So true, Mukesh has passed away way back in 1976, but his songs still linger with us.Though he has been slotted as a tragic singer, this is not exactly a fair assessment of him. Singers like Kishore, Rafi and Mukesh are legends, we cannot slot them into any category. Such a thing would do an injustice to their phenomenal talent.
Though Mukesh has been called as Raj Kapoor?s alter ego, he has also sung some great songs for Manoj Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, Rajendra Kumar, Jeteendra to name a few. To those who love fast rhythm and beats, Mukesh songs might not appeal but to true lovers of music, who love to soak in the melody, these are songs to listen. So here are some of my favorites of Mukesh. But if you really want to enjoy these songs, hear them on a lazy day, just relaxing and sleeping. The effect cannot be described in words.
Kahin Door Jab Din Dal Jaaye( Anand, Salil Choudhury): A Sublime Masterpiece, that?s the only way I can describe this song. Slow and soothing, with a great score by Salil da and superb lyrics by Gulzar, this song superbly expresses the mind of the hero, who has a short life to live.
Dum Dum Diga Diga( Chalia, Kalyanji Anandji): Mukesh and KA were a great combination and he sang many hit songs for them. Like I had mentioned that this song is a perennial Antaskhari favorite, and has got quite a peppy beat. The other great songs in this movie were the title song and?Mere Toote Hue Dil Se?.
Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shaayar Hoon( Kabhie Kabhie, Khayyam): Apart from the title song, which has become a rage, this is another great song from Mukesh. In fact some of Mukesh?s best songs have come in the 70?s just before his death in 1976.
Main to Ek Khwab Hoon( Himalay Ke God Mein, KA): Apart from Raj Kapoor, Manoj Kumar was another hero for whom Mukesh sang quite a number of songs. This is another great melody from the Mukesh-KA team. Has got a great background score again.
Chandan Sa Badan( Saraswathi Chandra, KA): Great lyrics by Indivar. Sweet and melodious song, which aptly describes the beauty of a woman. An outstanding song from Mukesh-KA team again.
Oh Re Taal Mile( Anokhi Raat, Roshan): Superb lyrics by Indivar again and great score as usual by Roshan. This was Roshan?s last movie and one of the best songs of Mukesh. Especially the humming at the beginning of the song.
Duniya Banane Wale( Teesri Kasam, Shankar Jaikishen): Great song with superb lyrics by Shailendra. Has got a very earthy feel, with the flute interludes in between. Other great songs from this movie were?Chalat Musafir?, ?Sajanwa Bhairi? and?Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo?
Koi Jab Tumhara Hriday Tod De( Purab Aur Paschim, KA): Slow and haunting, this is another great song from Mukesh-KA combo.Great modulation in this song again. Goes at a very high pitch.
Allah Jane Kya Hoga Aage( Hariyali Aur Raasta, SJ): Pretty peppy duet between Mukesh and Lata in this song. Quite a foot tapper, proving that Mukesh was as good at the peppy numbers as with the slow, serious ones. The movie also contains a trademark sad solo by Mukesh?Teri Yaad Dil Se?.
Kahin Baar Yun Hi Dekha Hai( Rajanigandha, Salil Choudhury): Apart from sad songs, Mukesh excelled in the background songs area also.?Chal Akela? from Sambandh is one good example. This is another great number from Mukesh, one of the last before his death.
Jis Gali Mein Tera Ghar( Kati Patang, RD): When you are working with the formidable team of Kishore-RD any singer would get overshadowed. But yet in a movie dominated by some great Kishore solos like?Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai?, ?Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai? and?Yeh Shaam Mastani?, Mukesh held his own in this song. The opening interludes are excellent in this song. But then I guess Mukesh was no ordinary singer.
Jo Tumko Ho Pasand( Safar, KA): Again in another movie dominated by two great Kishore solos?Zindagi Ka Safar? and?Jeevan Se Bhari?, Mukesh again makes an impact with this song. The rhythm and music of this song, is somewhat similar to another KA-Mukesh song?Kya Khoob Lagti Ho? from Dharmatma. Witness the gaps in the song, which really builds up the tension.
Chaand Aahe Barenga: Don?t know the movie nor music director for this song. I only know that it was picturized on Raaj Kumar. But then some of Mukesh?s best songs were picturized in very mediocre movies. All said and done another great song from Mukesh.
Kisi Ke Muskarahaton Pe( Anari, SJ): One of the best songs from Mukesh-Raj Kapoor jodi. Great whistling tune by SJ, articulating the laidback and friendly nature of the hero. Other great songs from this movie are?Sab Kuch Seekha Humne? and?Dil Ki Nazar Se?.
Hum Chood Chale Mehfil Ko: This is another superb song from Mukesh-KA combination. Great piano tuning in this song.One of the few Mukesh songs to be picturized on Joy Mukherjee( don?t know the movie).
Chaand Ki Deewar( Viswaas, KA): One of Mukesh?s trademark sad songs. Mukesh puts so much of emotion in this song, that it could melt the heart of even the most stone hearted person.
Kya Khoob Lagti Ho( Dharmatma, KA): Real great, fast, romantic and peppy duet between Mukesh and new singer Reshma. Great background score by KA for this song.
Jaane Kahan Gaye Woh Din( Mera Naam Joker, SJ): A real haunting number. Minimal use of instruments in this song. Never has the pathos of loneliness and yearning for the past been so effectively captured.
Chal Ri Sajni( Bambai Ka Babu, SD): Great number in SD-Mukesh combination. One of the best bidaai numbers in Hindi movies. Another great background song from Mukesh. Another great song from this combo is Oh Jaanewale ho Sake from Bandini/
Suhana Safar( Madhumati, Salil Choudhury): This song is just a masterpiece, no other word to describe it. Especially the opening interlude, where we have a farmer shooing the birds away with his trademark call, and a silence, and tempo slowly builds up. This song is just sheer magic.
