Known for his dynamic personality and distinct style of dialogue delivery, actor Raaj Kumar had many great songs filmed on him. To mark his 16th death anniversary on July 3, we choose 10 numbers.
Interestingly, three of them aren’t lip-synced by him, but he plays an important part in the songs. The order is chronological.
1 Matwala Jiya – Mother India (1957)
Shot in a farm with Nargis and Raaj Kumar, this song was sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi. It had a folk touch, ably composed by Naushad. Shakeel Badayuni wrote, “Matwala jiya dole piya, jhoome ghata, chhaye re baadal, karna hai toh kar pyaar na, dar biti umar aayegi naa kal, arrey paagal, arrey paagal, arrey paagal”.
2 Hum Tere Pyaar Mein – Dil Ek Mandir (1963)
Lata sang the song for Meena Kumari, shown playing a sitar, as Raaj Kumar sat on a cot opposite. Shankar-Jaikishan used a classical tinge, and Hasrat Jaipuri wrote the lines, “Hum tere pyaar mein saara aalam kho baithe hain, kho baithe; tum kehte ho ke aise pyaar ko bhool jaao, bhool jaao”. Earlier, Meena Kumari and Raaj Kumari had appeared in the Dil Apna Aur Preet Parayi song ‘Ajeeb Dastaan’, though it was mainly filmed on the heroine.
3 Kaun Aaya Ki Nigahon Mein – Waqt (1965)
Though this song was essentially filmed on Sadhana, and sung by Asha Bhosle, Raaj Kumar made a brief appearance, looking dapper in a black suit, and displaying wonderful expression. Music was by Ravi, and Sahir Ludhianvi wrote, “Kaun aaya ki nigahon mein chamak jaag utthi, dil ke soye hue taaron mein khanak jaag utthi”.
4 Chhoo Lene Do Naazuk Honton Ko – Kaajal (1965)
Rafi dazzled on this song picturised on Raaj Kumar and Meena Kumari. Ravi composed the music, and Sahir referred to alcohol in his lines, “Chhoo lene do naazuk honton ko, kuchh aur nahin hai jaam hai yeh; Kudrat ne jo hamko baksha hai, woh sabse haseen inaam hai yeh”.
5 Neele Gagan Ke Taley – Hamraaz (1967)
One of Mahendra Kapoor’s big hits, it was composed by Ravi. Sahir’s opening lines were, “Hey, neele gagan ke taley, dharti ka pyaar paley; aise hi jag mein, aati hain subahein, aise hi shaam dhaley”. The song was filmed in scenic Darjeeling on Raaj Kumar and Vimi, though the film’s hero was Sunil Dutt.
6 Jhanak Jhanak Tori Baaje Payaliya – Mere Huzoor (1968)
A classical number composed by Shankar-Jaikishan in raag Darbari Kanhada, it featured Raaj Kumar at a mujra, with dancers Madhumati and Laxmi Chhaya. Manna Dey sang it in his quintessential style, and Hasrat wrote, “Jhanak jhanak tori baaje paayaliya, preet ke geet sunaye payaliya”. Manna Dey again sang for Raaj Kumar in ‘Har Taraf Yehi Afsane Hai’ from the 1973 film Hindustan Ki Kasam.
7 Aaja Tujhko Pukare Mera Pyaar – Neel Kamal (1968)
The combination of composer Ravi and lyricist Sahir was at work once again on this song sung by Rafi. The opening words were, “Aaja tujhko pukare mera pyaar; Aaja, main toh mita hoon teri chaah mein”. The song was based on raag Pahadi. Waheeda Rahman appeared in a cameo.
8 Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil – Heer Raanjha (1970)
Kaifi Azmi’s lyrics “Yeh duniya, yeh mehfil, mere kaam ki nahin” became an anthem for disillusioned souls. Rafi’s singing was filled with pathos, and Madan Mohan created a memorable tune. Film buffs began to identify Raaj Kumar with this song, filmed with a forest backdrop.
9 Unke Khayal Aaye Toh – Laal Patthar (1971)
There were two interesting things about this song. One waChalo Dildar Chalo – Pakeezah (1972)s that it was synced by G.M. Durrani, himself a known singer, though it was sung by Rafi. The second was that Raaj Kumar was shown playing the tabla. It was a ghazal composed by Shankar-Jaikishan, with lyrics by Hasrat. Hema Malini appeared at the end.
10 Chalo Dildar Chalo – Pakeezah (1972)
The film again starred Raaj Kumar and Meena Kumari. This song was sung by Lata and Rafi, with music by Ghulam Mohammed. Lyricist Kaif Bhopali wrote, “Chalo dildar chalo, chand ke paar chalo, hum bhi taiyyar chalo”. The song was filmed in a yacht with shots of the moon, stars and sun.
While this list ends in 1972, another generation identifies Raaj Kumar with the song ‘Imli Ka Boota’, from the 1991 film Saudagar. This song featured him and Dilip Kumar, and was a huge hit for the actor.
