We are on a voyage through the Hindi film duets by Asha Bhosle and Rafi. And going chronologically we have travelled till 1960. The late 50s were the peak of their
association and it continued in the first half of the 60s (1961 to 1965). And today we’ll visit that period. There were around 165+ duets to consider with an average of 35 duets per year. The association was at its best in this period.
I’ll share a few interesting observations during the first half of the 60s about their duets
- Their first duet for Naushad was in 1964 for the film Leader
- After about a decade, in 1962 Asha Bhosle sang a duet for Shankar Jaikishan for the film, Dil Tera Deewana. It was a stage performance picturised on the second lead played by Mehmood and Shubha Khote
- During the rift between Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, from 1964 to 1967, Shankar Jaikishan offered them duets consistently and it was during this period that Asha Bhosle-Rafi duets, under the baton of SJ, were picturised on the main lead
- They sang just a couple of duets for Chitragupt in this period
- Their duets with Ravi, Madan Mohan, O P Nayyar continued as usual in this period
- They had no duets with Kalyanji Anandji, R D Burman and Laxmikant Pyarelal till 1965.
Let’s visit the list now,
1. Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar – Hum Dono (1961) / Jaidev – Sahir
What a beautiful duet! A perfect song to start today’s list. The duet still stands tall and is extremely popular. It’s undoubtedly one of their best and most popular duets. The vocal expressions of both the singers are perfect. The best part of the song for me is the way Asha Bhosle sings the word ‘टोकना’, a beautiful lilting way.
To my surprise, it was the only duet Asha Bhosle and Rafi sang for Jaidev in the 60s, though the song was hugely popular during its release.
The next song is composed by Lachhiram, who is primarily remembered for the songs of Razia Sultan (1961) and Main Suhagan Hoon (1964). But actually he has around twenty films to his credit. He was born in Himachal Pradesh, where his father was an employee of the Royal Court. He was trained by the court musicians and was a good singer. He worked as a singer for HMV in Delhi for a period. His talent made the way to Shorey films and he started his career in 1945 for the film, Champa. For the initial few films, he was not the sole composer. But none of the earlier films appear to have left any musical memories.
2. Dhalti Jaaye Raat – Razia Sultan (1961) / Lachhiram – Anand Bakshi
The song is very popular, mostly included in the best Asha Bhosle-Rafi duet compilation. And surely deserves to be! The film has Nirupa Roy and Jairaj in the main lead, who watch the couple singing the song. The song actually portrays their emotions. The couple lipsynching to the song is played by Meena Parel and Maqbool as per information on YouTube video. Can anyone confirm this? The song is penned by Anand Bakshi, which must be one of his earlier films. The tune is so catchy and good.
3. Yeh Raat Yeh Fizayen – Batwara (1961) / S Madan – Majrooh
S Madan was active in Punjabi films, though he also composed for a few Hindi films. This must be his best known and the most popular Hindi film. Nothing much is available about the composer. If anyone has any additional information about him, I request knowledgeable readers to add it. The song is picturised on Jabeen Jalil and Jawahar Kaul, both not so popular names. The song is soothing and forms a perfect romantic aura for an evening date.
There’s also a trivia about the lyrics of the song. The censor board objected to the original lyrics, ‘आओ शमा बुझाके हम आज दिल जलाएं’ and hence was changed to ‘आओ शमा जलाके हम आज मिलके गाएं’. The audio version however retained the original lyrics and is available.
4. Jab Se Tumhe Dekha Hai – Gharana (1961) / Ravi – Shakeel Badayuni
The film Gharana (1961) fetched Ravi the best composer award at the Filmfare, so also for Shakeel Badayuni. The film had three duets and each was lip-synched by different characters. This romantic duet was picturised on the lead pair, Asha Parekh and Rajendra Kumar. The bhajan, Jai Raghunandan Jai Siyaram was picturised on Bipin Gupta and Devika, while the third song was lip-synched by Shubha Khote and Agha. So Asha Bhosle and Rafi sang for main and supporting characters both.
This song is picturised in Vrindavan gardens if I’m correct.
5. Dil Ki Tamanna Thi – Gyarah Hazaar Ladkiyan (1962) / N Datta – Sahir
The song is so melodious! Full of romance and energy! The song is picturised on Mala Sinha and Bharat Bhushan. The song also has a sad solo version by Rafi. It feels sad when a good song gets side tracked just because it belongs to a so-called B grade movie. This is the perfect example in my opinion.
I don’t know if the film was popular or not, but it is worth listening to. N Datta, though was once associated with prestigious banners like B R films, was later restricted to B grade films.
6. Aap Yoonhi Agar Humse – Ek Musafir Ek Haseena (1962) / O P Nayyar – S H Bihari
The film had melodious duets and solos by Rafi and Asha Bhosle. I chose this beautiful romantic duet picturised on gorgeous Sadhna and Joy Mukherjee, as it is energetic and melodious. The aalaps in the interludes are good too. Nayyar’s changed style of orchestration and instrumental arrangement can be well appreciated in this film.
7. Khanke To Khanke Kyun Khanke – Wallah Kya Baat Hai (1962) / Roshan – Prem Dhawan
This film had Shammi Kapoor and Bina Rai in the main lead and Roshan adopted Nayyar’s style of orchestration in a couple of duets by Asha Bhosle and Rafi. The first song was Ek To Surat Pyari which had a tonga rhythm, quite influenced by Nayyar. The other one was this song with a catchy clapping rhythm and unmistakable Punjabi flavour. Both the songs are my favourites and I chose this dance number with foot tapping rhythm.
8. Jo Ijaazat Ho To – Baat Ek Raat Ki (1962) / S D Burman – Majrooh
The song may not be very popular, but it’s a lovely melodious song. It’s picturised on a beautiful Waheeda Rehman and Dev Anand, who get drenched in rain and then enjoy a bonfire. The song has a typical touch of Burman da and the tune of the verses is quite appealing. Both the singers do full justice to the song.
9. Zulf Ki Chhaaon Mein – Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963) / O P Nayyar – Majrooh
It seems like a nazm recitation program, where they recite the verses one by one, apparently answering back the opponent. The santoor interludes sound amazing, and the rendition by both the singers takes it to another level. I’ve always thought of this song as a little lesser known as compared to the other popular songs from the movie.
The year 1963 saw Ravi composing for a number of films, the prominent ones being Bharosa, Grihasthi, Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya, Ustadon Ke Ustad, Ye Raste Hain Pyar Ke etc. All of these movies had duets by Asha Bhosle and Rafi. To limit the number of songs, I’ve chosen just one movie.
10. Ye Khamoshiyan Ye Tanhaiyan – Ye Raste Hain Pyar Ke (1963) / Ravi – Rajendra Krishan
It’s a soft romantic duet sung with apt expressions. Its picturization in the snow makes it more appealing. It’s like a soft melody that flows like a gentle breeze of air. The song is picturised on Sunil Dutt and Leela Naidu.
11. Ek Chameli Ke Mandwe Tale – Cha Cha Cha (1964) / Iqbal Qureshi – Makhdum Mohiuddin
Our local radio station used to air a one hour program based on old Hindi film songs, called Rajanigandha and this song was a regular there. It must have been around 20 to 22 years back. I used to like it a lot and still it’s one of my all time favourites.
Sung beautifully by Asha Bhosle and Rafi, the song is picturised on a beautiful Helen and Chandrashekhar. The lyrics of the song are very interesting. Do listen to the song carefully.
12. Deewana Hua Baadal – Kashmir Ki Kali (1964) / O P Nayyar – S H Bihari
Rafi had a great tuning with Shammi Kapoor, he was the chosen voice for him. The film had three duets by Asha Bhosle and Rafi. A couple of soft romantic duets and an energetic punjabi bhangra. The choice was a bit difficult, mainly between the soft romantic duets! What a delightful prelude this song has! Not only are the lyrics good, the tune and the rendition are wonderful too. Their voices are soft and display an interesting mixture of eagerness and shyness at the same time. Asha Bhosle enters in the last half of the song, but still leaves an impact.
13. Chha Gaye Baadal Neel Gagan Par – Chitralekha (1964) / Roshan – Sahir
What a peaceful and soothing romantic song it is! It’s unfortunately overshadowed by solos of Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi. Such a restrained expression of romantic feelings! The lyrics evoke imagery of clouds spreading across the blue sky as evening sets in, a perfect setting for the hearts longing for beloved. One of the best romantic duets by Roshan.
14. Kisiki Mohabbat Mein – Kaise kahoon (1964) / S D Burman – Shakeel Badayuni
The song portrays two different moods woven together seamlessly. Biswajit is happy about his alliance with Naaz, while a heartbroken Nanda lets her grief drain out with the song. This was the only duet in the movie and Asha Bhosle’s only contribution to it. Again the song may not be very popular, it surely deserves to be better known than it is. The third stanza is usually not a part of the audio version, though I think it’s important for the narrative. The contrasting moods are very well portrayed by both the singers.
15. Dilruba Dil Pe Tu – Rajkumar (1964) / Shankar Jaikishan – Shailendra
A seductive, sensuous duet! While the soft romantic duet, Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye was offered to Suman Kalyanpur, Asha Bhosle was apt choice for this intense, seductive romantic duet. The lyrics portray the sweet pain and agony of love, longing for each other. The verses are an interesting mixture of poem and prose. The last half of each verse is sung with heightened emotions, in a low whispering way to highlight the aura. That transition is quite difficult during singing.
The song is picturised on a gorgeous Sadhana and Shammi Kapoor. I couldn’t understand why the background dancers were incorporated in the picturisation! Of course I’m not aware of the situation in the song.
16. Yehi Hai Woh Saajh Aur Savera – Saajh Aur Savera (1964) / Shankar Jaikishan – Hasrat Jaipuri
The lyrics express deep romantic longing and the joy of finally finding the ‘dusk and dawn’ for which the heart has yearned a lifetime. The song portrays deep love, dedication and affection between the couple with a sense of fulfillment of their dreams. Singers express their emotions very well. The song is picturised on Meena Kumari and Guru Dutt.
17. Tum Ho Haseen Kahan Ke – Sharabi (1964) / Madan Mohan – Rajendra Krishan
Madhubala calls herself Celestial Moon, and Dev Anand calls her proud. The romantic nok-jhonk is very enjoyable and in addition to the facial expressions of the on screen performers, the vocal expressions of the singers add so much to the overall effect. The couple looks great on screen and Madhubala’s smile, her charm and screen presence are just magical. It was perhaps the last film released during her lifetime.
18. Aap Ko Pyar Chhupane Ki – Neela Aakash (1965) / Madan Mohan – Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
I’m fond of both the romantic duets from this movie. Their initial conversation and Mala Sinha teasing him sounds so cute. The song is picturised in Lodhi garden in Delhi, which provides a picturesque backdrop to the good looking couple. The song has a different style of orchestration than Madan Mohan’s usual style.
19. Roka Kai Baar Maine – Mere Sanam (1965) / O P Nayyar – Majrooh
A beautiful romantic duet picturised on Asha Parekh and Biswajit. In the 60s, Nayyar used a lot of sitar and santoor in his compositions, which we can notice in this song as well. While the solos by Rafi and Asha Bhosle are popular, this duet is also worth watching and listening to. The picturesque nature adds a charm to the picturisation, so does the cute woollen cap, they both wear.
20. Neel Gagan Par Udate Baadal – Khandan (1965) / Ravi – Rajendra Krishan
It was the period when Lata Mangeshkar was not singing with Rafi. Asha Bhosle being a regular singer since his debut film, Ravi perhaps never had a problem in this period. The song is picturised on Sunil Dutt and Nutan, both strolling through a field. The song throws light on his philosophy of life as well as the relationship between the two. One of the popular songs from the movie.
Add your favourite Asha Bhosle and Rafi duets within the timeline.
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