Composer par excellence, Naushad was also a captivating poet. Narendra Kusnur picks the maestro’s Top 10 songs that define his genius and verstatiliy
1. Awaaz De Kahan Hai (Anmol Ghadi, 1946) – Sung by Noor Jehan and Surendra, and written by Tanveer Naqvi, this was one of Naushad’s earliest hits.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANptt7VMxXU[/embedyt]
2 Jab Dil Hi Toot Gaya – (Shahjehan, 1946) – The ultimate sad song, sung by superstar Kundan Lal Saigal and written by Majrooh Sultanpuri.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQQPV-DtY3s[/embedyt]
3 Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki (Dulari, 1949) – One of Mohammed Rafi’s early hits, this song written by Shakeel Badayuni was a rage in its time.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw_jNbSVDGk[/embedyt]
4 Man Tadapat (Baiju Bawra, 1952) – Baiju Bawra had numerous hit songs but ‘Man Tadapat’ was remembered for Rafi’s soulful singing and the use of raag Malkauns.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz7C0MEaMfQ[/embedyt]
5 Insaaf Ka Mandir Hai (Amar, 1954) – Another beauty by Rafi, the Naushad- Badayuni magic is seen on the lines “Insaaf ka mandir hai yeh, bhagwan ka ghar hai”.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaWc8QkZ4QQ[/embedyt]
6 Duniya Mein Agar Aaye Ho (Mother India, 1957) – A song with an important and timeless message, this was sung by the Mangeshkar sisters Lata, Meena and Usha.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjYhUk6M0iM[/embedyt]
7 Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya (Mughal-a-Azam, 1960) – One of the greatest love songs ever, this was sung by Lata Mangeshkar and picturised on the gorgeous Madhubala.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zovgZ2Lzkq8[/embedyt]
8 Madhuban Mein Radhika (Kohinoor, 1960) – Best known its use of raag Hameer, this was sung by Rafi and picturised on Dilip Kumar. The sitar was played by Ustad Abdul Halim Jagger Khan.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NzSyyOX0yo[/embedyt]
9 Mere Mehboob Tujhe (Mere Mehboob, 1963) – Picturised on Rajendra Kumar and Sadhana, this Rafi song was a huge hit and was played regularly on the radio.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ3DwFWhQuE[/embedyt]
10 Aaj Ki Raat (Ram Aur Shyam, 1967) – Picturised on Dilip Kumar and Waheeda Rahman, this Rafi song makes remarkable use of the piano.
