Today’s weekend blog is on Bollywood.
Friends, Rajesh Khanna was the first superstar of Bollywood, who ruled the silver screen from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s. After achieving ,stardom with Aradhana (1969), where for the first time Kishore Kumar gave playback to his songs, and after that most of his songs were sung by Kishore Kumar. But even in his super stardom phase there were many songs of Rajesh Khanna, where Mohd. Rafi gave his voice.
Here is the list of the top 10 songs of Mohd Rafi-Rajesh Khanna combination: ( with their YouTube links)
#10 Gunguna Rahen Hain Bhanware Khil Rahi Kali Kali– Aradhana(1969). Credits- with Asha Bhosle (Singer-S), Anand Bakshi (Lyricist-L), SD Burman (Music Director-MD). On screen, duet song- Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore.
https://youtu.be/l5ZSoNAXnVc?si=h4uQfr7fUsdE3NIG
# 9 Koi Nazrana Lekar Aaya Hai Deewana Tere Liye- Aan Milo Sajna (1971). Credits- Anand Bakshi (L), Laxmikant Pyarelal (MD). On screen –solo song of Rajesh Khanna with Asha Parekh.
https://youtu.be/nbejxMsGCnQ?si=mwKOakFDcgwtywC5
# 8 Baghon Mein Bahar Hai, Kaliyon Pe Nikhar Hai– Aradhana (1969). Credits with Lata Mangeshkar (S), Anand Bakshi (L), SD Burman (MD). On screen- duet song- Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore
https://youtu.be/SUWaGkirRoY?si=tu8MvXoCIOjV4vMt
# 7 Akele Hain Chalo Aao, Kahan Ho Tum– Raaz (1967). Credits Shamim Jaipuri (L), Kalyanji Anandji (MD). On screen –solo song of Rajesh Khanna.
https://youtu.be/IkrLvHqMv4A?si=39OBPK3-6w5laiTf
# 6 Chup Gaye Saare Nazare, Oye Kya Baat Ho Gayi– Do Raaste (1969). Credits- with Lata Mangeshkar (S), Laxmikant Pyarelal(MD). On screen-Duet song featuring Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz.
https://youtu.be/Kjkg9NlUpeM?si=9H-4bS-PKZxm18Ht
# 5 Yunhi Tum Mujhse Baat karti Ho, Ya koi Pyar Ka Irada Hai– Sachcha Jhootha (1970). Credits- with Lata Mangeshkar (S), Indeevar,(L), Kalyanji Anandji (MD). On screen –Duet song featuring Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz.
https://youtu.be/F_KRgQTM_Sw?si=Bcj-1Qq_h2u7T3Fz
# 4 Yeh Jo Chilman Hai Dushman Hai Hamari– Mehboob Ki Mehndi (1971). Credits Anand bakshi (L), Laxmikant Pyarelal (MD). On screen solo song of Rajesh Khanna with Leena Chandvarkar.
https://youtu.be/uVv8uQTjIOk?si=EHz3Y6lCpxf41gc3
# 3 Gulabi Ankhen Jo Teri Dekhi, Sharabi Yeh Dil Ho Gaya– The Train (1970). Credits Anand Bakshi (L), RD Burman (MD). On screen solo song of Rajesh Khanna with Nanda.
https://youtu.be/6Z3DO-OFIjQ?si=kRf8PM0vGY7txJxM
# 2 Yeh Reshmi Zulfen, Yeh Sharbati Ankhen, Inhe Dekhkar Jee Rahen Hain Sabhi– Do Raaste (1969). Credits Anand Bakshi )L), Laxmikant Pyarelal (MD). On screen solo song of Rajesh Khanna with Mumtaz.
https://youtu.be/6Z3DO-OFIjQ?si=kRf8PM0vGY7txJxM
There is story behind # 1 song of this combination. That time there was instructions from Rajesh Khanna and agreed by Producer that all his songs will be sung by Kishore Kumar for this film. But when Laxmikant Pyarelal composed this song and called Kishore Kumar for the rehearsals, Kishore refused to sing this song saying that the song is to be sung at very high pitch and he can not do justice to this song, and he openly said that only Mohd Rafi can do justice to this song, so it is better that he gives his voice to this song. So first producer and then Rajesh Khanna was persuaded that the song has to be song by only Mohd Rafi, and the song is:
# 1 Nafrat Ki Duniya Ko Chodke, Pyar Ki Duniya Mein Khush Rehna Mere Yaar– Haathi Mere Saathi (1971). Credits Anand Bakshi (L), Laxmikant Pyarelal (MD). On screen solo song of Rajesh Khanna.
https://youtu.be/z5YriVMF2pU?si=0oSjs7EqoqqDiqCU
Waiting for your feedback on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
6th June 2025