Here is Narendra Kusnur’s list of top 15 tunes from this era. See how he made his picks.
This was a period that saw the sudden rise of newer music directors. Laxmikant-Pyarelal, RD Burman and Kalyanji-Anandji did the most films. Though they got their start earlier, Madan Mohan, Hemant Kumar and Ravi had some outstanding songs in the 1960s too. In the following decade, newer names such as Ravindra Jain and Rajesh Roshan did some commendable work. While compiling this list of 15 songs, the focus was to represent a healthy mix of artistes and themes. Since Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi and Mukesh continued to be prolific, they are adequately represented. Kishore Kumar was the star male singer of the late 1960s, and sung a string of hits for reigning superstar Rajesh Khanna. (He would also go on to sing many songs for the next superstar, Amitabh Bachchan.) Of the female singers, Asha Bhosle carved a niche for herself.
Among the lyricists, Raja Mehdi Ali Khan wrote some amazing songs for Madan Mohan, until Khan died tragically young, aged 50, in 1966. Popular songwriter Shailendra passed away the same year, marking a huge loss. Newer lyricists such as Anand Bakshi and Gulzar rose through the ranks. While the former wrote in a language simple enough to be understood by the masses, Gulzar had his own unique style laced with metaphors and wordplay.
The list oscillates between styles. If Hasta Hua Noorani Chehra from Parasmani and Aaja Aaja from Teesri Manzil set your feet tapping, Ek Chatur Naar from Padosan cracks one up with its humour. In contrast to these, there is the patriotic Mere Desh Ki Dharti from Upkar, a motivational song in Hum Ko Man Ki Shakti Dena from Guddi, and an ode to friendship in Yeh Dosti from Sholay.
This period had so many great love songs that many masterpieces couldn’t even be included (I wish I could have made room for Yeh Mera Prem Patra Padhkar from Sangam, Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas from Blackmail and Jaane Jaa Dhoondta from Jawani Diwani). Incidentally, the order of the list below is chronological.
This film marked the debut of Laxmikant-Pyarelal as music directors. This song, with lyrics by Asad Bhopali, was a big hit. Singers Lata Mangeshkar and Kamal Barot were joined by a chorus. While Geetanjali and Mahipal were the stars, this song also featured dancers Jeevankala and Nalini Chonkar.
The combination of singer Lata Mangeshkar, music director Madan Mohan and lyricist Raja Mehdi Ali Khan gave rise to some real magic. The trio had some great songs in the 1966 film Mera Saaya too. Lag Ja Gale remains one of Lata’s biggest hits. It was filmed on Sadhna and Manoj Kumar.
To me, The Guide soundtrack rates among the all-time best in Hindi cinema. Mohammed Rafi sang this song to express his long wait for a loved one, and Dev Anand looked perfect in the role. SD Burman composed the tune, with lyrics by Shailendra.
Based on an Afghani tune composed by Abdul Ghafoor Breshna, this was recreated by music director Ravi with some changes. Manna Dey sang for Balraj Sahni, who was seen serenading Achala Sachdev at a gathering. Lyrics were by Sahir Ludhianvi.
This soundtrack was a big boost to the career of RD Burman and his effort to incorporate elements of rock ‘n’ roll. Aaja Aaja, sung by Asha Bhosle and Mohammed Rafi, had a catchy beat and swinging guitar notes. Lyrics were by Majrooh Sultanpuri. Asha later did many peppy numbers with RD Burman, including Dum Maro Dum in Hare Rama Hare Krishna and Piya Tu Ab To Aaja in Caravan.
This film’s release coincided with 20 years of Independence, and this song became a huge hit as it spoke of India’s rich heritage. Mahendra Kapoor sang the tune by Kalyanji-Anandji. Gulshan Bawra received many awards for the lyrics.
The ultimate “funny song”, it was set in a hilarious sequence featuring Sunil Dutt, Saira Banu, Kishore Kumar and Mehmood. Rajendra Krishan wrote the lyrics, and RD Burman composed the tune. Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey dazzled on vocals.
Aradhana had two big Kishore Kumar hits filmed on Rajesh Khanna: Roop Tera Mastana and Mere Sapnon Ki Rani. In the latter, Khanna followed Sharmila Tagore through a train. SD Burman composed the music, with his son RD Burman assisting. Lyrics were by Anand Bakshi, who became very prominent from that point on.
A masterpiece written by Hasrat Jaipuri, with music composed by Shankar-Jaikishan. Mukesh sang the song for Raj Kapoor, and a symbolic puppet also popped up on screen. The song lamented the loss of earlier times. Jaikishan died nine months after the film’s release.
A popular motivational song still played at schools and public gatherings, this was sung by Vani Jairam and filmed on Jaya Bhaduri, who played a schoolgirl. Vasant Desai composed the music, with lyrics by Gulzar.
Mukesh sang this memorable tune filmed on Rajesh Khanna, who played a person suffering from a rare type of cancer of the intestine. Salil Chowdhury composed the tune, with lyrics by Yogesh. Amitabh Bachchan made an appearance in the song too.
SD Burman’s music in the Hrishikesh Mukherjee film Abhimaan remains an all-time favourite; each song is a gem. Tere Mere Milan, filmed on Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri, was sung by Kishore and Lata, with brilliant lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri.
In his first leading role, Rishi Kapoor had some successful songs sung by the new Shailendra Singh. Laxmikant-Pyarelal created one of their most popular soundtracks, with Bakshi writing the lyrics. Aruna Irani danced in the party scene, though the hero sang the song with Dimple Kapadia in mind.
When it comes to odes to friendship, this one stays right at the top. Dharmendra and Amitabh ride around the countryside on a motorbike with sidecar, happily announcing how attached they are. Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey sang the song, composed by RD, with lyrics by Bakshi.
An adaptation of a Sahir Ludhianvi poem, this was set to music by Khayyam and sung by Mukesh and Lata.
It was picturised on Amitabh, Raakhee and Shashi Kapoor, and was one of the most popular songs of the decade.
In the film, Mukesh also sang Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon, a song said to be inspired by Ludhianvi’s own life.
