Oct 03, 2002 10:40 AM
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(Updated Oct 03, 2002 10:42 AM)
What does the name Kishore Kumar remind you of? A hugely talented singer, with a rare talent for yodeling, a terrific sense of the romantic, and huge penchant for the tragic. If there was one blemish in this otherwise complete singer, it was his lack of classical training. That was where, I felt that Mohd. Rafi scored over him. One can never imagine KK chant Man Re Tu Kahe Na Dheer Dhare, or Ye Mahalon Ye Takhton Ye Tajon Ki Duniya.
Yet, he remains one of the brightest gems of Hindi film music. Here are some of my favourites, though not necessarily in that order.
O Mere Dil Ke Chain
Lovely lyrics, a typical RD Burman flavour with KK at his best. Capable of making any lover swoon with delight.
Ye Jeevan Hai, Is Jeevan Ka
What a song. KK just wins you over with his rendition
Ruk Jana Nahin Tu Kahin Haar Ke
Another one of KK’s gems. This song actually inspires you not to give up in the face of hardships. Majrooh Sultanpuri excelled as a lyricist here.
Mera Jeevan Kora Kaghaz
This song reflects the tragedy of someone who has lost everything in life.
Kisi Baat Pe Main Kisi Se Khafa Hoon
Composed by RD Burman for Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Bemisaal, set to lyrics by Anand Bakshi, picturised on Amitabh Bachchan and sung by KK. An interesting thing to note is that despite brilliant performances by everyone mentioned here, this is one of the most under-rated movies ever, in all departments, despite its overall brilliance.
Raah Pe Rehte Hain
A similar fate for Namkeen and its music. This gem of a song was written by Gulzar, composed by RD Burman sung by KK and enacted by Sanjeev Kumar. I am sure not too many have seen the movie, and even few people have heard this beautiful song.
Tere Mere Milan Ki Ye Raina
Need I say anything here? I cried when I saw this beautiful KK-Lata duet picturised on Amitabh and Jaya.
Pag Ghungroo Bandh Meera Nachi Thi
KK just freaks out here, and on-screen, so does Amitabh
Khai Ke Paan Banaraswala
The whole country just danced with KK-Amitabh
Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain ki I Love You
Another item song by the Kk-Amitabh jodi. Just makes you swing.
Thandi Hawa Ye Chandni Suhani
Tell anyone to beat the great romanticism in this song from Jhumroo. KK composed the music here.
Dukhi Man Mere Sun Mera Kehna
Again, not one of his very famous songs. But I would go for this simple SD Burman composition any day.
Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas
Romance just oozes out of every line and word in this song. Heady stuff!
Eena Meena Deeka
Fun-stuff
Zindagi Ka Safar Hai Ye Kaisa Safar
Rajesh Khanna and KK were a potent combination. The title track of Safar is one of the al-time hit KK songs. Terrifically poignant. Do they make such songs any more? Nah!
Ek Haseena Thi, Ek Deewana Tha
KK was in super form here. Even his other song in this film(Karz), Om Shanti Om, is incredible fare.
Khwab Ho tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat Kaun Ho Tum Batlao
Here is another great combo that KK formed – with Dev Anand, the evergreen star.
Arre Yaar Meri Tum Bhi Ho Ghazab
KK and his masti. Dev at it again.
Le Jayenge Le Jayenge
This KK number has actually inspired the title of the all-time hit film Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge.
De De Pyaar De
A hit song during his last few years. It also won him several awards.
People would wonder why I have not included his more famous songs like Mere Sapnon Ki Rani, Chingari Koi Badhke, etc. The reason is that KK was far more talented than just his hit songs.
