Hasrat Jaipuri – Top 50 Bollywood classical songs

Hasrat Jaipuri & Shailendra remained the celebrated lyricist duo of 1950s and 1960s, who minced numerous Bollywood classic hits in association with Shankar Jaikishen. The trio also exclusively worked for all Raj Kapoor movies since late 1940, which began with the debut movie of both Hasrat and Shanker Jaikishen – Barsaat. The trio, along with Shailendra continued their long term association till the death of Jaikishen in 1971. Apart from Raj Kapoor, they exclusively worked in Shammi Kapoor movies, if we ignore a few films. SJ exclusively used the voices of Mukesh and Manna Dey to record the songs of Raj Kapoor and Mohammed Rafi’s voice for Shammi Kapoor and other romantic heroes of 1960s. Yet among the female voices, Lata Mangeshkar remained their top choice, apart from a very few recordings with Asha Bhosle, Sharda and Suman Kalyanpur.

Earlier I have posted a biography of Hasrat Jaipuri, along with a few interesting facts. In that post, I listed around 150 film songs penned by Hasrat Jaipuri, and above 90% of them belong to Shankar Jaikishen too. Please check it here to read more Jaipuri and list of songs. It was not an easy task for me to choose 50 of the best songs penned by Hasrat Jaipuri, and for the same reason I had to exclude many of my favourites. And hence this list of 50 songs doesn’t imply they are the best ever songs penned by the celebrated poet. And here goes my list.

1. Jiya Bekaraar Hai from Barsaat (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1949

Let me start the list with the debut song of Hasrat Jaipuri’s career. The movie also marked the debut of Shankar Jaikishan, the most successful and celebrated music composers of classic era of Hindi cinema. This happy song was filmed on Nimmi. His first duet song – Chhod Gaye Baalam was also featured in the same movie.

2. Yeh Mera Prem Patra from Sangam (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1964

This romantic song featuring Rajendra Kumar and Vyjayanthimala was related to his love interest in his real life. Hasrat wrote this song when he fell in love with a Hindu girl named Radha, and wrote this poem for her. It was his first love letter for her, and he was not sure throughout his lifetime, whether his lady love got that love letter. Interestingly Vyjayathimala’s character name in Sangam was also Radha. He wrote his first poem – ‘Tu Jharokon Se Jo Jhaake To Mein Itna Poochoon’ for his love at the age of around 21. Very soon he left his hometown and reached Mumbai in search of a job and became a bus conductor.

The movie also featured Hasrat’s teasing song, Mein Ka Karoon Ram Mujhe. Lata Mangeshkar, the celebrated singer was always specific about song lyrics, and when SJ tricked her to sing this song and she found it out, she broke ties with the composers and didn’t record any song with them for some time. O Mehbooba sung by Mukesh is the third song penned by the poet for the movie.

3. Ehsaan Tera Hoga from Junglee (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers –  Mohammed Rafi / Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1961

This soft romantic track had two solo versions in Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar’s voice filmed on the lead pair, Shammi Kapoor and Saira Banu, and needless to say, male version got noticed most. The album was a complete package of fast and slow songs. It was the first film, which established SJ’s permanent association with Shammi Kapoor films, and thus Shailendra and Hasrat also became part of it, for next one decade which can be termed as their peak & glorious era. Din Saara Guzara, Kashmir Ki Kali and Jaa Jaa Jaa Mere Bachpan are other songs penned by Hasrat Jaipuri.

4. Aa Ja Re Aa Zara from Love In Tokyo (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi) Year: 1966

Love In Tokyo is one of my most favourite albums of Bollywood cinema, and that’s why I included 4 of its beautiful tracks here, all written by our favourite poet. Needless to say, Love In Tokyo is one of the major works of Hasrat Jaipuri’s career, though the movie doesn’t win any musical awards or nominations. Yet no one can deny the fact that it’s one of the finest works of SJ, Rafi, Lata and Hasrat in the 1960s. Except ‘Koi Matvala Aaya Mere Dware’ – a dance sequence featuring Asha Parekh all the songs were penned by Hasrat.

This soft sensuous song featuring Asha Parekh and Joy Mukherjee also included many embracing couples, adding sensuality and romantic mood to the song. It’s one of the finest romantic songs sung by Rafi in his professional career.

5. Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye from Love In Tokyo (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1966

This Lata solo featured Asha Parekh aside Joy Mukherjee, Pran and other supporting star cast. She is in a happy mood at the beginning of the song on her engagement day, and changes her mood soon after she receives a threatening phone call. Joy Mukherjee is seen playing the piano.

6. Sayonara Sayonara from Love In Tokyo (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1966

I think it’s for the first time any Japanese word used in Hindi film song. Needless to say, the lyrics – Sayonara Sayonara, which can be literally translated as ‘Good Bye Good Bye’ got noticed instantly. Asha Parekh appears in a Japanese costume and Joy Mukherjee is seen in a romantic mood. After the movie got released, the popularity of Asha Parekh increased manifold, and her style quotient and fashion were most talked about. Her hair clip used for the movie became popular and was called ‘Love in Tokyo’ clip those days. She also got the nickname, Japani Gudiya after this movie’s release.

7. O Mere Shaahe Khuban from Love In Tokyo (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi / Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1966

Apart from these 4 tracks, Jaipuri penned the popular lyrics of its title track – Le Gayi Dil Gudiya Japan Ki also. The song had two solo renditions featuring the lead pair and both versions became equally popular. ‘Kamaal Ke Lyrics!’ written by Hasrat Jaipuri. No more words. A humble salute.

8. Aaja Sanam Madhur Chandani from Chori Chori (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Manna Dey & Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1956

Shankar Jaikishan received Filmfare award for best music for Chori Chori, and the songs penned by both Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri did exceptionally well. The song was filmed on the most celebrated screen pair of yesterdays – Raj Kapoor and Nargis.

9. Rasik Balamaa Haay Dil Kyon Lagaayaa Tose from Chori Chori (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1956

This sad song featuring Nargis is one of my top favourite Lata Mangeshkar songs, and Hasrat’s poetic lyrics hold a special beauty for sure. Definitely, it’s one of the top melodies of golden era of 1950s. Panchhi Banoo Udti Phiroon is a popular solo sung by Lata and penned by Hasrat for the movie.

11. Masoom Chehara Yeh Kaatil Adaaye from Dil Tera Deewana (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1962

It’s so surprising that I listened to this song most recently only, while preparing list of songs of Rafi. A beautiful gem which went unnoticed, I should say, Mala Sinha and Shammi Kapoor shared amazing screen chemistry in this song, and the movie was a commercial hit. Yet they never worked together later. They had earlier shared screen space for two movies of 1950s – Ujala and Rangeen Raten. Hasrat also penned the lyrics of the popular – Nazar Bachakar song.

11. Badan Pe Sitare from Prince (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi) Year: 1969

He, along with Shailendra and Shankar-Jaikishen used to spend a lot of time together, as they frequently worked together. On one such dance show in some foreign country, Hasrat Jaipuri noticed a lady with shiny costumes and accessories, and commented to Jaikishen, “Badan Pe Sitare Lapete Hue, E Jaane Tamanna Kidar Jaa Rahi Ho”. The composed who liked those wordings at once converted it to a tune and used for ‘Prince’ movie. The song featuring Shammi Kapoor and Vyjayanthimala got instantly noticed. Thandi Thandi Hawa Me Ji Lalchaye and Muqabala Hamase Na Karo are other popular songs penned by Hasrat.

12. Sun Sahiba Sun from Ram Teri Ganga Maili (Composer – Ravindra Jain) (Playback Singers – Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1985

After the flop of Mera Naam Joker and Kal Aaj Kal in the early 1970s, Raj Kapoor didn’t work with SJ-Hasrat team for nearly 15 years. But when he launched his youngest son Rajiv Kapoor through Ram Teri Ganga Maili, he approached Hasrat once again to pen the lyrics for the movie. Raj Kapoor also promised him to offer the project Henna. But following Kapoor’s sudden demise, he lost the project and the composer Ravindra Jain himself penned its lyrics.

The controversial Ram Teri Ganga Maili starred Mandakini and Rajiv Kapoor, and Sun Sahiba Sun is a dance sequence followed by their marriage based on tribal customs. Some online sites claim Ravindra Jain to be the lyricist of Ram Teri Ganga Maili. However I referred Hasrat Jaipuri’s Wikipedia page while preparing this one, and believe it to be true, as Raj Kapoor was alive when he released this film. Ram Teri Ganga Maili includes a few more hit songs, mostly in Lata Mangeshkar’s voice. As I am not sure about the lyricist, I am not mentioning them here.  

13. Hum Tere Pyar Mein from Dil Ek Mandir Hai (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1963

Yet another Lata Mangeshkar solo featured in this list; this sad song was filmed on Meena Kumar and Raaj Kumar, while Raaj Kumar is seriously ill and admitted in hospital. When Raaj Kumar’s character asks her to forget him and start a new life, Meena Kumari replies with this song. In those days, songs were connected to movie script and looked synchronous to one another. This particular song penned by Hasrat Jaipuri is one such case. He also penned the title track and the romantic – Tum Sab Ko Chhod Kar for the movie.

14. Teri Pyari Pyari Soorat Ko from Sasural (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi) Year: 1961

Hasrat penned these words looking at the innocent face of his newly born son – Teri Pyari Pyari Surat Ko Kise Ke Bhi Nazar Na Lage. The song was filmed on Rajendra Kumar and south Indian actress Saroja Devi. Rafi received Filmfare award for best playback singer.

15. Sama Hai Suhana Suhana from Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (Composer – Kalyanji Anandji) (Playback Singers – Kishore Kumar) Year: 1971

One of the very rare songs of Hasrat Jaipuri – Kalyanji Anandji combination, it’s also one of his very rare songs sung by Kishore Kumar. The movie can best be tagged as a children’s film, though it’s best remembered for this beautifully filmed romantic song. The song was filmed on Rakesh Roshan and south Indian actress Bharathi, who played a romantic pair in the movie, and also Jalal Agha, who sync-lips to this song in the moonlight alongside a group of college friends, who are on a college tour.

16. Woh Khushi Mili Hai Mujhko from Mere Huzoor (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi) Year: 1968

The movie is best known for the title track filmed on Mala Sinha and Jeetendra and penned by Hasrat. However this sad solo of Rafi filmed on Raaj Kumar attracts me most. The song also features Mala Sinha and Jeetendra, on the occasion of their marriage. It’s indeed sad to let go the most beautiful dream, desire and happiness of our soul only to see happiness of someone we love. That is true love. In this particular song, Raaj Kumar sacrifices his love for his friend Jeetendra, and feels happy and satisfied with it. The song, its beats, rendition and expressions of Raaj Kumar – everything deeply touch our hearts.

17. Woh Chand Khila Wo Taare Hasse from Anari (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1959

This happy song was filmed on Raj Kapoor and Nutan, and through this song Nutan tries to reveal the secret love towards him, though Raj Kapoor is not keen or interested to know about it. SJ, Mukesh and Shailendra received Filmfare awards for the songs of Anari, though Hasrat didn’t receive any. Ban Ke Panchhi Gaaye Pyar Ka Tarana filmed on Nutan was also written by him.

18. Tere Khayalon Mein Hum from Geet Gaya Pattharon Ne (Composer – Ramlal) (Playback Singers – Asha Bhosle) Year: 1964

Sandhya appears in Jeetendra’s dream as his true inspiration, while he is carving a figure on a piece of stone. The movie also marked the screen debut of Jeetendra in lead role, after he appeared as an extra as the director’s movie ‘Navrang’ earlier. One of the finest songs of Asha Bhosle in the 1960s, the song was composed by extremely talented, but unsung hero of 1960s – Ramlal. Mukda of the song was composed in Megh Malhar and Antara in Bhairo. In the film industry, talent is not the only factor to survive in the industry, luck is equally important, and professional life of Ramlal in Bollywood cinema is the testimony to prove that. He composed only six films in his entire career of which two in the 1960s – Sehra in 1963 and Geet Gaya Pattharon Ne in 1964, and Hasrat was associated with both these projects as a lyricist. The title track and Saasom Ke Taar Par are other popular songs of the album penned by Hasrat.

When you look back at the era of 1960s, you would feel how beautiful the songs of both these movies are, yet the composer didn’t get the true appreciation he truly deserved. Both the movies were directed by V. Shantaram and his daughter Sandhya played lead role in both these movies. Now we categorize songs of both these movies as classical tunes, based on Indian ragas. Songs like Pankh Hote To Ud Aati Re is not easy to recite without the basic knowledge of classical music.

19. Pankh Hote To Ud Aati Re from Sehra (Composer – Ramlal) (Playback Singers – Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1963

As I told above, Ramlal composed its songs. This purely classical based tune is one of the finest works of Lata Mangeshkar’s career, and now frequently heard in reality shows for its strong classical base. This dance sequence was filmed on Sandhya, and she explores different poses of a flying bird in this song. There is one more dancer in the song, but I can’t find out who she is. All the songs of the movie were penned by Hasrat Jaipuri. ‘Tum To Pyar Ho’ – a duet of Rafi and Lata filmed on less-known actor Prashant and Sandhya also became extremely popular. Ramlal also used the voices of Asha Bhosle and Hemant Kumar to record its songs.

20. Dheere Chal Dheere Chal from Boyfriend (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi) Year: 1961

The song filmed Shammi Kapoor as a lover in an eccentric romantic and joyful mood while Madhubala as a ‘sleeping beauty’. For the fast beats composed by SJ, Hasrat Jaipuri provided excellent lyrics, quite matching the film scenes. ‘Salaam Aapki Mitthi Najar Ko Salaam’ was also authored by him.

21. E Gulbadan from Professor (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi) Year: 1962

Shankar Jaikishan bagged the prestigious Filmfare best music composer award, while both Rafi and Hasrat earned Filmfare nominations. The song featured newcomer Kalpana aside Shammi Kapoor. Hasrat also wrote the sad song, Aawaz Deke Hume Tum Bulao for the movie.

22. Gumnam Hai Koi, Badnam Hai Koi from Gumnaam (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1965

Meaningful lyric provided by the poet is deeply bonded to the mysterious film plot belonging to suspense genre. Isolated in an island, a group of travellers are in search of a way to get out of the place. Manoj Kumar, Pran, Helen and Nanda are among those actors filmed in this song. He also provided the lyrics of Lata Mangeshkar song which provides a lot of positivity – Is Duniya Me Jina Ho To, Sun Lo Meri Bat and also a teasing number sung by Rafi – Ek Ladkee Hain Jisne Jina Mushkil Kar Diya.

23. Zindagi Ek Safar from Andaz (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Kishore Kumar) Year: 1971

Hasrat Jaipuri bagged his second Filmfare award for this song. This song was filmed on lead actress Hema Malini, alongside Rajesh Khanna who played a cameo role. It was the last movie to be marked as Shammi Kapoor’s solo hit, after which his career deteriorated. Dil Use Do and Hai Na Bolo are other Hasrat’s songs belonging to the movie.

24. Dil Ke Jharokhe Men Tujhako Bithaakar from Brahmachari (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers -Mohammed Rafi) Year: 1968

’Dil Ke Jharokhe Men Tujhako Bithaakar… Yadom Ko Teri Mein Dulhan Banakar….’ I bet you no lyricist of present generation cinema can portray such a heart breaking moment with such meaningful lyrics. Shammi Kapoor performs as a pianist, while Rajashree and Pran appear among audience who watch his performance. Hasrat received a Filmfare nomination while Rafi bagged the honour for this particular song. Shailendra won Filmfare awards for best lyricist for another song featured in the same movie – Mein Gaon Tum So Jaao. Hasrat also penned the catchy lyrics of the very popular dance number – Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar.

25. Teri Zulfon Se Judai from Jab Pyar Kise Se Hota Hai (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi) Year: 1961

The movie featuring Dev Anand and Asha Parekh included some of the finest songs penned our beloved poet. As I felt wordings of ‘Teri Zulfon Se Judai To Nahi Maangi Thi’ are brilliant comparing with other Hasrat songs such as Jiya O, Ye Aankhen, Uf Yummaa! and Sau Saal Pehle, I chose this particular song to be featured in this list.

26. Tujhe Jeevan Ki Dor Se Baandh Liya Hai from Asli Naqli (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1962

‘Tujhe Jeevan Ki’ is the single duet of entire album consisting of 7 songs. This duet featuring Sadhana and Dev Anand is my personal favourite too. Hasrat also authored the lyrics of popular songs such as Chheda Mere Dil Ne Tarana Tere Pyar Ka, Laakh Chhupaao Chhup Na Sakegaa, Ek But Banauga Tera Aur Pooja Karooga etc. The lyrics of ‘Ek But Banauga’ was lovely written by our poet, no doubt. I just made a random choice between these two songs.

27. Tumne Pukara Aur Hum from Rajkumar (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi & Suman Kalyanpur) Year: 1964

Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye – I made a hard choice of this duet from three songs penned by Jaipuri for the movie. Is Rang Badalti Duniya Mein and Tumne Kise Ke Jaan Ko are two Rafi solos. All these three songs were filmed on Sadhana and Shammi Kapoor. All these three songs were equally popular, and appear very close to one another.

28. Tum Kamsin Ho / Main Kamsin Hoon from Ayee Milan Ki Bela (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi / Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1964

Both the versions of the tune composed by Shankar Jaiksihen were penned by Hasrat, and both versions became equally popular. Saira Banu and Rajendra Kumar were featured in both versions. Dharmendra appeared in a very rare negative role in this hit movie.

29. Kaun Hai Jo Sapanon Men Aayaa from Jhuk Gaya Aasman (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi) Year: 1968

The song was actually inspired from Elvis Presley’s “Marguerita” from Fun in Acapulco album. Though the movie was a flop, the movie acquired a cult status later, and also had houseful shows in the 1980s when it was re-released in Mumbai. The song was filmed on Rajendra Kumar who drives a jeep and his mind is filled with romantic thoughts of his lover.

30. Unse Mili Nazar from Jhuk Gaya Aasman (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1968

The movie also included some of the popular tracks of 1960s – Unse Mili Nazar Ke Mere Hosh Ud Gai, and Kahan Chal Diye Idhar To Aao penned by Hasrat. Saira Banu lip-syncs to Lata’s voice in this beautiful song, while Rajendra Kapoor overhears her singing.

31. Tujhe Pyar Karte Hain from April Fool (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi & Suman Kalyanpur) Year: 1964

The song was filmed on Saira Banu and Biswajeet, and one of the career best songs of Suman Kalyanpur. In the mid-1960s when Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar vowed not to work together, artists like Suman Kalyanpur, Sharda and Asha Bhosle were benefitted most, who recorded many duets aside Rafi, tuned by Shankar Jaikishen.

32. Unki Pahli Nazar Kya Asar from April Fool (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1964

Yet another popular song sung by Lata Mangeshkar for Saira Banu, I often get confused by another SJ track – Unse Mili Nazar filmed on her. In an interview, Lata Mangeshkar told that she feels her voice suits best for Saira Banu. True or not, I felt Lata’s voice matches perfectly with almost every lead actress during 1950s-1970s. Do you agree? Actor Biswajeet also features in this happy song.

33. Ajee Rootkar Ab/Ajee Humse Bachkar from Arzoo (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Lata Mangeshkar / Mohammed Rafi ) Year: 1965

One of the great songs of Lata Mangeshkar ever, Sadhana sync-lips to her voice in this party song. Rajendra Kumar also features in this romantic song. The song also had a male version. Yet female version became more popular. Hasrat Jaipuri received Filmfare nomination for Best Lyricist for the female version.

34. E Phoolon Ki Rani from Arzoo (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi) Year: 1965

Arzoo is remembered for its romantic story as well as some of the finest songs recorded in the voices of Rafi and Lata. This song featuring Rajendra Kapoor and Sadhana is the most popular Rafi track of the album. Hasrat received a Filmfare nomination for penning its lyrics.

35. Bedardi Balma from Arzoo (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1965

How would someone feel if the person who you love most denies from recognizing you! After parting, when Sadhana meets Rajendra Kumar, he acts as if he doesn’t know her. Hats off to the magical lyrics woven by Hasrat, which best fits the sad situation.

36. Parde Me Rahne Do Parda Na Uthaao from Shikar (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Asha Bhosle) Year: 1969

It’s the only Asha Bhosle solo composition featured in this list, composed by SJ. While the composers mostly preferred Lata Mangeshkar, Suman Kalyanpur or Sharda’s voice for the lead actress for any movie, Parde Me Rahne Do is one of the rare songs recorded in Asha Bhosle’s voice by composers for the lead heroine. The song was immensely popular and Asha Bhosle bagged Filmfare award too. Asha Parekh sync-lips to this Arabic tune as a dancer, and Dharmendra appears as a spectator.

37. Title track from Tere Ghar Ke Samne (Composer – S. D. Burman) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1963

Nutan appears in the drink glass of Dev Anand after he have a drink, and the song looks like a conversation between the two about a new home to be built in front of her home.

38. Tu Kahan Yeh Bata from Tere Ghar Ke Samne (Composer – S. D. Burman) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi) Year: 1963

Hasrat Jaipuri worked with S. D. Burman for only two movies. Despite writing all the songs of iconic movie, Tere Ghar Ke Samne followed by Ziddi, they never worked together. Apart from this hit song, where Dev Anand is in search of his lady love, Hasrat Jaipuri also penned lyrics for the very popular – Dil Ka Bhanwar song and also ‘Yeh Tanhaiye’ and ‘Dekho Roota Na Karo’. Except Sun Le Too Dil Kee Sada song penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri, rest of the tracks were penned by Jaipuri.

39. Yeh Meri Zindagi from Ziddi (Composer – S. D. Burman) (Playback Singers – Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1964

To break engagement with Joy Mukherjee, Asha Parekh acts as if she is drunk, and through words she tells that she wants to live a free life as she wishes. Lyrics contributed by Hasrat are apt for the storyline and the situation of the song. Raat Ka Sama – another popular song sung by Lata was also penned by Hasrat.

40. Tumse Achchha Kaun Hai from Janwar (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi) Year: 1965

Shammi Kapoor teases Rajshree in this popular song. In the 1960s Hasrat wrote many teasing songs for Shammi Kapoor and got noticed also. The song lyrics got well noticed, and it was later used to coin another Shammi Kapoor movie co-staring Babita, who later married his nephew Randhir Kapoor. Hasrat Jaipuri penned lyrics for its popular song, Kabhi Humne Nahi Socha Tha.

41. Meri Zindagi Me Aate To Kuch Aur Baat Hoti from Kanyadan (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi) Year: 1969

This Rafi solo was filmed on Shashi Kapoor and Asha Parekh. In the 1960s Shashi Kapoor had a chocolate hero image, mostly doing romantic roles and Rafi was his ghost voice of the decade. In the 1970s we witnessed a major transformation where he mostly played action roles aside Amitabh Bachchan, and both Rafi and Kishore Kumar sang for him.

42. Baharon Phool Barsao from Suraj (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi) Year: 1966

Vyjayanthimala features in this song aside Rajendra Kumar, and wonderful art work done by the art director to create a beautiful forest and swing. The movie with several popular songs won Filmfare award for best music direction of 1966 as well as best male playback singer. Hasrat Jaipuri also earned his first Filmfare award for this song.

43. Raat Ke Hamsafar from An Evening in Paris (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle) Year: 1967

SJ mostly used Lata, Sharda or Suman Kalyanpur’s voices to record duets with Rafi during their peak years of 1950s and 1960s. Yet he recorded some good songs of Asha in An Evening In Paris. I assume Lata Mangeshkar was not working with the composers at the time of recording, following her indifferences over ‘Sangam’ song, though for a short time. The song filmed at night in Paris city starred Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore. Through An Evening In Paris, Tagore reinvented herself as a glamorous actress and she succeeded as well.

44. Akele Akele Kahan Ja Rahe Ho from An Evening in Paris (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi) Year: 1967

A popular ‘Ched-Chad’ (teasing) song of Shammi Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore is the ‘victim’ this time. After irritating her throughout the song, following her everywhere she goes, Sharmila finally succeeds to fool him at the song climax.

45. Kabhi Hum Ne Nahin Socha Tha from Tumse Accha Kaun Hai (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi) Year: 1969

This energetic Mohammed Rafi features Babita aside Shammi Kapoor. The movie also included beautiful duets like Rangat Teri Surat Si Kisi Me sung by Rafi and Lata, and also soft Rafi solo – Janam Janam Kaa Saath Hai, both written by Jaipuri. The movie title has been coined from one of the very popular songs of Shammi Kapoor from the movie Janwar. Lyrics provided for this fast song worth appreciation.

46. Mujhe Kuch Hota Hai from Tumse Accha Kaun Hai (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1969

This Lata solo filmed on Aruna Irani can’t be claimed to be great composition. Yet I like this song very much for its rendition, and hence I include it in this list. This song rarely features in the list of the artists associated with it, and that’s another reason too. In this song, Aruna Irani tries to seduce Shammi Kapoor through her dance moves, in the presence of Babita.

47. Jane Kahan Gaye Wo Din from Mera Naam Joker (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mukesh) Year: 1970

Right from his debut movie Barsaat, he along with Shailendra worked with Shankar Jaikishen for all movies made by Raj Kapoor till 1971. After the death of Jaikishen and failure of Mera Naam Joker, Kapoor turned to other lyricists and composers, especially Laxmikant-Pyarelal. They worked together for one more and last time for Ram Teri Ganga Maili in 1985, the launch movie for Raj Kapoor’s son Rajiv Kapoor.

This sad song featured Raj Kapoor as a joker and performer on stage. Though Mukesh recorded numerous songs for Raj Kapoor, composed by SJ, Jane Kahan Gaye Wo Din is the only song featured in this list. Interestingly this song doesn’t belong to 1950s or 1960s. Lata Mangeshkar got opportunity to sing some of the finest poems of Hasrat tuned by Shankar Jaikishan and used in Raj Kapoor movies.

48. Gar Tum Bhula Na Doge Sapne from Yakeen (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Mohammed Rafi/Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1969

The romantic song featuring Dharmendra and Sharmila Tagore had two solo versions, and Rafi’s version became more popular.

49. Bhanware Ki Gunjan Hai Mera Dil from Kal Aaj Aur Kal (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers – Kishore Kumar) Year: 1971

One of the rare romantic songs penned by Hasrat for Kishore Kumar, it’s one of the rare Kishore Kumar songs recorded by SJ. As Jaikishen passed away in 1971, SJ duo didn’t get much opportunity to work with Kishore Kumar. In the 1950s and 1960s during their peak years, they never explored his singing talent. The song featured the real-life couple Randhir Kapoor and Babita.

50. Tum Mujhe Yu Bhula Na Paoge from Pagla Kahin Ka (Composer – Shankar Jaikishan) (Playback Singers -Mohammed Rafi/ Lata Mangeshkar) Year: 1971

The song had two versions filmed on Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh, and both versions were popular. Rafi’s version is a happy one, while Lata Mangeshkar’s version is sad one. Yes, as the song’s wordings say, ‘We can never forget him. Whenever we listen to any of his song, we start humming along with it’. Today this legendary poet is not with us, and many of his majestic songs make us remember him. After all it’s not easy to forget him. His death has definitely left a void, which can be filled ever.

Jaa Jaa Jaa Mere Bachpan from Junglee, Mein Kahi Kavi Na Ban Jaun and Dekha Hai Teri Aankhon Mein from Pyar Hi Pyar, Allah Jaane Kya Hoga Aage from Hariyali Aur Rasta, Hum Tujhse Mohabbat from Awara, Tujhe Dekha Tujhe Chaha Tujhe Puja Maine & Title track from Choti Si Mulakat, Chale Jana Zara Thehro Kisi from Around The World, Jhoomta Mausam Mast Mahina from Ujala, Jiske Sapne Hume Roz Aate Rahe from Geet, Title track (Aap Ko Pehle Bhi Kahin) from Tum Haseen Mein Jawan, Yaad Kiya Dil Ne Kahaan Ho Tum from Patita, Neel Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein from Amrapali etc are a few more memorable songs.