Top 30 Bollywood Chartbusters of R. D. Burman and Anand Bakshi combination

In the 1970s, there was a musical age when the group of 4 great artists – R. D. Burman, Anand Bakshi, Rajesh Khanna and Kishore Kumar created some great music. Their successful association started in the early 1970s, post the success of Aradhana (a project completed by R. D. Burman on behalf of his father and the rest two artists were associated), and they went on to give chartbuster songs for Amar Prem, Ajnabee, Aap Ki Kasam, The Train, Kati Patang, Mehbooba etc. Along with it, Anand Bakshi also wrote numerous songs for Amitabh Bachchan movies, mostly composed by R. D. Burman and Laxmikant Pyarelal. In fact, Anand Bakshi penned lyrics for 302 Laxmikant Pyarelal movies and 99 R. D. Burman movies, of which songs of 1970s and early 1980s were most popular. In fact he was the most busy lyricist during these years.

Before R. D. Burman got frequently associated with Anand Bakshi in the early 1970s, he predominantly worked with Majrooh Sultanpuri for Nasir Hussain movies. So in the 1970s and 1980s too, they continued with their association for the filmmaker. But when it comes to Rajesh Khanna movies, R. D. Burman preferably worked with Anand Bakshi. For the single movie of Rajesh Khanna produced by Hussain – Baharon Ke Sapne in the 1960s, Majrooh Sultanpuri and Burman worked together. As in the case of Amitabh Bachchan, as the actor has never worked in Nasir Hussain films, this combination has never occurred, though Majrooh has penned lyrics for R. D. Burman movies where Amitabh starred in the directorial ventures with other directors.

Teesra Kaun (1965) marked their association and Tum Karo Vaada (1993) was the last

R. D. Burman got associated with Anand Bakshi for the first time for Feroz Khan-Kalpana starrer Teesra Kaun in 1965. The duet track – Pyar Ka Fasana sung by Lata and Mukesh became popular. The movie also included Asha Bhosle number – O Dilruba. It was followed by Pati Patni (1966), which includes a less-known rain song of Lata Mangeshkar – Kajra Badarva Re filmed on Nanda, and Chandan Ka Palna before they began their succesful association in the early 1970s with the songs of The Train, followed by Kati Patang. When they joined hands for their first time in mid-1960s, both were relatively newcomers, and in the 1970s, the combination of Anand Bakshi, R. D. Burman, Rajesh Khanna and Kishore Kumar delivered countless chartbuster hits. Needless to say, their association also established their successful careers.

In the 1980s, when the quality of music was affected very much, along with the career of Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan in the mid-1980s, the golden era of R. D. Burman – Anand Bakshi songs virtually came to an end. Only a few songs released during this decade got noticed. After 1985, R. D. Burman’s glorious era virtually came to a halt. 1993 release Tum Karo Vaada was their last work together, before R. D. Burman passed away in the early January 1994.

None of those legends of the glorious era, R. D. Burman, Anand Bakshi, Rajesh Khanna and Kishore Kumar are alive right now, and it’s my humble tribute to honour all these artists for their immense contributions towards Bollywood. In the main list, I have listed 30 of the best songs of R. D. Burman and Anand Bakshi combination and have given importance to chartbusters, while I have added a few more at the bottom of the list. I have added the songs based on year of release.

List of 30 best songs of R. D. Burman – Anand Bakshi combination

1. Gulabi Aanken from The Train (1970) – Playback Singers: Mohammed Rafi

Let me begin with this dance number starring Nanda and Rajesh Khanna. As far as I believe it’s the first chartbuster song of Rajesh Khanna in R. D. Burman tunes. Though they have earlier worked together in Baharon Ke Sapne, the movie is remembered for a couple of evergreen melodies sung by Lata Mangeshkar, though both songs were filmed on Khanna and Parekh. The successful association of R. D. Burman and Rajesh Khanna began only in the 1970s with The Train, where he used Rafi’s voice to record all songs for Rajesh Khanna. I doubt if the songs were recorded before Aradhana magic swept movie buffs across the nation, the movie released the previous year, where R. D. Burman recorded remaining songs originally composed by his father, and Kishore Kumar-Rajesh Khanna pair became a smash hit.

Gulabi Ankhein is one of the very rarest Rafi tracks recorded by Pancham da for Rajesh Khanna. He resembles Shammi Ji’s dance style on screen, though he fells flat. Dance steps of Khanna and Nanda look funny when we watch now, but not its rendition or music. Ne Soniye is a very popular duet sung by Rafi and Lata from the same album, featuring the lead pair. R. D. Burman has recorded quite a few duets like Kaheko Bulaya Mujhe from Humsakal (1974) for Rajesh Khanna in Rafi’s voice.

2. Yeh Shyaam Mastani from Katti Patang (1971) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

After the release of The Train, Katti Patang was the second association of Anand Bakshi and R. D. Burman for any Rajesh Khanna movie, and when the movie became a huge hit, their Jodi also got established in Bollywood, paving way to a new generation of music. Yeh Shyaam Mastani is a picnic song with romantic shades, filmed on Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh, and my most favourite track of the album. Kishore Kumar incorporated his signature yodelling style in this highly eccentric romantic track.

3. Pyar Deewana Hota Hai from Katti Patang (1971) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

Yet another romantic song filmed on Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh, it’s not easy to say, for which song Kishore Kumar excelled in singing. With three hit films in a row, Aradhana, Katti Patang and Amar Prem, Shakti Samanta-Rajesh Khanna duo hit a hat-trick. In fact the director played an important role in making Khanna the ‘nation’s lover boy’.

4. Na Koi Umang Hai from Katti Patang (1971) – Playback Singers: Lata Mangeshkar

Though Katti Patang is best known for the romantic solos of Kishore Kumar, the title track sung by Lata Mangeshkar for Asha Parekh, also needs special mention. Anand Bakshi received a Filmfare nomination for the same, the first time when he received for an album tuned by Pancham da.

5. Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai from Katti Patang (1971) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

Kishore Kumar received Filmfare nomination for this heart breaking song. Rajesh Khanna, with his unique style gave full justification for this song on screen. ‘Jis Gali Mein Tera Ghar’ sung by Mukesh was also well written by Bakshi.

6. Phoolon Ka Taron Ka from Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar/Lata Mangeshkar

The child version was sung by Lata Mangeshkar, and the adult version by Kishore Kumar, and both versions became extremely popular. Kishore Kumar version appears in the film climax and features almost all actors of the film including Dev Anand, Zeenat Aman and Mumtaz. Child version appears at the opening reels.

7. Dum Maro Dum from Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971) – Playback Singers: Asha Bhosle

Though the song got into a few controversies for the lyrics penned by Bakshi, this dance number well-established the career of Asha Bhosle, and she received a Filmfare award. The movie also featured a duet, Kaanchi Re Kaanchi sung by Kishore and Lata, which narrowly missed the list. It was rumoured that S. D. Burman was extremely dissatisfied with Pancham da for tuning this song, and didn’t talk to him for some time. The full version of the song was not included in the theatre release as its filmmaker Dev Anand feared that the song will overshadow the movie. In those days, filming a song with lyrics ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ in the backdrop of drugs and hippie culture was a daring act, which didn’t go well with conservative society then. Interestingly when the song was remixed and used after three decades for Akshay Kumar starrer Bhool Bhulayya in 2007, it was also dragged into controversies for its picturization. 

8. Chingari Koi from Amar Prem (1972) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

Songs of Amar Prem, based on classical ragas was R. D. Burman’s clear cut answer to the music critics, who always blamed and criticized him for creating ‘bad music’. The tunes are enough to give testimony that R. D. could handle both rock and ragas with ease. After the success of Aradhana, when Shakti Samanta repeated the same lead pair for Amar Prem, he chose R. D. Burman as its music composer, who completed his father’s assignment neatly for the director.

9. Raina Beeti Jaayi from Amar Prem (1972) – Playback Singers: Lata Mangeshkar

Burman tuned this song in Raga Khamaj, which was enough to give a shock treatment to his critics. Sadly, R. D. Burman was not nominated at Filmfare awards. All the songs were exceptionally well, and I just made a choice of three songs to be included in this list. In my opinion, Amar Prem is the finest work of R. D. Burman and Anand Bakshi together, followed by Kati Patang, without any flaws, and will stay ‘Amar’ in the hearts of love forever.

10. Kuch To Log Kahenge from Amar Prem (1972) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

I should say Anand Bakshi’s powerful and unique lines stand above Burman’s tunes and Kishore’s rendition. When people tell badly about Sharmila Tagore’s character, she is in tears and our hero Rajesh Khanna tries to comfort her saying it is people’s business to tell something about others always and we should not care about it. Yes, hats off to Anand Bakshi to write such meaningful lyrics – still relevant and open for debates.

11. Jaane Jaa Doondta from Jawani Diwani (1972)  – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

One of the best duets of Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle all time, the song was beautifully filmed as a hide-and-seek game. All the songs were smash hits. Till then Jaya Bhaduri who was known for her stereotype next-door girl type film roles, played a glamorous role in this movie. The song featured Randhir Kapoor aside her. The movie featured three duets of Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar including Agar Saaz Cheda To and Nahi Nahi Abhi Nahi. The solo tracks of Kishore – Samne Yeh Kaun Aaya and Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani too received warm welcome from youth. Its easy lyrics penned by Anand Bakshi went well with younger generations.

12. Nahi Nahi Abhi Nahi from Jawani Diwani (1972) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

The sizzling featured Jaya Bhaduri and Randhir Kapoor, and is one of the finest duets sung by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle in the 1970s. Just before the song, the lead actress had left her father’s home to live with her boyfriend, but she is a little confused with its consequences.

13. Panna Ki Tamanna Hai Ki from Heera Panna (1973) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

A very popular duet pictured on Zeenat Aman and Dev Anand, its music composed by R. D. Burman is still popular. In this song, Zeenat Aman tries to trick the actor with sweet honeycombed romantic words to retrieve a costly diamond from his car, which she had hidden inside without his knowledge. The song was listed at #14 on the Binaca Geetmala annual list 1974.

14. Hum Dono Do Premi from Ajnabee (1974)  – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

The first Bollywood song to be fully shot on the top of the train, it was the first film of the lead pair – Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat Aman too. The heroine had left her home to start a new life with her lover, and they are set for a new journey.

15. Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein from Ajnabee (1974) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

This sizzling rain song featuring Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat Aman is immensely popular till now, and one of the top popular romantic tracks loved by youngsters till now.

16. Ek Ajnabee Haseena Se of Ajnabee (1974)  – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

The song picturization starring Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat Aman makes us remember the popular ‘Khilte Hain Gul Yahan’ track of Sharmilee, that one too, a popular solo of Kishore Kumar. Ajnabee is a successful outing of the celebrated quadrumvirate of 1970s – Rajesh Khanna, Kishore Kumar, Anand Bakshi and Burman.

17. Karvatein Badalti Rahe from Aap Ki Kasam (1974)  – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

Though all the songs did exceptionally well, the film did only average business. The movie included two chartbuster duets filmed on the lead pair – Karvatein Badalti Rahe and Jai Jai Shiv Shankar (listed at #2 on Binaca Geetmala annual list 1974). I just made a choice between the two, only because of the beautiful poetic lyrics penned by Bakshi for ‘Karvatein Badalti Rahe’ song. Otherwise I love both these songs equally.

18. Zindagi Ke Safar Mein from Aap Ki Kasam (1974)  – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

Kishore Kumar has sung some of the best philosophic and soulful melodies for Bollywood and Zindagi Ke Safar Mein is one such. This sad and thoughtful song was filmed on Rajesh Khanna, who breaks his relationship with his wife stating infidelity, but later repents. Yes, as the words of Anand Bakshi say, certain places/spaces once gone from life, they will never return.

19. Bade Achchhe Lagte Hain from Balika Vadu (1976)  – Playback Singers: Amit Kumar

The song sung by none other than Kishore Kumar’s son Amit, who registered his first hit song through this one. R. D. Burman has always tried to promote Amit through his songs, though he couldn’t make it big. The humming female voice of the song is believed to be that of heroine’s. Correct me if I am wrong. The song featuring Sachin and Rajini Sharma was listed at #26 on the Binaca Geetmala annual list 1977.

20. Mere Nayana from Mehbooba (1976)  – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar/Lata Mangeshkar

Kishore Kumar rendition is far better than Lata Mangeshkar’s – it’s my personal opinion only. This touching song rendered by Kishore da can bring tears to listeners’ eyes, and was more popular too. The song based on Raga Shivranjani played an important role in the sequence continuity of the film. Kishore’s version had Rajesh Khanna playing a guitar while Hema Malini listens to it. Lata Mangeshkar’s voice was used for Hema’s and it appears multiple times in the movie in broken parts.

21. Aise Na Mujhe Dekho of Darling Darling (1977)  – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

Zeenat Aman and Dev Anand formed an amazing sizzling pair in the mid-1970s. They also worked together as siblings in Hare Rama Hare Krishna. One of the best songs sung by Kishore Kumar for Dev Anand, its wonderful lyrics made its remixed version extremely popular in the mid-2000s.

22. Hum Bewafa Harghiz Na from Shalimar (1978) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

This much-anticipated film tanked at box office. But the film is still remembered for this popular ‘Bewafa’ song sung by Kishore da. Dharmendra was featured in this heart-breaking song. Both Kishore Kumar and R. D. Burman received nominations at Filmfare awards for their respective works. “One Two Cha Cha“ song from the film also gathered a Filmfare nomination for Usha Uthup. The movie entered Bollywood history books as it recorded the last Rafi song for Shammi Kapoor. 

23. Do Lafzon Ki Hai Dil Ki Kahaani from The Great Gambler (1979)  – Playback Singers: Asha Bhosle

Amitabh Bachchan and Sharad Kumar provided back vocals for Asha Bhosle in this particular song filmed on a Gondola in Venice’s Grand Canal. Sharad Kumar is the same person who played the role of Zeenat Aman’s brother in Don, whose death prompts Helen’s character to take revenge. The song also included a few Italian wordings.

24. Sawan Ke Jhoole Pade Hai from Jurmana (1979)  – Playback Singers: Lata Mangeshkar

The song had two versions, happy and sad, both sung by Lata, and there is only slight version between the two. I liked the sad version most. Though Rakhee gets separated from her family and others who believes her to be dead, it’s her rendition of this particular song at a radio station which brings the family together. Romantic version features Amitabh Bachchan and Rakhee, along with Vinod Mehra in a few shots. The song makes me remember some of the solo tracks sung by Lata Mangeshkar for S. D. Burman movies like Abhimaan, Sharmilee etc in the early 1970s.

25. Pyaar Karne Waale from Shaan (1980)  – Playback Singers: Asha Bhosle

The movie is best remembered for its chartbuster songs than its story. Parveen Babi sync-lips to Asha Bhosle’s voice in this song, where she appears as a performer. Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor are present among audiences.

26. Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai from Rocky (1981)  – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

The movie marked the acting debut of Sanjay Dutt and he was featured aside Tina Munim in this evergreen romantic song composed by R. D. Burman. The movie also featured the dance track, Aa Dekhe Zara, a popular duet of Kumar and Asha.

27. Apne Pyar Ke Sapne Sach Hue from Barsaat Ki Ek Raat (1981) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

Rakhee Gulzar has done some of the best movies of her career with Amitabh Bachchan in the second half of 1970s and early 1980s. After the release of Kabhi Kabhi in 1976, they became one of the most sought lead actors on screen. In this particular song she is a blind girl, who is extremely happy because all her dreams to get a good life partner have come true.

28. A Ri Pawan Dhunde Kise Tera Mann from Bemisaal (1982) – Playback Singers: Lata Mangeshkar

Yet another romantic song of Amitabh Bachchan and Rakhee Gulzar combination, Anand Bakshi penned one of his finest songs for this movie. After Jurmana, Amitabh, Rakhee and Vinod shared screen space together in Bemisaal. The trio appears together for the song, Kitna Khoobsurat Yeh Tasweer Hai song in the splendid locations of Kashmir.

29. Badal Yun Garajta Hai from Betaab (1983)  – Playback Singers: Shabbir Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

It’s a rain song featuring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh in their debut roles in a film telling teenage love story. Jab Hum Jawa Honge was the most popular song of the album. But I chose Badal Yun Garajta Hai, purely based on the quality of lyrics and it’s only my personal choice. But I need to add here, Anand Bakshi received a Filmfare nomination for the lyrics of Jab Hum Jawa Honge. R. D. Burman was also nominated.

30. Aur Kya Aheda Wafa from Sunny (1984)  – Playback Singers: Suresh Wadkar/Lata Mangeshkar

The movie had two of my personal favourites – Jaane Kya Baat and Aur Kya Aheda Wafa. Though Jaane Kya Baat sung by Lata Mangeshkar is my personal favourite, I chose the second one purely based on lyrics. The song had two versions. Female version featured Dharmendra and Sharmila Tagore, and male version featured his son Sunny Deol and Sharmila’s future daughter-in-law Amrita Singh.

Here I list a few more songs for your playlist….

1. Kajre Badarva Re from Pati Patni (1966) – Playback Singers: Lata Mangeshkar

2. Jis Gali Mein Tera Ghar Na Ho Balma from Kati Patang (1971) – Playback Singers: Mukesh

3. Kanchi Re Kanchi from Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

4. Chanda O Chanda from Lakhon Mein Ek (1971) – Playback Singers: Lata Mangeshkar/Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

5. Aaj Unse Pehli Mulaqat Hogi from Paraya Dhan (1971) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

6. Tera Mera Judaa Hona Mushkil Hai from Paraya Dhan (1971) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

7. Dil Haye Mera Dil from Paraya Dhan (1971) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

8. Aao Jhoome Gaaye from Paraya Dhan (1971) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

9. O Saathi Chal from Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)  – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

10. Koi Ladki Mujhe Ka from Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)  – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

11. Yeh Kya Hua from Amar Prem (1972) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

12. Bada Nathat Hai from Amar Prem (1972) – Playback Singers: Lata Mangeshkar

13. Samne Yeh Kaun Aaya from Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani (1972) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

14. Agar Saaz Cheda To from Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani ( 1972) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

15. Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani from Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani (1972) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

16. Sun Champa Sun Tara from Apna Desh (1972)  – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

17. Duniya Mein Logon Ko from Apna Desh (1972) – Playback Singers: R D Burman and Asha Bhosle

18. Kajra Lagake Gajra Sajake from Apna Desh (1972) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

19. Diye Jalte Hain Phool Khilte Hain from Namak Haraam (1973) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

20. Nadiya Se Dariya Dariya Se Saagar from Namak Haraam (1973) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

21. Neend Churake from Shareef Budmaash (1973) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

22. Dil Se Dil Milne Ka from Charitraheen (1970) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

23. Kaheko Bulaya Mujhe from Humshakal (1974) – Playback Singers: Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

24. Ja Re Ja Bewafa Nahi Tujhko Pata from Dil Diwana (1974) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

25. Jai Jai Shiv Shankar from Aap Ki Kasam (1974)  – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

26. Suno Kaho Kaha Suna from Aap Ki Kasam (1974)  – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

27. Mehbooba O Mehbooba from Sholay (1975)  – Playback Singers: R. D. Burman

28. Jab Tak Hai Jaan from Sholay (1975) – Playback Singers: Lata Mangeshkar

29. Ruk Jana O Jana Humse from Warrant (1975) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar

30. One Two Cha Cha from Shalimar (1978) – Playback Singers: Usha Uthup

31 Mein Tumko Kya Kahoon from The Great Gambler (1979) – Playback Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

32. Maine Poochha Chand Se from Abdullah (1980) – Playback Singers: Mohammad Rafi

33. Khatuba Khatuba O Khatuba from Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1980) – Playback Singers: Asha Bhosle

34. Yamma Yamma from Shaan (1980) – Playback Singers: Mohammed Rafi and R. D. Burman

35. Jaanu Meri Jaan from Shaan (1980) – Playback Singers: Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle and Usha Mangeshkar

36. Dekho Maine Dekha Hai Yeh Ek Sapna from Love Story (1981)  – Playback Singers: Amit Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

37. Yaad Aa Raha Hai from Love Story (1981)  – Playback Singers: Kumar Gaurav and Vijayetaa Pandit

38. Jab Hum Jawan Honge from Betaab (1983)  – Playback Singers: Shabbir Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

39. Jaane Kya Baat from Sunny (1984)  – Playback Singers: Lata Mangeshkar

Please go through the gallery below, and click on the links to read a few interesting topics of this iconic composer. Here is the page link. You can also read a few posts below.