Costume Drama: Aaj Na Chhodenge

Presenting a lively duet from "Kati Patang" (1971) that is out of season at this time of the year, but fits well in our theme. The film and all its songs were huge hits. The lead pair--Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh--was very popular too.

The story of a young woman pretending to be a widow appealed to viewers because of its differentness. Gulshan Nanda had written the story and screenplay based on a novel by Cornell Woolrich, I Married A Dead Man. Shakti Samanta was the director. His collaboration with Rajesh Khanna was very successful that resulted in nine films. "Aradhana" was the first and "Kati Patang" the second.

Enjoy this number from the happening '70s!

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: R. D. Burman

Costume Drama: Dulhan Chali Pahan Chali

It is an enjoyable challenge to find a song for a particular occasion that fits in an ongoing theme. I am delighted to present this lovely song on the occasion of our upcoming Independence Day.

Manoj Kumar is associated with several patriotic films. "Purab Aur Pachhim" (1970) is one of them. Here, he played a freedom fighter's son Bharat who goes abroad to study. While there, he works towards changing the mindset of people towards India. So, enjoy this song. Greetings and best wishes to all!

Singer: Mahendra Kapoor
Lyrics: Indeevar
Music: Kalyanji Anandji

Costume Drama: Jaipur ki Choli

"Gehri Chaal" (1973) is an action thriller starring Amitabh Bachchan, Jeetendra, Hema Malini, Bindu and Prem Chopra. The story revolves around a bank robbery. Amitabh Bachchan plays the role of Hema Malini's brother in this film.

A light-hearted duet towards the end of which Hema Malini passes on some important message to Jeetendra from this film today with playback by Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar. It happens to be Kishore Kumar's birthday today.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Costume Drama: Choli Ke Peechhe Kya Hai

It was sensuous, suggestive and sizzling. Yes, the cult song from "Khalnayak" (1993) that I am presenting today. The song created quite a stir and controversy. At first listeners were taken aback by its opening words, but soon the song itself came up with an innocent answer to the bold query and then there was nothing to stop them from enjoying this number. If you were not just listening, but watching it too; then Madhuri Dixit's stunning steps mesmerized you. Adding pizzazz to the proceedings was the rebellious Neena Gupta and her band of charming dancers who turned this piece into a visual extravaganza.

Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun won the Filmfare Award in the Best Female Playback Singer category while Saroj Khan won the same for Best Choreography.

Singers: Alka Yagnik, Ila Arun
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal