This article was first published on July 18, 2015 and is being republished on December 29, 2018, Rajesh Khanna’s birth anniversary. Towards the end of his career, Rajesh Khanna had almost totally disappeared from public view. But you can’t keep a superstar down for long – there is a revival of interest in him and the success of two books on him demonstrates that he continues to hold his fans in thrall. The 1960s were the decade of Eastmancolour romance in Hindi cinemas, full of bubble gum love stories set in locations like Kashmir, Nainital or, for the big budget filmmakers, Switzerland or Paris. Rajesh Khanna came at the fag end of the decade and continued till the mid-1970s, till a lanky star named Amitabh Bachchan, with his brooding looks and simmering anger, knocked him off his pedestal. But in Khanna’s heyday, from 1969 to 1975, when every film he starred in was a guaranteed box office hit, the actor generated a kind of hysteria not seen before or since. Fans kissed the tyres of his cars, sent letters to him in their own blood and some times “married him”, even if he did not know of the betrothal. His crinkly eyed smile, the flick of his hand and the low purr of his voice, Kaka, as he was called by friends and fans alike, won the hearts of millions of young women and men. He was the good looking boy whom Mum didn’t mind coming home (and secretly hoped her daughter would marry) – his persona was loving, not threatening, engaging, not aloof and most of all, genuine, not fake. Young women saw him as the perfect romancer, handsome but sensitive. That the character he played died in many films only enhanced his appeal. And the songs! He is associated with so many terrific songs, of love, of enjoyment, of sadness and of fun. Here’s a compilation of some of his best numbers to remind us of a more innocent time when romance, not violence, was king. 1. Aakhri Khat Though it was not the first film he was signed for, Aakhri Khat was released earlier. An unusual story of a child who goes missing in Bombay, it was shot by Chetan Anand in black and white, which gave it a retro feel even then. It’s a gently paced film and a young Rajesh Khanna, paired with Indrani Mukherjee, already shows some of his magic that made the girls swoon. 2. Aradhana This 1969 film is really the film that made him. Riding in a jeep, wearing a Gurkha cap and singing “Mere sapne ki rani kab aayegi tu” while Sharmila Tagore dimpled away, sitting on the Darjeeling toy train, Kaka burst upon our collective consciousness as the quintessential lover boy. That he had a double role was a bonus for his fans. 3. Do Raaste A family drama that came out the same year as Aradhana, this showed that Rajesh Khanna could hold his own in an ensemble cast. The role as a loyal, principled son was perfect for his innocent looks. It also set off his partnership with Mumtaz, one of his most regular co-stars. 4. Safar Rajesh Khanna made death romantic. This also ensured that he got many philosophical sounding songs on the futility of life. In Safar, he was a medical student suffering from cancer who hides this fact from the woman he loves. This created the aura of a martyr around him, which served him well in several films, including Anand. By now he was a huge star and could do no wrong. 5. Kati Patang To suffer with dignity and with a smile on the face – all for love — was Rajesh Khanna’s lot in many films. A melodramatic potboiler by Shakti Samanta, Kati Patang was a phenomenal success, not least because of the theme – of a young man romancing a white sari-clad ‘widow’ – its songs, and the way Rajesh Khanna sang them on the screen. 6. Anand One more instance of suffering quietly, without the world ever knowing. Anand is arguably Rajesh Khanna’s best ever role. It is the film that introduced India to ‘lymphosarcoma of the intestine’. Anand suffers from this dangerous sounding disease but faces it with optimism and joy, establishing him as a serious actor who could do more than woo his heroines. Amitabh Bachchan was the perfect foil as the doctor who is treating Anand—Bachchan brought an intensity to the role which worked well off the happy-go-lucky Anand. 7. Haathi Mere Saathi With this film, Rajesh Khanna became the darling of the kids. Kaka and the elephants were the real stars of the film. 8. Amar Prem New tamil songs free download. Working with Shakti Samanta, it was only a matter of time before Rajesh Khanna played a Bengali bhadralok kind of role. Amar Prem was the classical tear jerker, about the pure love between a singing girl – prostitute, really – and a businessman in a loveless marriage. The Calcutta ambience, the story that moved as gently as a boat on the Howrah and the songs, turned this into a super hit film. “Pushpa I hate tears”, a line said by the character, has become a shorthand for Rajesh Khanna. 9. Namak Haraam In 1973, both Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan came together for the second time, once again under the direction of Hrishikesh Mukherjee. But things had changed since Anand. Bachchan had become a star after Zanjeer and was being spoken of as the actor to watch. Khanna was still at the top of the Bombay game, but it had been a dream run that had to come to a halt one day. Besides, there was already talk of tension between the two. Mukherjee’s decision to cast both in an Indian interpretation of Beckett worked well—their scenes together have a frisson that makes this film eminently watchable. Romantic Songs Of Rajesh Khanna10. Aavishkar Probably the last really worthwhile role he did was in this Basu Bhattacharya film. As an ad executive who is in a drifting marriage, Rajesh Khanna demonstrated that he had reached a new level of maturity as an actor and won a Filmfare award for it. This was the time to get choosy about roles, but he kept on accepting dross like Bundalbaaz and Mahachor.
Rajesh Khanna – The first superstar of Indian cinema started off his Bollywood career in 1966. Though Raaz (1967) was his first signed film, Aakhri Khat got released in 1966. He was only 5 films old (excluding one special appearance) when he was named as ‘First Superstar of Indian Cinema’ by film critics and media in 1969 soon after the release of Aradhana – the movie which changed the destiny of Khanna, Kishore Kumar and of course, the course of journey of Bollywood film industry too. Among those 5 releases in four years before Aradhana happened, only three had Khanna as solo hero, he played guest role in Shrimanji and supporting role in Aurat. Though voices of Mohammed Rafi, Manna Dey and Mukesh were alternately used in his early releases, Kishore Kumar became Khanna’s trademark voice since the release of Aradhana. In fact, Aradhanawas the first movie for which Kishore Kumar rendered his voice for Rajesh Khanna. Quite surprising but true!
Rafi was the most sought male voice of Bollywood in the 1950s and 1960s followed by Mukesh, and both these doyens of Indian film music sang the lion share of songs in both these decades. With the release of Aradhana, Kishore became the leading male voice of Bollywood. It was for the first time since mid-1950s, a new brand voice emerged in Bollywood who sang for lead heroes, mostly romantic songs. Though Rafi lost his supreme power in Bollywood music by early 1970s so unexpected, he gave some significant contributions to Bollywood music industry in the 1970s till his death.
Though Kishore Kumar’s voice was first preferred by R. D for Khanna’s voice, he used Rafi’s voice for chartbuster songs like Gulabi Aakhein for The Train. In fact Rafi’s voice was used by Burman Da for both the songs featuring Rajesh Khanna – Ne Soniye and Julabi Aakhein of the same film. There are several instances where Rafi and Mukesh’s voices matched perfectly with Khanna’s mannerisms.Read more to know Mukesh’s songs for Rajesh Khanna.
Top solos of Mohammed Rafi for Rajesh KhannaAur Kuch Der Thahar from Aakri Khat – First hit song of Rajesh Khanna
In the glorious era of Rafi in the 1960s, he rendered his voice for Khanna’s first release – Aakhri Khat. Music composed by Khayyam had 5 tracks and Rafi sang the solo romantic track – Aur Kuchh Der Thahar. This evergreen track also featured Indrani Mukherji aside Rajesh Khanna. Raaz – Khanna’s second film was his first colour release. The movie included two Rafi songs – Sochta Hoon Ke Tumhe Maine (a duet with Lata Mangeshkar) and haunting Akele Hain Chale Aao. Akele Hain Chale Aao composed by Kalyanji-Anandji can be regarded as the first top chartbuster song of Rajesh Khanna. Since then how many memorable songs have been born in Bollywood featuring Rajesh Khanna! Also read:Top 10 films of Rajesh Khanna.
Rafi’s voice was used by R. D. Burman to record the emotional track –Zamane Ne Maare Jawanfor Baharon Ke Sapne, one of the best early works of the composer. In fact it’s not a hidden truth, R. D used Kishore’s voice to record a couple of songs of Aradhana, which were originally reserved for Rafi by his father. But he preferred Rafi’s voice to record both the songs of The Train featuring Rajesh Khanna. The solo track –Ghulabi Aakhenand the duet Ne Soniye were popular. He recorded the solo track – Ho Tere Atharoo Chun Levaan Mainfor the movie, Shehzada, though four songs were recorded in Kishore Kumar’s voice. Yeh Reshmi Zulfen – This solo romantic track still stays in millions of hearts
Laxmikant Pyarelal recorded the popular romantic solo track –Yeh Reshmi Zulfenfor the super hit film Do Raaste in 1969, when Kishore had already became the trademark voice of Rajesh Khanna. The song became extremely popular. They also recorded the popular duet – Chup Gaye Saare Nazaare for the movie. Since then he has recorded many popular solos and duets with Rafi for Rajesh Khanna movies.Nafrat Ki Duniya Ko Chhod Kefrom Haathi Mere Saathi andKoi Nazrana Lekar Aaya Hufrom Aan Milo Sajna are a few more.Yet similar to Pancham Da, Laxmikant Pyarelal too preferred Kishore Kumar’s voice for their later works for Khanna movies.
Rafi’s maximum duets with Asha, but less for Khanna moviesGun Guna Rahe Hain from Aradhana – The first hit of Khanna-Rafi-Asha combination
“Shola Ulfat Ka” for 1967 movie – Aurat featuring Rajesh Khanna and Nazima was the first duet for this combination. But this song went unnoticed. The first hit duet of this jodi wasGun Guna Rahe Hai Bhanvarecomposed by S. D. Burman for Aradhana. The songs played a significant role in establishing Rajesh Khanna as the first superstar of Bollywood, and also the hit pair – Rajesh Khanna-Sharmila Tagore. Also readTop 15 songs of Asha Bhosle. Same year they sang the popular duet –Sajna Sath Nibhanafor the movie Doli. Babita was seen romancing Prem Chopra in this song. The movie also included a solo track of Rafi – Danto Tale Daba Kar Honth. They got only less combination songs for Rajesh Khanna. They sang the song –Ye Gotedar Lehenga for Dharamkanta after a long break, the movie released after Rafi’s death. The song was composed by Naushad.
Baagom Mein Bahaar Hai – The first recorded duet of Rafi & Lata for a Khanna movieS. D. Burman recorded two duets with Rafi for the movie Aradhana before he became ill and handed over the work to his son. S. D is credited to recordingBaagom Mein Bahaar Hai– the first duet of Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar for a song featuring Rajesh Khanna. The song also featured Farida Jalal as Rajesh Khanna’s love interest. He also recorded Gun Guna Rahe Hai Bhanvare for movie, the first hit duet of Rafi & Lata featuring Rajesh Khanna. Baahon Mein Bahaar Hai – The first recorded song of Rajesh Khanna-Rafi-Lata Combination
Do Raaste became a huge hit after Aradhana, and the movie included an evergreen romantic track –Chup Gaye Saare Nazaaresung by Lata and Rafi.Ne Soniyeof The Train,Yunhi Tum Mujhse Baat Karti Hoof Sacha Jhoota,Itna To Yaad Hai Mujheof Mehboob Ki Mehndi,Kaheko Bulaya Mujheof Humshakal etc are a few more.
To Conclude
Though several composers have made Mohd Rafi sung for Rajesh Khanna in the late 1960s and first half of 1970s, R. D. Burman composed almost all his films in 1970s except Baharon Ke Sapne. Rafi sang around 15 solos and 15 duets for Khanna. Thus the total count of this combination is around 30. Most of the songs met with success as well. Yet the charm of Rafi songs for Khanna was overridden by those countless songs sung by Kishore for Khanna, mostly composed by R. D. Burman, followed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. When a small drift occurred between Rajesh Khanna and Pancham Da in the late 1970s, Laxmikanth-Pyarelal filled the gap. In most these cases, Kishore Kumar became the voice of Rajesh Khanna in the 1970s, similar to Mukesh’s voice for Raj Kapoor in the 1950s and 1960s and Mohammed Rafi’s voice for Shammi Kapoor in the 1960s.Read top solo tracks of Rafi for Shammi.
Before I conclude I would like to list top 10 songs of Rajesh Khanna – Mohd Rafi combination.
1. Gunguna Rahe Hain – Aradhana
3. Yeh Reshmi Zulfein – Do Raaste
5. Akele Hain Chale Aao – Raaz
7. Chup Gaye Saare Nazare – Do Raste
9. Itna To Yaad Hai Mujhe – Mehmood Ki Mehndi
10. Nafrat Ki Duniya Ko Chhod Ke – Haathi Mere Saathi
It’s pretty clear music composers of yesterdays have less used this amazing combination which gave some extremely romantic popular songs like Gulabi Aakhein, Yeh Reshmi Zulfein, Gunguna Rahe Hain etc. Unfortunately an era of highly demanding Kishore-Khanna songs couldn’t foresee the popularity of Rafi-Khanna songs received over the years. Only we have a few music gems we can cherish forever, and let us hold them close to our hearts. I've had family members checking stores. Super nintendo mini. I've been looking for the Leap Pad for my little girl since Black Friday. I've checked several websites, a few times a day. I've been to store after store.
Read a few more topics on Rajesh Khanna, the charismatic hero and the first super star of Indian cinema
Also read a few more posts on the most talented male voice of Bollywood ever – Mohammed Rafi.
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Bollywood’s first superstar Rajesh Khanna is known for his memorable songs. His movies and characters became immortal because of his songs. Lets have a look at his ten most popular songs. 1. Mere Sapnon Ki Rani : Aradhana Mere Sapno Ki Rani is an extremely popular song of Rajesh Khanna. Shakti Samanta’s Aradhana catapulted Rajesh Khanna to superstardom. This was Rajesh Khanna’s introduction song in the film. Rajesh$ Khanna and Sharmila Tagore made a hit pair in 60s and 70s. Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo1MykK4u8U Listen mp3 :Listen to this song on Gaana.com 2. Yeh Jo Mohobbat Hai : Kati Patang Yeh Jo Mohobbat Hai from Kati Patang is a number where Rajesh Khanna asks one to be wary of love. It could be heartbreaking. But the song is heart-touching. Kishore Kumar has sung this song composed by R D Burman. Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6D-nGcbulI Listen mp3 :Listen to this song on Gaana.com 3. O Mere Dil Ke… : Mere Jeevan Saathi O Mere Dil Ke…, from Mere Jeevan Saathi is a romantic number where Rajesh Khanna expresses his love to Tanuja. Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYu4N3dst7U Listen mp3 :Listen to this song on Gaana.com 4. Jai Jai Shiv Shankar : Aap Ki Kasam. Jai Jai Shiv Shankar is a fun song from movie Aap Ki Kasam. Handsome Rajesh Khanna and beautiful Mumtaz danced like crazy after having bhang in this song. With composer Pancham Da and singer Kishore Kumar, it couldn’t have gone wrong. Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwC_32YvJBY Listen mp3 :Listen to this song on Gaana.com 5. Kahi duur jab din dhal jaye : Anand Kahi duur jab din dhal jaye, a much inspiring song from the movie Anand. His role in the movie is known for its emotional intensity. Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmYT79bYIQw Listen mp3 :Listen to this song on Gaana.com 6. Kuch Toh Log Kahenge : Amar Prem Kuch Toh Log Kahenge…is a popular song from Amar Prem where Rajesh Khanna has a care a damn attitude about the gossipmongers. A sublime number! Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch?v=95UdAo4JdJI Listen mp3 :Listen to this song on Gaana.com 7. Yeh Shan Mastani : Kati Patang Yeh Shan Mastani from Kati Patang was sung by Kishore Kumar who sung most of Rajesh Khanna’s songs. Rajesh Khanna was paired opposite Asha Parekh. It was another popular pair of 70’s. Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3buMKP2-GI Listen mp3 :Listen to this song on Gaana.com 8. Kora kagaz : Aradhana Kora kagaz tha song from Aradhana was one of his best romantic songs. His onscreen chemistry with Sharmila Tagore was outstanding! Rajesh Khanna was romantic hero who made women go weak in the knees. Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql1-jjEPErw Listen mp3 :Listen to this song on Gaana.com 9. Maine Tere Liye : Anand Maine Tere Liye…was a popular song from Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s film Anand. It was sung by Mukesh. Rajesh Khanna played a cancer patient in Anand who believed in living his life to the fullest. Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch Listen mp3 : Listen to this song on Gaana.com 10.Zindagi ek safar : Andaz Zindagi ek safar… is from Rajesh Khanna’s Andaz. He played a cameo in the film. But the song is amongst his most popular numbers. Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch Listen mp3 :Listen to this song on Gaana.com 11. Woh Shaam Kuch Ajeeb Thi : Khamoshi Woh Shaam Kuch Ajeeb Thi is amongst his first popular song numbers and Khamoshi was the first film that gave Rajesh Khanna recognition. Kishore Kumar has been Rajesh Khanna’s voice from his very initial days. Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch Listen mp3 : 12. Jeevan Se Bhari Teri Aankhen : Safar Jeevan Se Bhari Teri Aankhen.., Rajesh Khanna sings about the life in the eyes of her lover Sharmila Tagore in Safar- a tragic tale in which Khanna suffers from terminal illness. Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch Listen mp3 : 13. Pyar Deewana Hota Hai : Kati Patang Pyar Deewana Hota Hai from Kati Patang is a simple love song where Rajesh Khanna tries to woo Asha Parekh. Khanna’s good friends, the ever-dependable Kishore Kumar and RD Burman, make the song immortal. Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch Listen mp3 : 14. Mere Dil Mein Aaj Kya Hai : Daag 'Mere Dil Mein Aaj Kya' Hai is amongst Rajesh Khanna-Kishore Kumar’s combination’s most melodious numbers. Yash Chopra’s romantic saga 'Daag' had Rajesh Khanna paired opposite two heroines – Sharmila Tagore and Rakhee. Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksapDF0DtG4 Listen mp3 : 15. Aate Jaate Khoobsurat : Anurodh
Aate Jaate Khoobsurat is from film Anurodh starring Rajesh Khanna and his sister-in-law Simple Kapadia. In the song Khanna gives a live performance on a radio station throwing subtle hints about his ladylove through the lyrics. Gore Rang Pe Na Itna Gumaan Kar from Roti is a typical Bollywood ched-chad number, the popular pair Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz tease each other in this song.Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch Listen mp3 : 16. Mere Naina Sawan Bhado : Mehbooba 'Mere Naina Sawan Bhado' was an intense song of separation since the lovers Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini were separated over births in the punar-janam saga Mehbooba. Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch Listen mp3 : 17. Jawani O Diwani Tu Zindabad : Aan Milo Sajna Jawani O Diwani Tu Zindabad is from the film Aan Milo Sajna. Watch his exemplary dance steps and however repetitive they might be, Khanna still charms you with his smile. Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch Listen mp3 : 18. Deewana Leke Aaya Hai : Mere Jeevan Saathi Deewana Leke Aaya Hai from Mere Jeevan Saathi is a soulful song sung by Kishore Kumar dipped in melody. Rajesh Khanna played a blind man in the film. Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch Listen mp3 : 19. Duniya Mein Logo Ko :Apna Desh Duniya Mein Logo Ko, a peppy song with westernized music arrangements by RD Burman was a unusual Rajesh Khanna song in which the superstar attempted to go firang in his style. Ironically the film was titled Apna Desh. Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch Listen mp3 : 20. Gore Rang Pe Na Itna Gumaan Kar : Roti 1974 Watch Video : www.youtube.com/watch Listen mp3 :
Rajesh Khanna top 10 songs lis4.9 out of 5 based on 5 ratings. 2 user reviews.
Rajesh Khanna Songs List
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