Dharmendra and Hema Malini have been among the most popular screen jodis ever, and they did the best of films before getting married in 1980. To mark Hema’s 74th birthday on October 16, we thus chose 10 songs picturised on the couple. The order is chronological.
1 Kitne Din Aankhen Tarsengi – Naya Zamana (1971)
Hema looked gorgeous in a light yellow saree in this song sung by Lata and composed by S.D. Burman. Dharmendra appeared through the song. Anand Bakshi wrote, “Kitne din aankhen tarsengi, kitne din yun dil tarsenge, ek din toh baadal barsenge, ae mere pyaase dil, aaj nahin toh kal mehkegi khwaabon ki mehfil”. The film also had Lata’s brilliant ‘Rama Rama’ featuring a rain dance.
2 Arrey Zindagi Hai Khel – Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)
Dharmendra and Hema did a street dance in front of a crowd. Manna Dey and Asha Bhosle sang the song composed by R.D. Burman. Bakshi wrote the lines, “Arrey zindagi hai khel, koi pass koi fail, khiladi hai koi, anadi hai koi”. Hema, who played a double role of sisters, performed this song as Geeta.
3 A B C D Chhodo – Raja Jani (1972)
This was just a fun song in which Bakshi wrote, “A B C D chhodo, nainon se naina jodo, dekho dil na todo, aai shaam suhaani, Raja Jani, Raja Jani”. Sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata, it was composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. The chemistry of the lead pair was fantastic.
4 Gir Gaya Jhumka – Jugnu (1973)
Bakshi wrote this song as a conversation between the lead pair. The lyrics were “Gir gaya jhumka, girne do, kho gayi mundri, khone do, udd gayi chunri, uddne do, kaahe ka darr hai, baali umar hai, chhodo bahaana, na na”. S.D. Burman composed the song sung by Lata and Kishore.
5 Aa Bata De – Dost (1974)
Dharmendra, Hema and Shatrughan Sinha were filmed in this song, along with a large group. Rafi and Lata sang the main melody, and Shatrughan chipped in with spoken lines. Music was by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, with Bakshi’s main lines being “Aa bata de yeh tujhe kaise jiya jaata hai”. The film had the hit song ‘Gaadi Bula Rahi Hai’.
6 Main Jatt Yamla – Pratigya (1975)
The song has become synonymous with Dharmendra, as he was seen chasing Hema, who appeared at the beginning. Rafi sang this in a robust manner, and Bakshi wrote, “Main Jatt yamla pagla deewana, o Rabba, itti si baat na jaana, ke ke ke, o mennu pyaar karti hai, sadde utte o mardi hai”. Music was by Laxmikant-Pyarelal.
7 Koi Haseena – Sholay (1975)
One of the most popular songs featuring the duo, this was shot on a tonga-ride. Kishore brought out the mischief, and R.D. Burman came up with a frothy tune. Bakshi’s lines, “Koi haseena jab rooth jaati hai toh aur bhi haseen ho jaati hai” are well-remembered. The song had many slapstick moments which suited the situation.
8 Aaja Teri Yaad Aayi – Charas (1976)
Dharmendra and Hema showed great coordination on this song where Bakshi wrote the lyrics and also sang the opening lines before Rafi and Lata took over. Music was by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. It was famous for the ‘coat throwing’ scene when the couple reunited. The film also had the hit ‘Kal Ki Haseen Mulaqat Ke Liye’, picturised on the duo.
9 Ek Hi Khwab – Kinara (1977)
Dharmendra made a special appearance in Kinara, and Bhupinder sang for him in this gem. This was written by Gulzar with music by R.D. Burman. The main line was “Ek hi khwab kai baar dekha hai maine” and the rest of the song was filled with metaphors typical of the lyricist. The song remains underrated.
10 Kisi Shayar Ki Ghazal – Dream Girl (1977)
This song became an anthem for Hema fans, thanks to Kishore’s melodious singing and Bakshi’s words, “Kisi shayar ki ghazal, Dream Girl, kisi jheel ka kanwal, Dream Girl, kabhi toh milegi, kahin toh milegi, aaj nahin toh kal, Dream Girl”. Music was by Laxmikant-Pyarelal.
Interestingly, nine of these songs were written by Bakshi. That’s just a sign of how prolific he was in the 1970s. Of course, those words went perfectly with the Dharam-Hema screen magic.
