My list of Top 50 Mohammed Rafi Bollywood songs

It has been a long time since I started to list top 50 Bollywood songs sung by Mohammad Rafi. Every time I stopped in the middle, as I couldn’t justify my post. Yes, I know Rafi saab is the greatest of all Indian playback singers, and we can’t compare his songs to choose the best, because all are extra-ordinary, and true assets to all those music lovers who love old classics. I am sure everyone will agree with me, and it’s not at all possible to make a list of 50 or 100 best Rafi songs, satisfying at least 25% Rafi fans, because some love Rafi hits of 1950s, while others admire his romantic hits of 1960s. In my case, let me tell you, I am not prolific in Rafi songs of 1940s till mid-1950s, and admire his 60s’ hits most. Romantic songs of Shammi, Rajendra Kumar, Dharmendra, Joy Mukherjee, Biswajeet and Shashi Kapoor of 1960s have always fascinates me most, and they ruled the screen in the 1960s, not 1950s or 1970s.

In my opinion, Rafi songs of mid-1950s throughout the decade mostly composed by Naushad and S. D. Burman, and a few of Shankar-Jaikishen are par excellent comparing his songs of 1960s, as most of those songs were purely based on ragas and Rafi carried away with ease. His proficiency in rendering classical music based songs is matchless. It can be said that he made people love filmy music, through countless semi-classical, romantic and folk songs, closely linked with Indian culture and tastes. When it comes to commercial cinema, Bollywood expanded far wide in the 1960s, and as an average music fan, I love 1960s most, along with quite a few songs of late 1950s and early 1970s. So, if you can’t agree with my list, please don’t blame me. I know, playlist of all Rafi fans can never match, and it’s a better choice to make separate list of his songs of different decades.

On the occasion of Rafi’s 39^th death anniversary, I posted his brief biography, along with a list of his 100+ best songs, excluding many good tracks. Click this link to read. Also please through my Mohammed Rafi page. Ok, we shall proceed further and let me list my 50 favourite Mohammed Rafi songs.

1. Sau Baar Janam from Ustadon Ke Ustad (1963) (Lyricist: Asad Bhopali, Music Director: Ravi)

The haunting melody is very close to my heart, and hence I would prefer to begin the list with this particular song. The song was filmed on Pradeep Kumar and Shakila, and Rafi’s voice holds a mesmerizing and haunting beauty, definitely.

2. Tumne Mujhe Dekha from Teesri Manzil  (1966) (Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Music Director: R. D. Burman)

It’s one of my most favourite Shammi Kapoor songs always, definitely one of the top romantic solos sung by the legend, Mohammed Rafi, but quite surprisingly composed not by SJ, but by very young R. D. Burman. As a music composer, Teesri Manzil is R. D’s first successful work, and almost all its songs are extremely popular even today. The charming Kapoor is performing this soft solo in a romantic ada before audience, and Asha Parekh is also present with tears in her eyes.

3. Deewana Mujhsa Nahin from Teesri Manzil  (1966)(Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Music Director: R. D. Burman)

This solo track of Rafi featuring Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh is my personal favourite always. The location where the song was filmed is also spectacular. Teesri Manzil was the last Hussain film in which Mohammed Rafi sang all the songs, and by the era of 1970s Kishore dominated the scene and tunes were almost composed by R. D. Burman himself. Yet years later, Rafi earned his only national award for best playback singer male through Hussain’s movie, Hum Kisise Kum Naheen, composed by none other than Pancham da.

4. O Mere Sona Re from Teesri Manzil (1966) (Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Music Director: R. D. Burman)

The song was cutely filmed on Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh and is still popular. The duet sung by Rafi and Asha Bhosle is still a hot favourite for DJs to remix. The movie included a few more popular Rafi songs of my personal choice – Aaja Aaja, O Haseena etc. I had to exclude them from the list as I wanted to discuss more about Rafi songs with a choice of best 50.

5. Pukarta Chala Hoon Mein from Mere Sanam  (1965) (Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Music Director: O. P. Nayyar)

One of my most favourite Rafi songs always, it’s a teasing song featuring Biswajeet and Asha Parekh. I don’t know what the hidden beauty behind this Rafi song is; I can hear it repeatedly for many times. It’s the opening song of the movie. In the 1960s, it was a trend – the opening song was filmed in some moving vehicle, say a car, jeep or train, and in most cases, hero sings a solo number. (Cannot forget the introductory ‘jeep’ scene of Rajesh Khanna in Aradhana through ‘Sapnon Ki Rani’ song, though not sung by Rafi) If it’s not possible, such a song is fitted somewhere in the film (like ‘Kaun Hai Jo’ from Jhuk Gaya Asman, sung by Rafi). How many evergreen classics have been born this way! Countless! Also read: Top 20 songs of Nayyar – Rafi Combination.

6. Aaja Re Aa Zara from Love in Tokyo (1966) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

The movie is best known for its songs than its story, and SJ gave one of their career best works through Love in Tokyo. This soft sensuous song featuring Asha Parekh and Joy Mukherjee also included many embracing couples, adding sensuality and romantic mood to the song. Nothing more to say about Rafi’s voice, very much more than what we want!

7. Oh Mere Shahe-Khuban from Love in Tokyo (1966) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

The movie included only singles and no duets, but this particular song owns a duet feel, as it was recorded separately in the voices of both Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, and were filmed on Asha Parekh and Joy Mukherjee. Aa Jaa Re Aa Zara, Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye, Le Gayi Dil – the movie included some of the finest solos of both singers.

8. Zameen Se Hamen Aasmaan Par from Adalat (1958) (Lyricist: Rajendra Krishan, Music Director: Madan Mohan)

The duet sung by Rafi and Asha Bhosle was filmed on Pradeep Kumar and Nargis, and the lyrics written by Rajendra Krishan also played an important role in making the song evergreen.

9. Yahoo from Junglee  (1961) (Lyricist: Shailendra, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

The movie and this particular song gave a major twist to both Rafi and Shammi Kapoor, and a new era was born, when they collaborated with Shankar Jaikishan. This peppy number is always regarded as one of the best songs of Rafi. Shammi Kapoor teases his heroine as usual in this song, and this time the debutant Saira Banu in the snow of Kashmir. the album was filled with both soft and fast tracks, which was sufficient to make both the songs as well as the movie, an instant hit. Din Saara Gusara, Ehsaan Tera Hoga, Kashmir Ki Kali and Ja Ja Ja are other popular tracks.

10. Ehsaan Tera Hoga from Junglee (1961) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

This top romantic song of 1960s had two solo versions, one in Rafi’s voice and the second one in Lata Mangeshkar, filmed on its lead pair – Shammi Kapoor and Saira Bhabu. Rafi’s song became more popular. Let me add, whenever I hear Lata’s version, I always feel that her voice cracks at Mujhe Tumse Mohabbat ‘Ho Gayi Hai’, and Rafi sang that part with much ease. I am not sure if I am right. But that’s what I felt. Right from the debut in 1949, Shankar-Jaikishen has always worked with Hasrat Jaipuri, and their association spanned for more than two decades.

11. Aap Ke Haseen Rukh Pe from Baharein Phir Phi Aayegi (1966) (Lyricist: Anjaan, Music Director: O. P. Nayyar)

A timeless classic sung by Rafi, the song was filmed on Dharmendra, Mala Sinha and Tanuja. The beautifully written Urdu lines and the close camera shots, though in B&W played a significant role in making this song such a huge chartbuster. After the recording of this song, there was a disagreement between Rafi and the composer, and Nayyar recorded the rest of its songs with Mahendra Kapoor, and gave the later more opportunities also.

12. Deewana Hua Badal from Kashmir Ki Kali (1964) (Lyricist: S. H. Bihari, Music Director: O. P. Nayyar)

All the songs became extremely popular, and had Rafi and Asha Bhosle as main singers. The song was filmed on a beautiful and boat (we can see real sailors of the boat in the song, while the lead pair act as rowing) and had debutant Sharmila Tagore on board with wonderful Kashmir costume. Asha Bhosle rendered her voice for Tagore.

13. Yeh Chand Sa Roshan Chehra from Kashmir Ki Kali  (1964) (Lyricist: S. H. Bihari, Music Director: O. P. Nayyar)

Lovely pictured on a lake of Kashmir, Shammi too was in his full energy mood for this song. It’s a beautiful romantic track too with lovely lyrics describing the beauty of shy Kashmir girl, Sharmila Tagore. O. P. Nayyar has been associated with Shammi Kapoor in the 1950s for Tumsa Nahin Dekha before he became a big star and songs of Kashmir Ki Kali are so special. The movie also had Rafi’s Subanallah, Hai Re Hai, Yeh Duniya Useki and Isharon. I just love all songs of the movie, and handpicked two only, to add more Rafi songs belonging to other movies in this list.

14. Tum Bin Jaon Kaha from Pyar Ka Mausam (1969) (Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Music Director: R. D. Burman)

Pyar Ka Mausam is one of the rarest movies where a single track was recorded in both Kishore and Rafi’s voices and both versions excelled in quality. Rafi’s voice was used for Shashi Kapoor version while Kishore Kumar sang for Bharat Bhushan. Rafi’s version was picturised thrice in the film while Kishore Kumar’s twice, and the song was somewhat used as a theme music which played an important role in the sequence continuity of the movie.

15. Ni Sultana Re from Pyar Ka Mausam (1969) (Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Music Director: R. D. Burman)

The musical instrument Duggi was played by the iconic Bollywood musician Homi Mullan. Shashi Kapoor and Asha Parekh are in a dancing mood, and the combo of Rafi and Lata took the song to another level, through their distinct rendition, by bringing high variations in pitches from low note to high and in reverse order. The movie also include Rafi track – Che Khush Nazare and Lata Mangeshkar solos, Na Jaa Mere Humdum and Main Na Miloongi.

16. Dil Ki Aawaaz Bhi Sun Mere Fasaane Pe Na Jaa Do from Humsaya (1968) (Lyricist: Shevan Rizvi, Music Director: O. P. Nayyar)

The song featured Joy Mukherjee and Sharmila Tagore. Hasrat Jaipuri and S. H. Bihari also penned lyrics for the movie, yet a couple of songs written by Shevan Risvi turned extremely popular.

17. Yeh Parbaton Ke from Vaasna (1968) (Lyricist: Sahir Ludhianvi, Music Director: Chitragupt)

No words to explain the beauty of this composition, its words or the voices behind the song which made it immortal! Biswajit played second lead in this film, and less-known actress, Kumud Chhugani is seen romancing him in this lovely song. Read more about this beautiful actress. Yeh Parbathon Ke Daayre is one of the finest songs sung by Rafi for Biswajit, and this song is special in so many ways.

18. Woh Hai Zara Hafa from Shagird (1967) (Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Music Director: Laxmikant Pyarelal)

The movie is still loved for its comic plot, as well as some of wonderful songs in Rafi and Lata’s voice. This duet filmed on Joy Mukherjee, Saira Banu and I. S. Johar is so lovely to watch with some funny movements, and Saira Banu looks extremely beautiful.

19. Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho from Hanste Zakhm (1973) (Lyricist: Kaifi Azmi, Music Director: Madan Mohan)

No words to express the beauty of this wonderful Madan Mohan tune, or its rendition by Rafi. This song always lists in ‘My Top 5 picks’ of Rafi songs. Why not? In the sensuous voice, Rafi lifted the song to new heights, with back support from Lata Mangeshkar’s voice. The movie is also famous for some of the career best songs of Lata-Madan Mohan combination. The beautiful song was filmed on Navin Nischol and Priya Rajvansh. This romantic rain song was based on Bhimplasi raga.

20. Badan Pe Sitare from Prince (1969) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

This seditious song in Rafi’s voice was filmed on Vyjayanthimala and Shammi, and is a party number. We can see Shammiji trying to woo his heroine in this song, and he finally succeeds. Muquabla Humse and Nazar Mein Bijli Ada Mein Shole are other popular Rafi tracks of the album.

21. Ye Mera Prem Patra Padhkar from Sangam (1964) (Lyricist:  Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

Lata sings only a couple of final lines for this song featuring Rajendra Kumar and Vyjayanthimala, and very often this song is considered to be Rafi solo.The movie too was the biggest blockbuster of the year, and included one popular track – Har Dil Jo Pyar Karege, for which Mahendra Kapoor sings alongside Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar, where Kapoor sync-lips for Jubilee Kumar. 

22. Gunguna Rahi Hai from Aradhana (1969) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Music Director: S. D. Burman)

Whenever the topic of Aradhana’s music comes into discussion Rafi’s name definitely comes up. It is because the songs of Aradhana virtually ended the supremacy of Rafi in Bollywood, and made Kishore Kumar an overnight sensation with two solos, which were originally meant for Rafi. We can’t change the destiny, and leave the discussion here to focus on the beauty of two duets sung by Rafi for the movie. Gunguna Rahi Hai and Baghom Mein Bahar Hai – both the duets are beautiful, filmed on Rajesh Khanna aside Sharmila Tagore and Farida Jalal respectively.

23. Abhi Na Jao Chodkar from Hum Dono (1961) (Lyricist: Sahir Ludhianvi, Music Director: Jaidev)

One of the best Bollywood songs based on the theme ‘Parting’, voices of Rafi and Asha Bhosle sealed it as an evergreen classic. The song was filmed on Dev Anand and Sadhana. The movie also included Rafi solo, Mai Zindagi ka saath nibhata.

24. Tumse Acha Kaun Hai from Janwar (1965) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

Shammi Ji is seen flirting Rajshree in this song filmed on some hill station of North India. Lal Chadi is yet another flirting song featured on the lead pair, which narrowly missed this list. ‘Meri Mohabbat’ – Rafi solo is the romantic track of the album.

25. Chura Liya Hai from Yaadon Ke Barat (1973) (Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Music Director: R. D. Burman)

Definitely this duet is included in the playlist of almost all ardent fans of romantic songs. This unforgettable tune was originally inspired from English song, If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium from the soundtrack of the 1969 film of the same name. But Burman made his tune his own, by adding his own distinct elements. No doubt, it’s one of the most popular and wonderful duets ever sung by Rafi and Asha, and the actors – Zeenat Aman and Vijay Arora too shined in its joyful picturization. The movie also included a popular and rare duet of Rafi and Kishore – The Title track of the movie.

26. Gulabi Aankhein from The Train (1970) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Music Director: R. D. Burman)

The dance sequences featuring Rajesh Khanna and Nanda may look funny at present times. But the song was extremely popular when it got released, and still popular for the fast pace and the energy filled inside. It’s one of the popular Burman tunes remixed frequently. One of the earliest associations of Anand Bakshi with Burman, it’s one of the rarest songs sung by Rafi for Rajesh Khanna, that too in Pancham da’s composition. The movie also included a popular duet of Lata and Rafi – Ne Soniye.

27. Aanchal Mein Saja Lena from Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963) (Lyricist:Majrooh Sultanpuri, Music Director: O. P. Nayyar)

The song featured Asha Parekh and Joy Mukherjee in an extremely lovely mood. The exact length of the song is only 2 minutes 51 seconds, but what a beauty. Majrooh Sultanpuri’s lyrics are so beautiful. The song makes me remember ‘Dil Ki Aawaaz Bhi Sun’, yet another soft composition of O. P. Nayyar sung by Rafi.

28. Aa Gale Lag Jaa from April Fool (1964) (Lyricist: Shailendra, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

It was for the first time, all songs featuring Biswajeet in a single film were sung by Mohammed Rafi, and earlier Hemant Kumar’s voice was frequently used, who composed Biswajeet’s early songs. Saira Banu is seen flaunting in a yellow-gold bikini, not so regular in Bollywood movies of 1960s, and Biswajeet is in an extremely romantic mood. While the rest of the songs were penned by Hasrat Jaipuri, this particular song was booked in the name of Shailendra; both are the hot favourites of its composer, Shankar Jaikishen. The title track sung by Rafi was a hit and can fit into any joyful mood.

29. Bahut Sukriya from Ek Musafir Ek Hasina (1962) (Lyricist: S. H. Bihari, Music Director: O. P. Nayyar)

A very rare popular song of Sadhna – Asha Bhosle combination, this duet belongs to Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle. This evergreen romantic song was pictured on Joy Mukherjee and Sadhna, and the movie also included one more popular duet of same pair, Aap Yun Hi Agar Humse Milte Rahe. Shamsul Huda Bihari penned two of its songs – Bahut Shukriya and Mujhe Dekhkar Aapka Muskurana. Out of the 10 musical tracks, Rafi’s voice was used by Nayyar for 8.

30. Yeh Reshmi Zulfein from Do Raaste (1969) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Music Director: Laxmikant Pyarelal)

One of the very rarest Rafi tracks for Rajesh Khanna (see more), it’s the most lovely track of the entire album. Throughout the song, Khanna tries to impress Mumtaz by praising her hair strands and eyes, while she tries to fool him.

31. Dheere Chal from Boyfriend (1961) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

The song filmed Shammi Kapoor as a lover in an eccentric romantic and joyful mood while Madhubala as a ‘sleeping beauty’. It’s not an original song and “Kaatey Nahin Kat Tey, Yeh Din Yeh Raat” also falls in lines with the same tune (inspired from English tune). The tune of the Mukda was earlier used in 1959 Dev Anand film, Love Marriage. The tune was heard as background score in both the train sequences in which Dev Anand and Mala Sinha travel together. The movie also included hit Rafi tracks like Mujhe Apna Yar Banalo and Salam Aap Ki Meethi Nazar Ko Salam.

32. Baharon Phool Barsao from Suraj (1966) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

The song topped the Binaca Geetmala annual list of 1966 charts, and it’s one of the very rare Bollywood songs, which was lucky enough to bag all the three Filmfare awards – Best Music director, lyricist and playback singer. The song was filmed on Rajendra Kumar and Vyjayanthimala in the beautifully created film sets of a lovely forest with lovely flowers, swing and elephant.

33. Kya Hua Tera Wada from Hum Kisise Kum Nahin (1977) (Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Music Director: R. D. Burman)

One of the top songs of Rafi in the 1970s, it’s the only song which earned him a National award. Rafi received his 6^th and final Filmfare award for its rendition, and Sushma Shrestha too received a nomination for the same. It was his single Filmfare award in 1970s too, marking his strong comeback in the era dominated by Kishore songs. But unfortunately he passed away in 1980 at the age of only 55. It’s one exceptional soft song of the album which consisted mostly of fast beat numbers. The song was lip synced by Tariq Khan who appeared as a stage performer for this song and Rishi Kapoor and Kaajal Kiran are also seen in the song.

34. Tere Mere Sapne from Guide (1965) (Lyricist: Shailendra, Music Director: S. D. Burman)

This soulful melody is really touching and was filmed on Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman. The movie also included Rafi solos – Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya and Din Dhal Jaaye, and interestingly all these three are sad ones. While Rafi’s voice was used by S. D to sing sad and emotional songs, Kishore Kumar’s voice was used to record the single fun & happy filled romantic duet of the entire album, Gaata Rahe Mera Dil. Shailendra wrote all the 10 songs of the album.

35. Khoya Khoya Chand from Kaala Baazar (1960) (Lyricist: Shailendra, Music Director: S. D. Burman)

Kaala Baazar was one of the earliest movies of 1960s which gave Dev Anand the popular ‘romantic hero’ image, and Mohammed Rafi’s voice too played a significant role. Dev Anand was most successful with Waheeda Rahman in the romantic era of 1960s, and songs of Kaala Baazar can never miss our list. 

36. Oh My Love from Night In London (1967) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Music Director: Laxmikant Pyarelal)

Voice of Mohammed Rafi became synchronous to Biswajeet’s romantic image since mid-1960s, and how many beautiful songs have been born in this combination! Needless to say, Rafi had a high-flying vocal innings for romantic hero Biswajeet, like he has been to Shammi Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Dharmedra, Rajendra Kumar, Joy Mukherjee and Shashi Kapoor in the 1960s.Songs of Night In London sung by Rafi boosted the career of Biswajeet, and it was one among those rare occasions when Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed songs for his movies. Oh My Love featuring Mala Sinha and Biswajeet was the USP of the album. Anand Bakshi penned lyrics for all its tracks. Ba Hosh O Havaas Main Divaanaa is yet another popular Rafi solo from the same album, featuring the lead pair.

37. Mere Mehboob Tujhe from Mere Mehboob (1963) (Lyricist: Shakeel Badayuni, Music Director: Naushad)

The romantic solo featuring Rajendra Kumar and Sadhana can never miss our list, and is regarded as an iconic song of Hindi cinema. The song had a female version filmed on Sadhana and sung by Lata Mangeshkar. Yet it’s best known as a Rafi song, which was pictured in the University Hall of Aligarh Muslim University. The song made a great positive impact in the professional career of Rajendra Kumar, and Rafi became his permanent ghost voice forever. After the huge success of the film, Rajendra Kumar-Sadhana became a successful pair of 1960s, with Arzoo being a huge blockbuster.

38. Aise To Na Dekho from Teen Devian  (1965) (Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Music Director: S. D. Burman)

The movie included two solo tracks of Rafi of which the romantic ‘Aise To Na Dekho’ filmed on Dev Anand and Nanda became extremely popular. Other track is Kahin Bekhayal Ho Kar. Burman recorded a few songs for Dev Anand in Kishore Kumar’s voice as well, which was quite common those days.

39. Tum Mujhe Yu Bhula Na Paoge from Pagla Kahin Ka  (1970) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

The song had two solo versions, one in Rafi’s voice and second one in Lata’s voice, and both featured the lead pair, Shammi Kapoor & Asha Parekh. Both are heart touching renditions. The comedy song, Meri Bhains Ko Danda Kyo Maara sung by Manna Dey also gained popularity for its uniqueness.

40. Yuhi Tum Mujhse Baat Karte Ho from Sachaa Jhutha (1970) (Lyricist: Indeevar, Music Director: Kalyanji Anandji)

One of the rarest songs sung by Rafi for Rajesh Khanna post Aradhana success, the female voice is Lata Mangeshkar. Mumtaz appears in this song aside Khanna, and the actors are seen in an intoxicate state, fully out of mind because of a taken drug, where they forget everything and express love for each other. Indeevar penned the lyrics who frequently worked the music duo.

41. Gar Tum Bhula from Yakeen (1969) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

This spy thriller is best known for Rafi solo, Gar Tum Bhula filmed on Dharmendra and Sharmila Tagore as a parting song. The song also had a female version sung by Lata.

42. Aye Gulbadan from Professor (1962) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

Shankar Jaikishan bagged the prestigious best music composer award at Filmfare awards. Just as I said above, I only made a choice of songs. Though ‘Gulbadan’ is my favourite one, I also love Mein Chali and Khuli Palak in Rafi’s voice. Debutant Kalpana is seen romancing Shammi Kapoor onscreen in most of the film songs.

43. Dil Ke Jharoke Mein from Brahmachari (1968) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

This heart breaking song featuring Shammi Kapoor and Rajshree is one of my personal favourites always. Shammi Ji is seen playing a piano while Rajshree is seen in tears. For the year 1969, Rafi earned all the three nominations at Filmfare award, with two nominations from Brahmachari and finally winning it for Dil Ke Jharokhe Mein. Lyrics penned by Hasrat Jaipuri also earned a Filmfare nomination and is still popular.

44. Meri Zindagi Me Aate To Kuch Aur Baat Hoti from Kanyadaan (1968) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

The movie included two top solos of Rafi, filmed on Shashi Kapoor – Meri Zindagi Me Aate To Kuch Aur Baat Hoti and Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe (penned by Neeraj), of which second one is most popular. Yet I prefer to add Meri Zindagi Me Aate to my playlist.

45. Is Rang Badalti Duniya Mein from Rajkumar (1964) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

All romantic tracks of the movie are extra-ordinary and it’s not possible to pick one or two. Rafi tracks – Is Rang Badalti Duniya Mein, Tumne Pukara and Tumne Kise Ke are all equally good and popular, and it took a lot of time to make a choice between these three, when I was forced to reduce the list to top 50. It doesn’t imply Is Rang Badalti Duniya Mein is the best song of the album; I just made a choice. Even then I had to exclude some of the best Rafi tracks. The song was beautifully filmed on Sadhana and Shammi Kapoor. The movie also included popular Lata solo – Aaja Aayi Bahaar.

46. Dil Pukare from Jewel Thief (1967) (Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Music Director: S. D. Burman)

Except Lata solo, Rulake Gaya Sapna, all songs were written by Majrooh Sultanpuri. This particular duet of Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar was filmed on Dev Anand and Vyjayanthimala. It’s the single Rafi track of the entire album, but the most sweet romantic one.

47. E Phoolon Ki Rani from Arzoo (1965) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

As a solo hero, Arzoo is one of the biggest hits of Rajendra Kumar’s career with its wonderful songs creating a great impact on movie buffs. There are many popular solos sung by Rafi for Kumar –Ae Phoolon Ki Rani, Ae Nargise Mastana, Aji Humse Bachkar Kahan Jaiye Ga and Chhalke Teri Ankhon Se, and there is not even a single weak track in the album.

48. Chahunga Main Tujhe from Dosti (1964) (Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Music Director: Laxmikant Pyarelal)

The movie established the duo as the successful composers of Bollywood, and also helped them to bag their first Filmfare award beating the classic compositions of Woh Kaun Thi? and Sangam. The movie which dealt with the subject of friendship was well received. Out of the 6 tracks of the album, Rafi sang 5, and he also bagged Filmfare award for this particular song. Meri Dosti Mera Pyar, Rahi Manwa Dukh Ki Chinta, Mera To Jo Bhi Kadam and Jaanewalo Zara are other Rafi tracks.

49. Aaj Mausam Bada Beimaan Hai from Loafer (1973) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Music Director: Laxmikant Pyarelal)

This romantic solo from the hit film became extremely popular. The song was filmed on Dharmendra and Mumtaz. Interestingly it’s the single Rafi of the entire album consisting of 6 songs, and the most popular one too. The movie included popular Lata solo, Main Tere Ishq Mein Marna Jaau Kahi.

50. Akele Akele from An Evening In Paris (1967) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

Sharmila Tagore was seen as an extremely glamorous doll in this song, and Shammi’s distinct style and Rafi’s magical voice, with some extravagant locations made this song an instant chartbuster. All the songs from this movie were extreme popular – Title track, Raat Ke Humsafar, Aasmaan Se, Deewane Ka Naam, Jab Se Hum Tum etc.

And the list is not ending…….

A few more hit songs of Mohammed Rafi

1. Meri Mohabbat from Janwar

2. Yeh Mera Prem Patra Padhkar from Sangam

3. Title track of Chaudhvin Ka Chand

4. Aaja Aaja from Teesri Manzil

5. O Haseena from Teesri Manzil

6. Tumne Kise Ke Jaan Ko from Rajkumar

7. Tumne Pukara Aur from Rajkumar

8. Dil Jo Na Keh Saka from Bheegi Raat

9. Bekhudi Mein Sanam from Haseena Maan Jaayegi

10. Baagon Mein Bahar from Aradhana

11. Hai Duniya Use Ki from Kashmir Ki Kali

12. Isharon Isharon from Kashmir Ki Kali

13. Teri Bindiya Re from Abhimaan

14. Title track of Chaudhvin Ka Chand

15. Dard-E-Dil from Karz

16. Jaane Bahaar Husn Tera Bemisaal Hai from Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya 

17. Rang Aur Noor Ki Baraat Kise Pesh Karoon from Ghazal

18. Tujhe Pyar Karte Hain from April Fool

19. Yun Rootho Na Haseena Meri from Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare

20. Yaad Na Jaye Beete Dinon Ki from Dil Ek Mandir

21. Title track from Tere Ghar Ke Samne

22. Dil Ka Bhawar from Tere Ghar Ke Samne

23. Khuli Palak Mein from Professor

24. Yaadon Ke Barat from Yaadon Ke Barat

25. Acha Jee Mein Haari from Kalapani

26. Mujhe Kitna Pyar Hai Tumse from Dil Tera Deewana

27. Ek Haseen Shyam Ko from Dulhan Ek Raat Ki

28. Hum Aur Tum Aur Yeh Sama from Dil Deke Dekho

29. Mera Mann Tera Pyasa from Gambler

30. Raat Suhani Jaag Rahi Hai from Jigri Dost

31. Humne Nahi from Tumse Acha Kaun Hai

32. Tu Is Tarah Se Meri Zindagi Me Shaamil Hai from Aap To Aise Na The

33. Hum Bekhudi Mein Tumko from Kalapani

The list is not ending here, I just handpicked a few. In the biography post of Rafi, I have compiled a list of around 125 songs. Please have a look towards the end of the post.

End note: While I prepared this list, I noticed an interesting fact. 35 of the listed songs are Rafi solos, 2 others with a little back support by female co-singers while the rest are duets. I have told the same thing while preparing Kishore Kumar best songs. Please go through his page. A singer expresses his/her best and delivers the best performance while doing solo songs. Please note, this list of songs is only a reference list of some of the best songs of Rafi, and as I told earlier, it’s not at all possible to make a perfect list of Rafi songs. So please appreciate my efforts.

Also go through the gallery to read a few more articles about Rafi.  The gallery lists Rafi’s finest works with other artists in the golden era. Here is the page link. Click on the images to read.