Mohammed Rafi – Lata Mangeshkar Top 25 romantic duets from Bollywood

Mohammed Rafi – Lata Mangeshkar, the most gifted playback singers of Indian cinema. When they come together for a single song, it’s nothing short of hurricane. How many iconic songs have born in this amazing combination! Countless! When they decided not to work together for nearly 6 years in the 1960s, we lost many of their duets. Otherwise the list would have never ended in best 50 or 100 songs. Yet we got opportunity to hear some of the best Rafi duets in association with Asha Bhosle, Suman Kalyanpur, Sharda etc.

Let me stop my discussion here and move on to the beautiful collection of Rafi-Lata duet songs. In the main list, I chose 25 of my favourite songs, and added 40+ duets at the end. Interestingly majority of songs belong to Shankar-Jaikishen, followed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Also read: Best 20 duets of Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle.

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

I would like to begin the list with this extremely popular duet filmed on Dev Anand and Vyjayanthimala. It’s the single Rafi track of the entire album, but the sweetest romantic one too. S. D. Burman used the voices of both Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi to record the songs of Dev Anand, right from 1950s, and hence Dev Anand was one among the rare successful actors then, whose voice was not permanently linked with a particular singer, since his screen debut.

2. Tujhe Jeevan Ki from Asli Naqli (1962) (Lyricist:  Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

The movie starring Dev Anand and Sadhana had some of the finest tunes composed by SJ. ‘Tujhe Jeevan Ki’ is the single duet of entire album consisting of 7 songs. Chheda Mera Dil Ne Tarana, Ek But Banaoonga Tera Aur and Tera Mera Pyaar Amar are other popular tracks of the album.

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

Though this song is a duet, Lata Mangeshkar sang a few lines only (Two lines of Mukda), and hence best remembered as an evergreen solo of Rafi. I love this song ‘so so’ much that I took my freedom to include this song in this list. The beautiful song was filmed on Navin Nischol and Priya Rajvansh, and it well explains the versatility of Rafi as a singer. The movie included some of the finest solos of Lata as well – Betaab Dil Ki and Aaj Socha Toh. Earlier too we have noticed Rafi’s voice at beginning of Asha Bhosle’s popular track – Jaiye Aap Kahan for Mere Sanam. This particular song was based on Bhimplasi raga, with rain in the background. In my opinion, Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho is the best song sung by Rafi in Madan Mohan. Interestingly this song happened in the 1970s, not in 1950s or 1960s – the peak years of Rafi & Madan Mohan’s career.

4. 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 moments, and Saira Banu looks extremely beautiful.

5. Bekhudi Mein Sanam from Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1968) (Lyricist: Akhtar Romani, Music Director: Kalyanji Anandji)

The duet featuring Shashi Kapoor and Babita was the most popular song of the album. It’s one of the rarest Bollywood songs written by Akhtar Romani. Interestingly the actress later married Shashi’s nephew Randhir Kapoor. The movie also included the popular Rafi solo – Chale The Saat.

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

The song was filmed on Biswajit and less-known actress, Kumud Chhugani. Yet this romantic song is lovely, was extremely popular and can never miss our list. Read a few more lovely songs filmed on Biswajit.

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

Definitely it’s the first hit duet of both in R. D. Burman composition, and I believe it’s their first recorded duet by Pancham da, though he has recorded their solos and duets with other singers earlier. The song was lovely filmed on Shashi Kapoor and Asha Parekh in a lovely location as a singing competition between two groups, and it resembles very much with director Nassir Hussain’s previous outing with Asha Parekh, Dil Dekho Dekho in a song sequence along with a chain of incidents. The musical instrument Duggi was played by the iconic Bollywood musician Homi Mullan. 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 song is based on Jharkhand tribal folk music, and that’s why song sounds different.

8. Baagon Mein Bahar 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. Asha Bhosle is the co-singer of Gunguna Rahi Hai while Lata’s voice was used for Farida Jalal. In this particular song, Rajesh Khanna tries to get a ‘Yes’ nod from Farida and he finally wins it.

9. Teri Bindiya Re from Abhimaan (1973) (Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Music Director: S. D. Burman)

During his early phase of career, voices of Rafi and Yesudas were frequently used for Amitabh Bachchan, and ‘Teri Bindiya Re’ featuring Bachchan and his wife Jaya Bhaduri is one of the finest songs of Rafi for the superstar. The movie was released soon after the marriage of celebrated star pair.

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

An evergreen romantic song featuring Rajendra Kumar and Vyjayanthimala is still popular, especially for its magical lyrics. This love triangle was the second highest grosser of the decade, if inflation figures are adjusted. In the 1960s, Rafi was the ghost voice of Kumar, who played a magnificent role in establishing him as ‘Jubilee Kumar’. Lata Mangeshkar used to be frequent playback voice for Vyjayanthimala, and when they sang together, it created rainbows on screen. But for this particular song, Lata sings only a couple of final lines (only its Mukda), and very often this song is considered to be Rafi solo. Hasrat wrote this beautiful song when he fell in love with a Hindu girl named Radha. Interestingly Vyjayanthimala’s character name in Sangam is also Radha. 

11. Jo Wada Kiya from Taj Mahal (1963) (Lyricist: Sahir Ludhianvi, Music Director: Roshan)

Taj Mahal is widely regarded as one of the finest works of Roshan in his short career as a composer and he earned his single Filmfare Best Music Director Award for this 1962 movie. The movie also included the popular duet of Rafi and Lata – Paaon Chhoo Lene Do. The song which told a lot about given promises was filmed on Pradeep Kumar and Bina Rai.

12. Tasveer Teri Dil Mein from Maya (1961) (Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Music Director: Salil Chowdhary)

It’s the single Salil Chowdhary composition featured in this list. The song was filmed on Dev Anand and Mala Sinha. The movie, along with its music were extremely popular.

13. Chup Gaye Saare Nazaare from Do Raaste (1969) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Music Director: Laxmikant-Pyarelal)

Do Raaste was one of the early movies which established Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz as a celebrated screen pair. The duo shared amazing chemistry throughout the song sequences of Chup Gaye Saare Nazaare and it’s the only duet of entire album. The solo tracks – Bindiya Chamkegi sung by Lata and Yeh Reshmi Zulfein sung by Rafi also became extremely popular.

14. Sau Saal Pehle from Jab Pyar Kise Se Hota Hai (1961) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar-Jaikishen)

The song was filmed on Dev Anand and Asha Parekh, and the song was immensely popular. The movie also included a fun-filled duet, Yeh Aankhen Uff Yun Maa sung by Lata and Rafi.

15. Patta Patta Boota Boota from Ek Nazar (1972) (Lyricists: Majrooh Sultanpuri & Mir Taqi Mir, Music Director: Laxmikant-Pyarelal)

Majrooh Sultanpuri and Mir Taqi Mir have been credited as lyricists, and the song was filmed on Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya. Though the movie was a flop, this song is still remembered.

16. Yeh Dil Tum Bin Kahin Lagta Nahin from Izzat (1968) (Lyricist: Sahir Ludhianvi, Music Director: Laxmikant-Pyarelal)

It’s the only duet sung by Rafi and Lata for the album, and it was filmed on Dharmendra and Tanuja. Dharmendra played a double role in the movie, which is always remembered for being the only full-fledged Bollywood film of south Indian star and former CM, Jayalalithaa.

17. Mujhe Kitna Pyar Hai Tumse from Dil Tera Diwana (1962) (Lyricist: Shailendra, Music Director: Shankar-Jaikishen)

Dil Tera Diwana is best remembered for some of the finest tunes of SJ along with some hilarious comic scenes of Mehmood. The movie has a total of 7 tracks, of which four are duets of Rafi and Lata. The title track as well as Mujhe Kitna Pyar Hai Tumse became instant chartbusters. Both were filmed on Shammi Kapoor and Mala Sinha. Masoom Chehra Ye Qatil Adayen and Jane Wafa Jane Jahan are the rest two, belong to soft music genre. The movie also included extremely popular solo track of Rafi – Nazar Bachakar Chale Gaye Woh.

18. Dil Tera Diwana Hai Sanam from Dil Tera Deewana (1962) (Lyricist: Shailendra, Music Director: Shankar-Jaikishen)

This rain song featuring Shammi Kapoor and Mala Sinha is lovely and extremely romantic to watch on screen. What a lovely tune! The song never misses the list of music fans of 1960s, who love Shammi Kapoor a lot.

19. Aawaz Deke Humein Tum Bulao from Professor (1962) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar-Jaikishen)

In the list of 25 best duets, Professor is the only movie from which I chose two songs. The movie provided comedy relief to many, and the evergreen tracks too have no other comparisons. The composers earned Filmfare award too. The movie marked the screen debut of Kalpana and she looks amazing with Shammi Kapoor on screen. While most of its tracks are fun-filled, it’s a sad song.

20. Main Chali Main Chali from Professor (1962) (Lyricist: Shailendra, Music Director: Shankar-Jaikishen)

The song was filmed on Shammi Kapoor and Kalpana. Please don’t get confused with ‘Padosan’ song – ‘Main Chali Main Chali’ sung by Lata. The movie included two chartbuster solos of Rafi – Aye Gulbadan and Khuli Palak Mein Jhoota Gussa, both filmed on the lead pair, but not as duets.

21. Rim Jhim Ke Geet from Anjaana (1969) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Music Director: Laxmikant Pyarelal)

The duet was filmed on Rajendra Kumar and Babita. The movie also included a couple of hit duets like Woh Kaun Hai and Jaan Chali Jaye, filmed on the lead pair.

22. Jhilmil Sitaron Ka from Jeevan Mrityu (1970) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Music Director: Laxmikant-Pyarelal)

The movie marked the successful screen debut of Rakhee Gulzar, and she worked with Dharmendra in many movies later too. The song was lovely filmed, and Rakhee is also shown as a teacher in the song sequence.  

23. Yuhi Tum Mujhse Baat Karte Ho from Saccha Jhoota (1970) (Lyricist: Indeevar, Music Director: Kalyanji Anandji)

One of the rarest songs sung by Rafi for Rajesh Khanna post Aradhana success, Lata Mangeshkar’s voice was frequently used for Mumtaz then. The actors are seen in an intoxicate state, fully out of mind because of a mistakenly taken drug, where they forget everything and express love for each other. Indeevar penned the lyrics who frequently worked the music duo.

24. Waada Karle Saajna from Haath Ki Safai (1974) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi, Music Director: Kalyanji Anandji)

The duet featured Simi Garewal aside Vinod Khanna, and it was a flashback sequence after parting. Vinod Khanna won Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for Haath Ki Safai for this film; his single Filmfare award in acting category.

25. Din Sara Guzara from Junglee (1961) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan)

Junglee is one of the finest works of Rafi as a playback singer, and also best among the works of Shankar-Jaikishen. All the songs of the film were extremely popular. The movie also gave big break to Shammi Kapoor as an actor, along with the debutant Saira Banu. The song come in lines with the iconic parting song ‘Abhi Na Jao Chodkar’ filmed on Dev Anand and Sadhana, released the same year. This ‘parting’ song is best to end a list of some of the greatest duets of the legends.

Please visit the home pages of Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar. 

A list of few more lovely duets of Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

1. Aa Mere Humjoli Aa from Jeene Ki Raah

2. Aadhi Sachchi Aadhi Jhooti from Fakira

3. Aaja Teri Yaad Aayi from Charas

4. Aapne Yaad Dilaya from Aarti

5. Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke from Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke

6. Chadti Jawani from Caravan

7. Chala Bhi Aa Aaja Rasiya from Man Ki Aankhen

8. Chalo Dildar Chalo from Pakeezah

9. Chhadi Re Chhadi from Mausam

10. Dafliwale Dafli from Sargam

11. Dekho Rootha Na Karo from Tere Ghar Ke Samne

12. Dheere Dheere Chal from Love Marriage

13. Dil Mein Kya Hai Tere from Jigri Dost

14. Woh Jab Yaad Aaye from Parasmani 

15. Dil Todne Wale Tujhe Dil from Son of India

16. Do Sitaron Ka Zameen Par from Kohinoor

17. Ek Daal Par Tota Bole from Chor Machaye Shor

18. Ek Tera Saat Ho from Wapas

19. Gori Ke Haath Mein Jaise Ye Challa from Mela

20. Hai Re Hai from Hamjoli

21. Hum Tumhare Liye from Intaqam

22. Itna To Yaad Hai Mujhe from Mehboob Ki Mehndi

23. Kabhi Raat Din Hum Door The from Aamne Samne

24. Kitna Pyara Wada from Caravan

25. Kuhu Kuhu Bole Koyaliya from Suvarna Sundari

26. Laagi Chute Na from Kali Topi Lal Rumaal

27. Mere Mitwa Mere Meet Re from Geet

28. Mujhe Teri Mohabbat Ka Sahara from Aap Aye Bahaar Aye

29. O Sanam Tere Ho Jayen Hum from Aayi Milan Ki Bela

30. Pao Choole Ne from Taj Mahal

31. Rang Rang Ke Phool Khile from Aan Milo Sajna

32. Rut Hai Milan Ki Sathi Mere Aa Re from Mela

33. Saathiya Nahin Jana from Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke

34. Tere Ghar Ke Samne from Tere Ghar Ke Samne

35. Tere Nainon Ke Main Deep Jalaoonga from Anuraag

36. Tik Tik Tik Mera Dil from Hamjoli

37. Tu Ganga Ki Mauj from Baiju Bawra

38. Tumhare Bin Guzare Hain Kai Din from Atmaram

39. Tumhari Nazar from Do Kaliyan

40. Yeh Aankhen Uff Yun Maa from Jab Pyar Kise Se Hota Hai

41. Zara Samne To Aao from Janam Janam Ke Phere

42. Zindagi Bhar Nahi Bhoolegi from Barsaat Ki Raat

43. Tere Bin Soone Nain Hamare from Meri Surat Teri Ankhen

44. Tum To Pyar Ho from Sehra

45. Ne Soniye of The Train

46. Saathiya Nahi Jana from Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke 

47. Ek Tera Saath Hum Ko Do Jahan Se Pyara Hai from Wapas 

48. Kuhu Kuhu Bole Koyaliya from Suvarna Sundari

49. Humko Hone Laga Hai Pyar Tumse from Dil Ne Pukara

50. Masoom Chehra Ye Qatil Adayen from Dil Tera Diwana

51. O Sanam Tere Ho Gaye Hum from Jhuk Gaya Aasman

52. Chupa Ke Mere Aakhon Ko from Bhabhi

53. Aao Tumhe Pyar Sikhadoon from Upasana

You might be interested to read some of the topics written on Lata Mangeshkar Here is the page link. Click on the images to read.