Category Archives: My Lists

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…

Dev Anand – Female Solo Songs

My Lists

3rd December is the remembrance day of Dev Anand, who passed away in 2011. But we remember the handsome hero through his evergreen movies and songs. His style and mannerisms, that smile, shaking of the head and dangling hands! Today’s theme is a bit different. It does not feature Dev Anand’s solos or duets but rather female solos from his movies. That is solo songs picturised on his distinguished co-stars. But they are not alone. Dev Anand features in all of them. And what is he doing? Controlling his urge to sing and keep reacting in that trademark charming (?) Dev Anand way. Enjoy and do mention your favourite Dev Anand songs in the comments.

1) Song: Tadbeer Se Bigdi Hui Taqdeer Bana Le
Film: Baazi (1951)
Credits: Sahir | S. D. Burman  | Geeta Dutt

Dev Anand with Geeta Bali. He is not in the happiest of moods due to family reasons. He is contemplating how to arrange money for his sister’s treatment. Leena (Geeta Bali) is giving him advice to do some deliberation and resolve his problem. He does so and has no option but to enter the world of gambling. Dev Anand is shown as thoughtful throughout the song before he makes the life changing decision.

Darta hai zamane ki nigahon se bhala kyun, nigahon se bhala kyun
Insaaf tere sath hai ilzaam utha le, ilzaam utha le
Apne pe bharosa hai toh yeh daav lagaale

2) Song: Jaye To Jaye Kahan
Film: Taxi Driver (1954)
Credits: Sahir | S. D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar

Dev Anand with Kalpana Kartik. She (named Mala) is a wannabe singer and its time for both of them to part as she embarks on a career opportunity towards success. He leaves her in front of the music director’s house whom she has been trying hard to locate. But parting for both is difficult. He compels Mala to sing a song to catch the music director’s attention and she reluctantly agrees. Mala’s singing reflects the state of her fragile mind. Mangal (Dev Anand) keeps pushing her to go inside the house and leave him.

Jaane Waale Daaman Chhudake, Mushkil Hain Jeena, Tujhko Bhula Ke
Isse To Hain, Maut Aasan,
Jaaye To Jaaye Kahan, samjhega Kaun Yahan,
Dard Bhare Dil Ki Zubaan, Jaaye To Jaaye Kahan

3) Song: Mere Mann Kaa Bawara Panchhi
Film: Amardeep (1958)
Credits: Rajendra Krishan | C. Ramchandra | Lata Mangeshkar

Dev Anand plays a man who has lost his memory. Circumstances lead him to meet Roopa (Padmini), a street performer. She likes him and voices her feelings while he is confused about his identity and unable to reciprocate.

Dil Ko Lagan Hai Uski Mithi Nazar Hai Jiski,
Hum Paas Hai Tumhare Phir Dil Me Yaad Hai Kis Ki,
Tum Jo Nazar Milao, Dil Me Bahar Dole
Mere Mann Kaa Bawara Panchchi Kyu Bar Bar Dole

4) Song: Dil Laga Ke Kadar Gayi Pyaare
Film:  Kala Pani (1958)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | S. D Burman | Asha Bhosle

Probably one of Dev Anand’s finest performance was in this movie. Karan’s (Dev Anand) mission is to retrieve evidence from Kishori (Nalini Jaywant), a dancer in order to prove his father’s innocence. He impresses her with his shayari and singing and pretends to fall in love with her. She has developed genuine feelings for this fraud customer and sings a mujra addressed to him.

5) Song: Dekhne Mein Bhola Hai
Film: Bambai Ka Babu (1960)
Credits: A | S.  D. Burman| Asha Bhosle

Dev Anand with Suchitra Sen. As per the film’s plot, he is her long lost brother who has recently returned home. Her curious friends have come to “meet” her bhaiya. She runs to warn him about the village girls. And then sings this mischievous number. Dev Anand is standing and enjoying the attention showered on him.

6) Song: Sach Huey Sapne Tere
Film: Kala Bazaar (1960)
Credits: Shailendra | S.D. Burman | Asha Bhosle

Dev Anand with Waheeda Rehman. Dramatic scenes before the song lead to sorting out the path of love for the lead pair. The heroine arrives to convey the happy news to the hero and changes his mood.

Bekal mann ka dheeraj lekar mere saajan aaye,
Jaise koi subah ka bhula saanjh ko ghar aa jaye,
Preet ne rang bikhere, jhoom le o mann mere,
Chiki chiki chik chah, chah chhai
Chiki chiki chik chah,
Sach huey sapne tere

7) Song: Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai
Film: Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai  (1961)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Lata Mangeshkar

Dev Anand with Asha Parekh. Differences arise between the lead pair. He is walking away hurt and behaving indifferently. She follows him trying to pacify him with some fast paced and high pitch singing. Seems the singing is effective and they come close after the song!

Tum bhee toh iss aag me jalte ho, chehre se bayan ho jata hain,
Har baat pe aahe bharte ho, har bat pe dil tharrata hai,
Jab dil pe chhuriya chalatee hain, toh chain se koi sota hai
Jiya o jiya o jiya kuchh bol do, arey o dil kaa parda khol do

8) Song: Yeh Tanhai Haye Re Haye
Film: Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1963)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | S. D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar

Dev Anand with Nutan. He is a bit cross with her and she calms him down successfully. This is a confession of love song between the two. They are ready to stay together and face the challenges ahead, which are waiting to arrive soon!

Aaj Samay Aaya Maine Tujhe Paaya, Main Lata Hoon Tere Pyar Ki,
Phool Naye Laau Tujhko Mehekaau, Main Kali Hoon Tere Haar Ki,
Pyar Ki Hamaare, Amar Ho Umariya,
Thaam Lo Bahe Thaam Lo Bahe

9) Song: Raat Akeli Hai
Film: Jewel Thief (1967)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | S. D. Burman | Asha Bhosle

Dev Anand with Tanuja. A seductive Tanuja trying to woo her father’s employee. Dev Anand appears to be impressed and enjoying the show.

10) Song: Jaise Radha Ne Mala Japi Shyam Ki
Film: Tere Mere Sapne (1971)
Credits: Neeraj | S. D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar

And the last song in this list. Dev Anand and Mumtaz enjoying their newly married life. She is blessed to have him in her life. There is great chemistry between the both.

Paa liya tujhe, paayi har khushi,
Chaahu baar baar chadhu teri palaki,
Subah sham ki yeh pyaas bade kaam ki,
Radha ne mala japi Shyam ki,
Maine odhi chunariya tere naam ki

“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…