Happy 83rd Ashaji!

 

 

 

1) Uden jab jab zulfen teri


Film: Naya Daur (1957)

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi

Music: OP Nayyar


The village setting, with Dilip Kumar and Vyjayantimala having eyes only for each other makes this rustic duet a must watch even after all these years. The song won for Asha loads and accolade and admiration.

 

 

 

2) Achha ji main haari


Film: Kala Pani (1958)

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi

Music: S.D.Burman


It’s one of those ever fresh songs that you never feel tired of watching. Madhubala is saying sorry to Dev Anand but displaying nakhras at the same time and Aasha Bhosle caught the sur expertly. Mohammed Rafi too picked up the vein in his rendering, making it memorable.

 

 

 

3) Abhi na jao chhod kar


Film: Hum Dono (1961)

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi

Music: Jaidev


He’s mock angry that she’s leaving so soon and she tries to appease him by lighting his cigar. It’s a musical lighter and he’s smitten by the gift. What follows is one of the most romantic duets ever in our cinema. A legendary song whose impact hasn’t withered over time.

 

 

4) Bahut shukriya badi meherbani


Film: Ek Musafir Ek Hasina (1962)

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi

Music: O.P.Nayyar


Joy Mukerji walking around with a harmonium and trying to impress Sadhana with his singing abilities may look funny now but the song created a rage back when it was released. Its question-answer format was well served by the singers.

 

 

 

5) Diwana hua badal


Film: Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi

Music: OP Nayyar


The beauty of Kashmir and two young lovers panting with emotions – this lively and breathtakingly beautiful song is served well by the pairing of Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore and the melodious voices of Asha and Rafi.

 

 

6) O mere sona re sona


Film: Teesri Manzil (1966)

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi

Music: Rahul Dev Burman


A lover’s tiff wasn’t ever resolved as melodiously as in this song. You can feel both the depth of passion, as well as remorse in the voices.

 

 

7) Saawan aaye ya na aaye


Film: Dil Diya Dard Liya (1966)

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi

Music: Naushad


This classical based song speaks both of her talent and her pedigree as a singer. She’s always been seen as a singer who excelled in fun, frothy songs but here, singing for Naushad, she proved she’s as good as anybody even when it came to classical tunes.

 

 

 

8) Dhal gaya din ho gayi sham


Film: Humjoli (1970)

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi

Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal


It’s unique for the fact that the actors, Jeetendra and Leena Chandravarkar were playing Badminton in the song and the singers synced their timing to the shots played. It’s both bold and whacky but romantic at the same time.

 

 

9) Ye ladka hay allah kaisa hai diwana


Film: Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977)

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi

Music: RD Burman


It’s one of those fun songs where the heroines chides the hero for getting smitten with her and he retorts that what he feels isn’t mere attraction but love. Asha sounded just like a bubbly girl and her rendition was spot on and so was Rafi’s.

 

 

 

10) Chura liya hai tumne jo dil ko


Film: Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi

Music: RD Burman


What can be more beautiful than Zeenat Aman seductively strumming a guitar? Asha’s rendition gives that extra oomph to the visuals and makes it complete. Rafi’s voice acts as an able foil. It remains one of her most famous numbers even now.