Love is in the air (Part 2) - A selection of romantic songs from old Hindi movies
A year ago to this date, I wrote a post on some classic Hindi film songs that make you feel the love in the air. Since I left that post marked as Part 1, there had to be a Part 2 and why not. Hindi cinema has offered so many wonderful romantic songs and a second collection would be well worth the curation effort. So here we go, in no particular order- some classic romantic numbers from old Hindi movies. It took me over 2 hours to put this together because there was so much joy to be hard listening to them, all over again. Hope you get the same thrill as I did putting this together.
What a lovely song featuring the mellifluous voice of Lata at her peak. Madan Mohan composed this instant classic with some great lyrics by Raja Mehndi Ali Khan. Mala Sinha glows as a dashing young Dharmendra sets her hearts and millions more, aflutter.2. Tum Aagaye Ho from AandhiThis song is interesting because a different song from the same movie offers a classic "years later" perspective to the young love depicted in this song. Between "Tum Aagaye Ho" featuring Lata and the one and only Kishore and "Tere Bina" featuring the same singers- it is hard to go wrong. Plus there is a sense of gravitas that Suchitra Sen and Sanjeev Kumar bring to this mature love story that is unparalleled.3. Chookar Mere Manko from YaaranaI will admit. I had a big crush on Neetu Singh growing up. And amidst a ton of awesome songs from the late 70's-early 80's, I wanted to push this one in. Plus an earnest Kishore Kumar backing an equally earnest Amitabh on screen is hard to pass. Rajesh Roshan weaves a soft and pleasing song that works.4. Zindagi Ek Safar from AndazShankar Jaikishan get a Kishore Kumar at his playful best belting this classic romantic song with wonderful lyrics by Hasrat Jaipuri. Rajesh Khanna is at his peak. Yes, the song doesn't really end well but enjoy the song while it lasts. It captures a fleeting love in a way unlike any other. Bonus fun are the costumes. Just watch it.5. Piya To Se Naina from GuideS.D.Burman produces an album for the ages. Each song drips with melody while conveying love, anguish, and eventually redemption through some spectacular music and gorgeous lyrics by Shailendra. R.K.Narayan's wonderful tale gets full justice. So many great songs - I will pick this beautiful one featuring Lata.6.Chingari Koi from Amar PremThis is not your typical upbeat romantic song. These are lovers in pain- there is no hope for their love. But it does not prevent us from enjoying Kishore delivering a brilliant rendition of the song with outstanding lyrics by Anand Bakshi and tuned by S.D.Burman.7. Isharon Isharon from Kashmir Ki KaliFrom one Sharmila Tagore movie to another. This is quite the opposite from Amar Prem. A joyous love story set in breathtaking Kashmir valley, this movie and its awesome soundtrack by O.P.Nayyar remains one of my personal favorites. Every song is wonderful. I picked this one because it offers greater depth than the rest which are good in so many other ways. And yes, Rafi saab, you are special. As is a young and bubbly Asha.I will throw in one more piece from the same movie. Just couldnt resist. So much awesomeness from Rafi and Asha.8.Acha Ji Main Hari Chalo from Kala PaniHow does one lose with the radiant Madhubala and a debonair Dev Anand on the screen? Throw in Rafi and Asha at their best thanks to S.D.Burman and you have a classic worth listening many many times over. Go for it.9. Ek Pardesi mera dil legaya from PhagunMadhubala is every man's dream. Marilyn Monroe had nothing on her. Lata and Rafi just deliver a killer punch with such a gorgeous song set to tune by O.P.Nayyar.10. Ude Jab Jab Zulfein from MadhumatiYou want to court a lady, you do it like this. Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala set the screen afire. A song for the ages. O.P.Nayyar goes with the killer combo of Rafi and Asha again.11. O Mera Sona Re from Teesri ManzilA classic movie with fun plot twists along the way, Teesri Manzil is what a romantic thriller should be. It doesnt hurt to have some wonderful songs by R.D.Burman. This piece featuring Rafi and Asha has more happening than you think.12. Yeh Ladka Hai Allah from Yaadon Ki BaraatOne of those songs that stuck with me since I was little. Yes, this movie boasts that other classic romantic song which I featured in my first collection. This one by Asha and Rafi is a lot of fun too.13. Aye Mere Zohra Jabeen from WaqtNo, not the one from Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenga. This is the original one. Love, pure and simple. Composed by Abdul Ghafoor Breshna and set to tune by Ravi, Manna Dey is just pitch perfect.14. Raat Akeli Hai from Jewel ThiefOne of those movies that just gets better with age and a soundtrack for the ages by S.D.Burman. So many great songs but this one featuring a young and gorgeous Tanuja trying to well, seduce Dev Anand is just outstanding. And Asha Bhonsle is just so darn good. Just watch her take off with "chup kyun rahiye." So, so awesome.15. Ek Ladki Bheegi from Chalti Ka Naam GaadiI accidentally missed this in my first collection and someone smartly pointed out. As you can imagine, I am besotted by Madhu Bala. Who wouldnt be? Ask Kishore Kumar. In song and in real life. There are shorter videos available with just the song but the foreplay is well worth a watch. What a song. I will leave you with the words of Majrooh saab, set to tune by S.D.Burman and just perfectly sung by Kishore Kumar.Have a wonderful Valentine's Day folks! As always, all these songs and those from my first collection are in this public Youtube playlist.