Silsila, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Alaap… there’s a long list of Amitabh Bachchan-Rekha starrers. Narendra Kusnur picks a few very hummable numbers
Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan celebrate their birthdays on consecutive days – October 10 and 11. Back In the 1970s, they were also a successful lead pair though the media focused more on their off-screen equation.
Here, we choose 10 songs featuring them. While Silsila and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar had successful music overall, and Alaap was a connoisseur’s favourite, the others were known for a song or two. These songs are listed in no particular order though the Top 3 were arguably the most popular.
1. Yeh Kahaan Aa Gaye Hum/ Silsila (1981)
A brilliant blend of poetry and melody, this had an unforgettable presentation by Amitabh Bachchan and Lata Mangeshkar. Shiv-Hari were making their debut as a duo of music directors, and Javed Akhtar wrote the words. The picturisation on Bachchan and Rekha was amazing.
2. Salaam-e-Ishq/ Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978)
Set in a mujra sequence, this was composed by Kalyanji-Anandji. Director Prakash Mehra worked on the lyrics instead of Anjaan, who did the rest of the film. Though Mangeshkar’s line “Mera dil bechain hai humsafar ke liye” became popular, the highlight was Kishore Kumar’s lengthy stretch.
3. Pardesiya/ Mr Natwarlal (1979)
An outdoor song, ‘Pardesiya’ was known for its catchy tune, vibrant rhythms and marvellous chorus lines. Mangeshkar and Kishore combined once again, with music by Rajesh Roshan and lyrics by Anand Bakshi. The catch line went, “Main kehti hoon tune mera dil le liya”.
4. Tere Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi/ Suhaag (1979)
Using a bhangra rhythm and basic Punjabi lines, this song was a rage in the north. Here, Bachchan and Rekha were dressed in traditional costumes while singing to Shashi Kapoor and Parveen Babi. Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle and Shailendra Singh rendered Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s tune written by Bakshi.
5. Neela Aasman So Gaya/ Silsila (1981)
The film Silsila had such wonderful songs that it was difficult to choose only two for this list. The lullaby-like ‘Neela Aasman So Gaya’ had two versions written by Javed Akhtar – sung by Bachchan and Mangeshkar, respectively. On the former, Shiv-Hari used the santoor and bansuri beautifully.
6. Yaar Ki Khabar Mil Gayi/ Ram Balram (1980)
Shot outdoors in a Sholay-inspired dacoit-driven setting, this duet by Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar was a radio hit. Laxmikant-Pyarelal provided the music with Bakshi writing the words. The song used choruses smartly.
https://youtu.be/_Th1Py3auNg
7. Kaahe Manwa Naache Hamaar/ Alaap (1977)
Alaap had some great songs by Jaidev, including ‘Mata Saraswati Sharda’, ‘Chand Akela’ and ‘Koi Gaata’. The happy song ‘Kaahe Manwa Naache Hamaar’ was sung by Mangeshkar with words by Rahi Masoom Raza. Mostly picturised on Rekha, it had Bachchan coming in at the end.
8. Koi Mere Saath Chale Na Chale/ Do Anjaane (1976)
A film about marital discord caused by a singer-dancer’s ambition, this film didn’t have very successful music. However, Kalyanji-Anandji did well on this one written by Verma Malik. Rekha was shown giving a stage dance performance with Bachchan seething in the audience.
9. Main Teri Ho Gayi/ Khoon Pasina (1977)
Neither the film nor the music did well, but this song composed by Kalyanji-Anandji had a catchy melody. Sung by Mangeshkar, it was written by Anjaan and shot in a group sequence. The main lines were as simple as they could get – “Main teri ho gayi, tu mera ho gaya”.
10. Tauba Tauba/ Mr Natwarlal (1979)
In the film Rekha sang and danced after being surrounded by goons, and Bachchan was seen rushing to rescue her. Bhosle sang the tune composed by Rajesh Roshan and written by Bakshi. The song included the famous sapera (snake charmer) tune and dance.
