There were numerous hit songs picturised on Rajesh Khanna, and the masses adored his unique screen mannerisms, writes Narendra Kusnur
From 1969 to 1974, Rajesh Khanna was the undisputed superstar of Hindi cinema, till Amitabh Bachchan’s angry young man took over. There were also numerous hit songs picturised on Khanna, and the masses adored his unique screen mannerisms.
The songs would be romantic, sad, happy or situational. On his eighth death anniversary on July 18, we choose 10 love songs that one immediately associated with him. Whether solo or duet, he appeared with different heroines and yet maintained that screen chemistry with each of them. Though their frequency reduced, the successful songs would continue till the early 1980s.
1. Gunguna Rahe Hain Bhanware – Aradhana (1969)
There were a few Rajesh Khanna hits in the 1967 film Raaz, but the music of Aradhana was another level altogether. The film had ‘Mere Sapnon Ki Rani’, ‘Roop Tera Mastana’ and ‘Baghon Mein Bahaar Hai’, besides this duet featuring Khanna and Sharmila Tagore. Composed by S.D. Burman and written by Anand Bakshi, it was sung by Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle.
https://youtu.be/yTktbXFZP6o
2. Chup Gaye Saare – Do Raaste (1969)
The film was released a few weeks after Aradhana, continuing the Khanna wave. This Rafi-Lata Mangeshkar duet was picturised on him and Mumtaz. Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed the tune, and Bakshi had lines like “Tumne kaajal lagaya din mein raat ho gayee”.
3. Pyar Diwana Hota Hai – Kati Patang (1971)
Khanna played the grand piano as Asha Parekh watched in this song sung by Kishore Kumar. Written by Bakshi again, it was set to tune by R.D. Burman, who also had the hits ‘Yeh Shaam Mastani’, ‘Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai’, ‘Na Koi Umang Hai’ and ‘Jis Gali Mein’ in this film.
https://youtu.be/lslZptXok8o
4. O Mere Dil Ke Chain – Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972)
An all-time Kishore favourite featuring Khanna and Tanuja. R.D. Burman’s music was memorable using guitar and santoor magically. Lyrics were by Majrooh Sultanpuri who excelled on lines like “Maanga hai tumhe duniya ke liye, ab khud hi sanam faisla keejiye”.
5. Mere Dil Mein Aaj Kya Hai – Daag (1973)
Khanna was paired with Sharmila Tagore on this Kishore song composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. The lyrics were by Sahir Ludhianvi who wrote “Mera pyar keh raha hai, main tujhe khud bana doon”. Though fans had mixed reactions to Khanna’s moustache, the song became a huge hit.
6. Suno Kaho Kaho Suno – Aap Ki Kasam (1974)
The film had the successful songs ‘Karwatein Badalte Rahein’, ‘Jai Jai Shiv Shankar’ and the pathos-filled ‘Zindagi Ke Safar Mein’, but this one had the typical R.D. Burman lilt and bubbled with romance. Sung by Kishore and Mangeshkar, it was penned by Bakshi.
7. Hum Donon Do Premi – Ajnabee (1974)
Beautifully picturised on a goods train, this featured Khanna and a saree-clad Zeenat Aman in an elopement sequence. The combination of Kishore, Mangeshkar, R.D. Burman and Bakshi worked wonders again. The film also had the hits ‘Ek Ajnabee Haseena Se’ and ‘Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein’.
https://youtu.be/k1D8W7fUdiA
8. Ankhon Mein Humne Aap Ke – Thodisi Bewafai (1980)
Khayyam composed this tune where Gulzar wrote “Ankhon mein humne aap ke sapne sajaaye hain”. The song was picturised on Khanna and Shabana Azmi, and sung by Kishore and Mangeshkar.
https://youtu.be/63D_YhTt5C0
9. Hamein Tumse Pyar Kitna – Kudrat (1981)
“Tumhe koi aur dekhe to jalta hai dil, badi mushkilon se phir sambhalta hai dil”, sang Kishore in this evergreen classic. While Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini were picturised, there was also a semi-classical version featuring Aruna Irani and sung by Parveen Sultana. R.D. Burman composed the music, and Sultanpuri penned the magical words.
10. Pyar Ka Dard Hai – Dard (1981)
Khanna appeared in a double role, and was joined by Hema Malini and Poonam Dhillon on this song sung by Kishore and Bhosle. Khayyam created the tune, and Naqsh Lyallpuri wrote the lines “Pyar ka dard hai meetha meetha pyaara pyaara”.
