TOP TEN SONGS OF MUKESH
My Humble Tribute on his Birthday
My Humble Tribute on his Birthday
It’s birthday of Mukesh today. He was born on 22nd July, 1923 and passed away on 27th August, 1976. He was a part of the Indian/ Hindi cinema, along with other famous playback singers like Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey and Hemant Kumar. Given the scores, nay hundreds of songs that he has sung, it is not easy to select top 10 songs. Also, as a matter of principle, we have omitted duets, since we wanted to keep the focus purely on Mukesh. Many great songs have thus been unable to make it to this list. I guess, everyone has their own list of favourite Mukesh songs; this is mine — my humble tribute on his birthday. I hope you shall enjoy it as much as I did. (Instructions: To watch and hear the song on YouTube, copy and paste the link on your browser)
1. ANARI (1959): “Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe Ho Nisaar” — Raj Kapoor; Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan Lyrics: Shailendra
This is my top choice. Unlike his so-called sad songs, this is a song that exudes optimism and reveals a key to the pursuit of happiness. Happiness is not in things; it is in small things that we take for granted. Art of Living is verily the Art of Giving. Great lyrics and lilting melody.
2. SANGAM (1964): — “O Mehbooba, Tere Dil Ke Paas Hi….”- Raj Kapoor; Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri
Many would place the song “Bol Radha Bol Sangam Hoga ke nahin” as a top pick of this movie. This, however, is my personal favourite. No pranks here, no non-serious flirtation. It’s clear, open and a most direct espousal of love….for Radha (Vijayanthimala).
3. ANDAZ (1949)- “Tu kahe agar, jeewan bhar…..” Dilip Kumar; Music Director: Naushad; Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Simple music, simple lyrics but a great song. Filmed on the thespian Dilip Kumar and the doe-eyed Nargis. Can’t say it’s a sad song but then there is an under-current of a melancholic tone.
4. JIS DESH MEIN GANGA BEHTI HAI (1960): Title Song, Raj Kapoor, Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan Lyrics: Shailendra
Sheer magic. Mixture of passionate nationalism and a reminder of our great and rich traditions as a Nation. Clarion call to join the national mainstream shall follow (Aa ab laur chalien…..) but this title song sets the tone for the entire movie. Bound to move even “brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint”.
5. CHHALIYA (1960)- “Dumdum deega deega…”, Raj Kapoor; Music Director: Kalyanji Anandji; Lyrics: Qamar Jalalabadi
Rain, monsoon and happiness. Need we say more? A song one compulsively hums when monsoon romances are on verge of blossoming.
6. DEVAR (1966) –“ Aaya Hai Mujhe Phir Yaad Who Zalim”, Dharmendra, Music Director: Roshan, Lyrics: Anand Bakshi.
Nostalgia for a damsel one loved in one’s adolescent years, even as she (Sharmila Tagore) is right in front of him, but not his. Dharmendra, with Mukesh demonstrated that he could act not only romantic hero but also a heart-broken lover.
7. DIL BHI TERA. HUM BHI TERE (1960), Dharmendra; Music Director: Kalyanji Anandji, Lyrics: Shamim Jaipuri.
Another sad song filmed on Dharmendra, simple but great lyrics and an almost haunting music.
8. PATHAR KE SANAM (1967)- “Tauba yeh matwali chaal”, Manoj Kumar, Music Director: Laxmikant Pyarelal, Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri.
Happy song, filmed on Manoj Kumar and the bubbly and effervescent Mumtaz. The tune matches the mood and the lyrics are ideal for our “Bharat” Kumar serenading his lady love. An good example for those who think Mukesh sang only sad songs.
9. BARAAT (1960)- “Muft Huye Badnaam Kisi Se Haaye dil ko laga ke..”, Ajit, Music Director: Chitragupta, Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri.
Ajit, the hero, before he morphed into a villain. A sad song? Yes, but there is a streak of hope and gratitude for the relationship, while it lasted. After all, “it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”
10. SHRI 420 (1955)- “Mera joota hai Japani…”, Raj Kapoor. Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan, Lyrics: Shailendra.
Definitely not at serial number 10 but no list of Mukesh songs can be complete without it. All about a resurgent, independent India. Emphasizing the innate “Indianness” of us all, irrespective of the foreign garb and gadgetry. An international hit; a immortal composition.
___________________________________________________________________ K.B.S. Sidhu. The Author is an IAS officer of 1984 Batch of Punjab cadre. The views expressed are his own.
He can be reached on kbs.sidhu@gmail.com or @kbssidhu1961 or https://www.facebook.com/kbs.sidhu