With Raksha Bandhan coming up, we compiled a list of 10 songs to suit the occasion. While most focus on the actual ceremony, a couple of songs are not specific to the festival, but talk of a brother’s love and responsibility towards his sister. The order is chronological.
1 Bhaiyya Mere Rakhi Ke Bandhan – Chhoti Bahen (1959)
Lata Mangeshkar sang this popular song for Nanda, who was shown tying rakhi to Balraj Sahni and Rehman. Music was by Shankar-Jaikishen, and Shailendra wrote, “Bhaiyya mere, rakhi ke bandhan ko nibhana, bhaiya mere, chhoti bahen ko na bhulana, dekho ye naata nibhana”. This is considered the quintessential rakhi song.
2 Rang Birangi Rakhi – Anpadh (1962)
The song was filmed in a group setting with Mala Sinha tying rakhi to her brother played by Balraj Sahni. Madan Mohan composed the music using a lot of dholak, and Lata sang the tune. Lyricist Mehdi Ali Khan wrote, “Rang birangi rakhi leke aaye bahena, o rakhi bandhwale mere veer”. The film was famous for Lata’s hit ‘Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha’.
3 Rakhi Dhaagon Ka Tyohaar – Rakhi (1962)
Mohammed Rafi’s voice was used for Ashok Kumar, who played Waheeda Rahman’s brother. Music was by Ravi, and Rajendra Krishan wrote the wonderful words, “Bandha hua ik ik dhaage mein, bhai bahen ka pyaar, rakhi dhaagon ka tyohaar, rakhi dhaagon ka tyohaar”. Actor Mehmood made a brief appearance.
4 Mere Bhaiyya Mere Chanda – Kajal (1965)
Though Lata was known to have sung the biggest hits of Meena Kumari, it was Asha Bhosle who did a fantastic job on this song. Sailesh Kumar played the brother. Ravi composed the music, and Sahir Ludhianvi wrote, “Mere bhaiyya, mere chanda, mere anmol ratan, tere badle mein main zamaane ki koi cheez na loon”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9dfJcOWXcs
5 Hum Bahenon Ke Liye – Anjaana (1969)
The song began with street scenes showing sisters tying rakhi. Then it shifted to Rajendra Kumar’s home, where Nazima tied rakhi, singing Anand Bakshi’s lines, “Ham bahenon ke liye, mere bhaiyya, aata hai ek din saal mein; aaj ke din mein jahaan bhi rahoon, chale aana har haal mein”. Music was by Laxmikant-Pyarelal.
6 Phoolon Ka Taaron Ka – Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971)
This song wasn’t in a rakhi setting but showed the love the brother (Dev Anand) had for his sister (Zeenat Aman). It was composed by R.D. Burman in two types. Lata sang the child version, and Kishore Kumar sang for Dev Anand. Anand Bakshi wrote, “Phoolon ka taaron ka sabka kehna hai, ek hazaron mein meri bahena hai, saari umar hamein sang rehna hai”. The lyrics make it a Raksha Bandhan favourite.
7 Yeh Rakhi Bandhan Hai Aisa – Beimaan (1972)
Nazima played Manoj Kumar’s sister in this film, which had music by Shankar-Jaikishen. Lata and Mukesh were the singers. Rajendra Krishan wrote, “Yeh rakhi bandhan hai aisa, yeh rakhi bandhan hai aisa, jaise chanda aur kiran ka, jaise badri aur pawan ka, jaise dharti aur gagan ka, yeh rakhi bandhan hai aisa”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBfJGdyRwe8
8 Bahena Ne Bhai Ki Kalai – Resham Ki Dori (1974)
Once again, Shankar-Jaikishen was the composer with Indeevar writing the lyrics. Dharmendra and Kumud Chugani played the siblings. Suman Kalyanpur sang, “Bahena ne bhai ki kalai se pyaar baandha hai, pyaar ke do taar se sansaar baandha hai, resham ki dori se, resham ki dori se sansaar baandha hai”. Over the years, this had been a Raksha Bandhan favourite.
9 Nahin Dekh Sakta Hoon – Majboor (1974)
This song didn’t have a Raksha Bandhan setting but Bakshi’s lines talked about a brother’s emotions. Farida Jalal played Amitabh Bachchan’s sister. Though there were two versions by Kishore and Lata, the former was more popular. Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed the music. The catch phrase was, “Nahin main nahin dekh sakta hoon tujhe rote hue”.
10 Meri Bahena Yeh Rakhi Ki Laaj – Ghar Dwaar (1985)
In this song, actress Shraddha Verma tied rakhi to Dr Shreeram Lagoo, Raj Kiran and Sachin Pilgaonkar. Vocals were by Manhar Udhas, Mohammed Aziz and Suresh Wadkar. Chitragupt composed the tune, and Anjaan wrote, “Meri bahena yeh rakhi ki laaj tera bhaiyya nibhayega, tujhe dil se kabhi na bhulayega”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0MXfLwsplo
Besides these, some people play the super-hit ‘Meri Pyaari Baheniya’, picturised on Rajesh Khanna in Sachaa Jhuthaa. This song, however, is more of a wedding song, and works on Raksha Bandhan day only if the sister’s wedding is around the corner. Happy Raksha Bandhan.
