One of the most popular actors of the 1980s and 1990s, Anil Kapoor had a string of melodious songs picturised on him
One of the most popular actors of the 1980s and 1990s, Anil Kapoor had a string of melodious songs picturised on him. Besides the love songs, featuring top heroines Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi, there were also a few fun numbers that went with his image and roles.
The actor celebrates his 64th birthday on December 24. Here, we shortlist 10 songs that match his persona. The list is chronological.
1. Pyar Kiya Nahin Jata – Woh Saat Din (1983)
The first hit filmed on Anil Kapoor, it had Padmini Kolhapure as the co-star. Lata Mangeshkar and Shabbir Kumar teamed up to sing Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s composition. Lyricist Anand Bakshi wrote, “Pyar kiya nahin jaata, ho jaata hai; Dil diya nahin jaata, kho jaata hai” – lines which echoed the sentiments of young people in love.
2. Karte Hain Hum Pyar – Mr India (1987)
The song was mostly shot on a beach with Anil, Sridevi and a group of children, with the lead pair appearing in a few scenes in hilly regions. Kishore Kumar and Kavita Krishnamurthy were the lead singers, with Laxmikant-Pyarelal providing the music. The words, beginning with the catchy “Karte hain hum pyaar Mr India se”, were written by Javed Akhtar.
3. Kehdo Ke Tum Ho Meri Varna – Tezaab (1988)
A huge hit for the Anil-Madhuri Dixit pair, the song was sung by Amit Kumar and Anuradha Paudwal. Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Javed Akhtar teamed up once again. The main lines were, “Kehdo ke tum ho meri varna, jeena nahin mujhe hai marna, dekho kabhi na aisa kehna, dekho kabhi na aisa karna”.
https://youtu.be/oZ9UmKKiiAw
4. My Name Is Lakhan – Ram Lakhan (1989)
Also known as ‘One Two Ka Four’, this showed Anil in his frothy element, as he danced vigorously with a group. Madhuri appeared towards the end, and the song was sung by Mohammed Aziz, Anuradha Paudwal and Nitin Mukesh. Music again was by Laxmikant-Pyarelal and lyrics were by Bakshi.
5. Tumse Milke – Parinda (1989)
Another huge hit for the Anil-Madhuri pair, the music was composed by R.D. Burman, who was inspired by Leo Sayer’s ‘When I Need You’. Suresh Wadkar and Asha Bhosle sang the tune, with Khursheed Hillauri writing, “Tumse milke, aisa laga tumse milke, armaan hue poore dil ke, ae meri jaan-e-wafaa”
6. Kabhi Main Kahoon – Lamhe (1991)
Filmed on Anil and Sridevi, this was a duet by Hariharan and Lata. The lines, written by Bakshi, went, “Kabhi main kahoon, kabhi tum kaho, ke maine tumhe yeh dil de diya; Kabhi main sunoon, kabhi tum suno, ke maine tumhe yeh dil de diya”. Music was by Shiv-Hari, who did some great work for Yash Chopra films.
7. Koyal Se Teri Boli – Beta (1992)
Though Beta was better-known for the song ‘Dhak Dhak Karne Laga’, this was another successful tune featuring Anil and Madhuri. Shot in outdoor tourist spots, it was composed by Anand-Milind and written by Sameer. Udit Narayan and Anuradha Paudwal sang it, and a highlight was the flute.
8. Ek Ladki Ko Dekha – 1942: A Love Story (1994)
Released after its composer R.D. Burman passed away, this beautiful song was written in a free-flowing form by Javed Akhtar, likening the different emotions a man experiences after seeing a beautiful girl. It was a huge hit for Kumar Sanu and was pucturised on Anil and Manisha Koirala.
9. Payale Chun Mun – Virasat (1997)
A wonderful song filmed on Anil and Tabu, this was adapted by Anu Malik from an Ilaiyaraaja composition, with Javed Akhtar writing the lyrics. Kumar Sanu and K.S. Chitra teamed up on this song, which was a huge success.
https://youtu.be/qwYS0ZQw8Bg
10. Sunta Hai Mera Khuda – Pukar (1998)
Shot in lavish outdoor locales featuring Anil and Namrata Shirodkar, with Madhuri appearing for a bit, this song was released when A.R. Rahman was at his peak. While Udit Narayan and Kavita Krishnamurthy sang the main parts, Swarnalatha chipped in with some melodic chants. The film’s lyrics were credited to Javed Akhtar and Majrooh Sultanpuri, though many websites say the latter wrote the song.
