Category Archives: My Lists

“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!

Rain Songs – Romantic Duets

My Lists

The rainy season has finally arrived bringing with it a variety of emotions. And our movies also make most of the opportunity to explore these emotions. One of them obviously being love.  This post is made up of romantic rainy duets, all featuring different pairs of actors. Which songs would you add here?

1) Song: Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua Hai
Film: Shree 420 (1955)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Manna Dey & Lata Mangeshkar

What can we say about this iconic song and the chemistry between Raj Kapoor and Nargis? The song begins with a reluctance from both sides. The umbrella is the bridge between the two lovers. In the starting lyrics itself there is an admittance of love, accompanied by caution of an unknown destination in the path of love. Their story will be repeated and legacy of love carried on by the generations to come.

Raaton daso dishaaon se kahegi apni kahaniyaan, Geet hamaare pyaar ke doharaaegi jawaaniyaan, Main na rahungi tum na rahoge, phir bhi rahengi nishaaniyaan…

2) Song: Rimjhim Ke Taraane
Film: Kala Bazaar (1960)
Credits: Shailendra | S.D. Burman | Mohammed Rafi & Geeta Dutt

A chance meeting, again a single umbrella 🌂 compels the couple to come closer and walk in the rain. The thoughts are all in the mind. Just a recall of memories right from their first meeting and time spent together. Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman bring out the unspoken emotions beautifully.

3) Song: Dil Tera Diwana
Film: Dil Tera Diwana (1962)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar

Unlike the first two songs there is no reluctance or unspoken emotions here. Its full throttle time with Shammi Kapoor wooing Mala Sinha in the heavy rain, who responds in full. So enjoyable.

4) Song: Jaane Chaman
Film: Gumnaam (1965)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi & Sharda

Set against a murder mystery story, there is no scope for a romantic song that too in the rain. But being a Hindi movie, the director manages to do this by connecting it to the plot. But perhaps more difficult is to imagine Manoj Kumar and Nanda enacting a sensual number. Surprisingly, they do it well and show how much they are in love!

Pani jo ham par gire, ek aag tan mein lage, Tumko khabar kya sanam kehte hai ulfat ise! O mere dil mere hamdam, baho mein aa jao….

5) Song: Rimjhim Ke Geet
Film: Anjaana (1969)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Mohammed Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar

Based on Raag Shivaranjani, this is a soft and soothing number. Rajendra Kumar saves Babita from a car accident. He gets injured. Later she takes care of him and goes out in the rain to get some milk from the village. The heavy rain, a drenched heroine and an injured hero are sufficient to bring out the realization of love, that too straight from the heart.

6) Song: Ab Ke Saawan Mein Jee Dare
Film: Jaise Ko Taisa (1973)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | R.D. Burman | Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar

Jeetendra saves Reena Roy from a goonda. It starts raining and they come closer. The sudden rain ignites a fire of passion between the two!

Aisa mausam pehle kabhi bhi aaya nahi, Aisa badal ambar pe sajna chhaya nahi…Ho… Ye suhana sama prem ki khoj mein, mauj mein, Pagal premi banke phire rimjhim tan pe pani gire, man me lage aag si…

7) Song: Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein
Film: Ajanabee (1974)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | R.D. Burman | Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar

A flashback song. Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat Aman enjoying and singing in the rain. A soft, melodious number.

Barkhaa se bachaa loon tujhe seene se lagaa loon, aa chhupaa loon aa chhuupaa loon, Dil ne pukaaraa dekho, rut kaa ishaaraa dekho, uff ye nazaaraa dekho, kaisaa lagtaa hai…

8) Song: Naukri Sau Ki Hazaar Ki
Film: Aahutee (1978)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Kishore Kumar & Anuradha Paudwal

A relatively unknown song. Shashi Kapoor has rejected the golden opportunity to marry a rich girl. He comes to meet the “poor” girl Parveen Babi who is his true love. It suddenly starts raining as he sings the song. The song describes how love is priceless and important compared to other material comforts. Not very practical but it does it matter for the lovers?

9) Song: Aaj Rapat Jaye
Film: Namak Halaal (1982)
Credits: Anjaan | Bhappi Lahiri | Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosle

Rain song unrestrained on the streets would be the apt description of this song. Amitabh Bachchan and Smita Patil realise they are in love and enact this catchy number.

Badal se chham chham sharab barse, Saawari ghata se shabaab barse,                                  Boondon ki baji payal haan, Ghata ne chhedi gazal haan, Ye raat gayi machal re..
Dilon ke raaz khule haan, Fizaa mein rang ghule haan, Jawaa dil khulke mile re,
Hona tha jo hua wahi ab darna kya. Aa ha ho ho, Aa ha ho ho,
Aaj doob jaaye to hame na bachaiyyo…

10) Song: Parbat Se Kali Ghata
Film: Chandni (1989)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Shiv Hari | Vinod Rathod & Asha Bhosle

Another flashback song. A paralysed Rishi Kapoor is remembering his romantic association with Chandni (Sridevi). A well choreographed rain number bringing out the passion between the lovers.

“Before a Crime” Songs

My Lists,

Crime scenes are an integral part of many Hindi movies. Ranging from cheating, fraud to murder, the choice is impressive for film makers. Of course, this is based on the story and plot requirements. In this post, I am presenting a list of 10 songs where the crime is committed towards the end of the song. The viewer is hooked to find out what happens next. Enjoy and do leave your comments!

1) Song: Raat Bhi Hai Kuch Bheegi Bheegi
Film: Mujhe Jeene Do (1963)
Credits: Sahir | Jaidev | Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus

This is a lovely song performed by Chamelijaan (Waheeda Rehman) during a wedding at a zamindar’s house. Also “attending” the wedding uninvited is Thakur Jarnail Singh (Sunil Dutt) for the purpose of looting the zamindar. After completing his job, he settles down to enjoy the mujra and is mesmerized by Chamelijaan. There is a quick change in plan and he abducts the dancer at the end of the performance. (Crime: Abduction)

2) Song: Yahan Ke Hum Hai Rajkumar
Film: Rajkumar (1964)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi

Prince Bhanu Pratap (Shammi Kapoor) is returning to India after a long stay abroad. However his step uncle mamaji (Pran – who else?) has made special plans to ensure the prince will not reach the palace alive. There is a long welcome procession with Shammi Kapoor leading the proceedings. Someone attempts to shoot the prince at the end of the song. But the prince is one step ahead and survives to take on his enemies. (Crime: Attempted Murder)

3) Song: Jhumka Gira Re
Film: Mera Saaya (1966)
Credits: Raja Mehdi Ali Khan | Madan Mohan | Asha Bhosle

Another great song! Sadhana is part of a gang of dacoits and is entertaining the villagers by singing and dancing. However she is also communicating with her gang members who have started gathering waiting to strike. They attack the village as soon as the song ends. (Crime: Dacoity)

4) Song: Kaise Samjhaoon?
Film: Suraj (1966)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi & Asha Bhosle

This is a robbery sequence involving a king’s necklace. Suraj (Rajendra Kumar) competes with Vyjanthimala in a music cum dance face-off. His intention is to steal the necklace worn by the king. Helping him is his accomplice Johnny Walker. Entertaining song that brings out the competitiveness and the viewer is curious to find out if the robbery succeeds in full public view. (Crime: Robbery)

5) Song: Lut Jaa, Lut Jaa
Film: Ankhen (1968)
Credits: Sahir | Ravi | Asha Bhosle, Usha Mangeshkar & Kamal Barot

Possibly, one of the best spy movies in Hindi. In this song, Mala Sinha and team are spying on Sajjan, disguising as a dance troupe. Before the start of their show, Sajjan sees a French girl befriending one of his gang members and trying to elicit information. At the end of the song, he kills both of them. That’s quick decision making! About the song – its catchy with an Arabic feel. (Crime: Murder)

6) Song: Husn Ke Lakhon Rang
Film: Johny Mera Naam (1970)
Credits: Rajendra Krishan | Kalyanji Anandji | Asha Bhosle

A seductive song with an undercurrent of sorrow and helplessness. Tara (Padma Khanna) is pleading for her lover Babu’s (Randhawa’s) life with the main villain Premnath. Babu has betrayed his boss for which he has to pay with his life. The song ends and Babu is taken to the forest and killed. (Crime: Murder)

7) Song: Holi Ke Din
Film: Sholay (1975)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | R.D. Burman | Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus

The song follows one of the most famous dialogues by Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) – Kitne addmi the? Gabbar Singh is itching to take revenge and teach the villagers a lesson. Holi celebrations end on a bitter note as Gabbar Singh’s gang attacks the village. (Crime: Dacoity)

8) Song: Aayi Woh Raat Aayi
Film: Parvarish (1977)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri| Laxmikant Pyarelal | Lata Mangeshkar & Usha Mangeshkar

Parvarish is a standard Manmohan Desai movie with all typical plot points including the lost and found formula, revenge, reunion, unexplainable coincidences and so on. Shabu (Shabana Azmi) and Neetu Singh (Neetu) want to avenge their parent’s murder by killing the murderer Daku Mangal Singh. By coincidence, they see Mangal Singh on T.V., who is now a respected citizen. They intend to murder him at the function he is attending by disguising as qawwali performers. (How they manage all this in a short time, what happened to the original performers, how do they know the song and dance steps, well…too many questions!). Anyways, they plan to shoot Mangal Singh from the stage (in front of the audience!). But Mangal Singh is a shrewd villain. He manages to get someone else killed and shift the blame on the two sisters. (Crime: Murder)

9) Song: One Two Cha Cha Cha
Film: Shalimar (1978)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | R.D.Burman | Usha Uthup

The movie begins with this song. Kumar (Dharmendra) is a club owner. Aruna Irani is teaching the cha cha cha in the dance studio. One of the guests Premnath suddenly collapses and Kumar helps him towards his car. But someone shoots Premnath unexpectedly. (Crime: Attempted Murder)

10) Song: O Sherowali
Film: Suhaag (1979)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle & Chorus

Another Manmohan Desai movie based on the lost and found formula. The villain Vikram (Amjad Khan) promises money to Amit (Amitabh Bachchan) to help him complete a Durga Mata temple he is constructing. But in return Inspector Kishan (Shashi Kapoor) will have to be killed. There is a glitch as Amit and Kishan are friends. Ultimately, Kishan incurs a fake injury and Vikram attempts to finish him off (Crime: Attempted Murder)