To mark the star’s 89th birth anniversary on October 21, Narendra Kusnur choose 10 of Shammi Kapoor’s more robust numbers
Selecting 10 songs filmed on Shammi Kapoor wasn’t an easy task, even if we decided to use only solo numbers sung by Mohammed Rafi. The singer’s voice went so well with the actor that one couldn’t imagine anyone else. Moreover, films like Junglee, Teesri Manzil and An Evening In Paris had multiple songs which would have fit in any Kapoor list.
To mark the star’s 89th birth anniversary on October 21, we choose 10 of his breezier, more robust numbers. Half of them are composed by Shankar-Jaikishen, and that combination was fabulous too. The list is chronological
1. Yoon Toh Humne/ Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957)
One of the first hits for Kapoor, it began with Sahir Ludhianvi’s lines “Yoon toh humne laakh haseen dekhe hain, tumsa nahin dekha”. The song proved how Rafi’s voice went perfectly with the actor, and O.P. Nayyar’s trademark rhythm matched the tonga ride scene. Ameeta played the heroine. Interestingly, this song began with the word ‘Yahoo’, made famous later in Junglee.
2. Dil Deke Dekho/ Dil Deke Dekho (1959)
Kapoor was shown behind a drum kit at a restaurant featuring a group of dancers. Music was by Usha Khanna, though many listeners felt it had a Nayyar touch. Rafi sang Majrooh Sultanpuri’s lines “Dil deke dekho, dil deke dekho, dil deke dekho ji, dil lene waalon dil dena seekho ji”.
3. Chahe Mujhe Koi Junglee Kahe/ Junglee (1961)
This song began with Rafi singing ‘Yahoo’ in a highly energetic manner. Kapoor was seen dancing in snow-clad territory with Saira Banu on screen. Shankar-Jaikishen provided the music and Shailendra wrote the lyrics. This was one of the film’s big hits, along with ‘Ai Ai Ya Karoon Main Kya Suku Suku’ and ‘Ehsaan Tera Hoga Mujhpar’.
4. Aye Gulbadan/ Professor (1962)
Another stunning number by Shankar-Jaikishen with Rafi singing, “Tujhe dekh ke kehta hai mera man, kahin aaj kisi se mohabbat na ho jaaye”. Lyrics were by Hasrat Jaipuri, and the song was filmed on Kapoor and Kalpana Mohan.
5. Baar Baar Dekho/ China Town (1962)
Music director Ravi used western styled orchestration with guitars and horns. The term ‘taali ho’ became a catch phrase too with Sultanpuri writing the lyrics. The song was shot in a restaurant with Kapoor and Shakila.
6. Yeh Chand Sa Roshan Chehra/ Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)
Composed by O.P. Nayyar and written by S.H. Bihari, the song’s highlight was the way Rafi sang ‘Taareef’ in the line “Taareef karoon kya uski jisne tujhe banaya”. Sharmila Tagore, who made her debut, was the co-star.
7. Tumse Achcha Kaun Hai/ Jaanwar (1965)
Shankar-Jaikishen composed this popular love song where Hasrat Jaipuri wrote, “Hum tumhare hain sanam, tum hamein pehchaan lo”. Kapoor started the song amazingly, covering his face. Rajshree was the co-star.
8. Tumne Mujhe Dekha/ Teesri Manzil (1966)
Music director R.D. Burman had some huge hits with Rafi and Asha Bhosle, examples being ‘Aaja Aaja’ and ‘O Haseena Zulfonwali’. This solo song was penned beautifully by Sultanpuri, and Rafi’s rendition of the words ‘Janeman jaaneja’ is amazing. Asha Parekh played the female lead.
9. Akele Akele/ An Evening In Paris (1967)
Filmed on Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore in mountainous terrain, this Shankar-Jaikishen classic was penned by Jaipuri. Rafi sang, “Akele akele kahan ja rahe ho, hamein saath le lo, jahaan ja rahe ho”. The singer’s title song was also a huge hit.
10. Badan Pe Sitare Lapete Hue/ Prince (1969)
An all-time Kapoor-Rafi favourite, this had Vyjayanthimala on screen too. Shankar-Jaikishen gave the music, and Jaipuri excelled on lines like “Zara paas aao toh chain aa jaaye”. Again, the way Rafi sang the words “O jaane tamanna” was a treat.
