10 nostalgic Father’s Day songs

With Father’s Day being celebrated on Sunday June 19, we choose 10 songs appropriate for the occasion. Eight of them feature fathers singing for their children. Naturally, these songs are filled with nostalgia. The order is chronological.

1 Babul Ki Duwayein – Neel Kamal (1968)

Sung by Mohammed Rafi, this emotional song has been regularly played at weddings. Filmed on Balraj Sahni and Waheeda Rahman, it was composed by Ravi. Lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi wrote, “Babul ki duwayein leti jaa, jaa tujhko sukhi sansar mile; maike ki kabhi na yaad aaye, sasural mein itna pyaar mile”.

2 Tujhe Suraj Kahoon Ya Chanda – Ek Phool Do Mali (1969)

Manna Dey rendered this Ravi composition in his inimitable style. Balraj Sahni was shown singing it, with Sadhana also on screen. Prem Dhawan wrote, “Tujhe suraj kahoon ya chanda, tujhe deep kahoon ya tara, mera naam karega roshan, jag mein mera raj dulara”.

3 Re Mama Re Mama Re – Andaz (1971) 

A fun song which Shammi Kapoor rendered for his daughter, played by Baby Gauri, this was very popular among children. It was sung by Rafi and composed by Shankar-Jaikishan. Hasrat Jaipuri’s lyrics narrated humorous experiences occurring during an imaginary visit to the market.

4 Aye Mere Bete – Aa Gale Lag Ja (1973)

This song was in happy and sad versions sung by Kishore Kumar. It was filmed on Shashi Kapoor, with Sharmila Tagore appearing in the later. R.D. Burman composed the tune, with Sahir writing, “Aye mere bete, sun mera kehna, chaahe dukh hoye, haste hi rehna”. The film also had the hit song ‘Mera Tujhse Hai Pehle’.

5 Lukk Chipp Lukk Chipp Jao Na – Do Anjaane (1976)

This Kalyanji-Anandji composition was filmed on Amitabh Bachchan who sang it for his son. While the main version was sung by Kishore, there was another one with Kishore and Shivangi Kolhapure. Anjaan’s lyrics had the line, “O mere nanhe munne pyaare pyaare raja, aao mujhe gale lag jao na, aley aao na”.

6 Chandni Re Jhoom – Nauker (1979)

R.D. Burman’s melodious composition was sung by Kishore Kumar. Sanjeev Kumar was shown singing for his daughter. Majrooh wrote, “Ankhiyon mein chhote chhote sapne sajaake, baiyon mein nindiya ke pankh lagaike, chanda mein jhoole meri bitiya rani, chandni re jhoom, ho chandni re jhoom”. The song makes for a good lullaby too.

7 Tujhse Naraaz Nahin – Masoom (1983)

Anup Ghoshal sang the male version of this R.D. Burman song filmed on Naseeruddin Shah and child star Jugal Hansraj. Gulzar’s lines were situation-based, and unlike conventional father-son lyrics. They were, “Tujhse naraaz nahin zindagi hairaan hoon main, ho hairaan hoon main; tere masoom sawaalon se pareshaan hoon main, ho pareshaan hoon main”.

8 Phool Yeh Kahaan Se Aaya Hai – Kaash (1987)

Kishore and Sadhana Sargam sang this lesser-known song featuring Jackie Shroff and Master Makarand. Rajesh Roshan composed the tune, and Farukh Qaisar wrote, “Phool yeh kahaan se aaya hai boloon, phal yeh kahaan se aaye hain boloon, ped yeh kahaan se aaye hain, o sun mere bete jahaan waale ne, sab kuchh banaya jaadu se”.

9 Papa Kehte Hain – Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) 

Majrooh’s famous words were, “Papa kehte hain bada naam karega, beta hamara aisa kaam karega, magar yeh toh koi na jaane, ke meri manzil hai kahaan”. It featured Aamir Khan at a college function, and was sung by Udit Narayan. Music was by Anand-Milind.

10 Akele Hum Akele Tum – Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995)

The real-life father-son team of Udit Narayan and Aditya Narayan got together on this song starring Aamir and Adil Rizvi. Music was by Anu Malik, with lyrics by Majrooh. The catchphrases ‘Oh I love you Daddy’ and ‘But you love me Daddy’ struck a chord.

Besides Hindi film songs, there are many English classics that suit the occasion. To mention only three, you can play Paul Anka’s ‘Papa’, Paul Simon’s ‘Father And Daughter’ and Cat Steven’s ‘Father And Son’. Happy Father’s Day.