Rishi Kapoor – Top 50 Bollywood songs of my choice

Rishi Kapoor remained the romantic face of Bollywood 1970s and 1980s, and countless foot tappers and chartbusters have been registered in his name. He was one of the most sought young actors during this period, and lover boy of Bollywood screen, who redefined romance in a new way. During old Doordarshan days of our childhood 1980s and 1990s, Rishi was one of the familiar and young faces on mini screens, whose movies and songs were frequently played. Yes, he is a part of our nostalgic yesterdays, no doubt! Rishi has gone too early, so unexpectedly breaking our hearts and here I dedicate my list of top 50 Rishi Kapoor songs to the ‘real prince of romance’. Read more about the artist and some interesting facts.

In this list of top 50, I have chosen best of the tracks lip-synced by Kapoor, and another list has been added towards the end of the column, where Rishi has been a part of a song picturization, sync-lipped on screen by another artist or artists. I have also added a huge list of Rishi songs, apart from top 50. I have excluded many of his beautiful songs to make space to more films belonging to different decades, so that it fits into the tastes of different age groups. After all he entertained three generations of movie buffs over 50 years! 

My list of Top 50 Rishi Kapoor chartbuster hits

1. “Main Shayar To Nahin” from Bobby (1973) – Music Composer: Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Playback Singers: Shailendra Singh

Let me begin the list with the first ever romantic track filmed on Rishi Kapoor. “Main Shayar To Nahin” in Shailendra Singh’s voice marked a new beginning in Bollywood music, which was followed for many years. Shailendra Singh who had done brief roles in movies till then, turned a playback singer with Bobby, and after the immense success of its songs, he turned an established new voice of Bollywood cinema. He received his first Filmfare nomination for this song. Best known as the ghost voice of Rishi Kapoor, he went on to record many beautiful songs for Kapoor till early 1990s. Though he got more offers in Rishi’s movies, music directors hesitated to approach him for other heroes.

Shailendra Singh rendered his voice for all the songs of Rishi in the album, who was a newcomer too. “Main Shayar To Nahin” is my most favourite song from the album. It’s party number, where Rishi Kapoor performs as a singer and Aruna Irani dances to his tunes. Both LP and Anand Bakshi (for this particular song) received nominations, though none of the Filmfare awards were won by the movie in music category. However Shailendra Singh won BFJA Awards.

2. “Hum Tum Ek Kamre Mein Band Ho” from Bobby (1973) – Music Composer: Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Playback Singers: Lata Mangeshkar and Shailendra Singh

One of the top duets of the album, the song and its lyrics penned by Bakshi are popular still today. The song filmed on Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia was noticed for its filming as well. Anand Bakshi regularly worked with Laxmikant-Pyarelal throughout 1970s and later, and he penned numerous memorable tracks for Rishi as well.

3. “Na Mangun Sona Chandi” from Bobby (1973) – Music Composer: Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Lyricist: Vithalbhai Patel, Playback Singers: Manna Dey and Shailendra Singh

The songs – “Na Mangun Sona Chandi” and “Jhoot Bole Kauva Kate” are synchronous to one another, and appear one after another in the movie. Premnath, Rishi’s real-life uncle who plays a positive character in the movie also appears in the dance sequence with a trumpet aside Rishi throughout the song sequence.

4. “Jhoot Bole Kauva Kate” from Bobby (1973) – Music Composer: Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Playback Singers: Lata Mangeshkar and Shailendra Singh

As told above, “Jhoot Bole Kauva Kate” follows “Na Mangun Sona Chandi”, and lead pair appears in the dance sequence. Definitely it’s one of the rare experiments of Bollywood cinema, where two different songs appear side by side.

5. “O Hansini” from Zehreela Insaan (1974) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

Zehreela Insaan was the first ever work of R. D. Burman and Rishi Kapoor together. Later Burman composed countless chartbusters for Rishi. Zehreela Insaan was the next release of Rishi Kapoor, following the big success of Bobby. But the movie flopped. Everything faded from our memory, except this melodious romantic song in Kishore Kumar’s voice filmed on Rishi Kapoor and Moushumi Chatterjee.

Anand Bakshi has regularly worked with R. D. Burman and Laxmikant-Pyarelal in the 1970s and 1980s. Yet I couldn’t list even a single Rishi song in this list of 50 penned by Bakshi and composed by Burman. Whenever Burman composed music for Rishi films, he mostly preferred the lyrics of Majrooh Sultanpuri and Gulshan Bawra, it seems. This habit started with the first project of Rishi and Burman together, Zehreela Insaan.

A big exception is the musical blockbuster Saagar, where lyrics were penned by Javed Akhtar. While I listed top songs of R. D. Burman and Anand Bakshi combination, not even a single song featured in the list. However Laxmikant-Pyarelal regularly used Anand Bakshi’s lyrics for many Rishi movies, right from his debut film in a lead role – Bobby, followed by Amar Akbar Antony, Sargam, Karz, and finally Prem Granth, one among the final works of LP.

6. “Tum Ko Mere Dil Ne Pukara” from Rafoo Chakkar (1975) – Music Composer: Kalyanji Anandji, Lyricist: Gulshan Bawra, Playback Singers: Shailender Singh and Kanchan

Tumko mere dil ne – the duet from Rafoo Chakkar was not originally meant for Kanchan. She sang the track version aside Shailender Singh, and later the song was retained in the film on the insistence of one of the Mangeshkar sisters who was to sing the original version. Later the song became a huge hit. The song was filmed on Rishi and his real-life wife. “Kisi Pe Dil Agar Aa Jaye Toh Kya Hota Hai” song filmed on them was equally popular. Kalyanji Anandji recorded three songs in Kanchan’s voice who later used her voice to record the ever popular “Laila Ho Laila” song of Qurbani.

7. “Ek Main Aur Ek Tu” from Khel Khel Mein (1975) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Gulshan Bawra, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

Khel Khel Mein was the first hit film of Rishi Kapoor – Neetu Singh pair, who turned immense popular after the movie release. Ek Main Aur Ek Tu was the top romantic track of the album.

8. “Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karenge” from Khel Khel Mein (1975) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Gulshan Bawra, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

Yet another popular song from Khel Khel Mein filmed on Rishi and Neetu, it’s a declaration of their love before public, rather than hiding it.

9. “Humne Tumko Dekha” from Khel Khel Mein (1975) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Gulshan Bawra, Playback Singers: Shailendra Singh

Rishi Kapoor appears as a performer on stage in this song, and surprises his college friends with his performance, which include Neetu Singh too.

10. “Pyar Kar Liya To Kya” from Kabhi Kabhi (1976) – Music Composer: Khayyam, Lyricist: Sahir Ludhianvi, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

Next song in this series featuring Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, they definitely make a loveable pair on screen. This time the adorable pair performs in a small party.

11. “Tera Phoolon Jaisa Rang” from Kabhi Kabhi (1976) – Music Composer: Khayyam, Lyricist: Sahir Ludhianvi, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

Rishi Kapoor tries to impress half-sisters – Neetu Singh and Naseem in this song. Dance sequences and facial expressions of the actors add a fun touch to the song. “Tere Chehre Se Nazar Nahi Hadti” also needs special mention.

12. “Hum Kisise Kum Naheen” from Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin (1977) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Playback Singers: Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle

This qawwali was filmed on Rishi Kapoor and Zeenat Aman. Ajit Khan also appears in the song. It’s one of the rare movies in which Rishi Kapoor and Zeenat Aman appeared as pair. But Zeenat made a cameo appearance only. Full marks to Majrooh Sultanpuri for its powerful and positive lyrics! Also read: Top 25 songs of Pancham da – Majrooh combination.

13. “Bachna Ae Haseenon” from Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin (1977) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

Rishi Kapoor appears as a stage performer in this song, which was a chartbuster. “Bachna Ae Haseenon” is widely considered as one of the finest performance-oriented songs filmed on Rishi, and it fits well into his lover boy image of 1970s. Years later the song was reused for Ranbir movie, titled “Bachna Ae Haseenon” and Rishi’s son performed also. This version too became immensely popular.

14. “Aa Dil Kya Mehfil Hai Tere/Mil Gaya Hum Ko Saati” from Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin (1977) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

The movie included a chain of songs – Chand Mera Dil, Tum Kya Jano Mohabbat Kya Hai, Aa Dil Kya Mehfil Hai Tere and Mil Gaya Hum Ko Saathi, filmed on Kaajal Kiran, Rishi Kapoor and Tariq. Rafi and composer’s voices were used for Tariq, while Kishore Kumar sang for Rishi. Just like “Na Mangun Sona Chandi” and “Jhoot Bole Kauva Kate” songs used one after another in Bobby, a chain of 4 songs were used in Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin. As songs are short, I would like to mention two Rishi songs together.

There is an interesting fact related to this chain of songs. Movie’s director Nasir Hussain went for a disco at London, where he noticed that different songs are being played on dance floor without any break. People were dancing to its tunes and enjoying. So he asked his composer to create 4 or 5 different tunes for a dance sequence and play them together as a single song. Though R. D was not sure enough if such an experiment will be accepted by movie fans, the director was ready to take risk, and the rest, as you know, the chain of songs became huge chartbusters. “Humko To Yaara Teri Yaari” – is yet another Rishi song where he appears aside Kaajal Kiran.

15. “Chal Kahin Door Nikal Jayein” from Doosra Aadmi (1977) – Music Composer: Rajesh Roshan, Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

The big budget Doosra Aadmi burned the pockets of producers. However its songs composed by Rajesh Roshan are memorable. The movie starred Rishi and his uncle Shashi in lead roles, and Rakhee Gulzar and Neetu Singh as female leads. This song was filmed on Rakhee and Rishi. “Aankhon Mein Kajal Hai” is a popular duet filmed on Rishi and Neetu, who played a newly wedded couple in the movie.

16. “Parda Hai Parda” from Amar Akbar Antony (1977) – Music Composer: Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Playback Singers: Mohammad Rafi

One of the finest qawwalis of Bollywood ever, Rishi Kapoor appears as a performer, while Amitabh Bachchan, Neetu Singh, Nirupa Roy and Mukri appear among the audience. Combination of Rishi Kapoor’s energy in performance and Rafi’s magical voice lift the song to new level.

17. “Dafliwale Dafli Baja” from Sargam (1979) – Music Composer: Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Playback Singers: Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

When he heard Dafliwale for the first time soon after recording, he didn’t like them and felt bored. He openly expressed his disagreement which made LP disheartened. Same thing repeated with his evergreen Om Shanti Om track of the same composer too. However both these songs turned to be huge hits, and Rishi stopped giving opinion about his songs after that. In fact Dafliwale was listed at position 1 in Binaca Geetmala’s annual list 1980, and stayed there for long 25 years before it left.

Rishi has once told in an interview that personally he never liked his songs, though most of his songs are foot tappers or chartbusters. But we fans know well about his brilliance in lip-syncing. In fact his body language and expressions fit absolutely perfectly into the voice of any singer. His songs have been recorded in the voices of Shailendra Singh, Rafi, Kishore, Joli Mukherjee and Kumar Sanu and many other singers. But each time we listen to these songs, we can easily identify it to be a Rishi song. Isn’t it? What’s the magic behind it? Sargam was a musical hit of 1979, and Rishi appears aside Jayaprada in this duet.

18. “Jeevan Ke Har Mod Pe Mil Jayenge” from Jhoota Kahin Ka (1979) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Gulshan Bawra, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

There are two Rishi Kapoor movies with the same title – Jhoota Kahin Ka, and both movies were flops. The second one was released most recently in 2019, a few months before the demise of the legendary actor. 1979 version starred Rakesh Roshan, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh in pivot roles, and the trio appears in this song where Rishi appears as a performer. Sajan, Jhoota Kahin Ka, Pasand Apni Apni and Ghajini are a string of movies, which had an inspired plot from 1951 Hollywood film, Happy Go Lovely. Read more.

19. “Jeena Kya Aji Pyar Bina” from Dhan Daulat (1980) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

Rockstar of 1970s and 1980s, it was almost impossible for Rishi to appear in films without the tag of a performer. There used to be at least one song in the movie where Rishi shake his legs. Neetu Singh shares screen space with Rishi in this traditional performance, free of western moves.

20. “Om Shanti Om” from Karz (1980) – Music Composer: Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

Rishi appears as a stage performer in this song. I told earlier, when Rishi Kapoor heard the song for the first time, he felt bored. But “Om Shanti Om” along with all other tracks became huge chartbusters and Laxmikant-Pyarelal received Filmfare award for best music composer. Unlike the duo’s other works, they heavily used western instruments for its orchestra. Needless to say, its foot tapping numbers were huge chartbusters.

A few years later, the movie tracks faced plagiarism issues. Trinidadian singer Calypso complained that his song (Lord Shorty’s version) was lifted for Subhash Ghai’s film after Kishore Kumar heard it at a party. Even the phrase, “Om Shanti Om” was a direct lift. Yet another top song of the album “Ek Haseena Thi” was copied from George Benson’s “We As Love”, from his 1977 album, ‘Weekend in LA’.

21. “Ek Haseena Thi” from Karz (1980) – Music Composer: Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

Not an original tune, but its Indian version is still popular. I just love its magical guitar version. The song which tells an old story of betrayal takes shape of a revenge drama and had Rishi Kapoor and Tina Munim as performers and Simi Garewal as a spectator.

22. “Dard-E-Dil” from Karz (1980) – Music Composer: Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Playback Singers: Mohammad Rafi

The song marked a great comeback of Rafi after a bad phase, but he left us so unexpectedly very soon. Rafi’s single track from entire album, absolutely flawless and at any point of time we never feel that it’s Rafi’s voice. Rishi lip syncs the song so amazingly and sealed the song to his name. Rishi Kapoor appears as a singer in a small party, and Tina hides behind curtains listening to his singing. 

Tina Munim was only a newcomer till the release of Karz, and movie’s success benefitted her career too. Though the medium-budget movie received favourable reviews, and was running good at theatre, the release of big budget multi-starrer ‘Kurbani’ badly affected its collections.

23. “Dil Lena Khel Hai Dildar Ka” from Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Playback Singers: R. D. Burman

Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai was one among the last hit associations of Burman and Majrooh, before a glorious era came to a hault. By that time the golden era of Nassir Hussain as a director also came to an end. In most of Rishi films, he has at least one song where he appears as a performer before audience, and Dil Lena Khel Hai Dildar Ka can be tagged so. Padmini Kolhapuri appears among the spectators of his performance.

24. “Hoga Tumse Pyara Kaun” from Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Playback Singers: Shailendra Singh

One of the finest songs sung by Shailender Singh, Rishi Kapoor’s ghost voice since ‘Bobby’ days, the song was filmed on the top of a train. Rishi tries to cheer up Padmini Kolhapuri in this song. Though the song sequence doesn’t look natural, it brings some memories of ‘Hum Dono Do Premi’ tuned by same composer.

25. “Poocho Na Yaar Kya Hua” from Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Playback Singers: Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle/Mohammed Rafi

The song had a Rafi solo version as well as duet version. The duet version featuring the lead pair Rishi Kapoor and Padmini Kolhapuri was more popular. In many angles, songs of the movie as well as picturization make as remember yet another movie of Nassir Hussain – R. D. Burman combination, Hum Kise Se Kum Nahi, with Rishi as main lead. Poocho Na Yaar Kya Hua often makes me remember Yeh Ladka Haye Allah.

26. “Tu Tu Hai Wahi” from Yeh Vaada Raha (1982) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Gulshan Bawra, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

The song was filmed at different intervals, featuring Rishi Kapoor, Tina Munim and Poonam Dhillion in different versions and sung by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle. R. D worked with Gulshan Bawra in the late 1970s and early 1980s in many films, and definitely “Tu Tu Hai Wahi” is one of their top works.

27. “Ishq Mera Bandagi Hai” from Yeh Vaada Raha (1982) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Gulshan Bawra, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

All the songs of Yeh Vaada Raha are popular. I would like to add one more favourite songs of my choice to this list. Rishi starts this song as a performer on stage, and very soon Tina Munim joins him. Rishi’s uncle Shammi Kapoor also plays an important character role in this movie, and is seen in this song among spectators as well.

28. “Sarakti Jaaye Hai” from Deedar-E-Yaar (1982) – Music Composer: Laxmikant Pyarelal, Lyricist: Sahir Ludhianvi, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

After the success of Karz, Tina Munim worked in a few more movies aside Rishi Kapoor and Deedar-E-Yaar is one among those works. This duet featuring both is the most popular track of the album.

29. “Bhanware Ne Khilaya Phool” from Prem Rog (1982) – Music Composer: Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Lyricist: Narendra Sharma, Playback Singers: Lata Mangeshkar and Suresh Wadkar

The song was filmed on Rishi Kapoor and Padmini Kolhapure who received nominations at Filmfare. Padmini Kolhapure earned her single Filmfare award in best actress category for portraying a widow in the movie. Rishi Kapoor has told in several interviews that “Meri Qismat Mein Tu Nahin Shayad” is his most favourite song from his movies. He got the news of Neetu’s pregnancy while he was filming this song in Mysore, and the baby born later conquered new heights. He is none other than heartthrob of present generation, Ranbir, who became equally successful as his father and carried forward the legacy of actors.

30. “Jeevan Ke Din Chotay Sahi” from Bade Dilwale (1983) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

In this party song Rishi Kapoor plays a piano and sings before a small crowd. Tina Munim and Pran are among the spectators, and the title track sung by Kishore Kumar is philosophical too.

31. “Kahin Na Ja” from Bade Dilwale (1983) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

The song was filmed on Rishi Kapoor and Tina Munim who made a great screen pair in the early 1980s. There were unconfirmed rumours that actors briefly dated before Rishi’s marriage.

32. “Saagar Kinare” from Saagar (1985) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Javed Akhtar, Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

Saagar marked the return of talented actress to silver screen after her debut flick Bobby. At the age of 16, before the release of Bobby, she married India’s first superstar and settled with family life. She joined film industry after a long break, following the turmoil in her marriage. Though there were rumours of her closeness with Kapoor, nothing was true!

All the songs were huge chartbusters, and this particular song earned a Filmfare award for Kishore Kumar, while R. D. Burman had to satisfy with nomination only. Javed Akhtar too received a nomination for this title track while Kamal Hassan and Dimple Kapadia walked away with best actor trophies.   

33. “Chehra Hai Ya Chand Khila Hai” from Saagar (1985) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Javed Akhtar, Playback Singer: Kishore Kumar

Rishi Kapoor tries to impress Dimple Kapadia singing this song. Definitely “Chehra Hai Ya Chand Khila Hai” is one of the finest solo tracks of Kishore Kumar for Rishi Kapoor. By that time, the era of Burman-Kishore combination magic has already started shaking.

34. “Jaane Do Naa” from Saagar (1985) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Javed Akhtar, Playback Singers: Asha Bhosle and Shailendra Singh

Highly sedative “Jaane Do Naa” was filmed on Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia. In The Dirty Picture, actress Vidya Balan offered a tribute to Dimple and appeared in a red sari in one of its scenes.

35. “Tere Mere Honton Pe” from Chandni (1989) – Music Composer: Shiv-Hari, Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Playback Singers: Lata Mangeshkar and Babla Mehta

Lovely pictured, Sridevi looks extremely beautiful in this yellow chiffon sari. She looks stunning aside Rishi Kapoor, and this iconic song will be remembered always. In fact with the movie release, her white chiffon saris went to rage across the nation and young ladies really loved it. Lata Mangeshkar sang this duet aside Babla Mehta, not a familiar name in Bollywood music, but known for his bhajans.

36. “Chandni O Meri Chandni” from Chandni (1989) – Music Composer: Shiv-Hari, Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Playback Singers: Sridevi and Jolly Mukherjee

Sridevi also plays the role of a playback singer for this chartbuster title track, and it’s hard to believe that the male voice doesn’t belong to Rishi. Jolly Mukherjee’s voice is a perfect match without flaws.

37. “Parbat Se Kaali” from Chandni (1989) – Music Composer: Shiv-Hari, Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Playback Singers: Asha Bhosle and Vinod Rathod

One of the rare hit songs of Vinod Rathod for Rishi Kapoor, this rain song filmed on Sridevi and Rishi Kapoor is adorable. “Aa Meri Jaan” and “Tu Mujhe Suna” are other popular tracks from the album featuring the lead pair.

38. “Tu Tu Tu Tu Tara” from Bol Radha Bol (1992) – Music Composer: Anand-Milind, Lyricist: Sameer, Playback Singers: Kumar Sanu and Poornima

Among a series of Rishi Kapoor – Juhi Chawla movies released in the 1990s, only Bol Radha Bol became a major commercial success. Rishi played a rare double role with double shades. The song was heavily inspired by Ilaiyaraaja’s Tamil composition, Rakkamma Kaiyathattu from the movie Thalapathi. In this song, Juhi Chawla along with her friends tries to apologize to Rishi for a mistake she made unknowingly, and the song along with its dance sequences was well appreciated.

The movie included a string of melodious tracks featuring the lead pair – “Main Hoon Gaon Ki Gori”, “Aaja Na Tere Bina Lage Nahi” and also the title track.

39. “Sochenge Tumhe Pyar” from Deewana (1992) – Music Composer: Nadeem-Shravan, Lyricist: Sameer, Playback Singers: Kumar Sanu

My most favourite track from the album, Rishi Kapoor looks absolutely stunning in this song, where he appears as a performer on stage. Divya Bharati appears among the spectators, and her crush towards the singing star is perfectly visible in the song. Songs of Deewana were huge chartbusters, and the movie was one among the last hits of Rishi Kapoor too, just before ‘Khan era’ dominated the scene.

In fact, Deewana was the first theatre release of SRK, who played second lead in the movie. Who imagined then, Shah Rukh is to replace Rishi as the new lover boy of Bollywood and redefine romance on screen! Nadeem Shravan earned Filmfare award for best music for Deewana, and Kumar Sanu earned best playback singer award for this song.

40. “Teri Umeed Tera Intezar” from Deewana (1992) – Music Composer: Nadeem-Shravan, Lyricist: Sameer, Playback Singers: Kumar Sanu and Sadhana Sargam

Deewana bagged almost every musical awards at Filmfare including best music, best playback male and best lyrics for this particular song. The romantic song was filmed on Rishi Kapoor and Divya Bharati who made an adorable pair on screen.

41. “Payaliya O” from Deewana (1992) – Music Composer: Nadeem-Shravan, Lyricist: Sameer, Playback Singers: Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik

Yet another popular romantic track from the album, this song also featured Rishi Kapoor and Divya Bharati. Deewana was the best-selling Bollywood soundtrack album of 1992, long before CDs were introduced to music scene.

42. “Kuch Bhool Gaye Kuch Yaad Raha” from Deewana (1992) – Music Composer: Nadeem-Shravan, Lyricist: Sameer, Playback Singer: Kumar Sanu

A version of “Kuch Bhool Gaye Kuch Yaad Raha” sung by a ward boy for Rishi Kapoor at hospital, captioned “Last night video with doctor” broke all online platforms and went viral soon after the demise of Rishi Kapoor. Later it was found as fake. The video was originally shot in February this year, when the actor was admitted in a hospital at Delhi. It was wrongly captioned this time, though the video is original. The song, rendition and Rishi ji’s heart touching words were enough to bring tears to one’s eyes, if you are a Rishi fan.

The original version was filmed on Divya Bharati, Rishi Kapoor and Shah Rukh Khan. It’s a heart wrenching song, where Rishi sings in a party. What a real-life situation it would be, when dead husband unexpectedly re-enters a girl’s life when she gets married to someone else! How intensely Rishi portrays this situation on screen!  

43. “Sahibaan Meri Sahibaan” from Sahibaan (1993) – Music Composer: Shiv-Hari, Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Playback Singers: Jolly Mukherjee and Anuradha Paudwal

The movie has some soft tracks filmed on Rishi Kapoor and Madhuri Dixt, who made a wonderful pair onscreen. Apart from this title track, “Is Mele Mein Log Aate Hain” and “Bansuri Yeh Bansuri Nahin” were also popular. Among all actors, voices of Shailendra Singh and Jolly Mukherjee definitely suit Rishi most, absolutely. It is hard to separate the singers from actor. Sanjay Dutt played a rare negative role during his peak years in this movie.

44. “Jaipur Se Nikli Gaadi” from Gurudev (1993) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Playback Singers: Asha Bhosle and Shailendra Singh

Rishi Kapoor was seen aside Sridevi, who played a double role in this movie. Though the movie was a flop, its songs got noticed. Gurudev looked like a revived version of one of Sridev’s biggest hits – Chalbaaz. The movie was originally started in late 1980s post the success of Chalbaaz, but it has nothing to do with the script of the later. In 1990 following the death of Vinod Mehra, who directed the movie, its shooting got halted. It was later taken over by Raj Sippy who completed it.

45. “Aana Re Aana Re” from Gurudev (1993) – Music Composer: R. D. Burman, Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Playback Singers: Asha Bhosle, Amit Kumar, Shailendra Singh and Anuradha Paudwal

As said above, Sridevi played a double role and in this particular song she was featured aside both its lead stars, Rishi Kapoor and Anil Kapoor. It was after a long time Shailendra Singh sang a couple of good songs for Rishi Kapoor and songs got noticed as well.

46. “Gawah Hain Chand Taare” from Damini (1993) – Music Composer: Nadeem-Shravan , Lyricist: Sameer, Playback Singers: Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik

Damini was one of the last hits of Rishi Kapoor in a lead role. The movie was critically acclaimed and the songs got noticed. Sunny Deol played the meaty role of Damini’s lawyer in the movie. This duet was filmed on Rishi Kapoor and Meenakshi Sheshadri, who made a lovely pair onscreen.

47. “Jab Se Tumko Dekha Hai Sanam” from Damini (1993) – Music Composer: Nadeem-Shravan, Lyricist: Sameer, Playback Singers: Kumar Sanu and Sadhana Sargam

Yet another popular romantic song from the movie, it also featured the lead pair. The song was based on the Swahili folk song “Malaika”. The movie also had a special appearance of Aamir Khan for the dance performance song, “Bin Sajan Jhoola Jhoolu” aside Meenakshi.

48. “Dil Dene Ki Ruth” from Prem Granth (1996) – Music Composer: Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Playback Singers: Alka Yagnik and Vinod Rathod

Rishi Kapoor worked with top heroine of 1990s – Madhuri Dixit in a series of movies. But none of them were box office hits. But many of its songs became popular. Songs of Prem Granth and Saahiba definitely top the chart.

49.” Baju Bandh Baju Bandh” from Prem Granth (1996) – Music Composer: Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Playback Singers: Alka Yagnik and Suresh Wadkar

“Baju Bandh Baju Bandh” – a dance version starring the lead pair Rishi Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit definitely deserves mention in this list. Title track of the movie, “Is Duniya Mein Prem Granth” was also popular.

50. “Ye Pyar Pyar Kya Hai” from Daraar (1996) – Music Composer: S. Bhattacharya, Lyricist: S. Bhattacharya, Playback Singers: Abhijeet and Kavita Krishnamurthy

The popular track of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Mein Yaar Yaar has been used multiple times in Bollywood cinema. The song was used in Bal Brahmachari as ”Nazrein Ladgaiya” (Mein yar yar Kehna) and “Ankhein Yu Ladti Hai (“Yeh Pyar Pyar Kya Hai“), interestingly both in 1996 as dance sequences, and also the female voice is same – Kavita Krishnamurty. Two decades later the song was reused in Shah Rukh Khan starrer Zero in 2018 as ‘Tanha Hua’ (Mein Baar Baar Tanha), recorded in the voice of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Daraar – dance version was filmed on Rishi Kapoor and Juhi Chawla.

The list is not ending……

1. “Mujhe Kuchh Kahna Hai” from Bobby (1973)
2. “Kisi Pe Dil Agar Aa Jaye Toh Kya Hota Hai” from Rafoo Chakkar (1975)
3. “Tere Dar Pa Aaya Hoon” from Laila Majnu (1976)
4. “Tere Chehre Se” from Kabhi Kabhi (1976)
5. “Humko To Yaara Teri Yaari” from Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin(1977)
6. “Humko Tumse Ho Gaya Hai Pyar” from Amar Akbar Antony (1977)
7. “Shirdi Wale Sai Baba” from Amar Akbar Antony (1977)
8. “Amar Akbar Anthony” from Amar Akbar Antony (1977)
9. “Aankhon Mein Kajal Hai” from Doosra Aadmi (1977)
10. “Yeh Duniya Ke Badaltey Rishtey” from Badaltey Rishtey (1978)
11. “Parbat Ke Us Paar” from Sargam (1979)
12. “Koyal Boli Duniya Doli” from Sargam (1979)
13. “Ram Ji Ki Nikli Sawari” from Sargam (1979)
14. “Paisa Yeh Paisa” from Karz (1980)
15. “Main Solah Baras Ki” from Karz (1980)
16. “Chal Mere Bhai” from Naseeb (1981)
17. “Aisa Kabhi Hua Nahin” from Yeh Vaada Raha (1982)
18. “Meri Qismat Men Tu Nahin Shayad from Prem Rog (1982)
19. “Mohabbat Hai Kya Cheez” from Prem Rog (1982)
20. “Main Hoon Prem Rogi” from Prem Rog (1982)
21. “Kaho Kaise Rasta Bhool Pade” from Bade Dilwala (1983) 
22. “Kya Naam Hai Tera” from Naukar Biwi Ka (1983)
23. “Jhumti Raat Jawan” from Duniya (1984)
24. “Yeh Ishq Nahin Aasaan” from Yeh Ishq Nahin Aasaan (1984)
25. “Mausam Pyar Ka Rang Badalta Rahe” from Sitamgar (1985)
26. “Yunhi Gate Raho” from Saagar (1985)
27. “Aaj Kal Yaad Kuch Aur Rehta Nahin” from Nagina (1986)
28. “Tumhare Chahnewale” from Hamara Khandaan (1988)
29. “Aa Meri Jaan” from Chandni (1989)
30. “Tu Mujhe Suna” from Chandni (1989)
31. “Main Der Karta Nahin” from Henna (1991)
32. “Main Hoon Gaon Ki Gori” from Bol Radha Bol (1992)
33. “Bol Radha Bol” from Bol Radha Bol (1992)
34. “Aaja Na Tere Bina Lage Nahi” from Bol Radha Bol (1992)
35. “Kuch Bhool Gaye Kuch Yaad Raha” from Deewana (1992)
36. “Teri Isi Ada Pe Sanam” from Deewana (1992)
37. “Is Mele Mein Log Aate Hain” from Sahibaan (1993) 
38. “Bansuri Yeh Bansuri Nahin” from Sahibaan (1993)  
39. “Choom Loon Honth Tere Dil Ki” from Shreemaan Aashique (1993)
40. “Ladki Ladki” from Shreemaan Aashique (1993)
41. “Kitna Sukun Kitna Aaram” from Saajan Ki Baahon Mein (1995)
42. “Rabi Re Rali” from Yaraana (1995)
43. “Allah Allah Mera Dil Dhadke” from Yaraana (1995)
44. “Is Duniya Mein Prem Granth” from Prem Granth (1996)
45. “Hum Do Deewane” from Kaun Sachcha Kaun Jhootha (1997)

A few more Rishi songs sync-lipped by other actors

1. “Husn Hazir Hai” from Laila Majnu (Lata Mangeshkar)
2. “Dil Kaaton Mein” and “Samundar Samundar” from Barood (Lata Mangeshkar)
3. “Yeh Galiyan Yeh Chaubara” from Prem Rog (Lata Mangeshkar)
4. “Mere Haathon Mein” from Chandni (Lata Mangeshkar)
5. “Meri Sanson Ko Jo Meheka Rahi Hai” from Badaltey Rishtey (Lata Mangeshkar and Mahendra Kapoor)
6. “Kya Hua Tera Waada” from Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin (Mohammed Rafi & Sushma Shrestha)
7. “Kab Aayega Tera Benjaran” from Benjaran (Alka Yagnik)
8. “Der Na Ho Jaye Kahin” from Henna (Lata Mangeshkar and Suresh Wadkar)
9. “Chitthiye Ni Dard Firaaq Valiye Leja Leja” from Henna (Lata Mangeshkar)
10. “Bin Sajan Jhoola Jhoolu” from Damini (Kumar Sanu and Sadhana Sargam)
11. “Allah Allah Mera Dil Dhadke” from Yaraana (Kavita Krishnamurthy)
12. “Chanchal Hawawon Se” from Kaun Sachcha Kaun Jhootha (Alka Yagnik)

Rishi – An emotional note: You are definitely a part of my childhood memories which will always refuse to fade. While I was preparing this column, my childhood memories and those Doordarshan days refreshed my mind. I missed you so much Rishi while listening each and every song of this list, and you will always be missed. Thanks for all those lovely memories which you gifted our generation. You have gone too early. Miss you. RIP.

Updating this post soon after watching ‘Chandni’ late night now. It is more than 25 years since I watched the movie on Doordarshan during my childhood days. When Vinod Khanna was gone, and when Sridevi left us so suddenly, I tried to get a free version to watch online. I skipped every time. It was my fate to watch my most favourite Rishi, Sridevi and Vinod Khanna movie after all three have gone! Most sad part is we missed all of them so quick, in a short span of 3 years. Yes, all the three ‘Chandni‘ actors have gone, heartbreaking, but true!