Category Archives: My Lists

“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!

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.