Gulzar remains my favorite lyricist in Bollywood. In a desert of mediocrity he stands out as an oasis of excellence. There is a saying in my native language Telugu, ?Ganjaya Vanam lo Tulasi Mokka?( meaning The sacred tulsi plant stands out even in a poppy field). Gulzar is that breed of persons who have risen above all failures and successes, to heights which we ordinary mortals can only aspire. Gulzar?s lyrics are those which touch your heart, or what you would call?Dil Ko Choo Lene Wali? gaana. To get his 10 best lyrics, is like wandering into a beautiful garden of flowers and not knowing what to pick. Like I told you, an ordinary person like me has no right to say these are 10 best, since every lyric by Gulzar is a gem by itself. So I picked up 10 of my favorite songs and on the occasion of his birthday today( Aug 18), I sincerely wish Gulzar saab, keeps writing to remind us that there is a light shining in the darkness that envelops the music world today.
- Kahin Door Jab Din Dal Jaaye, Anand
This song is a sublime masterpiece, that?s the only way I can describe this song. Tuned by that maestro Salil Choudhury and sung beautifully by the great singer Mukesh, this song is immortal. It touches your soul and heart.
?Kabhi to yeh dil kahin mil nahi pate
Kahin Se Nikal Aae, Janmon Ke Naate,
Ghanni Thi Uljhan, Bairi Apna Man
Apna Hi Hoke Sahe Dard Paraee, Dard Paraee?
- Ek Akela Is Shehar Mein, Gharonda
One of the best pathos songs of all time. Beautifully depicts the frustration and loss of hope by the hero. In the same movie you have the song?Do Dewaane Shehar Mein? where the young couple is full of hope about life, and here you have the hero being dejected with life. Beautifully tuned by Jaidev and well sung by that wonderful but underrated singer Bhupinder.
?Din Kaali Kaali Barthan Hai,
Aur Raat Hai Jaise Andha Kua,
In Sooni Andheri Aankon Se,
Aansu ki jagah aata hain Dhuan,
Jeene Ki Wajah Koi Nahin, Marne Ka Bahana Dhoondta Hain?
- Tere Bina Zindagi Se, Aandhi
Such a lovely song which beautifully describes the feelings of the hero and heroine who are meeting after a long gap. In fact it was difficult for me to get the best song from Aandhi, since the other two songs?Tum Aa Gaye Ho? and?Is Mod Pe Jaate Hain? are gems in themselves. Gulzar and Pancham touch heights in this song and yes when you have the two great singers Kishore da and Lata giving their soul to it, its difficult not to be touched by this song.
? Ji Mein Aata Hain
Tere Daaman Mein
Sar Jukha Ke Hum
Rote Rahen, Rote Rahen
Tere Hi Aankho Mein Aansuon Ki Nami To Nahin?
- Koi Hota Jisko Apna, Mere Apne
One of Kishore da?s best songs tuned wonderfully by that maestro Salil Chowdury. In fact some of Gulzar?s best songs have been with Pancham and Salil Da. Is it because these two music makers could tune in wonderfully with him?
Again Gulzar brilliantly encapsulates the feelings of heartbreak and loneliness in this song.
?Bhula Hua Koi Waada
Biti Hui Kuch Yaadein,
Tanhai Doharati Hai Raat Bar,
Koi To Gam Apna Sa, Koi to Saathi Hota?
- Huzoor is Kadar Bhi, Masoom
Again a clear winner from Gulzar-Pancham team. Bhupinder and Suresh Wadkar, two immensely talented singers match their vocals brilliantly in this song. The lyrics touch heights which cannot be described. I wonder why these two talented singers didn?t really make it, which is quite tragic considering we had to endure the likes of Rafi clones like Shabbir Kumar, Mohd Aziz etc.
?koee manachalaa agar pakad legaa aanchal
jaraa sochiye aap kyaa kijeeyegaa
lagaa de agar, badh ke julfon mein kaliyaan
to kyaa apanee julfe zatak dijeeyegaa?
- Aap Ki Aankhon Mein, Ghar
Kishore-Lata-Gulzar-Pancham combine together after Aandhi to come out with another beautiful duet. So sweet, soothing and romantic, perfect song to listen to on a lazy afternoon with some one special nearby. Very romantic song indeed.
?Lab Hile To Mogre Ke Phool
Khilte Haiin Kahin,
Aap Ke Aankhon Mein Kya,
Saahil Bhi Milte Hain Kahin,
Aap Ki Khamoshiya Bhi Aap Ki Aawaz Hain?
- Tum Pukar Lo, Khamoshi
This song is just haunting. Hemant Kumar and Gulzar team up to come up with an unforgettable album which also contained Lata?s lovely solo?Hum Ne In Aankhon Mein? and Kishore da?s brilliant song?Who Shaam Kuch Ajeeb TThi?. But this is one of the best song, with minimal orchestration as Hemant Kumar revels in full flow as he just mesmerizes the listener with a complete control of his vocals.
?Honth pe liye hue dil ki baat ham
Jaagte rahenge aur kitni raat ham
Muqtasar si baat hai tum se pyaar hai?
- Dil Dhoondta Hain, Mausam
This is a classic song from the combination of Gulzar and Madan Mohan. Listening to this song one is immediately transported to those lovely mountains and vales, which Gulzar describes so beautifully and the music by Madan Mohan is just out of the world. And of course Bhupinder again invests the song with a special brilliance of his own.
?Ya Barfili Sardiyon Mein, Kisi Bhi Pahad Par,
Vaadi Mein Gunjti Hui, Khaamoshiyan Soone
Aankhon Mein Bheege Bheege Se, Lamhe Liye Huey?
- Jaane Kya Sochkar, Kinara
Superb solo by Kishore da and brilliantly tuned by Pancham da again. In fact I think Kishore-Pancham-Gulzar could be a separate article by itself. They gave us some of the best songs of all time. Another favorite song of mine from this movie is?Naam Gum Jaayega?.
?Do Ghadi Jeene Ki Mohalat To Mili Hai Sabko
Tum Bhi Mil Jaao Ghadi Bhar To Ye Gam Hota Hai
Is Ghadi Ka Safar Nahin Guzra?
- Musafir Hoon Yaaro, Parichay
One of Kishore da?s best solos again. Has that rhythmic beat and some lovely https://lyrics. Pancham-Kishore-Gulzar again, but when did this combo ever falter? This movie also had that wonderful Lata song?Biti Na Bitai Raina?
?Din Ne Haath Tham Kar,
Idhar Bita Diya,
Raat Ne Ishare Se Udhar Bula Liya,
Subah Se Shaam Se Mera Dostana?