The best part of being Kishore Kumar was you could be anything you wanted to be. Clown or Majnu. KK had many personalities. But many believe he serenaded the ladies through his voice better than any other iconic playback singer. Here are the 5 most enduring romantic songs of the inimitable Mr Kumar which could be of great use to you this Valentine's Day.
Dil Kya Kare Jab Kissise Kissi Ko Pyar Ho Hate (Julie): There were better songs in Rajesh Roshan’s sophomore score, but none as acutely romantic as this scene-stealer suffused with a moody grace. Rajesh Roshan says he didn’t have to make any effort to get Kishoreda in the mood. “He just owned the wonderful love lyrics of Anand Bakshi. His word-sense was amazing. He knew exactly which word to stress and which to let go.” The line Na kuch tere bass mein Julie na Kuch mere bass mein is so seductive it made the actress Laxmi weak in her knees on screen. Women have never stopped swooning since. The song was lip-synced by Vikram in the film. The song far outlived his career.
Chalte Chalte Mere Yeh Geet Yaad Rakhna (Chalte Chalte): Among the 500-plus Hindi film songs that Bappida has composed this is his favourite. Ask him why. “Mama—that’s what I called Kishoreda—outdid himself in this composition. Main to kahunga ke agar mera contribution 20 percent tha toh Mama ka contribution 80 percent tha.” Bappida modestly admits this is the most requested romantic song from his repertoire. “The young and the old love it. Chalte Chalte is the favourite Valentine song” says Bappi. We won’t dispute that.
Phoolon Ke Rang Se Dil Ki Kalam Se Tujhko Likhi Roz Paati (Prem Pujari): Dev Anand sang some of the most romantic songs on screen. But this was his favourite. And he told me why. “It was not just Burman Dada’s composition. That of course was extraordinary, But Neeraj’s lyrics were something else. I don’t think romance can get any more poetic than Phoolon ke rang se.” We agree with you, Dev Saab. As for Kishoreda’s singing, he sang as though his life depended on the impact these infinitely poetic words would have on the beloved. Toooooo romantic.
Jeevan Se Bhari Teri Aankhen Majboor Karen Jeene Ke Liye (Safar): Normally it was Rajesh Khanna and R D Burman. This time it was Kalyanji-Anandji. And boy, did they jell! Long ago I had asked the late Kalyanji especially about this the most romantic song of K-A’s career. He said, “It was the words. Indeevar ke bol itne achche hain, tune toh achcha hona hi hai.” Right, Kalyanji Bhai and more power to the poet’s pen and pain.
Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas Tum Rehti Ho (Blackmail): How can a film called Blackmail to feature one of the most romantic songs of Hindi cinema? If a filmy gana buff is asked to name his most favourite song chances are he would come up with this Rajinder Kishen love letter sung on screen by Dharmendra to Raakhee Gulzar. Says Dharmendra, “Saamne mein itni khubsoorat haseena ho toh gaana bhi itna hi khubsoorat hona chahiye.” The stunning Raakhee says, “That glow which everyone sees on my face in the song is the glow of pregnancy. I was carrying Boski (daughter Meghna Gulzar) when we shot the song. I always thought Kishoreda was most suited for romantic songs. He excelled in Pal pal dil ke paas. Kalyanji-Ananadji’s composition was amazing.” We cannot dare to dispute that.
Image source: Youtube/rajshri