoon Ek Armaan Bhara
Film: Anhonee (1952)
Credits: Satyendra | Roshan | Talat Mahmood

Raj Kapoor on the piano, singing for Nargis (who had a double role). A rare song by Talat Mahmood for Raj Kapoor with Roshan as the music director. A simple tune which suits the character and the mood. (Trivia – The lyrics are by Satyendra Athaiya who later married Bhanu Athaiya.)

Khud maine husna ke hathon mein,
Shokhi kaa chhalakataa jaam diyaa,
Gaalon ko gulaabon kaa rutabaa,
Kaliyo ko labo kaa naam diyaa, naam diyaa
Aankho ko diyaa saagar gehraa,
Tu aake mujhe pehchaan zaraa,
Main dil hoon ik aramaan bharaa…

4) Song: Main Paagal, Mera Manwa Paagal
Film: Ashiana (1952)
Credits: Rajinder Krishan | Madan Mohan | Talat Mahmood

Another beautiful song by Talat Mahmood, set to tune by Madan Mohan in raag Kedar. Raj Kapoor in a sad mood talking about separation.

Kahe ye duniya mai diwana,din mein dekhun sapne,
Diwani duniya kya jaane, Ye sapne hai apane,
Ghayal mann ki hasi udaaye, ye duniya ki reet re,
Main paagal mera manwa paagal, paagal meri preet re

5) Song: Mera Joota Hai Japani
Film: Shree 420 (1955)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh

Similar to Awara hoon, this is another iconic song. The clever lyrics ending with the line “Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani” was catchy and instantly caught the imagination of the listener. Raj Kapoor portraying the unemployed common man character who adapts as the movie plot progresses.

Nikal Pade Hai Khulli Sadak Par Apna Seena Taane,
Manzil Kahan, Kahan Rukna Hai, Uparwala Jaane,
Badhte Jaayen Hum Sailani, Jaise Ek Dariya Toofani,
Sar Pe Laal Topi Roosi Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani,
Mera Joota…

6) Song: Sab Kuch Seekha Humne
Film: Anari (1959)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh

Raj Kapoor plays an innocent and gullible character who doesn’t know how to play smart and earn money. He comes to know the truth about his love interest (Nutan). She was deceiving him by acting as a poor maid in need of money whereas she is actually a rich heiress. When reality bites, the hero sings this song confirming he is an anari, someone who was not smart and got easily fooled.

Asli nakli chehre dekhe, dil pe sau sau pehre dekhe,
Mere dukhte dil se puchho, kya kya khwab sunehre dekhe,
Toota jis tare pe nazar thi hamari,
Sach hai duniya walon ke hum hai anari

7) Song: Chhalia Mera Naam
Film: Chhalia (1960)
Credits: Qamar Jalalabadi | Kalyanji Anandji | Mukesh

Raj Kapoor giving his introduction as a chhalia (cheat / trickster). The picturization is similar to Awara Hoon where he roams in the street describing himself and robs a rich passerby.

Main hoon galiyon ka shahazaada, jo chaahun woh le loon,
Shahazaade talavaar se khelen, main kainchi se khelun,
Mehanat mera kaam, dena us ka kaam,
Hindu muslim sikh isaai sab ko mera salaam
Chhalia mera naam…

8) Song: Mera Naam Raju
Film: Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh

His home production. The song is shot along the Ganga river. Raj Kapoor is once gain playing the simple man character who joins a gang of daakus (bandits). This time he is introducing himself as an orphan and a singer.

Kaam naye nit geet banana,
Geet bana ke jahan ko sunana,
Koi na mile to akele mein gaana,
Kaviraj kahe na yeh taj rahe, na yeh raaj rahe, na yeh raaj gharana
Meet aur preet ka geet rahe, kabhi loot saka na koi yeh khazana
Mera naam Raju gharana anaam

9) Song: Main Aashiq Hoon Baharon Kaa
Film: Aashiq (1962)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh

A relatively unknown movie of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the song picturization is not so great. Raj Kapoor is wandering around looking bored and singing the song. He describes himself as a traveller and basically a lover of nature and beauty.

Sadiyon se jag mein ata raha main,
Naye rag jeevan me lata raha main,
Har ek des me nit naye bhes me,
Mai aashiq hun baharo ka, fizaon ka nazaron ka

10) Song: Diwana Mujhko Log Kahein
Film: Diwana (1967)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh

This was one of Raj Kapoor’s last movies as a leading man. And in this phase it was jarring to see him play the innocent character (again!) and act with younger heroines like Saira Banu, Rajshri and Hema Malini. He describes himself as a “seedha saadha” person misunderstood by the people around.

Main insaan seedha saadha hoon,
Imaan ka main shehzaada hoon,
Hai kaun bura malik jane,
Main pyar ka parwana,
Diwana mujhko log kahen…