Top 50 Evergreen Bollywood Songs of Shankar Jaikishan – Mohammed Rafi Combination

Bollywood music has always witnessed some great friendships and combos, who contributed a lot to make Hindi music popular among the masses. R. D. Burman – Kishore Kumar, Madan Mohan – Lata Mangeshkar, O. P. Nayyar – Asha Bhonsle, Shankar Jaikishan – Mukesh, R. D. Burman – Asha Bhosle, Naushad – Mohammed Rafi and above all, Shankar Jaikishan – Mohammed Rafi, the most celebrated combo of Bollywood music who gave major contributions to Bollywood music 1960s.

1960s was fully dominated by Shankar Jaikishan – Mohammed Rafi songs

Shankar Jaikishan duo, shortly called SJ remained the most celebrated music composers of 1960s and Rafi remained the supreme power of playback singing during the same period. With early 1970s, with the emergence of R. D. Burman and Kishore Kumar, their dominance in Bollywood music started falling rapidly. But as huge music fans of melodies, we have no complaints. We are extremely grateful with every bit of music they created for us. Every artist has a peak period, followed by a downfall, and we should accept this fact, rather than comparing them with new league of artists in the 1970s. Also after the Jaikishen’s sudden death in 1971, their peak period virtually came to an end.

Through this column let us try to find the best songs of Shankar Jaikishan sung by Mohammed Rafi. No doubt, the trio along with lyricists Hasrat Jaipuri and Shailendra formed the most integral part of Bollywood music – 1960s. Though they started working together in the early 1950s, with Nanhe Munne Bachche from Boot Polish (1953) being their early hit, songs of Junglee in 1962 played a magnificent role in idolizing them as the most celebrated music composer-playback singer duo. It was followed by a series of their countless chartbuster songs belonging to different genres, popularizing filmy music among common people.

Among all actors, Shammi Kapoor was most benefited by the combo work of the legends – SJ, Rafi, Hasrat Jaipuri and Shailendra. Needless to say, Rafi’s voice played an integral part in establishing a romantic image of Shammi Kapoor and the lion share of my selected songs belong to Shammi Kapoor, though unintentionally. Rajendra Kumar is the second leading name, and my list also features numerous songs of Jubilee Kumar. Biswajeet, Joy Mukherjee, Shashi Kapoor, Dharmendra etc are a few more, who are better identified through Rafi’s songs of 1960s. Yet I can’t deny the fact that things changed drastically in the early 1970s, and most music composers replaced those combos with Kishore Kumar’s voice. Please visit my Mohammed Rafi page as well. So let us leave behind all those discussions and travel back to the golden era of Hindi music, so that we can pick some of the best songs created by the legends.

Shankar Jaikishen-Mohammed Rafi Top 50 Songs

1. Dheere Dheere Chal from Love Marriage (1959) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

Let us begin the list with this romantic track filmed on Dev Anand and Mala Sinha. Love Marriage is the only film of 1950s in this list, and most of the space is specially reserved for Rafi tracks of golden 1960s.

2. Dheere Chal from Boyfriend (1961) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

The song filmed Shammi Kapoor as a lover in an eccentric romantic and joyful mood while Madhubala as a ‘sleeping beauty’. It’s not an original song and “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. As stated above, music of Love Marriage was also done by SJ. I believe, the background score of the film was also done by SJ, who composed the original track. Boyfriend also included hit Rafi tracks like Mujhe Apna Yar Banalo and Salam Aap Ki Meethi Nazar Ko Salam. The movie is one of the early works of SJ and Shammi Kapoor together.

3. Jiya O Jiya from Jab Kisise Pyar Hota Hai (1961) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

The second movie featured in this list also belongs to Dev Anand. Though Dev Anand is mostly associated with S. D. Burman, who equally used Kishore Kumar and Rafi’s voice for recording his songs, there are quite a few movies where tunes are composed by SJ. Among the list, songs of Jab Kisise Pyar Hota Hai definitely top the list, and I included three of them here. I like these three songs equally. This particular song was filmed in a train on the lead pair, Dev Anand and Asha Parekh. Is ‘Mere Sapnon Ki Rani’ from Aradhana a spoof of this song? Definitely it seems Shakti Samanta got inspired by its picturization, and both are opening songs too.

4. Teri Zulfon Se Judai to Nahi of Jab Kisise Pyar Hota Hai (1961) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

The song was filmed on Dev Anand and Asha Parekh, and a popular Rafi solo. In the beginning of the song, Asha Parekh performs ‘Is Hirsoo Hawas Ki Duniya Me Armaan Badalte Dekhe Hai’ (in Lata’s voice) before the audience, followed by Dev Anand who performs ‘Teri Zulfon Se Judai’. Hasrat Jaipuri’s lyrics are really wonderful, no words to explain its beauty.

5. Sau Saal Pehle from Jab Pyar Kise Se Hota Hai (1961) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

This romantic track was filmed on Dev Anand and Asha Parekh, and was sung by Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar. This duet is highly regarded as one of the best duets of 1960s.

6. Chahe Mujhe Koi from Junglee (1961) (Lyricist: Shailendra)

The movie and ‘Yahoo’ song gave a major twist to the careers of SJ, Rafi and Shammi Kapoor, and with their collaboration a new era was born. 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, Shammi Kapoor rose to stardom and Rafi permanently became the ghost voice of Shammi Kapoor Along with stardom, Rafi’s voice also gave a new romantic image to Shammi Kapoor, who was mostly associated with unsuccessful family dramas till then.

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. Please visit Shammi Kapoor page here. 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 debutante Saira Banu in the snow hills of Kashmir, soon after he falls in love with her.

7. Ehsaan Tera Hoga from Junglee (1961) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

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.

8. Din Sara Guzara from Junglee (1961) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

It’s the only duet in the album consisting of 8 songs. In Rafi and Lata’s voices, Shammi Kapoor and Saira Bhanu gave full justification to this song. The song come in lines with the iconic parting song ‘Abhi Na Jao Chodkar’ filmed on Dev Anand and Sadhana, released the same year. Ai Ai Aa Suku Suku is yet another popular Rafi solo from Junglee.

9. Teri Pyari Pyari Surat Ko from Sasural (1961) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

Year 1961 had two of the best films of Rajendra Kumar, best remembered for its music. Teri Pyari Pyari Surat Ko from Sasural composed by SJ and Husn Wale Tera from Gharana composed by Ravi, earned two of the three nominations of the year. Remember, during those years, there was no separate category for male and female playback singers. Finally Teri Pyari Pyari Surat Ko from Sasural earned Rafi Filmfare award for best playback singer, while Ravi along with Shakeel Badayuni bagged Filmfare awards in best music and best lyricist (for this particular category) respectively. Teri Pyari Pyari Surat Ko was filmed on B. Saroja Devi and Rajendra Kumar, and the movie also included a popular duet of Rafi and Lata, Ek Sawal Main Karoon. Interestingly Hasrat wrote the lyrics for his wife Chanda Jaipuri.

10. Mujhe Kitna Pyar Hai Tumse from Dil Tera Diwana (1962) (Lyricist: Shailendra)

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 duets. The movie also included extremely popular solo track of Rafi – Nazar Bachakar Chale Gaye Woh.

11. Dil Tera Diwana from Dil Tera Diwana (1962) (Lyricist: Shailendra)

It is a rain song film filmed on Mala Sinha and Shammi Kapoor, and we can listen to this beautiful romantic multiple number of times without getting bored. We are not lucky to see such magical compositions in present era, sadly but true.

12. Nazar Bachakar from Dil Tera Diwana (1962) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

The songs of Dil Tera Deewana are extremely beautiful that I concluded to add 3 songs to this list. This particular song was also filmed on Shammi Kapoor and Mala Sinha, and it was their third film after Rangeen Raten (1956) and Ujala (1959). Needless to say, Dil Tera Deewana is their most successful film as a lead pair. The duo also appeared together in 1981 film Harjaee in supporting roles.

13. Main Chali Main Chali from Professor (1962) (Lyricist: Shailendra)

The song was filmed on Shammi Kapoor and Kalpana, who marked her screen debut with Professor. Please don’t get confused with ‘Padosan’ song – ‘Main Chali Main Chali’ which was also sung by Lata. The movie included Lata-Rafi duet, Awaaz Deke Hamein Tum and two chartbuster solos of Rafi – Aye Gulbadan and Khuli Palak Mein Jhoota Gussa, both filmed on the lead pair, but not as duets.

14. Aye Gulbadan from Professor (1962) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

Shankar Jaikishan bagged the prestigious Filmfare best music composer award, and definitely Professor is one of the finest musical albums in the 1960s. Both Mohammed Rafi, who rendered his voice, and Hasrat Jaipuri who penned the lyrics earned a Filmfare nomination in respective categories too.

15. Aawaz Deke Humein Tum Bulao from Professor (1962) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

This sad song was filmed on Shammi Kapoor and Kalpana. While most of its songs were fun-filled and romantic, this one is a sad version of romantic mood filmed on the lead pair.

16. Khuli Palak from Professor (1962) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

Professor is one among the major works of SJ and I included 4 of its best Rafi tracks in this list. All the four songs listed here were filmed on the lead pair, Shammi Kapoor and Kalpana. This romantic comedy was a huge hit and Shammi Kapoor bagged Filmfare nomination in the best actor category too.

17. Tujhe Jeevan Ki from Asli Naqli (1962) (Lyricist:  Hasrat Jaipuri)

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.

18. Ek But Banaoonga Tera Aur from Asli Naqli (1962) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

I would prefer to add this Rafi solo also to the list. The song was filmed in a classroom on Dev Anand and Sadhana with the backdrop of rain, and no doubt, they share an amazing screen chemistry in this romantic song. Throughout the film song, the director Hrishikesh Mukherjee took care to maintain a safe distance of at least 20 feet between them till the song climax, and he also brings characters like goat into film screen.

19. Yaad Na Jaye Beete Dinon Ki from Dil Ek Mandir (1963) (Lyricist: Shailendra)

Whenever songs of Jubilee star comes into discussion, this particular sad number can never miss the list. Rafi added some extra life to this soulful melody. It’s one of the finest solos of Rafi- Shankar Jaikishan combination.  The movie also included some of the extremely popular tracks of 1963 – Rafi’s Yahan Koi Nahi Tere Mere Siva, and Ruk Jaa Raat & Hum Tere Pyar Mein – Lata Solos and the title track, a duet of Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur.

20. Tum Hi Tum Ho from Ek Dil Sau Afsane (1963) (Lyricist: Shailendra)

This song is so special and it would be a big mistake if this song misses the list. Do you know why? It’s one of the very rare occasions where Mohammed Rafi rendered his voice for Raj Kapoor. So I feel it like a precious gem. After listening to this song, you might definitely think, ‘If more Raj Kapor songs were recorded in Rafi’s voice!’ Lata Mangeshkar rendered her voice for Waheeda Rehman for this beautiful duet, and it’s the single duet of the entire album. Let me add, SJ recorded this song in Rafi’s voice because Mukesh was not available for recording. Initially he recorded it as a dubbing version only. But when Raj Kapoor was deeply impressed by its rendition, he decided to keep this ‘dubbing’ version. Mukesh too appreciated the same. Definitely some incidents happen for good reasons.

21. Humne Zafa Na Seekhi from Zindagi (1964) (Lyricist: Shailendra)

This sad solo song was filmed on Rajendra Kumar and best remembered for its well-written lyrics as well as rendition.

22. O Sanam Tere Ho Gayen Hum from Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964) (Lyricist: Shailendra)

Saira Bhanu and Rajendra Kumar made a beautiful pair in this romantic film. It’s the only film where Dharmendra appeared in a negative role. This is a popular duet sung by Rafi and Lata. Tumko Hamari Umar Lag Jaye is a popular Lata solo from the film. Tum Kamsin Ho Nadaan Ho penned by Hasrat Jaipuri and sung by Rafi too was popular.

23. Ye Mera Prem Patra Padhkar from Sangam (1964) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

An evergreen romantic song, the song featured Rajendra Kumar and Vyjayanthimala. This love triangle (with Raj Kapoor completing the romantic triangle) was the highest-grossing film of the year, and if inflation rates are adjusted, the second highest grosser of the decade. The movie proved to be a milestone of Kumar’s career, and he also got a Filmfare nomination in supporting role. He was well on his way to becoming the Jubilee Kumar, riding on the crest of SJ’s music. Shankar Jaikishan’s popular music was nominated at Filmfare awards. Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega – an ode to love and romance had three playback singers for a single song, Mukesh, Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar.

24. Aa Gale Lag Jaa from April Fool (1964) (Lyricist: Shailendra)

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. It was the first successful work of SJ for Biswajeet film. 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. The title track – April Fool Banaya, sung by Rafi was a hit and can fit into any joyful mood.

25. Tujhe Pyar Karte Hain from April Fool (1964) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

The popular duet was filmed on Biswajeet and Saira Banu, and they look cute on screen together. Suman Kalyanpur is the female voice. The movie also included yet another popular duet of the duo, Kehdo Kehdo Jahan Se Kehdo.

26. Is Rang Badalti Duniya Mein from Rajkumar (1964) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

Three solos of Rafi were recorded for the film, and all of them were instant hits including the title song. This particular song featuring Shammi Kapoor and Sadhana was penned by Hasrat Jaipuri. The movie also included all-time hit Lata song – Aaja Aayi Bahar, featuring the lead pair.

27. Tumne Kise Ke Jaan Ko from Rajkumar (1964) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

Rajkumar is one among the finest works of Shankar – Jaikishen, the music duo who has always reserved something for their favourite star, Shammi Kapoor. Though its music was a huge hit and still loved by music fans, it couldn’t win any nominations at Filmfare awards. This soft solo of Rafi was filmed on Sadhana and Shammi Kapoor.

28. Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye from Rajkumar (1964) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

SJ regularly worked with Hasrat Jaipuri and Shailendra, and in most projects they share work between the two lyricists. Same is the case of Rajkumar too. Hasrat Jaipuri penned the lyrics of this particular song, and Rafi & Suman Kalyanpur rendered their voices. The song featured the lead pair.

29. Tumse Acha Kaun Hai from Janwar (1965) (Lyricist:  Hasrat Jaipuri)

Shammi Ji is seen flirting Rajshree in this song filmed on some chilled hill station of North India, by river side. Lal Chadi is yet another flirting song featured on the lead pair, which narrowly missed this list. The movie also included the very popular dance song, Dekho Abto Kisiko Nahin Hai Khabar. The song was set to the tune of the Beatles song “I Wanna Hold Your Hand“, and recorded in the voices of Rafi and Asha Bhosle.

30. Meri Mohabbat from Janwar (1965) (Lyricist: Shailendra)

Onscreen performance is done by Shammi Kapoor and Rajshree. Like many Shammi fans, I too got smitten by the looks and charisma of Shammi Ji in this intense love song. Shammi Kapoor chose some of the strange titles for his films such as Junglee, Pagla Kahi Ka, Badameez etc and Janwar is one such, and SJ composed music for all these movies.

31. E Phoolon Ki Rani from Arzoo (1965) (Lyricist:  Hasrat Jaipuri)

There are many popular solos sung by Rafi for Rajendra Kumar in Arzoo – 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. In fact, Lata Mangeshkar’s Aji Rooth Kar Ab Kahan Jaiyega was the USP of the music album. Just I chose one among the best to give space for more films.

32. Jaane Chaman Shola Badan from Gumnaam (1965) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

It’s a rain song filmed on Nanda and Manoj Kumar, and a lovely duet of Rafi and Sharda. The movie also included the iconic song, Hum Kaale Hai To Kya Hua sung by Rafi, and filmed on Mehboob and Helen.

33. Baharon Phool Barsao from Suraj (1966) (Lyricist:  Hasrat Jaipuri)

This Rafi solo too is regarded as one of the most popular songs of Jubilee Kumar. Quite co-incidence, the song also had ‘Mere Mehboob’ tag which has always proved lucky to the Jubilee star. The movie with several popular songs won Filmfare award for best music direction of 1966 as well as best male playback singer. A few songs were written by Shailendra as well. Titli Udi, Chehre Pe Giri Zulfein, Kaise Samjhaoon Badi Nasamajh Ho and Itna Hai Tumse Pyaar Mujhe are other popular songs of the movie. Vyjayanthimala features in this song aside Rajendra Kumar, and wonderful art work done by the art director to create a beautiful forest and swing. 

34. Oh Mere Shahe-Khuban from Love in Tokyo (1966) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

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. 

35. Aaja Re Aa Zara from Love in Tokyo (1966) (Lyricist:  Hasrat Jaipuri)

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.

36. Le Gayi Dil from Love in Tokyo (1966) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

This peppy solo version of Rafi was filmed on Asha Parekh and Joy Mukherjee. After the release of this film, this particular song and looks of Asha Parekh became so popular that Asha earned the nickname, ‘Japani Gudiya’. Some of the big films in the 1960s shot in foreign locations and used to coin the film titles too; Love in Tokyo, An Evening in Paris, Night in London etc being the best instances. Interestingly Mohammed Rafi sang solo versions of title tracks of Love in Tokyo and An Evening in Paris, which became the USP of the album. Music was composed by SJ for both. Title track of Night of London is a duet of Rafi and Lata, though not composed by SJ. It was not as popular too.

37. Raat Ke Hamsafar from An Evening In Paris (1967) (Lyricist: Shailendra)

This romantic track featuring Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore was shot in some of the best locations of Paris. The duet sung by Rafi and Asha Bhonsle was an instant chartbuster.

38. Akele Akele from An Evening In Paris (1967) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

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.

39. Aajkal Tere Mere from Brahmachari (1968) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

It’s the biggest chartbuster song of Suman Kalyanpur’s career, and Shammi Kapoor is seen flirting Mumtaz in this song, the actress who was a B-grade actress then with a few second lead and supporting roles in A-grade films to her credit. The song benefitted a lot in the careers of both Mumtaz and Suman Kalyanpur. Many people assume it to be the voice of Lata Mangeshkar, but not it is. Aajkal Tere Mere is the single duet in the entire album consisting of 6 tracks. Rest 5 were Rafi. Interestingly the tune was initially rejected, which disheartened Shankar a lot. The tune was later approved by Shammi Kapoor who listened to it, and it became the USP of the entire album.

40. Dil Ke Jharoke Mein from Brahmachari (1968) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

This heart breaking song featuring Shammi Kapoor, Pran and Rajshree is my personal favourite song from the album. Shammi Ji is seen playing a piano while Rajshree is seen in tears. For the year 1969, Rafi earned all the three nominations at Filmfare award, with two nominations from Brahmachari and finally winning it for Dil Ke Jharokhe Mein. Lyrics penned by Hasrat Jaipuri also earned a Filmfare nomination and is still popular.

41. Meri Zindagi Me Aate To Kuch Aur Baat Hoti from Kanyadan (1968) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

This Rafi solo was filmed on Shashi Kapoor and Asha Parekh, one of the top pairs of 1960s. In the 1960s Shashi Kapoor had a chocolate hero image, mostly doing romantic roles. 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. Likhe Jo Hath Tujhe from Kanyadaan (1968) (Lyricist: Neeraj)

It’s one of the very rare occasions where Neeraj wrote songs for SJ tunes, and he penned three songs for the movie. Likhe Jo Hath Tujhe is the most popular track of the album, filmed on Shashi Kapoor and Asha Parekh, and a solo version of Rafi.

43. Kaun Hai Jo from Jhuk Gaya Aasman (1968) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

This Rafi solo featuring Rajendra Kumar can never miss this list. Music was composed by Shankar Jaikishan and lyrics penned by Hasrat Jaipuri. 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 movie also included some of the popular tracks of 1960s – Unse Mili Nazar Ke Mere Hosh Ud Gai, Mere Tumhare Beech Mein, Sacha Hai Gar Pyar Mera and Kahan Chal Diye Idhar To Aao.

44. Badan Pe Sitare from Prince (1969) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

This sensuous song in Rafi’s voice is a party number filmed on Vyjayanthimala and Shammi. We can see Shammiji trying to woo his heroine in this song, and he finally succeeds. The movie also included a few more Rafi chartbusters such as Muquabla Humse and Nazar Mein Bijli Ada Mein Shole.

45. Gar Tum Bhula from Yakeen (1969) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

This spy thriller is best known for Rafi solo, Gar Tum Bhula. Onscreen performers are Dharmendra and Sharmila Tagore, and it was filmed as a parting song. The song also had a female version sung by Lata.

46. Dekha Hai Teri Aankhon Mein Pyar from Pyar Hi Pyar (1969) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

The title track is a solo version sung by Rafi, and filmed on Vyjayanthimala and Dharmendra. In the song sequence, the actress tries to fool him by showering her false love towards him. The movie included yet another very popular Rafi solo, Mein Kabhi Kavi Na Ban Jau.

47. Kabhi Humne Nahi from Tumse Achha Kaun Hai (1969) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

This energetic Mohammed Rafi features Babita aside Shammi Kapoor. As usual Shankar Jaikishen composed music and Hasrat Jaipuri. 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. The movie title has been coined from one of the very popular songs of Shammi Kapoor from the movie Janwar.

48. Aap Ko Pehle Bhi Kahi Dekha Hai from Tum Haseen Mein Jawan (1970) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

It’s the only Hema Malini song featured in this list, and it’s a dance sequence filmed aside Dharmendra long before they started dating. Rafi sang this duet with Asha Bhosle, and is the title track of the album too. I get the shades of ‘Badan Pe Sitare’ in the beginning lines of Antara of this song, a very rare happening. Do you feel the same?

49. Tum Mujhe Yu Bhula Na Paoge from Pagla Kahin Ka (1970) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

The song had two solo versions, one in Rafi’s voice and second one in Lata’s voice, and both featured the lead pair, Shammi Kapoor & Asha Parekh. SJ composed the music and Hasrat wrote lyrics. Its title song sung by Rafi too was popular.

50. Na Rooto Na from Jawa Mohabbat (1971) (Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri)

Shammi Kapoor owns only less number of hit songs in the 1970s, and this teasing number featuring Asha Parekh and Shammi worth mentioning. They remained a hit pair of 1960s. But when this movie got released, they had already passed their good old days. Jaikishen too passed away the same year, bringing down the curtain of a glorious era. Rafi and Asha Bhosle’s duet make us remember ‘O Mere Sona Re’ composed by R. D. Burman in the 1960s. One of the best works of SJ in the 1970s, only two songs from the album is worth mentioning. The second one is Jab Mohabbat Jawan Hoti Hai in Rafi’s voice.

End note: Only three duets of Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle have been featured in this list – Raat Ke Humsafar, Na Rooto Na and Aap Ko Pehle Bhi Kahi Dekha Hai. SJ predominantly used Lata Mangeshkar’s voice to record the duets with Rafi. The composers mainly used Asha’s voice to record fast numbers. When the singing legends Lata and Rafi vowed not to work together and they kept the vows for a few years, SJ used Suman Kalyanpuri and Sharda to record duets with Rafi, while they never replaced Rafi’s voice with other artist to bring Lata on board. For them, Rafi was just irreplaceable. Also, when SJ tricked into recording ‘Mein Ka Karoon Ram’ of Sangam in Lata’s voice much to the displeasure of the artist, she didn’t sing for the composers for a short interval. During those days, Shankar Jaikishen experimented with other female voices for the industry, both for singles and duets. Dekho Abto Kisiko Nahin Hai Khabar from Janwar and Yehi Hai Woh Sanjh Aur Savera from Sanjh Aur Savera are a couple of popular duets in Rafi and Asha’s voice, recorded by SJ.

A few more chartbuster hits of Shankar Jaikishen – Mohammed Rafi combination

1. Nanhe Munne Bachche from Boot Polish (1953), Lyrics – Shailendra

2. Suku Suku from Junglee (1961), Lyrics – Shailendra

3. Chheda Mera Dil Ne Tarana from Asli Naqli (1962), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

4. Tum Sab Ko Chhod Kar from Dil Ek Mandir (1963), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

5. Tum Kamsin Ho Nadaan Ho from Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri)

6. April Fool Banaya from April Fool (1964), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

7. Yahi Hai Wo Saanjh Aur Savera from Sanjh Aur Savera (1964), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

8. Laal Chhadi Maidan Khadi from Jaanwar (1965), Lyrics – Shailendra

9. Khayaalon Mein from Gumnaam (1965), Lyrics – Shailendra

10. Jaan Pehchaan Ho from Gumnaam (1965), Lyrics – Shailendra

11. Ajee Humse Bachkar from Arzoo (1965), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

12. Chalke Teri Aankhon Se from Arzoo (1965), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

13. E Nargis E Mastana from Arzoo (1965), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

14. Dekho Abto Kisiko Nahin Hai Khabar from Janwar (1965), Lyrics – Shailendra

15. Budtameez Kaho Ya Kaho Janwar from Budtameez (1966), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

16. Aasman Se Aaya Farishta from An Evening In Paris (1967), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

17. Deewane Ka Naam from An Evening In Paris (1967), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

18. An Evening in Paris from An Evening In Paris (1967), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

19. Choti Si Mulakat Pyar Ban Gayi from Choti Si Mulaqat (1967), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

20. Tujhe Dekha Tujhe Chaha Tujhe Puja Maine from Choti Si Mulakat (1967), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

21. Tan Mein Agni from Laat Saheb (1967), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

22. Jane Mera Dil Kise Dhoond Raha Hai from Laat Saheb (1967), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

23. Main Gaon Tum So from Brahmachari (1968), Lyrics – Shailendra

24. Rukh Se Zara Naqab Utha Do from Mere Huzoor (1968), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

25. Jo Khushi Mujhe Hai Mujhko (Jo Guzar Rahi Hai Mujhpar) from Mere Huzoor (1968), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

26. Kahan Chal Diye Idhar To Aao from Jhuk Gaya Aasman (1968), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

27. O Sanam Tere Ho Gaye Hum from Jhuk Gaya Aasman (1968), Lyrics – Shailendra

28. Sachcha Hai Pyar Mera Agar from Jhuk Gaya Aasman (1968), Lyrics – Shailendra

29. Kahan Chal Diye from Jhuk Gaya Aasman (1968), Lyrics – Shailendra

30. Sau Baras Ke Zindagi Se from Sachai (1969), Lyrics – Rajinder Krishan

31. Main Kahi Kavi from Pyar Hi Pyar (1969), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

32. Janam Janam Ke Saath from Tumse Acha Kaun Hai (1969), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

33. Khuda Bhi Aasman Se from Dharti (1970), Lyrics – Rajinder Krishan

34. Teri Neeli Neeli Ankhon Ki from Jaane-Anjaane (1971), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

35. Thoda Ruk Jayegi To Tera Kya Jayega from Patanga (1971), Lyrics – Indeevar

36. Dil Use Do from Andaaz (1971), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

37. Hai Na Bolo from Andaaz (1971), Lyrics – Hasrat Jaipuri

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