Top 25 R. D. Burman Bollywood hits penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri

Majrooh Sultanpuri’s association with R. D. Burman began in the 1960s when the composer was only a newcomer to the industry. Majrooh Sultanpuri penned the lyrics of all songs of Teesri Manzil in 1966 which established the career of R. D. Burman. In fact they regularly worked together throughout 1960s and early 1970s, before R. D. Burman formed a hit pair with lyricist Anand Bakshi. It was a time when R. D was hired by other filmmakers other than Nassir Hussain. Yet Majrooh Sultanpuri continued writing songs for his movies in the 1970s and early 1980s, though not regularly.

Both the legends were best known for their collaboration in Nasir Hussain movies, which produced finest of their combination works. It begins with Teesri Manzil, followed by Baharon Ke Sapne, Pyar Ka Mausam, Caravan, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Hum Kise Se Kum Nahi, Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai and Zabardast. Majrooh also was instrumental in introducing R.D. Burman to Nasir for the movie, Teesri Manzil. Needless to say, most of the songs featured in this list belong to Nasir Hussain movies, because of their immense popularity. After the smash hit of Teesri Manzil, Aangan in 1973 became the only movie of Nasir Hussain (scripted and directed by himself), where he choose new lyricist and music director other than his favourites.

After that, Qayamat Se Qayamat became the first film for which Nasir Hussain hired a new composer, followed by Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, both starring Aamir Khan, while he retained Majrooh Sultanpuri as the lyricist for both these films. R. D. Burman and Majrooh Sultanpuri have collaborated for other filmmakers too, except Nasir Hussain.

I have noticed one interesting fact. In most cases, R. D. Burman preferred to work with a single lyricist for a single album. This habit is quite different from his contemporaries, who preferred to use at least two lyricists for a single album. In this column, I shall list top 25 songs of R. D. Burman – Majrooh Sultanpuri combination, which gave several evergreen songs to Bollywood in the golden era of music, and for convenience, I shall list songs based on the year of release.

1. Tumne Mujhe Dekha from Teesri Manzil (1966) – Singers: Mohammed Rafi

If someone asks me to choose my most favourite Shammi Kapoor song, here it is. So I am extremely happy to begin this list with one of the best romantic songs ever. Quite surprisingly Tumne Mujhe Dekha was composed not by SJ who gave numerous hit songs to both Shammi Kapoor and Rafi and also popularized this combination through a series of chartbusters, but by very young R. D. Burman who was new to the industry, still working as an assistant to his father, and trying luck with his acting career.

As a music composer, Teesri Manzil was R. D’s first successful work and the only film with Shammi Kapoor, and almost all its songs are extremely popular even today. The charming Kapoor is performing this soft solo in a romantic style before audience in the hotel where he is known by the pseudonym Vicky, and Asha Parekh is also present with tears in her eyes soon after the truth is exposed to her.

2. O Mere Sona Re from Teesri Manzil (1966)  – Singers: Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle

After O. P. Nayyar, Rahul Dev Burman became the second mainstream composer to exclusively reserve Asha Bhosle’s voice for Asha Parekh. All the songs turned out to be huge chartbusters too. In this fun-filled song, we can see Asha Parekh trying to pacify Shammi Kapoor who is in an angry mood, and romance blossoms very soon. I should say, Teesri Manzil is one of the best works of Majrooh Sultanpuri as a lyricist.

3. Aaja Aaja Mein Hoon Pyar Tera from Teesri Manzil (1966) – Singers: Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle

The song got noticed for its rock fusion music as well as unique dance steps of Asha Parekh and Shammi Kapoor. R. D created high octave songs of the movie with a blend of rock, jazz, Latino and a twist of his own unique traits, which stood against the test of time. Two rock numbers with heavy western music instruments and dance steps choreographed by Herman Benjamin made them huge chartbusters of the year. In those days only a few composers attempted in westernizing Indian tunes.

Though composers like R. D and Madan Mohan were blamed by music critics for westernizing Indian tunes, their tunes stood against time and are still popular. All the songs are still regarded as classic rock and a combination of western tunes, and have also inspired many music composers of future generations. Through this particular song, Asha Parekh and her friends try to trick Shammi Kapoor to do a favour for her.

4.O Haseena Zulfonwali Jaane Jahan from Teesri Manzil (1966) – Singers: Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle

I think it’s the first cabaret pictured on Helen with the magical music of Pancham da, and Shammi Kapoor is also seen dancing along with her. Asha Parekh appears as a spectator in this song. The song proved to be a major turning point of Helen’s career, who danced to numerous hit tunes of Burman in the 1970s, mostly in Asha’s voice. I should say here, most music composers rarely explored Asha’s silky voice in the golden era of 1960s (R. D. Burman and O. P. Nayyar are the only exceptions). Herman Benjamin choreographed the dance steps.

5. Deewana Mujhsa Nahin Iss Ambar from Teesri Manzil (1966)  – Singers: Mohammed Rafi

You might be thinking why I chose 5 songs exclusively from a single album. It’s because it’s my most favourite work of R. D. Burman. The album exclusively belongs to Rafi and Asha, and it’s a great compilation of fast, soft and romantic tracks. The movie also included a less-known but beautiful song with wonderful lyrics and lovely rhythm – Dekhiye Sahibon. Almost all the songs were filmed on Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh, my hot favourites among actors of 1960s. No doubt, they make a wonderful pair onscreen.

6. Aaja Piya Tohe Pyar Doon from Baharon Ke Sapne (1967) – Singers: Lata Mangeshkar

The movie is still remembered for two of the best solos sung by Lata Mangeshkar. In this song sequence, Rajesh Khanna is seen in a gloomy mood, and Asha Parekh tries to make him happy. Needless to say Majrooh Sultanpuri wrote two memorable songs of his career for this movie. Pancham introduced the twin track effect to Indian cinema through this movie, and later used it in ‘Katra Katra’ song two decades later.

7. Kya Janu Sajan from Baharon Ke Sapne (1967) – Singers: Lata Mangeshkar

As told above, lyrics of Majrooh made the song immortal. ‘Kya Janu Sajan’ – what a beautiful phrase penned by the poet! Though the movie was B&W, this particular dream sequence song featuring the lead pair – Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh was filmed in colour. The song was reused in 2002 film, Dil Vil Pyar Pyar, a film which offered tribute to the legendary composer, and was sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy.

8. Waadiyan Mera Daaman from Abhilasha (1968)  – Singers: Mohammed Rafi/Lata Mangeshkar

This song had two renderings by Rafi and Lata. Male version featured Nanda and Sanjay Khan, while the female version featured Nanda and Kashinath Ghanekar, a great Marathi theatre personality. When you listen to Rafi’s rendition today, it’s hard to believe that R. D recorded such a beautiful and poetic song in the late 1960s. The movie also included a dream sequence  – Pyar Hua Hai Jab Se sung by Lata and Kishore, one of the earliest tracks sung by Kishore in R. D’s tunes.

9. Na Jaa O Mere Humdum from Pyar Ka Mausam (1969) – Singers: Lata Mangeshkar

This sad track featuring Shashi Kapoor and Asha Parekh is very close to my heart, and this Lata solo can never miss any list of R. D. Burman songs featuring Lata or Majrooh or its actors. All the songs of the movie are indeed melodious. Post the success of Pyar Ka Mausam and Aradhana (recorded by Pancham da on behalf of his father), R. D. Burman turned a huge celebrated composer of Bollywood, and 1970s exclusively belongs to him. Interestingly Pancham da who was keen in his acting career then, also played a brief comic role in the movie sharing screen space with Rajendra Nath.

10. Tum Bin Jaon Kahan from Pyar Ka Mausam (1969) – Singers: Mohammed Rafi/Kishore Kumar

Pyar Ka Mausam is one of the rarest movies where a single track was recorded in both Kishore and Rafi’s voices and both versions excelled in quality. Rafi’s voice (recorded first) was used for Shashi Kapoor version while Kishore Kumar sang for Bharat Bhushan. Rafi’s version was picturised thrice in the film while Kishore Kumar’s twice, and the song was somewhat used as a theme music which played an important role in the sequence continuity of the movie.

The song was recorded and released almost at the same time when Kishore Kumar became the new sensation through a few songs of Aradhana, and Rafi lost his no: 1 position. So there have been huge comparisons between the two singers. Some people liked Kishore’s version with yodelling, while a few others loved Rafi’s rendition, while the rest liked both two. Quite interestingly, Kishore’s songs for Aradhana too were recorded by Pancham da on behalf of his father.

11. Ni Sultana Re from Pyar Ka Mausam (1969) – Singers: Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

The song with a playful mood was filmed on Shashi Kapoor and Asha Parekh in a lovely location, 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. In the movie, it is the first meeting of the lead pair when the heroine is on an outing with her friends, and it was not a pleasant meeting. The musical instrument Duggi was played by the iconic Bollywood musician Homi Mullan, who co-composed the song with Pancham da taking inspiration from mountain folk songs. 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. I think it’s the first duet of Lata and Rafi recorded by Burman.

12. Piya Tu Ab To Aaja from Caravan (1971) – Singers: Asha Bhosle, R. D. Burman

This iconic song filmed on Helen had an iconic phrase ‘Monica … Oh My Darling’ rendered by R. D. Burman and penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri. After the peppy songs of Teesri Manzil, this particular song provided a major break to Asha Bhosle, who later frequently sang cabaret songs filmed on Helen. It was almost at the same time when Lata Mangeshkar decided not to sing for cabaret any more (after recording ‘Aa Jaane Jaa’ of Intequam in 1969), and this decision benefitted Asha’s career a lot.

13. Dilbar Dil Se Pyare from Caravan (1971) – Singers: Lata Mangeshkar

Aruna Irani lip-synced to Lata Mangeshkar for this dance number. The song also featured Jeetendra and Asha Parekh. All the songs of the movie were instant chartbusters which include – Kitna Pyara Wada, Goria Kahan Tera Desh and Chadti Jawani Meri Chaal Mastani. Majrooh was a master of words, absolutely! 

14. Gum Hai Kise Ke Pyar Mein from Rampur Ke Laxman (1972) – Singers: Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

The song is always listed among the top romantic duets of 1970s. Music composed by R. D. Burman and beautiful lyrics penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri took the song to new pleasing music levels. The song was filmed in beautiful frames and in the song sequence Rekha expresses her love towards Randhir Kapoor, via letters and song. Of course Majrooh’s poetic expressions played an important role in their ‘Ikkaraar’.

15. Bangle Ke Peechhe from Samadhi (1972)  – Singers: Lata Mangeshkar

The dance number featuring Asha Parekh was sung by Lata Mangeshkar. This Kaata Lagaa Song remixed in the 2000s was a huge chartbuster, but drew controversies too. The movie also included a very popular solo of Lata Mangeshkar – Jab Tak Rahe Tan Mein Jiya penned by Majrooh.

16.O Mere Dil Ka Chein from Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972) – Singers: Kishore Kumar

This evergreen song featured Rajesh Khanna and Tanuja in a romantic mood, and it’s one of my most favourite Rajesh Khanna songs. Music composed by R. D. Burman played a significant role in film’s success. The movie also included the yodelling song of Kishore Kumar – Chala Jaata Hoon and Asha Bhosle’s evergreen Aao Na Gale Lagaao Na.

17. Yaadon Ki Baaraat from Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) – Singers: Lata Mangeshkar/Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi

The title version had a duet version sung by Rafi and Kishore, and in yet another version shown at the beginning of the movie, popular actor Aamir Khan was seen as the youngest kid among the three boys. This version had Lata Mangeshkar, Padmini Kolhapure & Sushma Shrestha as singers. The duet version of Rafi and Kishore is indeed one of the rarest recorded songs, and was filmed in movie’s climax featuring the three brothers- Dharmendra, Vijay Arora and Tariq Khan. It’s a highly emotional scene of the film, which gives a positive feel whenever I watch it.

18. O Meri Soni Meri Tamanna from Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) – Singers: Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

The movie had two duets in Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar’s voice and O Meri Soni Meri Tamanna is definitely the best. The song featuring Zeenat Aman and Vijay Arora has been remixed and revived several times since late 1990s. Lekar Hum Deewana Dil and Aap Ke Kamre Mein Koi Rehta Hain are two more duets of Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle, penned by Majrooh.

19. Chura Liya Hai from Yadon Ki Baaraat (1973) – Singers: Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle

This tune was originally inspired from English song, If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium from the soundtrack of the 1969 film of the same name. But Burman made his tune his own, by adding his own distinct elements. No doubt, it’s one of the most popular and wonderful duets ever sung by Rafi and Asha, filmed on Zeenat Aman and Vijay Arora. The man known for using unheard and weird ‘music instruments’ for his song recordings to create some rare music tinkled a spoon against the glass to give a unique touch to the song in the beginning, and it was an instant hit. Majrooh’s lyrics also played a magnificent role in making this song ever green and highly romantic.

20. Baahom Mein Chali from Anamika (1973) – Singers: Lata Mangeshkar

One of the finest romantic tracks of 1970s, the song was listed at #36 on Binaca Geetmala annual list 1973. The song was shot at Sur Mandir, a bungalow owned by S D Burman and the famous swing seen in the song was actually purchased by R. D. Burman for his first wife Rita Patel, who was then separated.

21. Meri Bheegi Bheegi Si from Anamika (1973) – Singers: Kishore Kumar

A very popular sad solo of Kishore Kumar featuring Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri, it was listed at #4 on Binaca Geetmala annual list 1973. It’s the single Kishore da song in the album consisting of 5 solos and it’s a heart breaking song. It’s quite interesting there are no duets in this top class music album. Majrooh did a commendable work as a lyricist for both these songs featured in this list. The movie included two popular Asha Bhosle solos – Jaoon To Kahan and Logo Na Maro.

22. O Hansini from Zehreela Insaan (1974) – Singers: Kishore Kumar

Though this movie starring Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh was a huge flop, Zehreela Insaan is still remembered for this great song created by R. D. Burman and Majrooh Sultanpuri. ‘O Hansini….’ – the lyrics is indeed unique, isn’t it? In 2002, the song was revived for the movie, Dil Vil Pyar Vyar, as a tribute to the great composer. Hariharan rendered his voice.

23. Kya Hua Tera Wada from Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977) – Singers: Mohammed Rafi and Sushma Shresta

One of the top songs of Rafi in the 1970s, it’s the only song which earned him a National award. Rafi received his 6^th and final Filmfare award for its rendition, and Sushma Shrestha too received a nomination for the same. Sushma sang only a few lines for this song. It was Rafi’s single Filmfare award in 1970s too, marking his strong comeback in the era dominated by Kishore songs. But unfortunately he passed away in 1980 at the age of only 55. The song was lip synced by Tariq Khan who appeared as a stage performer for this song and Rishi Kapoor and Kaajal Kiran are also seen in the song. Though Pancham da and Majrooh Sultanpuri delivered numerous smash hits for nearly two decades mostly for Nasir Hussain movies, Majrooh received nomination for a song tuned by Burman only twice – Ek Din Bik Jayega Mati Ke Mol from Dharam Karam followed by Kya Hua Tera Wada, but never won both.

The movie included a chain of songs – Chand Mera Dil, Tum Kya Jano Mohabbat Kya Hai, Aa Dil Kya Mehfil Hai Tere and Mil Gaya Hum Ko Saathi, and also instant chartbusters like Bachna Ae Haseeno, Hum Kise Se Kum Nahi, Humko Ko To Yaara Teri Yaari Jaan and Yeh Ladka Haye Allah. In true sense most of these songs deserve a space in this list. I have listed all the bottom of this post, along with a few more tracks.

There is an interesting fact related to this chain of songs. Movie’s director Nasir Hussain went for a disco at London, where he noticed that different songs are being played on dance floor without any break. People were dancing to its tunes and enjoying. So he asked his composer to create 4 or 5 different tunes for a dance sequence and play them together as a single song. Though R. D was not sure enough if such an experiment will be accepted by movie fans, the director was ready to take risk, and the rest, as you know, the chain of songs became huge chartbusters. All those songs were penned by Majrooh.

24. Hamein Tumse Pyar Kitna from Kudrat (1981) – Singers: Kishore Kumar/Parveen Sultana

The song had two versions, and both became immense popular for its lyrics, rendition as well as composition. Lyrics authorized by the popular poet are still popular among youth. The male version sung by Kishore Kumar featured Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini, while the female version sung by Parveen Sultana  had Aruna Irani as a performer, and Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini as spectators.

25. Hoga Tumse Pyara Kaun from Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981) – Singers: Shailender Singh

One of the finest songs sung by Shailender Singh, the singer who became the ghost voice of Rishi Kapoor since the release of movie Bobby, the song was filmed on the top of a train. Padmini Kolhapuri was seen aside Rishi. Though the song sequence doesn’t look natural, it brings some memories of ‘Hum Dono Do Premi’ tuned by same composer.

Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai was one among the last successful associations of R. D. Burman with Majrooh Sultanpuri. When quality music got overridden by disco numbers where lyrics have less significance, the combo of R. D. Burman and Majrooh Sultanpuri couldn’t revive the old generation of music with good melodies. By that time the golden era of Nassir Hussain also came to an end, the filmmaker who hired the duo for all his movies since 1966.

Big thanks to both who gave some precious gems to the newer generation, and it’s my humble tribute to both, who gave birth to some of my most favourite Bollywood tunes – Teesri Manzil, Pyar Ka Mausam, Caravan, Anamika, Yaadon Ka Baarat etc. Needless to say, I love their songs of 1960s and early 1970s most, comparing with their work later, though a few exceptions are there.

A few more memorable songs of R. D. Burman – Majrooh Sultanpuri Combination

1. Mausam Pyar Ka Rang Badalta Rahe from Sitamgar (1985) – Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

2. Poocho Na Yaar Kya Hua from Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981) – Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle

3. Ek Din Bik Jayega Mati Ke Mol from Dharam Karam (1975) – Mukesh

4. Pyar Hua Hai Jab Se from Abhilasha (1968) – Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

5. Lekar Hum Deewane Dil from Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) – Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

6. Jab Tak Rahe Tan Mein Jiya from Samadhi (1972) – Asha Bhosle

7. Dekhiye Sahibo from Teesri Manzil (1966) – Mohammad Rafi

8. Main Na Miloongi from Pyar Ka Mausam (1969) – Lata Mangeshkar

9. Zamane Ne Mare Jawan Kaise Kaise from Baharon Ke Sapne (1967) – Mohammed Rafi

10. Kitna Pyara Wada from Caravan (1971) – Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

11. Goria Kahan Tera Desh from Caravan (1971) – Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle

12. Chadti Jawani Meri Chaal Mastani from Caravan (1971) – Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

13. Chala Jaata Hoon from Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972) – Kishore Kumar

14. Diwana Leke Aaya Hai from Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972) – Kishore Kumar

15. Aao Na Gale Lagaao Na from Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972) –  Asha Bhosle

16. Logo Na Maro from Anamika (1973) – Asha Bhosle

17. Jaoon To Kahan from Anamika (1973) – Asha Bhosle

18. Jab Se Tumko Dekha from Kalia (1981) – Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

19. Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai from Kaalia (1981) – Kishore Kumar

20. Tum Saath Ho Jab Apne from Kaalia (1981) – Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

21. Hai Agar Dushman from Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977) – Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle

22. Chand Mera Dil from Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977) – Mohammad Rafi

23. Yeh Ladka Hai Allah Kaisa Hai from Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977) – Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle

24. Tum Kya Jano Mohabbat Kya Hai from Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977) – R. D. Burman

25. Aa Dil Kya Mehfil Hai Tere from Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977) – Kishore Kumar

26. Mil Gaya Hum Ko Saathi from Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977) – Asha Bhosle

27. Hum Ko To Yaara Teri Yaari Jaan from Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977) – Kishore Kumar

28. Bachna Ae Haseeno from Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977) – Kishore Kumar

29. Bindiya Tarse Kajra Barse from Phir Wohi Raat (1980) – 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.