Rajesh Khanna was the first super star of Hindi films, before him there were stars and super star adjective was coined for him only. Although he made his debut with GP Sippy’s film Raaz released in early 1967, but he achieved his super success with Aradhana, a film directed by Shakti Samanta released in late 1969, and after that he ruled the silver screen for almost next 6 years. With Shakti Samanta he did few more films, and their association was very successful. One highlight of all their films together was the super hit music, the films chosen here are Aradhana, Kati Patang, Amar Prem, Ajnabi, Mehbooba, and Anurodh. Actually Kishore Kumar also get second life as playback singer with Aradhana’s song picturised on Rajesh Kkhanna, and after that barring few songs all the songs of Rajesh Khanna were sung by Kishore Kumar. In today’s blog I am writing about few songs of Shakti Samanta/Rakesh Khanna/Kishore Kumar combination. I have not given any ranking to the songs, and they have been listed in random order with their You Tube links.
1 Mere Sapnon Ki Rani Kab Aayegi Tu– Aradhana (F), SD Burman (MD).
In this film Rajesh Khanna had double role. This song is in the beginning of his entry in first role. In the song he is driving along with his friend, played by Sujit Kumar on road to Darjelling and when he sees Sharmila Tagore sitting in train, he start singing this song. As you may be aware that On the way to Darjelling, road and rail track are very close to each other.
2 Aate Jaate Khubsurat Awara Sadkon Pe, Kabhi Kabhi Ittefaq Se– Anurodh (F), Laxmikant Pyarelal (MD).
In the film hero Rajesh Khanna is a singer, who sings on Radio but no body knows his identity. In this song, he is singing in Radio Station and the heroine played by Simple Kapadia who is also the singer’s fan is shown listening the song on Radio.
3 Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai Yeh Unka Hai Kaam– Kati Patang (F), RD Burman (MD).
In this film hero played by Rajesh Khanna is a Forest Officer who is ditched by his bride to be on the wedding night and there after he loses faith in love. This song is sung by him in a club, where he is denouncing the Mohabbat (Love).
4 Roop Tera Mastana, Pyar Mera Deewana– Aradhana(F), SD Burman (MD).
In the film Rajesh Khanna (in first role) and Sharmila Tagore who now love each other, are stuck up in stormy night in some small hotel. The song is played in back ground, it seems that couple present in next room are singing this song. During the arousal sexual feeling between hero and heroine is shown very beautifully.
5 Amar Prem (F), RD Burman (MD). I have chosen three songs from this film, because they are such a great songs, and I could not leave any of them from this list
A)Kuch To Log Kahenge, Logan Ka Kaam Hai Kehna
In this film heroine Sharmila Tagore is a nautch girl who sings in a Kotha. Hero Rajesh Khanna played by Rajesh Khanna is not happy with his marriage, stars visiting her after listening her singing. Once it so happens that many people say something to her, and then he sings this song.
B) Chingari Koi Bhadke to Sawan Use Bhujaye
In continuation of above, once hero and heroine are travelling in the boat during night in a river. Hero, who has now started falling in love with heroine sings this song, knowing that their relationship may be doomed,
- C) Yeh Kya Hua, Kaise Hua , Kab Hua, Chodo Yeh Na Poocho
In continuation of above, relatives of hero’s wife when they come to know about this relationship, threatens the heroine and she promise them she will break this relationship. So when next time when he comes to he, she never opens the door and ask him to leave. He comes out and start singing this song.
6 Yeh Shaam Mastani, Madhosh Kiye Jaaye- Kati Patang (F). RD Burman (MD)
This is 2nd song from Kati Patang. Rajesh Khanna has started falling in love with heroine Asha Parekh, without knowing that she is the same girl who ditched him on the wedding night and she is now posing as his friend’s widow. This song is picturised when they are on picnic with his sister and her friends.
7 Ek Ajnabi Haseena Yoon Mulaqat Ho Gayi- Ajnabi (F), RD Burman (MD).
In the film hero Rajesh Khanna is visiting his cousin’s family on the occasion of wedding, when on the way he sees Zeenat Aman. Later during the function he sees Zeenat Aman there, and then he sings this song.
8 Mere Naina Sawan Bhadon, Phir Bhi Mera Man Pyasa– Mehbooba (F), Rd Burman (MD).
The film is based on rebirth story, where both hero and heroine are reborn. She was Court dancer and he was classical singer who used to sing in king’s court. In present birth he is a stage singer and she is a village belle. Once hero while visiting a hill place happens to see her, and later he sees her portrait in a old palace, and suddenly he starts remembering his previous life. In one of those moments he remembers this song and starts singing.
There were many hit songs from above films which were sung by Kishore Kumar with female singers. I have only included Kishore Kumar’s solo songs. You might be wondering in the above list, I have not mentioned name of the lyricist of the songs, it is just a coincidence all the above songs were penned by lyricist Anand Bakshi. There is one more information barring ‘ Mere Naina Sawan Bhadon’ from Mehboba which was directed by Shakti Samanta but not produced by his banners Shakti films and Samanta Enterprises , others films were produced and directed by him. So such was a big hit combination of Kishore Kumar/Rajesh Khanna/Shakti Samanta.
Hope you all must have liked my selections
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
22nd January 2021