Remembering Mukesh: Top 10 Timeless Melodies on His Death Anniversary
My Humble Tribute on the Eve of his Death Anniversary: Keep your earphones handy.
My Humble Tribute on his Death Anniversary
Today marks the poignant remembrance of the iconic Mukesh, a luminary whose voice has graced the annals of Indian/Hindi cinema. Born on 22nd July 1923, we lost him far too soon on 27th August 1976. Sharing the spotlight with illustrious peers like Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey, and Hemant Kumar, Mukesh has gifted us with a plethora of songs that evoke a myriad of emotions.
Whittling down his vast repertoire to a mere top 10 is akin to capturing the vastness of the ocean in a teacup. And in the spirit of cherishing his unique voice, I've opted to leave out duets, focusing solely on the mesmerizing solos that are purely Mukesh.
While many classics might be missing from my list, I believe every admirer of his carries a personal playlist, an anthology close to their heart. This is mine—a heartfelt tribute on his death anniversary. I invite you to walk with me down this nostalgic path, and I hope these songs resonate with you as profoundly as they do with me.
(Instructions: To immerse yourself in the beauty of these melodies on YouTube, simply click the link or manually enter it into your browser.)
1. ANARI (1959): “Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe Ho Nisaar” (किसी की मुस्कुराहटों पे हो निसार)
Starring: Raj Kapoor
Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan
Lyrics: Shailendra
This selection stands paramount on my list. Distinct from the melancholic strains typically associated with Mukesh, this melody emanates sheer optimism. It offers a gentle reminder that true joy doesn't lie in grand possessions but in the modest, often overlooked gestures of everyday life. The essence of life, as beautifully encapsulated by the lyrics, is not just living but giving. Paired with its enchanting melody, it truly is a testament to life's simple yet profound joys.
2. SANGAM (1964): “O Mehbooba, Tere Dil Ke Paas Hi…” (ओ महबूबा, तेरे दिल के पास ही...)
Starring: Raj Kapoor
Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri
While “Bol Radha Bol Sangam Hoga ke nahin” often garners acclaim as the movie's iconic anthem, this track holds a special place in my heart. There's a candidness to this song, devoid of playful ruses or casual flirtations. It's an earnest and direct declaration of love towards Radha, portrayed by the enchanting Vyjayanthimala. A ballad of genuine love and longing.
3. ANDAZ (1949): “Tu kahe agar, jeewan bhar…” (तू कहे अगर, जीवन भर...)
Starring: Dilip Kumar
Music Director: Naushad
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
This song exemplifies beauty in simplicity. The minimalist musical backdrop and straightforward lyrics come together to create a masterpiece. Captured on film with the legendary Dilip Kumar and the entrancing, doe-eyed Nargis, it's hard to label this as a straightforward melancholic tune. Yet, one can't help but feel the subtle undertones of wistfulness weaving through its verses.
4. JIS DESH MEIN GANGA BEHTI HAI (1960): Title Song (जिस देश में गंगा बहती है)
Starring: Raj Kapoor
Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan
Lyrics: Shailendra
This song is pure alchemy. A harmonious blend of fervent nationalism and an ode to our nation's vast and profound traditions. While subsequent anthems like "Aa ab laut chalien..." (आ अब लौट चलें) rally the call to national unity, this title track sets a profound prelude for the entire cinematic journey. It has the power to stir the most stoic of souls, igniting a flame of patriotic fervour even in the most “brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint”.
5. CHHALIYA (1960): “Dumdum deega deega…” (दुमदुम दीगा दीगा)
Starring: Raj Kapoor
Music Director: Kalyanji Anandji
Lyrics: Qamar Jalalabadi
The evocative magic of rain, monsoon's embrace, and the joy it brings to the heart. Is there anything else that needs to be said? It's the quintessential song that instinctively comes to one's lips as the monsoon paints a romance in the air, ready to bloom.
6. DEVAR (1966): “Aaya Hai Mujhe Phir Yaad woh Zalim” (आया है मुझे फिर याद वो ज़ालिम)
Starring: Dharmendra
Music Director: Roshan
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
A poignant journey into the lanes of nostalgia, this song evokes the yearning for a beloved from one's younger days. The ache of seeing her (Sharmila Tagore) right there, yet being worlds apart is palpable. Through this melody, Dharmendra, paired with Mukesh's haunting voice, showcased his versatility - not just as the charismatic romantic lead but also as a lover cloaked in heart-wrenching longing.
7. DIL BHI TERA. HUM BHI TERE (1960): “Mujhko Is Raat Ki Tanhaayi Mein...” (मुझको इस रात की तन्हाई में...)
Starring: Dharmendra
Music Director: Kalyanji Anandji
Lyrics: Shamim Jaipuri
This soul-stirring composition brings forth an echo of loneliness and yearning. Cast on Dharmendra, the song beautifully portrays the depth of his emotive prowess. With its earnest lyrics and an almost ethereal melody, it becomes an embodiment of heartache, effortlessly tugging at the listener's heartstrings.
8. PATHAR KE SANAM (1967): “Tauba yeh matwali chaal” (तौबा ये मतवाली चाल)
Starring: Manoj Kumar
Music Director: Laxmikant Pyarelal
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
A lively melody that radiates sheer joy, featuring Manoj Kumar and the ever-sparkling Mumtaz. The tune harmoniously syncs with the jubilant mood, and the lyrics splendidly capture "Bharat" Kumar's admiration for his beloved. This song stands as a testimony to Mukesh's versatility – a radiant gem in his discography that dismisses any notions of him being restricted to only melancholic tunes.
9. BARAAT (1960): “Muft Huye Badnaam Kisi Se Haaye dil ko laga ke..” (मुफ्त हुए बदनाम किसी से हाये दिल को लगा के...)
Starring: Ajit
Music Director: Chitragupta
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Though tinged with melancholy, this song carries an undercurrent of gratitude and hope. Here we see Ajit in his early avatar as the leading man, before he transitioned into iconic villainous roles. While the tune undeniably resonates with sadness, it's imbued with an appreciation for a love once shared. The sentiment is beautifully reminiscent of the adage, “it's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” A profound reminder of the transient yet impactful nature of love.
10. SHRI 420 (1955): “Mera joota hai Japani…” (मेरा जूता है जापानी...)
Starring: Raj Kapoor
Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan
Lyrics: Shailendra
While this song might not traditionally occupy the tenth position in many lists, its absence would render any compilation of Mukesh songs incomplete. Symbolizing the vigour of a newly-independent India, it stresses the indomitable spirit of "Indianness" that lies within each one of us, regardless of our foreign attire or accessories. This song achieved international acclaim, resonating with audiences across borders. A timeless composition that transcends eras, reminding us of the undying spirit of India and its people.
47 Years On
It's been 47 years since Mukesh's ethereal voice graced this world, yet the melodies he left behind continue to reverberate with a timeless charm. Many of these songs predate my birth in 1961, yet their allure remains evergreen, untouched by the sands of time. Every note sung, every word uttered, encapsulates emotions that have become an intricate part of our very souls. The seamless transition from yearning to joy, from melancholy to hope, is a testament to his unparalleled artistry. His songs are not just memories; they're an eternal symphony that resonates with life itself.
Mukesh Lives Forever
Raj Kapoor's heart-wrenching words, "Today, I have lost my voice," echoed the sentiment of an entire nation as the Indian Film Industry bade farewell to a luminous star. But while Mukesh may have departed from this terrestrial journey, his immortal and ageless songs serve as beacons of both joy and nostalgia. They meander through memories, melding with our minds, making every moment memorable. His legacy is not just one of a singer but that of a legend who lives on, luminously lighting the labyrinth of our lives. Through rhythm and resonance, his voice continues to ripple across realms, rendering him truly immortal in the hearts and harmonies of his countless and ardent aficionados.
Shakespeare’s say
"Music to hear, why hear'st thou music sadly? Sweets with sweets war not, joy delights in joy."
William Shakespeare, Sonnet 8
A list very illustrative of Mukesh's lifework.
The period Mukesh lived in was the golden period of Hindi film music. While Raj Kapoor, Mukesh, Shailendra, Hasrat Jaipuri, and Shanker Jaikishan were almost a unit, Mukesh sang for many major actors, songs written and composed by almost all the notable song witers and music directors of his time, and it seemed that each song was written and composed for him only. He could sing full throat if the song so demanded of him. You can hum a good number of his songs to yourself. Scores of his songs come to mind vying for a place in any list that you take up making. "jeena yahaa.n, marna yahaa.n..", "zikr hota hei jab qayaamat ka.." etc.
Beautiful collection. #7 has always resonated . One has to experience that emotional situation to fully appreciate this beautiful song.