Though Rishi Kapoor was largely known for his romantic image and melodic songs, his dancing skills were also appreciated. As such, he had many peppy numbers filmed on him.
To mark his 69th birth anniversary on September 4, we choose 10 uptempo songs. Most of these are based on western melodies, but there is one filmi qawwali and one comic song, besides a couple of folk style numbers. The order is chronological.
1 Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate – Bobby (1973)
Rishi and Dimple Kapadia dazzled on this number featuring a koli dance and group setting. New singer Shailendra Singh joined Lata Mangeshkar, with Laxmikant-Pyarelal composing. Anand Bakshi wrote, “Jhooth bole kauwa kaate, kaale kauwe se dariyo, main maike chalee jaaoongi, tum dekhte rahiyo”.
2 Humne Tumko Dekha – Khel Khel Mein (1975)
A guitar-toting Rishi sang this on an auditorium stage, with Neetu Singh and Rakesh Roshan also appearing. It was sung by Shailendra Singh, and composed by R.D. Burman, with Gulshan Bawra writing, “Humne tumko dekha, tumne humko dekha, aise, hum tum sanam, saaton janam, milte rahe ho, jaise”.
3 Parda Hai Parda – Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
This qawwali-style song became a rage, and was picturised on Rishi and Neetu Singh. Mohammed Rafi sang this number composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Anand Bakshi’s words were, “Parda hai parda, parda hai parda, parde ke peeche, parda-nasheen hai, parda-nasheen ko beparda na kar doon toh, Akbar mera naam nahin hai”.
4 Bachna Ae Haseeno – Hum Kisise Kam Nahin (1978)
Dressed in white, Rishi sizzled on the makeshift dance floor in an auditorium. Majrooh Sultanpuri wrote, “Bachna ae haseeno, lo main aa gaya. husn ka aashiq, husn ka dushman, apni ada hai yaaron se judaa”. R.D. Burman composed the song rendered by Kishore Kumar.
5 Mannu Bhai Motor Chali – Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan (1978)
A fun song shot on a car drive, it featured Rishi, Asrani and others. Sung by Kishore and Asrani, its lyrics were by Rajendra Krishan, who talked of Chowpatty, bhel puri, halla and band baaja. Laxmikant-Pyarelal gave the music. Mithun Chakraborty made a brief appearance.
6 Dafliwaale – Sargam (1979)
The highlight of this song was Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s strong use of rhythm. Jayaprada did a classical dance and Rishi was shown playing a dafli. Sung by Lata and Rafi, it was written by Anand Bakshi. The opening lines were, “Dafliwaale, dafli bajaa, mere ghungroo bulate hain aa, main nachoon, tu nacha”.
7 Jeevan Ke Har Mod Pe – Jhootha Kahin Ka (1979)
Sung by Kishore and Asha, this song featured Rishi, Neetu and Rakesh Roshan. A live band appeared on screen too. Music was by R.D. Burman, with Gulshan Bawra writing, “Jeevan ke har mod pe, mil jaayenge humsafar, jo door tak saath de, dhoondein usi ko nazar”.
8 Om Shanti Om – Karz (1980)
Another song filmed in an auditorium, it showed Rishi dancing on a vinyl disc prototype, dressed in shining silver. Kishore sang the song, which began, “Hey tumne kabhi kisise pyar kiya, kabhi kisiko dil diya, maine bhi diya”. Lyrics were by Anand Bakshi and music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal.
9 Dil Lena Khel Hai – Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981)
Another dance number by Rishi in a public venue, this one was sung and composed by R.D. Burman. Majrooh Sultanpuri wrote, “Dil lena khel hai dildar ka, bhoole se naam na lo pyaar ka, pyaar bhi jhootha, yaar bhi jhootha, dekho to dilwalo ho, khaaya hai dhokha maine pyaar ka”. Padmini Kolhapure was seen in the audience. The film also had the hit ‘Hoga Tumse Pyaara Kaun’ by Shailendra Singh.
10 Chandni O Meri Chandni – Chandni (1989)
Rishi had a change in playback voice with Jolly Mukherjee singing for him. Sridevi sung her own part as the song moved from green gardens to white snowy terrain. Shiv-Hari composed the music and Anand Bakshi wrote the lyrics, with the catch line “Chandni o meri Chandni”.
Most of these songs are peppy and can be played at parties, keeping the mood light. And with Rishi also associated with many love songs, he was recognised for his versatility.
