The death of film personality Saawan Kumar Tak in Mumbai on August 25 came as a huge loss to the industry. He was 86. Besides being a well-known producer and director, he also made a mark as lyricist.
Here, we choose 10 successful songs from films he was associated in any of those three capacities. As a lyricist, he contributed to seven of these songs. Five of them were composed by Usha Khanna, who he married and later separated from. The order is chronological.
1 Tumhare Zulf Ke – Naunihal (1967)
Tak made his debut as a producer, and also wrote the story. He wasn’t involved with the music, which was composed by Madan Mohan. This song, filmed on Sanjeev Kumar and Indrani Mukherjee, was a huge hit for Mohammed Rafi. Kaifi Azmi’s mukhda was, “Tumhari zulf ke saaye mein shaam kar loonga, safar umr ka is pal mein tamaam kar loonga”.
2 Aao, Aao Jaane Jahaan – Gomti Ke Kinare (1972)
This was Tak’s directorial debut, and Meena Kumari’s last release. However, this song was picturised on Mumtaz, with Sameer cast opposite her. Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar were accompanied by smart choruses. The R.D. Burman composition had some marvellous percussion, and Majrooh Sultanpuri wrote, “Aao, aao jaan-e-jahaan, dil ne dhoonda tumhe kahaan kahaan”.
3 Barkha Rani – Sabak (1973)
This was Tak’s first super-hit as a lyricist. He wrote, “Barkha rani, zara jam ke barso, mera dilbar ja na paaye, jhoom kar barso”. It was a big hit for Mukesh, and music was by Usha Khanna. The film starred Shatrughan Sinha and Poonam. It has often been used in rain song compilations and Mukesh tributes.
4 Teri Galiyon Mein – Hawas (1974)
The film Hawas was produced and directed by Tak, who also wrote the lyrics of this song. Sung by Rafi, it was composed by Usha Khanna, and featured actors Anil Dhawan and Neetu Singh. The words were, “Teri galiyon mein na rakhenge kadam, aaj ke baad; Tere milne ko na aayenge sanam, aaj ke baad”.
5 Madhuban Khushboo – Saajan Bina Suhagan (1978)
The film Saajan Bina Suhagan was directed by Tak, with Rajendra Kumar and Padmini Kolhapure in the lead. Music was by Usha Khanna. This song, sung by Yesudas in the main version, was written by Indeevar. The lyrics were, “Madhuban khushboo deta hai, saagar saawan deta hai, jeena uska jeena hai, jo auron ko jeevan deta hai”. The film also had the hit song ‘Jijaji Jijaji’.
6 Bhari Barsaat Mein – O Bewafa (1980)
Tak penned the lyrics of this song, which went, “Bhari barsaat mein dil jalaaya, re ja tera kuch na rahe; sang saawan ke mujhko rulaya re ja tera kuch na rahe”. Composed by Vedpal Verma, it was sung by Hemlata. Nazneen and Anil Dhawan appeared on screen.
7 Jiske Liye Sabko Chhoda – Saajan Ki Saheli (1981)
Another directorial venture of Tak, Saajan Ki Saheli had music by Usha Khanna. The song ‘Jiske Liye Sabko Chhoda’, was written by Majrooh, with the opening lines, “Jiske liye sabko chhoda, usi ne mere dil ko toda, woh bewafa, woh bewafa, kisi aur ki saajan ki saheli ho gayee”. Sung by Rafi and Sulakshna Pandit, it was filmed on Vinod Mehra, Rekha, Nutan and Rajendra Kumar.
8 Zindagi Pyaar Ka Geet – Souten (1983)
The combination of music director Usha Khanna and lyricist Tak worked wonders again on this Lata Mangeshkar song. The lyrics were, “Zindagi pyaar ka geet hai, ise har dil ko gaana padega; Zindagi gham ka saagar bhi hai, hanske us paar jaana padega”. The song featured Padmini Kolhapure, Shreeram Lagoo and Rajesh Khanna. The film also had the hit ‘Shaayad Meri Shaadi’.
9 Yeh Dil Bewafa Se Wafaa/ Bewaffa Se Waffa (1992)
A true tear-jerker, ‘Yeh Dil Bewafa Se Wafa’ was a success in its time. Tak wrote, “Yeh dil bewafa se wafa kar raha hai, haaye dil dekho dil se kya kar raha hai”. Composed by Usha Khanna, it was sung by Lata. Juhi Chawla appeared on screen. Tak also produced and directed the film, which co-starred Vivek Mushran.
10 Jaaneman Jaaneman – Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000)
The music of Rakesh Roshan’s Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai was hugely successful, and Tak was one of the three lyricists. ‘Jaaneman Jaaneman’, filmed on Ameesha Patel and Hrithik Roshan, had the lines, “Jaaneman jaaneman palat teri nazar, yahaan hai dil tera, dekhta hai kidhar”. It was a dance number composed by Rajesh Roshan and sung by Asha Bhosle. Tak wrote ‘Chand Sitare’ too.
Tak also wrote lyrics for the films Laila, Souten Ki Beti and Bewafa Sanam, which he directed. Whichever role he played, he made a mark.
