Top 25 Laxmikant-Pyarelal Bollywood Compositions sung by Mohammed Rafi

The long-term association of Laxmikant-Pyarelal with Mohammed Rafi started right from the early 1960s, when the duo composers started doing projects together. When Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s career kicked off with Parasmany in 1963, Rafi sang the popular duet with Lata, Woh Jab Yaad Bahut Yaad Aaye, which became immensely popular. When songs of Dosti released the following year, there were 5 Rafi songs out of 6 in the whole album, and the songs like “Chahoonga Main Tujhe Saanj Savere”, “Rahi Manwa Dukh Ki Chinta”, “Mera To Jo Bhi Kadam”, “Jaanewalo Zara” and “Meri Dosti Mera Pyar” became the biggest chartbusters of the year, and helped the playback singer and composers to earn Filmfare awards. It cemented their ‘Dosti’ and it stayed so till Rafi passed away in 1980. Between Parasmany (1963) and Karz (1980), a lot of happenings occurred and let us list 25 of the best Bollywood songs in Rafi and Laxmikant-Pyarelal combination.

1. Woh Jab Yaad Aaye from Parasmani (1963) (Lyricist:  Indeevar)

379 Rafi songs were born in Laxmikant-Pyarelal tunes. Let me begin with the first recorded song of Laxmi-Pyare and Rafi combination. Rafi-Lata duet filmed on Mahipal and Geetanjali was an instant hit. The movie also included a very popular solo track of Rafi, Salamat Raho Salamat Raho. I am a bit confused, which song is better?

2. Hui Sham Unka Khayal Aa Gaya from Mere Hamdam Mere Dost (1968) (Lyricist:  Majrooh Sultanpuri)

It’s a sad solo of the movie, filmed on Dharmendra, who feels betrayed by his lover by hiding her real identity. The actor is seen sunk in a heap of drink bottles and sadly remembers his lover.

3. Na Jaa Kahi Ab from Mere Hamdam Mere Dost (1968) (Lyricist:  Majrooh Sultanpuri)

This romantic track is a Rafi solo, 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. Laxmikant-Pyarelal has also composed numerous hit songs for Dharmendra in the 1960s and 1970s. Mere Hamdam Mere Dost had 7 chartbuster solos, all recorded in the voices of Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi. Rafi solos like Chhalka Yeh Jaam and Hui Sham Unka Khayal Aa Gaya too were top songs of the year.

4. Aaj Mausam Bada Beimaan Hai from Loafer (1973) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi)

Yet another Dharmendra song of LP composition filmed in a beautiful park. This time Dharmendra romances Mumtaz on screen and this Rafi solo is still popular among the masses. It’s the single Rafi of the entire album consisting of 6 songs.

5. Chahunga Main Tujhe from Dosti (1964) (Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri)

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.

6. Mast Baharon Ka Main Aashiq from Farz (1967) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

The spy thriller film proved to be a major turning point of Jeetendra’s career, and his dance movies for this iconic song earned him the nickname, ‘Jumping Jack’. Aruna Irani makes a special appearance in this song aside Jeetendra. Mast Baharon Ka Main, Baar Baar Din Ye Aaye and Tumse O Haseena are the three Rafi solos featured in the album. After the immense popularity of the album, LP regularly composed songs for Jeetendra movies.

7. Yeh Reshmi Zulfein from Do Raaste (1969) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi)

Anand Bakshi – Laxmikant Pyarelal combination has given numerous hit songs to Bollywood, especially in the 1970s, when Bakshi wrote several hit songs for R. D. Burman too. In this particular song, Rajesh Khanna praises the beauty of silky hair and beautiful eyes of Mumtaz, who played her first lead role in main stream Bollywood cinema through Do Raaste. Rafi recorded this song for Khanna, before Kishore Kumar became the default voice of Khanna as early as in the 1970s.

The movie also included the popular duet of Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, Chup Gaye Saare Nazaare. The artist who was most benefitted with this romantic track was none other than its female lead, Mumtaz, who romances Rajesh Khanna onscreen. It was one of their early movies together, and they went on to become the most celebrated screen pair of first half of 1970s. LP later composed numerous super hit songs for Mumtaz.

8. Aap Aye Bahaar Ayee from Aap Aaye Bahar Aaye (1971) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi)

The movie starring Rajendra Kumar and Sadhana is remembered for some of the finest song of Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi, including the title track which is a Rafi solo. Popular tracks like Pooche Jo Koi Mujhse (one of my personal favourites), Mujhe Teri Mohabbat Ka Sahara, Tare Kitne Neel Gagan Pe Tare and Koyal Kyon Gaaye, also had Rafi’s voice. No doubt, just like the case of Shammi Kapoor, no other male voice can give 100% justification to Rajendra Kumar.

9. Ek Tera Saath Hum Ko Do Jahan Se Pyara Hai from Wapas (1969) (Lyricist – Majrooh Sultanpuri)

The movie is long forgotten, but not this gem, the lovely duet filmed on less-known actors, Ajay and Alka. Definitely, it’s one of the finest duets of Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi in LP composition. The song filmed on wedding night depicts the bonding between the wedding couple and the dreams which they share together.

10. Oh My Love from Night In London (1967) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi)

Night In London was one of the early films of Biswajeet which marked his successful association with Rafi. Till then most of his film songs were tuned and sung by Hemant Kumar, right from his debut movie. This romantic song starred Biswajeet’s 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.

11. Woh Hai Zara Hafa from Shagird (1967) (Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri)

If someone ask, which is your favourite Rafi song composed by LP, my answer is ‘Woh Hai Zara Hafa’. When I look back into my childhood days ‘Woh Hai Zara Hafa’ still stays there with some Bollywood memories. This Rafi-Lata duet was filmed on Joy Mukherjee and Sairu Banu, and they look cute on screen. The song also gives some comic relief through the funny scenes of I. S. Johar, who also loves the same girl. Rafi also sang a very popular fun duet with Manna Dey – Bade Miya Diwane, for the movie.

12. Patta Patta Boota Boota from Ek Nazar (1972) (Lyricists: Majrooh Sultanpuri & Mir Taqi Mir)

The movie was released when Amitabh Bachchan was only a newcomer to the industry, and Rafi used to sing most of his songs. Patta Patta Boota Boota is a duet sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi, and Amitabh’s future wife Jaya Bachchan features in the song alongside him.

13. Yeh Dil Tum Bin Kahin Lagta Nahin from Izzat (1968) (Lyricist: Sahir Ludhianvi)

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, and the film flopped at box office. It’s one of the very rare occasions when the celebrated poet and lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi penned lyrics for Laxmikant-Pyarelal tune. The movie also featured a solo song sung by Rafi, Kya Miliye Aise Logon Se.

14. Khilona Jaankar Tum from Khilona (1970) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi)

The song starred Sanjeev kumar and Mumtaz, and it’s a sad solo by Rafi. Rafi earned Filmfare nomination for best playback singer. The movie included one more Rafi solo, Khush Rahe Tu Sada.

15. Jhilmil Sitaron Ka from Jeevan Mrityu (1970) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi)

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 on the lead pair, who shares their future dreams together. Lovely lyrics penned by Bakshi made it an evergreen Bollywood song.

16. Rim Jhim Ke Geet from Anjaana (1969) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi)

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

17. Ye Jo Chilman Hai from Mehboob Ki Mehndi (1971) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi)

For Do Raaste and Mehboob Ki Mehndi, the composers used Rafi’s voice for recording songs for Rajesh Khanna. This Rafi solo was filmed on Rajesh Khanna and Leena Chandavarkar. The movie also included a popular duet of Rafi and Lata, Itna To Yaad Hai Mujhe.

18. Saathiya Nahi Jana from Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke (1969) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi)

It’s a popular duet featuring Dharmendra and Asha Parekh, and sung by Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar. The title track is also a popular duet of Rafi and Lata. In fact the title track, a rain song was most popular. The movie also included Rafi solos – Bura Mat Suno, Yeh Shama to Jali and Maajhi Chal. Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed music for several hit movies of Dharmendra in a row.

19. Rang Rang Ke Phool Khile from Aan Milo Sajna (1970) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi)

This popular duet featuring Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh was sung by Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar. The movie also included a Rafi solo, Falak Se Tod Kar Dekho Sitare, though not popular.

20. Mere Dushman from Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi)

I often get confused with two movies of second half of 1960s – Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke and Aaye Din Bahar Ke. Why not? Both film titles look similar, and the lead actors, music composers, lyricist and playback singers are the same. Aan Milo Sajna is yet another Asha Parekh film which I often confuse with these two(Rajesh Khanna is the lead actor and LP composed music score). Lata’s solo – Aaye Din Bahar Ke is the most popular song of the album, followed by two Rafi solos – Mere Dushman and Khkudaya Khair.

21. Na Tu Zameen Ke Liye Hai from Dastaan (1972) (Lyricist: Sahir Ludhianvi)

As far as I know, Dastaan is the only movie of Laxmikant-Pyarelal duo for Dilip Kumar. In this particular song his character realizes that his wife is not faithful and his heart is broken. The movie was a flop, and best remembered for this Rafi solo.

22. Aane Se Uske Aaye Bahar from Jeene Ki Raah (1969) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi)

It came to be a big surprise to everyone following the declaration of Filmfare awards for 1969. Jeene Ki Raah won Filmfare award for best music beating the year’s most popular album, Aradhana. Earlier too, LP surprised everyone when he won the same for Dosti, beating the likes of Sangam and Woh Kaun Thi. Jeene Ki Raah included a few hit duets and solos of Rafi such as Aane Se Uske Aaye Bahar, Aa Mere Humjoli Aa, Ek Banjara Gaaye etc. Aane Se Uske Aaye Bahar was filmed as a party song, featuring Tanuja in a wheel chair and Jeetendra singing for her.

23. Haye Re Haye Neend Nahin Aaye from Humjoli (1970) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

This popular rain song is a duet of Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi, and it was a huge chartbuster when got released. Dhal Gaya Din Ho Gayi Sham aside Asha Bhosle and Tik Tik Tik Mera Dil aside Lata Mangeshkar are other popular Rafi duets of the album.

24. Raat Suhani Jaag Rahi Hai from Jigri Dost (1969) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

The extremely popular duet was filmed on Jeetendra and Mumtaz, and Suman Kalyanpur is Rafi’s co-singer. Jeetendra played a dual role in the movie, and Mumtaz played lead heroine in the film aside less-known actress Poonam Sinha (future wife of Shatrughan Sinha and mother of Sonakshi Sinha, who was credited as Komal in the movie). Out of the 6 tracks, Rafi’s voice was recorded for 5 of them – “Raat Suhani Jaag Rahi Hai”, “Phool Hai Baharon Ka“, “Dil Mein Kya Hai” and “Mere Des Mein Pavan Chale Purvai“.

25. Dard-E-Dil from Karz (1980) (Lyricist: Anand Bakshi)

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 as a performer and also 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. It’s indeed sad that he passed away a few days after the release of the film. By that time, Dard-E-Dil was one of the biggest chartbuster hits of the year.

I preferred to choose the most popular Rafi track from each album, while specifying other hit Rafi songs as well. Hope you liked my choice of songs. If we check the list of Top Rafi songs composed by LP, it can be noticed that most of the songs were penned by Anand Bakshi, who was the most successful lyricist of 1970s. It can also be noticed that Laxmikant-Pyarelal has composed music for several hit movies of Dharmendra in the late 1960s and 1970s.

A few more hit songs of Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Mohammed Rafi combination

LP has given music to countless films in the 1960s and later, and Rafi’s songs were featured till early 1980s. This is a list of songs which I have not mentioned in the above list of hit songs. Some of these tracks are extra-ordinary, such as Dil Kahe Ruk Ja, Parda Hai Parde, Dafliwale Dafli Baja, Ek Na Ik Din Yeh Kahani Banegi etc etc.

1. Kuch Kehta Hai Yeh Sawan from Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

2. Dil Kahe Ruk Ja from Man Ki Aankhen (1970) (Lyricist – Sahir Ludhianvi)

3. Chala Bhi Aa Aaja Rasiya from Man Ki Aankhen (1970) (Lyricist – Sahir Ludhianvi)

4. Ek Na Ik Din Yeh Kahani Banegi from Gora Aur Kaala (1972) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

5. Dafliwale Dafli Baja from Sargam (1979) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

6. Humko Tumse Ho Gaya Hai Pyar from Amar Akbar Antony (1977) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

7. Parda Hai Parda from Amar Akbar Antony (1977) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

8. Nafrat Ki Duniya Ko Chhod Ke from Haathi Mere Saathi (1971) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

9. Yeh Duniya Ke Badaltey Rishtey from Badaltey Rishtey (1978) (Lyricist – Anjaan)

10. Main Ek Raja Hoon from Uphaar (1971) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

11. Shokhiyan Nazar Mein Hain from Aasra (1966) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

12. Ab Jeene Ka Mausam Aaya from Dillagi (1966) (Lyricist – Majrooh Sultanpuri)

13. Haseen Dilruba Kareeb Aa Zara from Roop Tera Mastana (1972) (Lyricist – Asad Bhopali)

14. Bade Bewafa Hain Yeh Husn Wale from Roop Tera Mastana (1972) (Lyricist – Asad Bhopali)

15. Doston Mein Koi Baat from Prem Kahani (1975) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

16. Akela Hoon Main from Jaal (1967) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

17. Saajan Saajan Pukaroon from Saajan (1969) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

18. Hum Tumhare Liye from Intaqam (1969) (Lyricist – Rajinder Krishan)

19. Roothe Rab Ko from Majboor (1974) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

20. Yeh Zulf Kaisi Hai from Piya Ka Ghar (1972) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

21. Teri Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi from Suhaag (1979) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

22. O Sheronwali from Suhaag (1979) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

23. Tere Naam Ka Deewana from Suraj Aur Chanda (1973) (Lyricist – Anand Bakshi)

Also go through the gallery to read a few more articles about Rafi. Here is the page link. Click on the images to read.