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The 10 Finest Songs in Hindi Cinema
No Laxmikant Pyarelal. No R D Burman. No A R Rahman. Lyricist Amit Khanna's unusual list of 10 great film songs.
Lyricist and writer Amit Khanna was closely associated with Dev Anand and penned some memorable lyrics for more than 40 films.
Some of his famous songs are Uthe Sab Ke Kadam from Baaton Baaton Mein, Chalte Chalte Mere Yeh Geet Yaad Rakhna from Chalte Chalte.
Khanna, who has also been a producer and director, is currently the chairman of Reliance Entertainment.
He feels a lot of filmmakers today don't know the language themselves, which makes it difficult for them to understand the lyrics.
"There are very few lyricists today, who have a literary bent of mind. The rest are all hacks, who put words together," he says.
Khanna has no issues with remixes. "I think every generation should have their version of the song. A proper credit should be given to the original composers of the song."
As part of our celebration of the 100 years of Indian cinema, we asked Amit Khanna to list the 10 Finest Songs in Hindi Cinema.
Strangely, it does not include the works of any recent composer or lyricist, not even the Oscar-winning A R Rahman. It does include Vishal Bhardwaj's Beedi Jalai Lefrom Omkara.
Take a look:
Film: Omkara
Song: Beedi Jalai Le
Music: Vishal Bhardwaj
Lyrics: Gulzar
Singers: Sunidhi Chauhan, Sukhwinder Singh, Nachiketa Chakraborty, Clinton Cerejo
People might call it an item number, but actually, it's a folk song. It is a titillating song without being vulgar.
It's a completely unusual composition from Gulzar. The lyrics are just amazing. He wrote it in a different style.
Mann Re Tu Kahe Na Dheer Dhare
Film: Chitralekha
Music: Roshan
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Singer: Mohammad Rafi
When you listen to the song, the lyrics have a deep meaning, but yet, it is said in a very simple and beautiful manner. The lyrics have an existential feeling.
This song has to be ranked as one of Mohammad Rafi's best songs ever.
Dukhi Mann Mere
Film: Funtoosh
Music: Sachin Dev Burman
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Singer: Kishore Kumar
The song has a lot of pathos, but the lyrics are so beautifully written that you'll fall in love with it.
S D Burman has given very simple but melodious music. This was one of Kishore Kumar's early songs and one of his all-time greats.
The song has been beautifully picturised by Chetan Anand, and has stood the test of time.
Tum Na Jaane Kis Jahaan Main Kho Gaye
Film: Sazza
Music: S D Burman
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
The song has a melting melody and is beautifully orchestrated by S D Burman. The lyrics are simple and yet, touches everyone's hearts.
Lata Mangeshkar's rendition is simply outstanding.
The more you hear it, the more you fall in love with it.
Aye Katib-E-Taqdeer
Film: My Sister
Music: Pankaj Mullick
Lyrics: Pandit Bhushan
Singer: K L Saigal
K L Saigal teaming up with Pankaj Mullick says everything for the song.
The songs had very little assistance from instruments, and that is a hallmark of Saigal's singing.
He had an amazing voice and could sing in any octave. He has been a role model for every singer. The comfort and ease with which he could render any song was simply amazing.
Saigal is the first singing superstar. He brought a certain finesse to the craft.
Watan Ki Raah Main
Film: Shaheed
Music: Ghulam Haider
Lyrics: Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
Singer: Mohammed Rafi
It is arguably one of the best patriotic songs.
The lyrics are haunting as the song is about sacrifice.
Beautifully picturised by Ramesh Saigal, the song was among Mohammad Rafi's early hits. He was very new, just starting his career, but sang the song with so much ease.
Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Hansi Sitam
Film: Kaagaz Ke Phool
Music: S D Burman
Lyrics: Kaifi Azmi
Singer: Geeta Dutt
The biggest asset of Kaagaz Ke Phool was its magnificent score from S D Burman.
Waqt Ne Kiya is an eternal classic. I am sure it features on everyone's list.
Kaifi Azmi's simple yet emotional lyrics are soulful and beautifully rendered by Geeta Dutt.
In spite of being such an old song, it still has a mesmerising effect. The song stills lingers in people's minds.
Bahut Diya Dene Wale Ne
Music: Roshan
Lyrics: Shailendra
Singer: Mukesh
Shailendra is perhaps the best lyricist we have ever had.
It was a very unusual composition. It's a raag-based song and he wrote the song on the melody. There is a certain hook in the song.
The simplicity of words in the song that conveys a beautiful message of being optimistic all the time is absolutely startling.
Hoke Majboor Mujhe Usne Bhulaya
Film: Haqeeqat
Music: Madan Mohan
Lyrics: Kaifi Azmi
Singers: Mohammad Rafi, Bhupinder Singh, Talat Mahmood and Manna Dey
The song was actually a poem written by Kaifi Azmi. It was beautifully composed and sensibly picturised.
The soldiers are remembering their loved ones. As I talk about the song, I can visualise it.
A similar song was attempted again in Border (Sandese Atte Hai), which was also a good song, but it couldn't match up to this.
A classic composition by Madan Mohan, which makes it a great song.
Aap ki Nazron Ne Samjha
Music Director: Madan Mohan
Lyrics: Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
The Lata Mangeshkar-Madan Mohan combo had many memorable soundtracks, but this one remains one of their best.
Lata's voice was just magical. A beautifully orchestrated song which has a melodious tune.