My list of Top 50 Bollywood solo hits of Mohammed Rafi

I have already added a few topics on Rafi’s hit songs, and when I prepared different lists, I noticed that his major songs were solos. When I prepared his best 50 songs, more than 35 were solos. Ya, I know, a singer expresses well if he sings solos. Rafi remained the dominant male voice of Bollywood music for two decades, which can be termed as golden era, or the era when most of film tunes were based on or inspired from Indian classical music, and Rafi was a master of it. Along with it, he has sung in ease, romantic tracks, peppy numbers, patriotic songs as well as comic ones. His voice perfectly matched with almost all actors of golden era, except Raj Kapoor.

His voice is so sweet and perfect that no other voice has managed to cross the benchmark created by him in male playback singing, even after 4 decades of his death. There was a time when more than 12 or 14 out of 15 songs featured in the popular radio show, Binaca Geet Mala were Rafi songs, with solos and duets combined. That shows his popularity during his peak years of 1950s and 1960s.

It’s not easy to list best of his 50 or 100 solos, and it’s my humble attempt to choose 50 of his most popular tracks. I can never say, his ‘best 50 songs’; that’s why I told, his most popular 50 Bollywood songs. Each person has his own choice of Rafi songs, and his own playlist. Our choice of songs may change according to our mood as well, and over the years. It’s my humble tribute to the greatest ever Indian playback singer, who left us 40 years back. As I am an ardent fan of Bollywood music of 1960s, majority of songs belong to this era. Needless to say Shammi Kapoor solos tops the list, followed by Rajendra Kumar, Joy Mukherjee, Biswajeet etc. Also read: Top 50 solo tracks of Kishore Kumar.

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

I would like to begin the list with one of my most favourite Bollywood tracks all time. What to praise – Madan Mohan’s tune, Kaifi Azmi’s words, music arrangement, soft and sensuous voice of Rafi or those two lines sung by Lata Mangeshkar. I should say, Rafi’s voice stood above all. Rafi Saab sang it so differently from other songs and Madanji’s composing is too amazing – one among his masterpieces, and definitely the best song of Rafi-Madan Mohan combination. Based on Bhimplasi raga, rain in the background, the song had a soft and marvellous touch. Filmed on Navin Nischol and Priya Rajvansh in a car, it’s unique to watch on screen.

I am not sure if this particular song is a solo or duet. But it definitely belongs to Rafi. Lata Mangeshkar sang a few lines only (Two lines of Mukda) only in this lengthy song. Sushma Shresta for Kya Hua Tera Wada and once again, Lata Mangeshkar for Yeh Mera Prem Patra Padkar are a few more such instances, where the female singers provided backing for Rafi’s voice. While I included this track in best duets of Rafi-Lata list, I excluded it from ‘Top Rafi duets’ to be included it here.

2. Title track of Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960) (Lyricist: Shakeel Badayuni, Music Director: Ravi)

Out of 10 tracks of the album, Rafi sang 5 of them, and the most popular one is the title track, for which both Rafi and Shakeel Badayuni earned Filmfare awards. The song filmed on Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rahman is widely considered as one of the top romantic tracks of Rafi. This song was filmed in colour, while the rest of the film is Black & White. Through this song, the hero describes the beauty of his lover, and compares her to full moon.

3. Chahe Mujhe Koi from Junglee (1961) (Lyricist: Shailendra, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

The movie and ‘Yahoo’ song gave a major twist to the careers of both Rafi and Shammi Kapoor, and a new era was born, when they collaborated with Shankar Jaikishan. It was not for the first time they assembled together for a single movie project. ‘Ujala’ (1959) was the first one, but SJ used the voices of Mukesh and Manna Dey to record popular songs of Shammi Kapoor. But the movie included a less-heard Rafi duet with Mukesh – Yaaron Surat Hamari Pe Mat Jao and it was for the first time Shankar-Jaikishen used Rafi’s voice for Shammi Kapoor. The following year SJ exclusively used Rafi’s voice to record all Shammi Kapoor’s songs for both College Girl and Singapore. After the huge success of Junglee in 1961, Rafi permanently became the ghost voice of Shammi Kapoor, and it also played an important role in giving stardom to Shammi Kapoor, along with romantic image.

Apart from soft solos, peppy dance numbers and romantic duets, Rafi sang numerous teasing solos for Shammi Kapoor, with had a high range in rendition. The duo owns a huge collection of songs, where he teases the heroine in his unique ‘romantic ada’, much more than any other Bollywood actor. This particular peppy number is always regarded as one of the best songs of Rafi, and it also belongs to the same category. Shammi Kapoor teases his heroine as usual in this song, and this time the debutant Saira Banu in the snow hills of Kashmir. Din Saara Gusara, Ehsaan Tera Hoga, Kashmir Ki Kali and Ja Ja Ja are other popular tracks.

4. 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 Bhanu. 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, and I easily came to a conclusion that Rafi is definitely better singer than Lata. I am not sure if I am right. But that’s what I feel, whenever I listen to this song.

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

The haunting melody is very close to my heart, and it always lists among my top 5 songs of Rafi. The black and white song was filmed on Pradeep Kumar and Shakila near waterfalls, and Rafi’s voice holds a mesmerizing and haunting beauty, definitely. I have heard its Tamil version too, in my teens. It’s the remake of this movie and was titled, Vallavanukku Vallavan, starring S. A. Ashokan. The song’s wording goes like this – “Or Aayiram Paarvaiyile“, and it was sung by T. M. Soundararajan.

6. Dil Ka Bhawar from Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1963) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: S. D. Burman)

Mohammed Rafi sang three solos for Dev Anand, and two more duets with Lata Mangeshkar. The solo, Dil Ka Bhawar and the duet, Tere Ghar Ke Samne became most popular. The song was beautifully filmed on Nutan and Dev Anand, who made a lovely pair in the late 1950s and early 1960s. ‘Dil Ka Bhawar‘ song was filmed on the replica of Qutab Minar, as it was not possible to shot the song inside the monument because of narrow steps. But Anand brothers really wanted to shot the movie sequences inside the historic monument.

7. Dil Jo Na Keh Saka from Bheegi Raat (1965) (Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Music Director: Roshan)

The song had two solo versions, recorded in the voices of Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi separately, and filmed on Pradeep Kumar and Meena Kumari. Rafi version pictured in the climax also had Ashok Kumar to complete the love triangle. The trio frequently did many movies in the first half of 1960s, with more or less same plot love triangles. Interestingly Roshan composed music for all of them. 

8. Khoya Khoya Chand from Kala Bazar (1960) (Lyricist: Shailendra, Music Director: S. D. Burman)

Rafi’s voice well-suited Dev Anand in this particular romantic track, and Waheeda Rehman also features in this song. ‘Uparwala Jaankar Anjaan Hai’ is yet another Rafi solo from the album, with a comic touch.

9. Yun Rootho Na Haseena Meri from Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare (1966) (Lyricist: Rajendra Krishnan, Music Director: Madan Mohan)

The song was filmed on Shashi Kapoor and Nanda, who did a series of movies together in the 1960s. In the 1960s, Mohammed Rafi sang maximum songs for Shashi Kapoor, while he got replaced by Kishore Kumar in the 1970s. Yet Rafi rendered his voice for a few hit songs of Shashi in the 1970s like Janu Meri Jaan for Shaan (1980).

10. Mujhe Dekhkar Aapka Muskurana from Ek Musafir Ek Haseena (1962) (Lyricist: S. H. Bihari, Music Director: O. P. Nayyar)

The movie is best remembered for some of the finest Rafi-Asha duets filmed on Sadhana and Joy Mukherjee. This particular track is a solo filmed on the lead pair. Years later, the tune inspired Sonu Nigam’s Mujhe Raat Din for the movie, Sangursh released in 1999.

11. Na Jaa Kahi Ab from Mere Hamdam Mere Dost (1968) (Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Music Director: Laxmikant Pyarelal)

This romantic track was filmed on Dharmendra and Sharmila Tagore. Many of hit Dharmendra romantic songs have been filmed in beautiful parks with beautiful flowers around, and this particular song is one such.

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

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.

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

The movie had three heroines, and actress Nanda was featured aside Dev Anand in this song. The movie included one more solo track of Rafi – Kahin Bekhayal Ho Kar.

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 (recorded first) 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.

The song was recorded and released almost at the same time when Kishore Kumar became the new sensation through a few songs of Aradhana, and Rafi lost his no: 1 position. So there have been huge comparisons between the two singers. Some people liked Kishore’s version with yodelling, while a few others loved Rafi’s rendition, while the rest liked both two. Quite interestingly, Kishore’s songs for Aradhana too were recorded by Pancham da on behalf of his father.

15. 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 (for the first time) 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.

16. 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. The movie also featured Lata’s iconic track, Ajee Rootkar Ab.

17. Aap Ke Haseen Rukh Pe from Baharen Phir Bhi 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 an evergreen classic. 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. After a short period, Nayyar and Rafi forgot old quarrels and started working together.

18. 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.

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

Shankar Jaikishan bagged Filmfare award for best music while Rafi bagged best male playback singer award for this chartbuster song. This song is always counted among the top Rafi tracks for Shammi Kapoor always. Kapoor plays a piano and sings this heart-breaking song in a hotel in the presence of Rajshree and Pran. The song sequence happens soon after the breakup of the lead pair. The movie had 6 tracks of which 5 were Rafi solos and the last one is a duet with Suman Kalyanpur, ‘Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar’. Rafi sang a popular lullaby, ‘Main Gaoon Tum So Jao’ for which Shailendra bagged Filmfare award for best lyricist, as well as fast tracks, ‘Chakke Mein Chakka’ and ‘Mohabbat Ke Khuda’. The movie also included a less-known solo track of Rafi, Teri Tarif Kya Karoon, but not available in present DVD versions.

20. O Duniya Ke Rakhwale from Baiju Bawra (1952) (Lyricist: Shakeel Badayuni, Music Director: Naushad)

The songs of Baiju Bawra established Rafi as no: 1 singer of Bollywood, and he stayed as supreme power in the field of playback singing for the next 15 years. Naushad composed the songs purely based on ragas, and they were well received. This particular song was based on raga Darbari. The highly emotional song was filmed on Bharat Bhushan.

21. Ek Haseen Shyam Ko from Dulhan Ek Raat Ki (1967) (Lyricist: Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, Music Director: Madan Mohan)

The movie didn’t have a happy end, which is a usual formula in Bollywood. The film starred Dharmendra and Nutan, and this Rafi solo also featured both of them. They are seen walking through beautiful forests throughout the song.

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

The touching melody was filmed on Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman. The movie also included a total of three Rafi sad solos – Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya and Din Dhal Jaaye being the other 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.

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

Songs of Professor are counted among the best works of SJ as well as remembered among best Shammi Kapoor songs. Shankar Jaikishan bagged the prestigious best music composer award at Filmfare awards for this movie. Mein Chali and Khuli Palak are other popular Rafi hits. Actress Kalpana marked her screen debut with this movie.

24. 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. The song was beautifully filmed on Sadhana and Shammi Kapoor.

25. Ye Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaye from Pyaasa (1957) (Lyricist: Sahil Ludhianvi, Music Director: S. D. Burman)

This highly philosophical song telling world’s hypocrisy featured in the film climax in an auditorium had almost all actors of the movie, including Guru Dutt, Rehman, Waheeda Rehman and Mala Sinha.

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

Mere Mehboob and its songs established the career of Rajendra Kumar, and this particular song had one of the iconic romantic scenes featuring Kumar and Sadhana. The song was pictured in the University Hall of Aligarh Muslim University. After the success of this film, they worked together in Arzoo – Blockbuster hit and Aap Aaye Bahar Aaye. Rafi also became the permanent ghost voice of Jubilee Kumar after the huge success of the movie. ‘E Husn Zara Jaag’ is yet another sound track of the album sung by Rafi. Mere Mehboob song has one female version in Lata Mangeshkar’s voice, filmed in a romantic mood as well. Yet the song is best remembered as a Rafi solo. 

27. 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. Read more about Rajesh Khanna – Rafi combination songs.

28. 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. It’s one among the best teasing songs of Shammi Kapoor. All the songs from this movie were extreme popular – Title track, Raat Ke Humsafar, Aasmaan Se, Deewane Ka Naam, Jab Se Hum Tum etc.

29. Saaz Ho Tum from Saaz Aur Awaaz (1966) (Lyricist: Khumar Barabankvi, Music Director: Naushad)

The movie had one of the top pairs of 1960s – Joy Mukherjee and Saira Banu, and the movie had resemblance with ‘Madhumati’ in several ways. Dil Ki Mehfil Saji Hai Chali Aayiye – is yet another classic solo of Rafi. All the songs composed by Naushad were classical-based, and still popular, though the movie was a commercial failure. Naushad was the mentor of Rafi right from his early days and helped him to establish through the songs of Baiju Bawra. Over the years they contributed numerous raga-based songs to music fans.

30. 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. It shows the range of Shammi Kapoor as a singer, definitely. Shammiji trys 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.

31. 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 –  yet another flirting song featured on the lead pair and Meri Mohabbat Jawan Rahegi are other Rafi solos featured in the album. Both songs are extremely beautiful, especially ‘Meri Mohabbat’, one of my favourite Shammi Kapoor songs always. I excluded this track just because I wanted to discuss more films in this list.

32. 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. The song also had a female version sung by Lata. The movie is also known for using two different dubbing voices for the dual roles played by Dharmendra on screen.

33. 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. 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.

34. Mera Mann Tera Pyasa from Gambler (1971) (Lyricist: Neeraj, Music Director: S. D. Burman)

Like any other Dev Anand movie, S. D. Burman used the voices of both Kishore Kumar and Rafi to record its songs. In the early 1970s, Neeraj – S. D. Burman duo also composed Dev Anand’s Prem Pujari. The song was featured in the soundtrack of the 2004 film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

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

Nayyar almost reserved Rafi’s voice for male actors during his peak years, except for a few occasions, like when they had a tensed relationship during the recording of ‘Baharein Phir Phi Aayegi’. This romantic track was filmed on Joy Mukherjee and Sharmila Tagore. Joy Mukherjee played double role in this movie. Also read: 50+ Bollywood hit films with double roles.

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

Very often I feel that ‘Dil Ki Aawaaz Bhi Sun Mere Fasaane Pe Na Jaa’ and ‘Aanchal Mein Saja Lena Kaliyan’ are similar. With the same mood, composer, the male voice and same hero, why can’t I interpret like this? Have you felt the same? While Joy Mukherjee tries to comfort sad Sharmila Tagore by singing Dil Ki Aawaaz Bhi in Humsaya, he does the same with Asha Parekh in Phir Wohi Dil Laaya Hoon. Isn’t it? Anyone can easily misinterpret it. Right?

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

I have told multiple times before – I am addicted to Shammi Kapoor songs, and 95% of them belong to Rafi saab, and if someone asks me to choose my most favourite Shammi Kapoor song, here it is. Quite surprisingly Tumne Mujhe Dekha was composed not by SJ who gave numerous hit songs to both Shammi Kapoor and Rafi and also popularized this combination through a series of chartbusters, but by very young R. D. Burman. As a music composer, Teesri Manzil was 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.

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

The album exclusively belongs to Rafi and Asha, and it’s a great compilation of fast, soft and romantic tracks. Tumne Mujhe Dekha and Deewana Mujhsa Nahin are the soft solos of the entire album, both filmed on Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh. No doubt, they make a wonderful pair onscreen.

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 recorded in the voices of Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, and the happy version sung by Rafi was more popular. Both the versions were filmed on Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh. Shammi Kapoor sings about his lover Helen in this song, and Asha Parekh, who plays his doctor listens him.

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

This Rafi solo holds a special position in my heart, and my little daughter (who doesn’t like old songs) likes its intro tune, rhythm and rendition. I don’t know what the hidden beauty behind this Rafi song is; I can hear it repeatedly for many times. Its intro tune is fantastic. It’s the opening song of the movie, shown as a teasing song featuring Biswajeet and Asha Parekh.

In the 1960s, it was a trend to film the opening song 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. But this song exactly falls in line with ‘Pukarta Chala Hoon Mein’, where hero sees heroine for the first time and starts to flirt with her through a song) 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!

41. 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. Kashmir Ki Kali also had Rafi’s Subanallah, Kise Na Kise Se, Hai Re Hai, Yeh Duniya Useki and Isharon. I just love all songs of the movie, which are very nostalgic.

42. Jaane Bahaar Husn Tera Bemisaal Hai from Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1963) (Lyricist: Shakeel Badayuni, Music Director: Ravi)

The song was lovely filmed on Shammi Kapoor and south Indian actress B. Saroja Devi. This soft solo is one of the best Ravi compositions filmed on Shammi Kapoor.

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

The movie is best remembered for its beautiful songs and lovely Asha Parekh. In popular culture, the movie has been specified in many movies later, in the 1960s and 1970s, also giving it a cult classic status, though the film was not a huge hit. In presence cinema, when sensuality is brought to screen through vulgar scenes, Aaja Re Aa Zara is one such rare instances of yesterdays, which proved that a pair can lit sensuality on screen through eyes and expressions and also by amazing playback voice, and Rafi just proved it right through this romantic song. The song featuring Asha Parekh and Joy Mukherjee also included many embracing couples in dim light, adding sensuality and romantic mood to the song.

44. 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. It was recorded as solos in the voices of both Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, and both versions were filmed on Asha Parekh and Joy Mukherjee.  Le Gayi Dil is a peppy solo sung by Rafi in Love in Tokyo.

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

The song and movie played an important role in establishing the career of Mumtaz in mainstream Bollywood cinema. One of the very rarest Rafi solos for Rajesh Khanna, 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. Do you remember, Mumtaz’s first hit mainstream Bollywood film song also had almost the same beginning phrase, ‘Yeh Hai Reshmi Zulfom Ka Andera’ from ‘Mere Sanam’?

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

Initially Hemant Kumar was the ghost voice of actor Biswajeet. By mid-1960s, many popular songs of Rafi-Biswajeet combination were born. Actresses like Mala Sinha, Rajshree and Asha Parekh frequently worked with him during this period, and most of the romantic tracks were recorded in Rafi’s voice also. This song starred his frequent co-star Mala Sinha, and it was shot in beautiful locations of London. Ba Hosh O Havaas Main Divana is another hit Rafi solo.

47. Kabhi Humne Nahi from Tumse Achha Kaun Hai (1969) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

There have been instances before also, when Shammi Kapoor’s hit song Mukdas were reused to coin the titles of his movies. The movie – ‘Kashmir Ki Kali’ was coined from a song of Junglee, while Tumse Achha Kaun Hai was coined from a song of Janwar. It’s a very fast solo sung by Rafi and filmed on Shammi Kapoor and Babita. Another instance is ‘Meri Mohabbat Jawan‘ song from Janwar which was reused to coin the title of his movie, Jawan Mohabbat. Tumse Achha Kaun Hai also included a soft solo of Rafi, Janam Janam Ka Saat Hai.

48. Meri Zindagi Me Aate To Kuch Aur Baat Hoti from Kanyadan (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.

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

One of the early hit associations of Shammi Kapoor with Rafi and SJ, the song filmed himas a lover in an eccentric romantic and joyful mood while Madhubala is acting as a ‘sleeping beauty’. It’s not an original song and Mr. India’s “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. Mujhe Apna Yar Banalo and Salam Aap Ki Meethi Nazar Ko Salam are other hit Rafi tracks.

50. Dard-E-Dil from Karz (1980) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Music Director: Laxmikant-Pyarelal)

I would like to conclude the list of best solos of Rafi with one of his last chartbuster songs – Dard-E-Dil from Karz. It’s the single Rafi track of the entire album, and it featured Rishi Kapoor and Tina Munim. It was a time when Rafi’s career just started to resurgence after a few setbacks in the first half of 1970s, and he began to sing some of the finest songs of his career.

A list of few more Rafi hit solos

1. Hai Duniya Use Ki from Kashmir Ki Kali

2. Man Tarpat Hari Darshan from Baiju Bawra

3. Hui Sham Unka Khayal Aa Gaya from Mere Hamdam Mere Dost

4. Meri Mohabbat from Janwar

5. Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya from Guide

6. Din Dhal Jaaye from Guide

7. Ab Kya Misaal Doon from Aarti

8. Pardesiyon Se Na Ankhiyan Milana from Jab Jab Phool Khile 

9. E Husn Zara Jaag from Mere Mehboob

10. Main Nigahen Tere from Aap Ki Parchhaiyan

11. Tumne Kise Ke Jaan Ko from Rajkumar

12. Khuli Palak from Professor 

13. Ajee Humse Bachkar from Arzoo

14. Mile Na Phool To Kaaton Se from Anokhi Raat

15. Zindagi Bhar Nahi from Barsaat Ki Raat

16. Teree Galiyon Mein Na Rakhenge Qadam from Hawas

17. Pardah Hai Pardah from Amar Akbar Anthony

18. Madhupan Mein Radhika from Kohinoor

19. Babul Ki Duwayein from Neel Kamal

20. Tujhko Pukare from Neel Kamal

21. Salamat Raho from Parasmani

22. Dil Kahe Rukh Jaa from Man Ki Ankhein

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

24. Nazar Bachakar from Dil Tera Deewana

25. Ai Dil Hai Mushkil from CID

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

27. Waadiyan Mere Daman from Abhilasha

28. Likhe Jo Hath Tujhe from Kanyadaan

29. Choo Le Ne Do from Kaajal

30. Teri Zulfon Se Judai to Nahi of Jab Kisise Pyar Hota Hai

31. Jiya O Jiya from Jab Kisise Pyar Hota Hai

32. Chale The Saat Milkar from Haseena Maan Jayegi

33. Uparwale Jaankar Anjaan Hai from Kaala Baazar

34. Aap Ke Pahloo Mein from Mera Saaya

35. Mere Dushman from Aaye Din Bahar Ke

36. Aap Aye Bahaar Ayee from Aap Aye Bahaar Ayee

37. Janam Janam Ke Saath from Tumse Acha Kaun Hai

38. Dil Dekhe Dekho from Dil Dekhe Dekho

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

40. Baa Hosh from Night in London

41. Pyar Ka Aalam from Yeh Dil Kisko Doon (with inputs from its composer Usha Khanna)

42. Chand Mera Dil from Hum Kisese Kum Nahin

43. Jaag Dil-E-Deewana Rut from Oonche Log

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.