Mukesh has given umpteen number of soul searching numbers in Hindi Music. I have been a very strong follower of his songs, especially the “dard” that comes out naturally from his voice. I must say that his range was not as wide as Mohd. Rafi, but in the limited range that he sung, he was every man’s favourite.
The following is a list of songs that I like… many of them may not be the popular choice. I have not included any duet in this, as I thought there are enough solos for me to complete this list.
20. Chhoti si yeh zindegain re chaar din ki jawaani teri(Aah):
A song where the pathos of a dying man are brought out beautifully during his last journey to meet his beloved. He does not have much time with him and he knows it. Excellent music and picturisation to add to the excellent singing.
19. Aa ab laut chale(Jish Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai):
A song where the dacoits of Chambal are called back to return to the mainstream of Indian life. Made on social equality, this song was doubled with excellent background music.
18. Chalri Sajni Ab Ka Soche(Bombai ka Babu):
A brother is bidding farwell to his sister after her marriage. This song had played at No. 2 of that year’s Binaca Geet Mala.
17. Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaaye(Anand):
The loneliness, the wishlist, the wants from life… all summerised together in this one beautiful song of Mukesh.
16. Saranga Teri Yaad Mein(Saranga):
Mukesh in fifties had a voice that was the most melancholous one I have ever heard. From the series of “Dard Bhare Geet” that he sang during this period, Sarang stands out as a masterpiece.
15. Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan(Mera Naam Joker):
The famous Raj Kapoor team had given several Mukesh Gems to Indian cinema. One of the last movies(or was it THE Last?) was Mera Naam Joker. This particular song can be called as his “Jeevan Sangeet” with lines like ”…. Yeh meraa geet, jeevan sangeet, kal bhi koi dohraayega”
14. Duniya Bananewale Kya Tere Man Mein Samaai(Teesri Kasam):
The movie that broke the heart of one of the greatest lyricists: Shailendra. Endowed with beautiful music, this particular number is my favourite from the movie. Not only for the singing, but also ffor the lyrics and the flow of the lines.
13. Tu Kahe Agar(Andaaz):
This is one of the early romantic hits of Mukesh. This is again one of the first movies where he was pitted against the great Mohd. Rafi. Mukesh sang all songs for Dillip Kumar and Rafi sang for Raj Kapoor. Interestingly Mukesh numbers, especially Tu Kahe Aga, were much more popular that year.
12. Suhana Safar Aur Yeh Mausam Hashin(Madhumati):
Hey… one more Mukesh-Dillip Kumar – Romantic song combo! This time with the music of Salilda. Suhana Safar was again a big hit that year and till date remains one of the most popular songs during travel.
11. Kissi Ke Mushkurahaton Pe Ho Nissaar(Anari):
The philanthropic attitude… the feeling that we should make someone’s day! Another gem from Raj Kapoor movies. Though Mera Joota Hai Japani was a bigger hit that year, I still find this song more appealing.
10. Kabhie Kabhie Mere Man Mein(Kabhie Kabhie):
This one came in the far end of Mukesh’s career. Mukesh had covered the jouney of singing for all the mega stars and now he was singing for Amitabh Bachchan. This remains as probably the most popula Nazm in films. This one had bagged all the Filmfare Awards(Music, Singer, Lyrics) and had also topped the Binaca Geet Mala. Simply superb.
9. Chandan Sa Badan(Saraswati Chandra):
The maximum praise in a lovers poem that I have seen. So much care has been taken in describing the beauty and so beautifully it has reflected on Mukesh’s voice.
8. Yaad Rakhna Chand Taaron Yeh Suhaani Raat Re(Anokhi Adaa):
Many may not have heard this one. This is a gem of late 1940s/ early 1950s, with two separate solos by Lata and Mukesh. This is height of romantic singing coupled with soft erotica.(I mean, as an art, not in the vulgar sense and wording)
7. Jaane Kahaan Gaye Woh Din(Mera Naam Joker):
This number from Mera Naam Joker, I rate as higher mostly due to the sadness in the song and the difficulty involved in singing. Till date it remains as one of the most popular sad songs.
6. Jhoomti Chali Haawaa(Sangeet Samraat Tansen):
In my opinion this was the most difficult to sing song of Mukesh. The loneliness of night, the pathos, the eagerness to meet the beloved, all have been brought out beautifully in this song.
5. Ohore Taal Mile Nadi Ki Jal Mein(Anokhi Raat):
A song that was high on both popularity charts as well as the critics. Another song that is associated with journey.
4. Yeh Kaun Chitrakaar Hai(Boond Jo Ban Gaye Moti):
Ohh my… I just can’t stop humming to the beats of the song. No more the sad voice of Mukesh… this song is full of optimism and futuristic hopes.
3. Aansoon Bhari Hai Yeh Jeevan Ke Raahein(Parvarish):
Is it the saddest song one can ever think of? In my opinion yes…. There is not much of music of wordings that make the song memorable… rather the typical sad tone of Mukesh… Warning: Don’t listen to this if you are depressed!
2. Dil Jalta Hai To Jalne De(Pehli Nazar):
The song that put Mukesh on a fast track in Hindi filmdom. Till date this gem remains as a Mukesh Vintage Favourite.
1. Zindaa Hoon Ish Tarah Ke(Aag):
The movie that saw the gretest actor-singer combo coming to Bollywood… Movie may be a flop, but this song remains as immortal. Incidentally this is my peraonal favourite among all songs of all singers too!
Special Entry:
I would have loved to keep it at No. 1… The recital of Tulsi Ramayan by Mukesh(comes in a set of 8 cassettes), popularly called the “Mukesh Ramayan” is a great piece of art. With minimal music instruments, variation in tune and the number of singers, this is truly touching and enjoyable.
