Adornments: Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje

This is one of the loveliest title songs ever made. The opening credits appear in beautiful rangoli designs while Ustad Amir Khan's powerful voice gives you a taste of what to expect as "Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje"(1955) is about to begin. V. Shantaram's films were almost always aesthetically appealing, and this is no exception. Set against the backdrop of dance, this film is a memorable musical that won several awards. It is a pleasure to present this audio-visual treat!

Singer: Ustad Amir Khan
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri
Music: Vasant Desai
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While there are hundreds of songs that are just right for this theme but have not yet been featured here, it is now time to take a break; at least for the time being. Will return with a new theme after a while. May add some more songs to the ongoing one too. Hope you enjoyed listening to these songs as much I as did posting (and listening to) them.

Adornments: Dole Jhumka Mora

A lovely solo from "Do Raha"(1971) today. This film was not very successful commercially. A story about an idealistic writer and his wife, it was somewhat offbeat. It starred Anil Dhawan, Radha Saluja and Shatrughan Sinha.

Singers: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Indeevar
Music: Sapan Jagmohan

Adornments: Kajrare Kajrare

A super-hit dance number from "Bunty Aur Babli"(2005). Amitabh Bachchan dancing energetically with son Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai who was to be his daughter-in-law later. It is quite a feat for a father to be fit enough to not only match steps with the next generation, but make it all look good and effortless too.

Singers: Alisha Chinoy, Shankar Mahadevan, Javed Ali
Lyrics: Gulzar
Music: Shankar Ehsaan Loy

Adornments: Saara Mora Kajara

A duet from "Do Dil"(1965) today. It was directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and starred Biswajeet, Mumtaz and Rajshree. The story is set in a princely kingdom. The picturesque locations in Rajasthan provide a beautiful backdrop to the film.

Singers: Aarti Mukherjee, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Kaifi Azmi
Music: Hemant Kumar

Adornments: Maathe Ki Bindiya Bole

"Lahu Ke Do Rang"(1979) was an average film starring Vinod Khanna, Shabana Azmi, Danny Dengzongpa and Helen. Presenting a duet from the same today. It is interesting to see Helen in a very different role. There are two versions of this song. Listen to the sad version here. Embedding the happy version!

Singers: Anuradha Paudwal, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Farooq Kaiser
Music: Bappi Lahiri

Adornments: Nadiya Kinaare

A lovely solo from "Abhimaan"(1973) to mark S. D. Burman's death anniversary today. I had posted Teri bindiya re from the same film a few days ago.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: S. D. Burman

Adornments: Jhanan Jhan Bichhua Baaje

A little-known solo from "Chand Aur Suraj"(1965) today. It was a mystery/drama starring Dharmendra, Ashok Kumar, Nirupa Roy, Tanuja and Asit Sen. It is rare to see Tanuja performing a classical dance sequence. Another more popular song from this film was Bagh mein kali khili.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Salil Chowdhury

Adornments: Gori Ke Haath Mein

"Mela"(1971) was the first film directed by Prakash Mehra. Set in rural India, it was a hit. Enjoy a duet from this film today. The other popular duets were Rut hai milan ki and Ek baar rakh de qadam zara jhoom ke. 

Singes: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: R. D. Burman

Adornments: Ke Pag Ghunghroo Baandh

Amitabh Bachchan was at his comic best in some songs. This is one of them. He is a complete entertainer throughout this dance number from "Namak Halaal"(1982). It is a long sequence, with the elegant Smita Patil appearing quietly only towards the end.

Singer: Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Anjaan
Music: Bappi Lahiri

Adornments: Dhaani Chunari Pahan

"Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyaan"(1967) was a complete Kishore Sahu show. He not only  produced and directed it, but also wrote the story, screenplay and dialogue. His efforts to launch his daughter Naina Sahu in films did not succeed. The title song was quite popular, though.

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Adornments: Raat Bhi Hai Kuchh Bheegi Bheegi

A beautiful dance number by one of the most gorgeous dancers in Hindi films. It is Waheeda Rehman in "Mujhe Jeene Do"(1963). Sahir Ludianvi's lyrics, Jaidev's composition, Lata Mangeshkar's voice and Waheeda's grace have come together to create this lovely audio-visual experience. I had posted another song, Maang mein bhar le rang sakhi from this film in an earlier series, Her Story.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Music: Jaidev

Adornments: Baaj Ri Mori Paayaliya

I stumbled upon a pleasant, yet little-known solo from a practically unknown film "Gauri"(1968). It was an average melodrama starring Nutan, Sunil Dutt, Sanjeev Kumar and Mumtaz. So, nothing memorable about the film, but posting the song anyway because it was a surprise discovery.

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan
Music: Ravi

Adornments: Mehndi Lagaa Ke Rakhnaa

Presenting a song from the blockbuster "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge"(1995) today. Aditya Chopra's directorial debut, this bagged 10 Filmfare Awards in various categories. It also won the National Film Award for the best popular film providing wholesome entertainment. The film had everything going for it...a good story that appealed to resident as well as non-resident Indians, picturesque locations that have become the hallmark of almost all Yash Chopra productions, excellent star cast and catchy music.

It is interesting to see Mandira Bedi dancing alongside Shahrukh Khan. She was not to make a mark in the world of Hindi cinema!

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Udit Narayan
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Jatin Lalit

Adornments: Baar Baar Tohe Kyaa Samjhaaye

Tarachand Barjatya is known for producing clean films providing entertainment for family audiences. "Aarti"(1962) was one such, with good story and lovely music. Starring Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumari and Pradeep Kumar, it featured the leading lady in the role of a dedicated doctor. Presenting a charming duet from this film today. Both the lady and her man say the word kyaa several times during the song, each time with some variation. I liked the one at 3:19 the best. Check it out for yourself!

Other notable songs from this film are Aapne yaad dilaayaa, Ab kyaa misaal doon and Kabhi to milegi kahin to milegi.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Roshan

Adornments: Meri Bindiya Teri Nindiya

As one can guess, my pick for today has been prompted by the passing away of Yash Chopra yesterday. He has left behind a huge body of work. A very successful mainstream filmmaker, he entertained his audiences with a large number of memorable films. Here is a solo from "Lamhe"(1991). It has been cited as a personal favourite of Yash Chopra from amongst his films. It won the 1992 Filmfare Awards in several categories--Best Film, Best Actress (Sridevi in a double role playing mother and daughter), Best Story (Honey Irani), Best Comedien (Anupam Kher), Best Dialogue (Dr. Rahi Masoom Reza) and Best Costume Design (Neeta Lulla).

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Shiv Hari

Adornments: Aankhon Se Kaajal Ki Lekar Siyahi

A little-known solo from "Jhoola"(1962) today. This film starred Sunil Dutt and Vyjayanthimala in lead roles. Enjoy this sweet little melody!

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan
Music: Salil Chowdhury

Adornments: Kangana Re

"Paheli"(2005) was an unusual film. Based on a short story by Vijayadan Detha, it was shot on location in Rajasthan. It told the story of a ghost who falls in love with a newly-wed woman. The look of the film was artistic, beautiful and colourful. A dance number from this film today. One of the playback singers Kalapini Komkali is the daughter of noted vocalist Kumar Gandharva.

Singers: Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Bela Shende, Kalapini Komkali, Madhushri
Lyrics: Gulzar
Music: M. M. Kreem

Adornments: Jhananananan Jhananananan

"Rani Roopmati"(1959) was one of the prominent films of its times. Based on the legendary love story between the beautiful singer Roopmati and poet-prince Baaz Bahadur of Mandu, it had some memorable songs like Aa laut ke aaja mere meet, Udja bhanwar, Aaja bhanwar and Baat chalat nai chundari rang daari. Presenting a duet from this film today. One would expect to see the performers dance, but both Bharat Bhushan and Nirupa Roy have gotten away without dancing.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Bharat Vyas
Music: S. N. Tripathi

Adornments: Aankhon Mein Kaajal Hai

Watch Neetu Singh and Rishi Kapoor's superb chemistry in this lovely duet from "Doosra Aadmi"(1977). Also, note how simple and graceful Neetu looks in a plain white salwar kameez, with her long hair tied in a plait. This look has long disappeared from films. Other songs from this film that deserve a mention are Chal kahin door nikal jaayen and Nazron se kah do.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Rajesh Roshan

Adornments: Ghungharva Mora Chhamm Chhamm Baje

Watch two very talented dancers from the Hindi film world, Helen and Mehmood,  dance to an energetic tune composed by Shankar Jaikishan. This breezy duet is from "Zindagi"(1964). I had posted another song from this film, Ek naye mehman ke aane ki khabar hai in a previous theme, Her Story.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri
Music: Shankar Jaikishan