Filmmakers and cinematographers have always loved the snow. And there was a time when Kashmir was one of the favourite locations, before the problems started. Another attraction was Himachal Pradesh, in spots around Simla and Kufri. Later, some even went to Switzerland and other European destinations.
With snow a regular feature in some northern parts of India at this time of the year, we choose 10 songs filmed in such areas. Though there were some good tunes in the 1990s (in Maachis, Gupt and Pukar), our list is taken from the 1960s and 1970s. There are some real gems here.
1. Chahe Mujhe Koi – Junglee (1961)
Besides the famous ‘Yahoo’ scream, this song was remembered for its outdoor locales, with Shammi Kapoor jumping around in the snow trying to woo Saira Banu. The Mohammed Rafi hit was composed by Shankar-Jaikishen, whose antara was inspired by Farid El Atrache’s Arabic song ‘Wayak Wayak’. Lyrics were by Shailendra. In an interview, Shammi had said that the word ‘Yahoo’ was sung by Prayag Raj.
2. Yeh Khamoshiyaan – Yeh Raaste Hai Pyar Ke (1963)
A classic composed by Ravi, with Rajendra Krishan writing, “Yeh khamoshiyan, yeh tanhaiyan, mohabbat ki duniya, kitni jawaan hai”. Filmed in snowy locations on Sunil Dutt and the gorgeous Leela Naidu, this was sung by Rafi and Asha Bhosle.
3. Naina Barse – Woh Kaun Thi (1964)
The magnificent combination of Lata Mangeshkar, composer Madan Mohan and lyricist Raja Mehdi Ali Khan wove magic again. Filmed in Simla on the beautiful Sadhna and Manoj Kumar, the song had the lines, “Naina barse, rimjhim rimjhim, piya tore awan ki aas”. It’s a favourite at Lata themed shows.
4. Ich Bin Leibe – Sangam (1964)
Picturised on Raj Kapoor and Vyjayanthimala, this peppy tune was sung by Vivian Lobo. Music was by Shankar-Jaikishen, with the lines, “Ich bin leibe, I love you”. The tune later inspired ‘Sun Sahiba Sun’ in Ram Teri Ganga Maili.
5. Maine Dekha Hai – Waqt (1965)
Mahendra Kapoor had some memorable songs in the 1960s, and here he teamed up with Asha Bhosle. Featuring Sunil Dutt and Sadhna, it had snow shots only a few times. Ravi composed the music, and Sahir Ludhianvi used the nazm format to pen gems like, “Aaj dene laga kadmon ke taley barf ka farsh, Aaj jaana hai ke mohabbat mein hai garmi kitni”.
6. Palkon Ke Peeche Se – Talash (1969)
Beautifully filmed, this song had Rajendra Kumar and Sharmila Tagore in the lead. Rafi teamed up with Lata, and S.D. Burman gave the music. Majrooh Sultanpuri wrote in his typical style, “Palkon ke peeche se kya tumne keh daala, phir se toh farmana, nainon mein sapno ki mehfil sajaayee hai, tum bhi zaroor aana”.
7. Gunguna Rahe Hai – Aradhana (1969)
Rajesh Khanna’s phase of superstardom began in 1969, and this was one of the hit songs from this successful film. Also featuring Sharmila Tagore, the snow portion came a bit later in the song. Music was by S.D. Burman, with Anand Bakshi writing, “Gunguna rahe hain bhanware, khil rahi hai kali kali, gali gali, kali kali”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTktbXFZP6o
8. Tera Mujhse Hai Pehle – Aa Gale Lag Ja (1973)
Written by Sahir Ludhianvi, it had the lines, “Tera mujhe hai pehle ka naata koi, yoon hi nahin dil lubhata koi”. Music was by R.D. Burman. There were two versions of the song, and the snow one was sung by Kishore Kumar and picturised on Shashi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore. Sushma Shrestha joined Kishore in the other version, set in a party scene.
9. Karvate Badalte Rahe/ Aap Ki Kasam (1974)
Rajesh Khanna teamed up with Mumtaz on this song, filmed in snow-capped areas of Kashmir. It was composed by R.D. Burman, with Anand Bakshi writing, “Karvate badalte rahe saari raat hum, aap ki kasam, aap ki kasam”. Kishore and Lata sang the song.
10. Tere Chehre Se/ Kabhi Kabhie (1976)
Another of those songs wonderfully picturised in Kashmir, this starred Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh. Kishore and Lata sang the duet composed by Khayyam. Sahir Ludhianvi wrote the words, “Tere chehre se nazar nahin hathti, nazaare hum kya dekhein, tujhe milne se pyaas nahin ghathti, nazaare hum kya dekhein”.
