We are revisiting the Hindi film duets by Asha Bhosle and Rafi. We started the journey on Rafi’s death anniversary and so far 3 parts have been published. This is the 4th in the installment and focuses on the late 60s, that is from 1966 to 1970.
This part was a bit surprising for me as the number of songs were around 125, with an average of 25 duets per year. This was a sharp decline from 35 duets per year in the early 60s (1961 to 1965).
The most busy year was 1966, with 40+ duets released in the year. The next couple of years saw a sharp fall in number with just around 27 duets in total. There was again a small rise in the last couple of years of the decade of the 60s with 50+ duets in total.
Though not exactly an essential part of the discussion, I was wondering why there was a sharp drop in those years (1967-68)! Could it be due to the reunion of Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi, with the necessity of choosing another female singer, vanishing altogether! At least a part of it could be due to this, in my opinion.
Let me put my other observations during this period,
- Their duets with Shankar Jaikishan saw a peak in the early years of the late 60s, to witness a sharp drop to just one song in 1970
- Their last duet for S D Burman was for Aaradhana
- Their first duets for R D Burman were for Teesri Manzil in 1966 which were extremely popular, though they sang just 8 duets under his baton in the late 60s
- Their duets with Naushad continued throughout these years, though Naushad himself experienced a sharp downfall after 1968
- Laxmikant Pyarelal had their first duet released in 1966 and though not prominently, the association continued in the later years, with just a handful of popular songs
- Their first duet with Kalyanji Anandji was in 1969 and till 1970, there were obviously just a handful of duets under the baton
- It was around 1966 that the infamous incident happened where Rafi was late for Nayyar’s recording and explained his inability to come on time due to a delayed recording for Shankar Jaikishan. Rafi was known to be punctual and Nayyar was well known for his high ego. Nayyar perhaps took the incident as his insult and severed all the connections with Rafi. After a couple of songs from Humsayaa (1968) which were recorded earlier, no Rafi’s songs were released in the 60s under Nayyar’s baton.
Let’s now hit the list………………
1. Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyar Tera – Teesri Manzil (1966) / R D Burman – Majrooh
It’s said that Shammi Kapoor used to insist on engaging Shankar Jaikishan as composers for his films and he was initially not in favour of R D Burman. But Shammi Kapoor gave in after listening to the tunes composed by him. Very aptly R D Burman chose Asha Bhosle for this film and Rafi was always the first choice for Shammi Kapoor. The songs became a rage across the nation and a path breaking composer was born.
Look at the energy, range of vocals, control on breath and throw of voice needed for this song. A careful listen would enable us to understand the efforts needed for this jazzy song. Both the singers just excel the composition. Glad to open today’s list with this one!
2. Sawan Aaye Ya Na Aaye – Dil Diya Dard Liya (1966) / Naushad – Shakeel Badayuni
Naushad seemed very reluctant to offer songs to Asha Bhosle. Still after Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi dispute over royalty, he chose Asha Bhosle for a number of duets with Rafi. Of course, he wasn’t in mood to offer playback for Dilip Kumar to anyone other than his favourite Rafi. So a refreshing duet in Leader (1964), we had yet another beautiful duet, in semi classical style this time, for Dilip Kumar and Waheeda Rehman. No need to mention both the singers appear neck and neck in the song.
3. In Bahaaron Mein Akele – Mamta (1966) / Roshan – Majrooh
It’s a somewhat overshadowed song! Lata Mangeshkar’s solos have almost side tracked this beautiful duet picturised on a young and handsome Dharmendra and the gorgeous Suchitra Sen. The latter appears in a double role in the movie and this one is for the role of daughter. Though Roshan offered quite a few songs to Suman Kalyanpur in this period, his instinct to offer songs to Asha Bhosle seems to have made sense. The slight touch of rebellion needed in this song, certainly favours Asha Bhosle as a perfect choice.
4. Husna Jab Jab Ishq Se – Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare (1966) / Madan Mohan – Rajendra Krishan
This film had the last duets of Asha Bhosle and Rafi under the baton of Madan Mohan, as far as the late 60s were concerned. The song has a pleasant touch of Nayyar’s style of orchestration, yet it’s not a copy. A particular point to note is that, the film had Asha Bhosle as the sole female singer for the protagonist. What a delightfully pleasant experience it is watching and listening to this song! Perfect expressions, and Shashi Kapoor and Nanda make a wonderful on screen couple. Just amazing watching them play in the snow.
5. Gharibon Ki Suno – Dus Lakh (1966) / Ravi – Prem Dhawan
A popular song from the movie. The song is picturised in Babita and a handsome Sanjay Khan, who sing on streets, collecting money from people passing by. The lyrics are heart touching and portray the misery of the poor, in this case of an aged beggar who struggles for two kids. The film had three duets by Asha Bhosle and Rafi.
6. Phir Miloge Kabhi – Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi (1966) / O P Nayyar – S H Bihari
What a beautiful melody! Excellent use of sarod, santoor, sitar, sarangi in the interludes. And Rafi’s voice modulation is too good. Asha Bhosle enters just for the second verse, but is equally memorable. The song has a bit of a slow pace and a thehrav that soothes the soul.
7 Kaise Samjhaau Badi Nasamajh Ho- Suraj (1966) / Shankar Jaikishan – Hasrat Jaipuri
A beautiful semi classical song, sung with expertise by the singers. It was one of those films where Shankar’s inclination to the singer Sharda became most apparent and had no songs by Lata Mangeshkar. Asha Bhosle and Suman Kalyanpur were chosen for the dues with Rafi, while the solos were sung by Sharda.
I’m not aware of the exact situation in the song, but it seems to be a faceoff between Vyjayantimala and Rajendra Kumar, who call each other silly or foolish and try to underline their own superiority. Rajendra Kumar appears to be in disguise, and looks bad in that atrocious wig.
8. Suno Suno Miss Chatterjee – Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi (1966) / O P Nayyar – S H Bihari
The film prominently marked the entry of Mahendra Kapoor in Nayyar’s team, where he was offered the title track of the movie. Rafi had all the other songs of course, including this catchy duet picturised on Johnny Walker and Madhavi. The song has an interesting use of rhyming English words in the lyrics, which are used to highlight the comedy character played by Walker.
9. Main Suraj Hoon Tu Meri Kiran – Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya (1966) / Sonik Omi – G S Rawal
Yet another song with an unmistakable imprint of Nayyar’s style. The style was very much popular and many composers tried imitating it. The song is easy on the ears. It’s picturised on Nutan and Dharmendra, both riding a horse and the rhythm synchronising with the sounds of the hoof. The aalaps, and the style of orchestration in the interludes makes us remember Nayyar.
10. Pyar Ki Raah Bahaar Ki Manzil – Saaz Aur Aawaz (1966) / Naushad – Khumar Barabankvi
In the same year as Dil Diya Dard Liya, Naushad again offered a song with tonga rhythm to Asha Bhosle and Rafi which was picturised on Saira Banu and Joy Mukherjee. The song therefore sounds very much like Nayyar’s style. Not only the musical arrangement, but even the tune sounds like Nayyar.
The movie had Lata Mangeshkar and Suman Kalyanpur as well, offering playback to Saira Banu. The film had songs penned by Khumar Barabankvi, who mainly wrote for Naushad in Hindi films. And if I am not wrong, he was related to Naushad as well.
11. Hum Intezar Karenge – Bahu Begum (1967) / Roshan – Sahir
A song known to me for decades, thanks to Rangoli, every Sunday morning on Doordarshan. Meena Kumari, longing for her beloved, is ready to wait till the end of the time. And if that is to happen, she prays to God to let it happen. Fortunately Pradeep Kumar turns up before any disaster and they unite. A beautiful melody with a typical Roshan touch. The voice modulation by Asha Bhosle and her vocal expressions are apt. The song also has a sad solo version by Rafi.
12. Raat Ke Humsafar Thak Ke – An Evening in Paris (1967) / Shankar Jaikishan –
One of their most popular duets from the 60s. Sharmila Tagore and Shammi Kapoor roaming at night on the streets of Paris, with spectacular views of the city. The song has an intoxicating aura and beautiful orchestration.
13. Aye Chand Zara Chhup Ja – Laat Sahab (1967) / Shankar Jaikishan –
I remember this film mainly for the couple of duets by Asha Bhosle and Rafi. Both are my favourites and this one retains the melody component, Shankar Jaikishan were rapidly losing in the late 60s in my opinion. The song has a flowing melody, good tune and good orchestration along with apt rendition by the singers.
I was a little surprised by the video as it was compiled by other shots from the same movie, almost till the half of it. When I watched the original video with only black screen visible, I knew why it was like that!
14. Sar Par Lamba Top Leke – Izzat (1968) / Laxmikant Pyarelal – Sahir
The song is picturised on Dharmendra and Jayalalitha, and it was the latter’s only Hindi film. Quite an enjoyable song, with both of them teasing each other about their would-be spouse. It must be one of the rare occasions when Sahir got an opportunity to pen a light hearted song.
15. Gunguna Rahen Hain Bhanware – Aaradhana (1969) / S D Burman – Anand Bakshi
I was very much surprised to note that this was the last duet they sang for S D Burman! Even after the popularity of the duet, why he never repeated the singers is a puzzle. This romantic duet was picturised on Sharmila Tagore and Rajesh Khanna, roaming in picturesque mountains and trees. The shy confession of love and the conversation between the lovers sounds so cute!
16. Sau Baras Ki Zindagi Se – Sachhai (1969) / Shankar Jaikishan – Hasrat Jaipuri
The song talks on the concept that a few days spent in love are more precious than a long life of 100 years. The lyrics are woven around the concept of love being the driving force of nature, life and everything. I remember watching the song as a child, on Chitrahar and Rangoli and being fascinated by the crackers and the decorated elephants in the song. The couple Shammi Kapoor and Sadhana, mainly the former, was certainly past his prime. But the song is certainly one of their good duets.
17. Pyar To Ek Din Hona Tha – Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati (1969) / Kalyanji Anandji – Rajendra Krishan
It was the year 1969 that saw Asha Bhosle and Rafi singing a duet under the baton of Kalyanji Anandji. A song picturised on Shashi Kapoor and Babita portraying the inevitability of love. The playful romantic conversation between the couple finds itself expressed aptly by the singers. Though not a great song, it’s certainly enjoyable.
18. Yeh Parda Hata Do – Ek Phool Do Mali (1969) / Ravi – Prem Dhawan
Both Asha Bhosle and Rafi were favourites with Ravi. He offered them songs consistently throughout the 60s. This playful romantic duet was picturised on Sadhana and Sanjay Khan. Though Sadhana lost her old charm after experiencing the thyroid problem, her expressions are good. The cute nok-jhonk is really enjoyable. The song is still very popular.
19. Dhal Gaya Din Ho Gayi Sham – Humjoli (1970) / Laxmikant Pyarelal – Anand Bakshi
The song is very popular and is mainly remembered for the initial badminton shuttle cock rhythm. Though not great, the song is catchy and that certainly makes you remember it. I think one of the main reasons for Laxmikant Pyarelal’s popularity was that the songs were easily hummable. In general there are very few of their duets under the baton of Laxmikant Pyarelal, that are memorable.
20. Aap Ka Chehra Masha Allah – Rootha Na Karo (1970) / C Ramchandra – Hasrat Jaipuri
Though it’s inspired from ‘That happy feeling‘ by Bert Kaempfert, it’s very catchy. The original song is instrumental, the Hindi version has lyrics and wonderful rendition by Asha Bhosle and Rafi. I’m glad I’m ending the list with a good enjoyable song, let it be an inspired one! The tune for the verses is of his own. This was the last Hindi film C Ramchandra composed for. The song was picturised on Shahi Kapoor and Nanda.
Please add your favourite duets by Asha Bhosle and Rafi within the timeline
Disclaimer –
Mehfil Mein Meri, claims no credit for any image, screenshots or songs posted on this site. Images on this blog are posted to make the text interesting. The images and screenshots are the copyright of their original owners. The song links are shared from YouTube, only for the listening convenience of music lovers. The copyright of these songs rests with the respective owners, producers and music companies.
