Kishore Kumar's sad/serious songs- part II

When I decided to post a list of Kishore Kumar's sad/ serious songs, I thought that one post would be enough, since Kishore Kumar is associated more with happy, romantic and comedy songs and I did not think he may have sung more than a dozen or so sad songs.

But when I started digging deep, I began to find many such songs. So I decided to post them in two parts. Now that I am presenting part II, I have come to realise that even two parts are not enough to accomodate all the memorable sad/ serious songs of Kishore Kumar. And that has been quite an eye opener for me.

Kishore Kumar may have sung nearly as many tragic songs as many singers associated with this kind of songs. And I am only talking about those songs that are truly memorable and ever green.

In fact, I even found songs which are not very well known, but they deserve to be bracketed among the list of all time great Kishore Kumar songs. If they are rather unknown today, then it is mainly because these movies where these songs featured had flopped badly.

Now I have become certain in my mind that this is by no means the last part of my my lists of Kishore Kumar's sad/ serious song. I already have enough material for at least two more parts.

I had already presented some 20 memorable sad songs in part I , and here in part II, I present 20 more memorable sad songs of Kishore Kumar. Just go through the list of songs. Wow! I just cannot believe that Kishore Kumar had such a large number of such classy songs under his belt. And as mentioned earlier, there are more to come.

Song 1

Kishore Kumar, otherwise known for his funny roles and lighthearted exterior, made one funny movie "Chalti ka naam gaadi", but afterwards, he tended to make movies on serious subjects, starting from "Door gagan ki chaaon mein." I had presented one song from this movie in part I. All the songs in this movie were serious songs.Here is one more such song from this movie.

Aa chal ke tujhe (door gagan ki chaaon mein 1964) Singer-Kishore,Lyrics-Kishore, MD-Kishore

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvtVoN_2efE

Song 2
This is one of the first sad songs that Kishore Kumar sang under the music direction of Laxmikant Pyarelal.
Ye dard bhara afsaana (Shriman Funtoosh 1965) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Anand Bakshi, MD-Laxmikant Pyarelal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09z6YzXS-hA

Song 3
This was one the first sad songs sung by Kishore Kumar for Rajesh Khanna under the music direction of R d Burman. Since then. this combination churned out songs after sad songs, all memorable and evergreen, as we have already sen in part I and will see in this part too.
This song finished third in Binaca geetmala final of 1971.
Ye jo mohabbat hai ye unka hai kaam (Kati patang 1971) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Anand Bakshi,MD-Laxmikant Pyarelal

Ye jo mohabbat hai

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6jum2_ye-jo-mohabbat-hai_shortfilms

Song 4
Kishore Kumar sang most of his classic sad songs under the baton of R D Burman, but papa Burman was the one who mentored and nursed Kishore Kumar into a legendary singer. Here is a memorable sad song sung by Kishore Kumar under the baton of S D Burman and picturised on Dev Anand.
Dil aaj shayar (Gambler 1971) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Neeraj, MD-S D Burman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQF7UEPR_UE

song 5
When most other music directors were being threatened under the onslaught of the Kishore Kumar-R D Burman hurricane, it was Laxmikant Pyarelal, who turned this threat into an opportunity and composed some memorable sad songs on Kishore in 1970s. Here is one of them.
Mere deewanepan ki bhi (Mahboob ki mehandi 1971) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Anand Bakshi,MD-Laxmikant Pyarelal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHdtPvu9Dcw

Song 6
"Amar Prem" had three memorable sad songs sung by Kishore Kumar. Here is the first of them. This song was fifth in Binaca geetmala final of 1972.
Chingari koi bhadke (Amar Prem 1971) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Anand Bakshi, MD-R D Burman

Chingari koi bhadke

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6jjut_chingari-koi-bhadke_shortfilms

Song 7
And here is the second memorable sad song of Kishore from "Amar Prem".
Kuch to log kahenge (Amar Prem 1971) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Anand Bakshi, MD-R D Burman

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6jjw8_kuch-to-log-kahenge_shortfilms

Song 8
This was a Kishore Kumar song sung for an offbeat movie. This song finished 8th in Binaca geetmala final of 1972.
Ye jeewan hai is jeewan ka yahi to hai rang roop (Piya ka ghar 1972) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Anand Bakshi, MD-Laxmikant Pyarelal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNHbax_kcq4

Song 9
This song finished 25th in Binaca geetmala 1973.
This song paints such a vivid picture of the protagonist leaving his familiar surroundings and venturing into the unknown. And one can visualise it even without watching the video. And the picturisation of this song on real locations is quite impressive.
Musafir hoon yaaron (Parichay 1972) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Gulzar,MD-R D Burman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEol25DMA_Q

Song 10
Here is just one of several sad songs from the movie "Namak haraam"
Nadiya se dariya (Namak haraam 1973) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Anand Bakshi, MD-R D Burman

Nadiya se dariya

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6jjtp_nadiya-se-dariya_shortfilms

Song 11
And here is a memorable song from Majboor, composed by laxmikant Pyarelal. It was one of the first sad songs of Kishore picturised on Amitabh Bachchan.
Aadmi jo kehta hai aadmi jo sunta hai (Majboor 1974) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Anand Bakshi, MD-Laxmikant Pyarelal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAVm2xy0W-s

Song 12
One of the most memorable songs sung by Kishore Kumar was this Laxmikant Pyarelal composition
Gaadi bula rahi hai (Dost 1974) Singer-Kishore,Lyrics-Anand Bakshi,MD-Laxmikant Pyarelal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX92HaI2yVk

Song 13
Mili was a remake of Anand, where Jaya played the role of Rajesh Khanna. This movie had two extremely moving Kishore songs. Here is the first.
Aaye tum yaad mujhe (Mili) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Yogesh,MD-S D Burman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ubpz7ErEJg

Song 14
And here is the secong haunting Kishore Kumar song from Mili.
Badi sooni sooni hai Zindagi ye Zindagi(Mili 1975) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Yogesh, MD-S D Burman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-ocUQH-vUY

Song 15
This song was 12th in Binaca geetmala final of 1975. But I would rate him at the very top of my personal rating. This song is magic, pure magic !
O manjhi re (Khushboo 1975)Singer-Kishore,lyrics- Gulzar,MD- R D Burman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFTaTokxsdc

Song 16
It may not be mere coincidence that a large number of Kishore Kumar's songs were picturised on Rajesh Khanna. Here is another such song.
Mere naina saawn bhado (Mahbooba 1976) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Anand Bakshi,MD-R D Burman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXK8BQzQdic

Song 17
A superb song from "Anurodh".
Jab dard nahin tha seene mein (Anurodh 1977)Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Anand Bakshi, MD- Laxmikant Pyarelal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAq9aoLFwVc

Song 18
and here is another song from "Anurodh".
Aate jaate khoobsoorat awara galiyon mein (anurodh 1977)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIdk4P6zY8M

Song 19
Kalyanji Anandji, another survivor of Kishore Kumar-R D Burman onslaught, makes good use of Kishore Kumar's talent in this song. This song topped the list of hit songs in Binaca geetmala final of 1979.
O saathi re (Muqaddar ka Sikandar 1978) Singer-Kishore,Lyrics-Anjaan,MD-Kalyanji Anandji

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9GmzGsybk0

Song 20
This movie was made with such hype by the makers of Sholay that one felt this was going to be the biggest blockbuster of all time. But when the dust settled, the only thing that survived from this disaster called "Shalimar" was this memorable song.
Hum bewafa hargiz na they (shaalimar 1978)Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Anand Bakshi, MD-R D Burman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_MyD5I1D1w
Read more on this article...

Ravi- composer of iconic songs in Bollywood movies

1950-60 was the era when Bollywood had an embarrasment of riches as far as quality music directors were concerned. There were so many of them that it was difficult to keep track of all of them unless you were a statistian or a historian of Bollywood music. The songs that they composed are popular to this date. Sometimes we may remember the songs and hum them, without being aware about who the music director was. The present generation have heard about the more prominent among them, but even those whose names are not that well known gave us songs that are very well known.

One of the lesser known music director from that era was Ravi. Like Roshan,he bacame popular by his first name whereas His full name was Ravi Shankar Sharma.He started his career in Hindi movies in 1955 with "Vachan" and his last movie was as late as 1990 in a movie called "Aulad ki Khatir". In addition, he gave music in some Gujarati and Malayalam movies as well in 1980s for which he got best music director's award for the state Governments of Gujrat and Kerala as well.For all practical purposes he can be treated as a music director of 1950-70 ( the golden era) though he gave us some good music in as late as 1980s as well.

He may be lesser known today, but when I looked at the list of his popular songs, I was simply amazed.There are quite a few movies under his music direction, where almost every song ( not just one or two) were huge hits and are popular even today. For example movies such as Chaudhavin ka chand(1960),Waqt( 1965), Kaazal(1965),Do Badan ( 1966), Hamraaz ( 1967),Ankhen ( 1968), Ek phool do mali ( 1969)had Ravi's music and almost every song( there used to be 7-8 or more songs in each movie in those days) is popular. These movies were hits, and Ravi's music played a role in making them hits.

In fact, Ravi gave some memorable music even in movies that have been long forgotten.For example, who remembers now that there were movies called Ek Saal(1957),Dilli Ka Thug( 1958), aaj aur kal ( 1963) and Ustadon ke ustad( 1963). The only reason why these movies are still remembered is because of their songs.

Ravi had a long career, spanning over three decades. There have been very few music directors enjoying such long and fruitful career. Here is a list of some of the most memorable songs that Ravi has composed ( or help compose, e.g. in case of the first song). There were many memorable songs that I had to omit from my list.

Here are some of the more memorable contributions of Ravi in Bollywood filmy music

Song 1
Man dole mera tan dole(Nagin 1954)-


http://www.youtube.com/v/WQRtsyNq1lU

No, Ravi was not the music director of this movie, Hemant Kumar was, but Ravi was his assistant in this movie. The been music in the Nagin song was played by Ravi on harmonium. There is a general misconception among fans that Kalyanji had played that on claviolin ( a new instrument- that could be called a synthesiser of that time). He was playing the claviolin but the main tune was on harmonium played by Ravi and not on claviolin. Kalyanji was called only for the tone. Ravi was the chief assistant, rather only assistant of Hemant Kumar and he was the incharge of this song. This fact was brought out by Ravi in a very long freewheeling interview on Vividh Bharati. When Hemant Kumar got the prize of the best music director of the year, he went down to the rear of the hall where Ravi was seated and handed over the trophy to Ravi saying that Ravi too deserved to share this award.
This song finished in Binaca geetmala top three in two consecutive finals- viz 1954 and 1955.

Song 2
Chanda Mama door ke (Vachan 1955)Singer-Asha,Lyrics-Prem Dhawan, MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJtk-NWaiA8
This was the debut movie of Ravi as a movie director and he delived this song that became one of the first great lullabies to come from Bollywood movies. In this same movie he also composed a song that became popular with beggars all over the country, viz "Ek paisa dede babu". In fact, almost all songs of this movie became very popular at that time.

Song 3
Sab kuch luta ke hosh mein aaye to kya kiya (Ek Saal 1957)Singer-Talat, Lyrics-Prem Dhawan,MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix5drLCN9lw
An iconic tragic song, as everyone would readily agree. It was the first time Ravi worked with Talat, and the result was this fantastic song.

Song 4
CAT cat, cat maane billi (Dilli ka thug 1958) Singer- Asha, Kishore, Lyrics-Majrooh, Ravi

CAT cat maane billi

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6i6i8_cat-cat-maane-billi_shortfilms

And this was the first time Ravi worked with Kishore Kumar. The result was several outstanding comedy songs in this movie sung and acted by Kishore, ably supported on screen by Nutan, and on playback singing by Asha Bhosle. Other memorable songs from this movie being- "hum to muhabbat karega" and "ye raatein ye mausam, nadi ka kinara". This song finished second in Binaca geetmala final of 1958.

Song 5
Chaudhvin ka chand ho ya aftab ho ( Chaudhvin ka chand 1960) Singer-Rafi, Lyrics-Shakeel Badayuni, MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXPsXPLYSpk
Producer Guru Dutt had signed Shakeel Badayuni as lyricist, but Ravi wondered if Shakeel Badayuni would agree to work in a movie without Naushad. But Shakeel Badayuni agreed and put Ravi at ease by grabbing his hands and telling him- "maine baahar kahin kaam naheen kiya hai, mujhe sambhaal lena" (I have never worked in outside movies .So please cover up for me.) And the result of this partnership between a nervous lyricist and a nervous music director was a spectacular musical blockbuster.
This sond finished at number 2 in Binaca geetmala final of 1960.

Song 6
Ek woh bhi diwali thi ek yeh bhi diwali hai( Nazrana-1961)Singers-Lata,Mukesh, Lyrics-Rajinder Krishan,MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI7-6rE4Ap0

Need one say anything about this song ?

Song 7
Wafa jinse ki, bewafa ho gaye ( Pyar ka saagar-1961)Mukesh, Lyrics-Prem Dhawan, MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYwBeq7yNKU

Ravi used Mukesh's voice sparingly, like Talat and Kishore's voice heard earlier, but when he used them, he made their voices count.

Song 8
Ai mere dile naadaan tu gham se na ghabraana (Tower House)-Singer-Lata,Lyrics-Asad Bhopali,MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2EznrCj7kU
Surely this song is a music aficionado's delight.

Song 9
Yeh wadiyan, yeh fizayen bula rahin hain tumhe (Aaj aur kal 1963) Singer-Rafi, Lyrics-Sahir,MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57NJ3IyEro4

Fantastic!

Song 10
Sau bar janam lenge( Ustadon ke ustaad 1963)Singer-Rafi, Lyrics-Asad Bhopali,MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/v/MzJJG0PZR60

A divine voice at its most divine.

Song 11
chalo ek baar phir se ajnabi ban jaayen hum dono (Gumrah 1963)Singer-Mahendra Kapoor, Lyrics-Sahir

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE5q9kst-Zc

Creating great songs using the voice of great singers is alright, but Ravi could make the most of the voices of less gifted singers too. For instance, it is Ravi who utilised Mahendra Kapoor's voice the best. This song is just one of the earliesr example of this fact.

Song 12
Chhoo Lene Do Nazuk Honthon Ko (Kaajal 1965) Singer-Rafi , Lyrics- Sahir, MD- Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce2Fzj7RxE4
Every song in this movie was hugely popular.

Song 13
If Lata/ Asha ever had a Deevar like showdown about singing Rakhi songs, and Lata says- I have sung a great rakhi song like-"Bhaiya mere rakhi ke bandhan ko nibhana", what rakhi song have you sung, haain ?. Then Asha can calmly point at this song.
Mere bhaiyya mere anmol ratan (Kaajal 1965)Singer-Asha, Lyrics-sahir, MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6QznPepMao

Song 14
Incidentally, this movie is a musical treasure trove. In addition to the above two all time great songs for dipsomaniacs and Rakhi tying sisters,It had an alltime great bhajan too,
Tora man darpan kahlaaye (Kaajal 1965)Singer-Asha, Lyrics-sahir, MD-Ravi


Song 15
Ae meri zohra zabeen (waqt 1965)Singer-Manna Dey,Lyrics-Sahir, MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlXGVH2KMZ8

What a mast song ! It give one goosebumps every time one listens to it.
Waqt was the first multistarrer movie of Bollywood after Kismat (1943). It was thought that a word like "zabeen" would turn off listeners from this song, but that was not to be. It became perhaps the most popular song of the movie where every song was popular.

Song 16
Aage bhi jaane na tu(waqt 1965)Singers-Asha,Mahendra Kapoor,Lyrics-Sahir,MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM7VR9JS-BA
Another very popular song from Waqt. Incidentally, this movie was the one that pioneered the lost and found formula where familiy members would be lost in a tragedy only to unite in the last reel.

Song 17
Gareebon ki suno (Dus lakh 1966)Singers-Rafi,Asha,Lyrics-Prem Dhawan,MD-Ravi

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6i8a0_gareebon-ki-suno-dus-lakh-1966_shortfilms

Just as beggars were despairing, having to sing old songs, they got this brand new song which became their anthem all over the nation, and local train commuters in Bombay those days would readily vouch for this fact.

Seriously, there were quite a few nice songs in this movie, as was usual in most movies with Ravi as the music director.

Song 18
Lo aa gayi unki yaad( Do Badan 1966) Singer-Lata, Lyrics-Shakeel Badayuni,MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gLNF_Cm40g

There were half a dozen memorable songs in this movie, and this is just one of them.

Song 19
Neele gagan ke tale (Humraaz 1967) Singer-Mahendra Kapoor, Lyrics-Sahir, MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aN5rCSdgOQw

This suspense movie ironically became a hit not because of its story, but because of its songs. This movie provided Mahendra Kapoor with his finest moments in his singing career. I recall this song and other songs from this movie being played on loudspeakers on carts selling ice cream in those days, it was that popular with ice cream vendors.

Song 20
Babul ki duayen leti jaa, jaa tujhko sukhi sansaar mile ( Neel kamal 1968)Singer-Rafi, Lyrics-Sahir, MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPs76F09OV8

This mother of all bidaai songs ( or should it be the baap of all bidaai songs ?) was Ravi's composition. A song that has transcended the barriers of time and this song continues to be uppermost on the mind of every bride's baap in Indian weddings.

Incidentally, there was a very popular timepass song in this movie too that went "khali dibba khali bottle lelo mere yaar".

Song 21
Milti hai zindagi me muhabbat kabhi kabhi ( Aankhen 1968)Singer-Lata,Lyrics-Sahir,MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqyhOnTYths

Song 22
Tumhari nazar kyun khafa ho gayi (Do kaliyan)Singers-Rafi,Lata, Lyrics-Sahir, MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Isz8ic5npjA
A nice duet song in a movie which had a story of twin siblings. This double role was played by Ranbir Kapoor's mom, who was a kid at that time.

Song 23
Tujhe sooraj kahoon ya chanda (Ek phool do mali 1969)Singer-Manna Dey,Lyrics-Prem Dhawan,MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3dx3G9R3A8
I can count 8 very popular songs from this movie, and this moving song is just one of them.

Song 24
O Neele parbaton ki dhara (aadmi aur Insaan 1969) Singers-Asha, Mahendra Kapoor, Lyrics-Sahir, MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGzg__mbhFY
Like many other movies of Ravi, it had quite a few nice songs.

Song 25
Aaj mere yaar ki shaadi hai (Aadmi Sadak Ka,1977)Singer-Rafi,Lyrics-Sahir Ludhianvi,MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6q3DMArO5Q
Another very popular song for Indian weddings

Song 26
Dil ki ye aarzoo thhi (Nikaah 1983)Singers-Mahendra Kapoor,Salma Agha,Lyrics-Hasan Kamaal, MD-Ravi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E6LRjzP-pY

The topic of this movie was not a mainstream topic for a bollywood movie ( unlike 1960s), and public taste had undergone a sea change, still Ravi came up with songs that became very popular, and this song finished at number 2 in Binaca geetmala 1983 final, ahead of another Nihaah song at number 3 ( Dil ke armaan aansuon mein bah gaye).
Read more on this article...

Kishore Kumar's sad &serious songs (part I)

He was almost a complete film personality, and if I had my way, I would vote for him as the bollywood star of the millenium.

Kishore Kumar as a comic actor and as singer of light hearted songs is popular not only among older generation, but also among generations who were born after Kishore Kumar had passed away. And it is no small feat for a person who left this world nearly two decades ago.

Like most people, I too was under the impression that Kishore Kumar was mostly a singer of bubbly, happy songs. When it came to sad songs, it is other singers whose names often come to our mind. Kishore Kumar sang just a few sad songs, that is all- it is the commonly held view.

I too subscribed to this view. But when I decided to research Kishore Kumar's sad songs, I was in for a surprise. I kept on discovering songs after sad songs which still have the ability to move the listeners. And the number of such songs is not just a dozen or so, there are many more such songs.

When Kishore Kumar sang happy songs, the listeners felt the joy. When a person of such sunny disposition as Kishore Kumar sang sad songs, he could make his listeners feel the pain. It would seem to me that people who sing great happy songs are capable of singing great sad songs too. It is certainly the case with Kishore Kumar.

Here, I will present a list of Kishore Kumar's sad songs. There are quite a few of them, and I will just present a few of the best such songs.

Song 1
This was perhaps the first sad song sung by Kishore Kumar.Kishore Kumar had a few happy songs as well in this movie, but it is this song that stands out even today.

Dukhi man mere (Funtoosh 1956) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Saahir, MD-S D Burman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kijc4l056xQ

Song 2
Jhumroo was a movie in which Kishore Kumar was seen at his versatile best. He was a one man work force in this team. In addition to being an actor and singer, he was even the music director of this movie, and there were very popular happy songs in this movie, but the song that finished higest of them all in Binaca geetmala 1962 final was this song-
Koi humdum na raha (Jhumroo 1962) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Majrooh, MD-Kishore

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDPb2ShfjHo

Song 3
Perhaps one of the gtreatest nostalgic songs of all time
Koi lauta de mere beete huye din (Door gagan ki chaaon mein 1964) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Shailendra, MD-Kishore

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-6Pv8UaCX4&feature=related

Song 4
Awesome song on the topic of spurned love. Superb lyrics penned by Asad Bhopali.

Ajnabi tum jaane pehchaane ( Hum sab ustaad hain 1965 )Singer-Kishore,Lyrics-Asad Bhopali,MD-Laxmikant Pyarelal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pmw1FnXnOY

Song 5
Wonderful song which finished 6th in Binaca geetmala final of 1964.
Mere mahboob qayamat hogi ( Mr X in Bombay 1964) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Anand Bakshi, MD- Laxmikant Pyarelal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7dx3rbqXk0

Song 6
This song was sung by Rafi and Kishore separately, and the Kishore version filmed on a character artist became more popular.This song finished 17th in Binaca geetmala final of 1969.
Tum bin jaaoon kahan (Pyar ka mausam 1969)Singer- Kishore( Rafi in other version),Lyrics-Majroh,MD- R D Burman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQHpmwu46RA

Song 7
Wo shaam kuch azeeb thi (Khamoshi 1969)Singer-Kishore,Lyrics- Gulzar,MD- Hemant Kumar

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQMii7u9fXw

Song 8
This philosophical song on life was 21st in Binaca geetmala final of 1970.
Zindagi ka safar (Safar)Singer-Kishore,Lyrics- Indeevar, MD-Kalyanji Anandji

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAlD6zehT5E

Song 9
Another song that could move its listeners.
Jeewan se bhari teri aankhen (Safar) Singer-Kishore,Lyrics- Indeevar, MD-Kalyanji Anandji

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnqKxDr7TPA

Song 10
Teri duniya se hoke majboor chala (Pavitra paapi 1970)Singer- Kishore,Lyrics-Prem Dhawan,MD- Prem Dhawan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6DytX9rpV0


Song 11
Koi hota jisko apna (Mere apne 1971) Singer-Kishore,Lyrics-Gulzar,MD-Salil Chowdhary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJs-hwCjy54

Song 12
Geet gaata hoon main gungunata hoon main (Laal Patthar 1971)Singer-Kishore,Lyrics- Dev Kohli, MD-Shankar Jaikishan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCFHwoU0Dos&feature=related

Song 13
Khilte hain gul yahan (Sharmili 1971)Singer-Kishore,Lyrics-Neeraj, MD-S D Burman

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=4kwWM8AcXdQ

Song 14
O mere dil ke chain (Mere jeevan sathi 1972) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Majrooh, MD- R D Burman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbiUFiyc5Go

Song 15
Kiska rasta deke ai dil ai saudaai (Josheela 1973)Singer-Kishore,Lyrics- Sahir,MD- R D Burman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZetCyQ7K6g

Song 16
Mere dil mein aaj kya hai (daag 1973) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Sahir,MD-Laxmikant Pyarelal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhd4CBmhDgk

Song 17
Meri bheegi bheegi si (Anamika 1973) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Majrooh, MD- R D Burman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5i7Jbo6ahg

Song 18
Zindagi ke safar me guzar jaate hain jo mukaam (Aap ki kasam 1974)Singer-Kishore,Lyrics- Anand Bakshi,MD- R D Burman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlrPmoHBhSo

Song 19
Ghungroo ki tarah bajta hi raha hoon main (Chor Machaye Shor 1974) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics-Ravindra Jain, MD-Ravindra Jain

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=4mXVxQIs7NQ

Song 20
Mera jeewan kora kaagaz (Kora kaagaz 1974) Singer-Kishore, Lyrics- M G Hashmat, MD- Kalyanji Anandji

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=81v-RHKZbiw

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"Minor league" singers in Binaca geetmala finals

Having discussed the "major" singers, viz singers who had ten or more songs in Binaca geetmala finals, now let me discuss "minor" singers who sang less than 10 songs in Binaca geetmala finals. It is a crowded field really, and as many as 59 singers will be discussed here.

Singers with nine Binaca geetmala final songs

Talat Mahmood- He had only 9 songs in Binaca geetmala finals. But a song sung by him topped in the very first Binaca final of 1954, which was "Jaayen to jaayen kahan" from "Taxi driver".

Suman Kalyanpur- Though a talented singer, opportunities were few and far between as most music directors shied away from working with her, fearing the wrath of Lata Mangeshkar. And as a result Suman Kalyanpur finally ended up singing regional language songs. She finished as high as number 2 in the Binaca geetmala final of 1963 for the song "Dil ek mandir hai" from the movie of the same name. In all, nine of her songs appeared in Binaca geetmala finals.

Nitin Mukesh- Son of Mukesh, Nitin Mukesh managed to sing 9 songs, and his songs finished second in Binaca geetmala finals of 1979 and 1981."aaja re mere dilbar aaja " from "Noorie" in 1979 and "Zindagi ki na toote ladi" from "Kranti" in 1981 were these two songs.

R D Burman- In addition to his music, R D Burman sang some foot tapping songs as well. And though he sang only occasionally, he ended up singing as many as 9 songs that managed to appear in Binaca geetmala finals. His best finish was number 6 position in the Binaca geetmala final of 1976. This song was none other than "Mehbooba mehbooba" from Sholay.

Singer with eight songs in Binaca geetmala finals

Anuradha Paudwal- She became a leading singer in the 1980s, but as far as Binaca geetmala was concerned, she had just 8 songs in Binaca geetmala finals. Her best performance was in 1984, where the title song, "too mera Hero hai" for "Hero" was the number one song of Binaca geetmala finals that year.

Singer with seven songs in Binaca geetmala finals

Amit Kumar- Kishore Kumar's son, though blessed with a voice similar to his illustrious father, failed to emulate the success of his father. He had 7 songs in all in Binaca geetmala finals.He debuted in Binaca geetmala from "Laila main Laila" from Qurbani which was 6th in 1980 Binaca final. He was selected as the voice of Kumar Gaurav and it was in Kumar Gaurav's debut movie "Love Story" that Amit Kumar sang "yaad aa rahi hai" and this song was 4th in the Binaca geetmala finals of 1981. Alas, the failure of Kumar Gaurav subsequently not only affected the prospects of Kumar Gaurav, but also Amit Kumar, among others.

Singers with six songs in Binaca geetmala finals

Salma Agha- Salma Agha, the singer cum actress from Pakistan had 6 songs to her credit in Binaca geetmala finals, and her debut year and debut movie Nikaah in 1983 brought her most of her success, when her songs from this movie took second and third positions in Binaca geetmala final of 1983. Second position song was "dil ki ye aarzoo thi koi dilruba mile" and the third placed song was "dil ke armaan aansuon mein bah gaye". After that, it was all downhill for her, though she managed to have 3 of her songs in next year's Binaca geetmala final.

Singers with five songs in Binaca geetmala finals

S P Balasubramanyam- A playback great in South, he had only 5 songs in Binaca geetmala finals in the period under discussion. His best performance was in his debut year 1981, when his song, "tere mere beech main" for "Ek dooje ke liye", that introduced Kamal Hasan to Hindi movies, finished 5th in Binaca geetmala final of 1981.

Usha Uthup- Usha Uthup rode on the disco craze that engulfed India in late 1970 and early 1980 and she had 5 songs to her credit in Binaca geetmala finals.""Hari Om Hari" from "Pyara Dushman", so blatantly plagiarised from a western tune, was in 11th position in Binaca geetmala final of 1981, and this was her best performance in Binaca geetmala finals.

Manhar- Manhar had 5 songs ( assuming Manhar and Manhar Udhas are one and the same person) in Binaca geetmala finals. He topped the Binaca geetmala final of 1984 for the title song of "Hero" viz "Too mera hero hai".

Singers with four songs in Binaca geetmala finals

Sushma Shreshtha- She began her singing career with a bang as a child singer, when her "Hai na bolo bolo" from Andaz (1971) finished 8th in Binaca geetmala final of 1971. Her best performance was five years later when her song "Ik din bik jaayega" sung with Mukesh for Dharam Karam, fetched her second position in Binaca geetmala final of 1976. Two yeras later, her "kya hua ter waada" sung with Rafi finished third in Binaca geetmala 1978.Later, after the Binaca geetmala days, she resurfaced again under the name Poornima, and her song "Too Too, too too tara, todo na dil hamara" became a block buster in 1990s, but obviously that was after the time frame that I have set for this discussion. In all,she had a total of 4 songs in Binaca geetmala finals.

Bhupender Hazarika- I feel sorry for Bhupender. Though he has been around from 1960s, he got very few songs to sing, and his appearances in Binaca geetmala finals were confined to just four songs. His best performances were in 1968 and 1978, when songs sung by him were adjusted 6th best in the Binaca geetmala finals of those years. The songs being-"Honthon pe aisi baat" (Jewel Thief) and "Dil dhoondgta hai phir wahi" (Mausam), both regarded as landmark songs in Bollywood movies.

Yesudas- Yesudas, another playback singing great from South, had just 4 songs in Binaca geetmala finals, which seems a bit surprising. Quite a few of his popular songs from Rajshri production movies failed to make it to Binaca geetmala finals. 8th positions in Binaca geetmala finals of 1978 and 1979 was the best that he achieved. "Mohabbat bade kaam ki cheez hai"(Trishul) and "Madhuban khushboo deta hai" (Saajan bin Suhaagan) were the two songs, respectively.

Amitabh Bachchan- Amitabh Bachchan is a surprise entry who sang as many songs as some specialist singers, and even more than some regular singers in Binaca geetmala finals. And in fact, he did better than them in the Binaca geetmala rankings too. All his four songs finished very high in the finals. In 1979, his singing debut gave him 5th position for "Mere Pass aao" (Mr Natwarlal). His song "Mere angne me( Laawaris ) topped in 1981, whereas another song " Chal mere bhai" (Naseeb) sung with Rafi was 3rd. "Jahan char yaar mil jaaye", a 1984 song from Sharaabi,( where it was basically Kishore Kumar singing and Amitabh uttering a few words), finished second in the 1984 Binaca geetmala final.

Nazia Hassan- Nazia Hassan had created quite a bit of sensation for fans( as well as consternation for many in the industry), finally ended with a whimper, finishing with just four songs in Binaca geetmala finals. Her debut in "aap jaisa koi" (Qurbani) fetched her 4th position in 1980 final and that was her best performance. She too was affected badly by the failure of Kumar Gaurav as a hero.

S Janaki- S Janaki, a singing great from South had just 4 songs in Binaca geetmala finals in 1980s. 5th position in 1986 for "Sun Rubiya tumse pyar" (Mard) was her best performance in Binaca geetmala finals.

Kavita Krishnamurthy- She made her debut in 1980s towards the fag end of Binaca geetmala and she sang 4 songs that figured in Binaca geetmala finals.Her debut year saw her achieving her best ranking, when her song "tumse milkar na jaane kyun" from "Pyar jhukta nahin" earned her second position in Binaca geetmala final of 1985.

Singers with three songs in Binaca geetmala finals

Subir Sen- Subir Sen, a highly regarded singer during 1950s-60s, managed just three appearances in Binaca geetmala finals. His best performance was fifth position in 1961 Binaca geetmala final where he sang "Dil mera ek aas ka panchi" from "aas ka panchi". Another of his song, "main rangeela pyar ka raahi" from "Chhoti Behan" was 8th in 1959 final.

Mehmood- Mehmood is a surprise entry in the 3 song group of singers. Unlike the other specialist singer mentioned above, Mahmood would just utter a few words or so in the midst of the song. But that was enough for an actor to get the credit for "singing" that song. One such song, "Saj rahi gali meri maan" (Kunwaara baap 1975) earned Mehmood fourth position in Binaca geetmala final of 1975. Of course, most of singing in this song was done by Rafi. "Mehbooba mehbooba, banale mujhe dulha" (Saadhu aur Shaitan) was 25th in 1969, whereas "Muthukodi kawadi hada" (Do phool) was 15th in 1973 Binaca final.

Alisha Chinai- Riding the crest of Bappi Lahiri led Disco wave, Alisha Chinai managed three songs in Binaca geetmala finals. Her first song "Tarzan, my Tarzan" from the movie "Tarzan" took 3rd position in Binaca geetmala 1986 final. One more song "Jeelele jeelele" from Tarzan was in 11th position that year. Her third and last appearance was in 1987, for a song called "zooby zooby zooby" from a movie called "Dance Dance".Did I tell you that Bappi Da was the music director for all these songs ?

Singers with two songs in Binaca geetmala finals

Suraiyya- A Rajesh Khanna/ Amitabh Bachchan kind of celebrity in her heydays, Suraiyya was a singer cum actress, and her best days were before the advent of Binaca geetmala. Two of her songs figured in the inaugural Binaca geetmala countdown show year viz 1954 finals at 5th and 15th positions. These were her only appearances in Binaca geetmala finals. "Rahi matwaale tu ched ek baar (Waaris) at fifth position and "Saare mehfil jo jala parwaana" (Shama parwana) at 15th position were these two songs.

Shamshad Begum- She has sung a large number of popular songs, especially under O P Nayyar's baton, so it comes as a great surprise to note that her songs appeared in Binaca geetmala finals only twice. Her first appearance was at 6th position in Binaca geetmala in that blockbuster song- "leke pahla pahla pyaar, bhar ke aankhon me khumaar" from CID in Binaca geetmala final of 1956. Her second and last appearance was 13 years later in 1969, under the same music director in the song "Kajra mohabbatwala" (Kismat ) in 13th position. It is obvious that such a measly tally of two songs in Binaca geetmala does no justice to her singing prowess.

Mubarak Begum- Another unfulfilled talent that was starved of opportunities, she sang just two songs in Binaca geetmala finals in 1960s. "Mujko apne gale lagaa lo " from "Hamrahi" earned her 7th position in Binaca geetmala final of 1963."Kabhi tanhayion me yoon", a superb song from "hamari yaad aayegi" was 20th in 1961 Binaca geetmala final.

Kamal Barot- Kamal Barot, who sang in a unique husky voice had two Binaca geetmala finals appearances to her credit."Dadi Amma dadi amma maan jaao" (Gharana) at 26th position in Binaca geetmala final of 1961 was her first appearnce. She made her second and final appearance in 1962 at 6th position in the blockbuster "Parasmani" song- "hansta hua noorani chehra". It was the first movie of Laxmikant Pyarelal as independent music directors and this song launched Laxmikant Pyarelal as music directors of note.

Sharda- I am not complaining if only two of her songs made it to Binaca geetmala finals. Promoted by Shankar Jaikishan as an alternative to Lata, she was the worst possible choice that Shankar jaikishan could have made for such an onerous task.Her first appearnace was in 1967 and her second and final appearance in 1970 was in a popular song "wo pari kahan se laaoon, teri dulhan jise banaoon" from "Pehchaan", which finished as high as 4th in Binaca geetmala 1970 final countdown.

Dilip Kumar- The thespian, who uttered a few words in two songs, thus got credited with singing two songs. His debut as a "singer" was way back in 1957 in the song "lagi nahi choote Rama (Musafir) at 12th position. His second and last appearnce was three decades later in 1986. And surprise, surprise, this song finished second in Binaca geetmala 1986 final. The song was "Har karam apna karenge" (Karma)

Usha Mangeshkar- The younger sister of Lata and Asha, her singing prowess was on offer from 1950s itself, but there were hardly any takers. In her entire singing career extending as long as her two sisters, she just had two Binaca geetmala finals songs to her credit. Her Binaca geetmala debut in 1976 final in fact earned her a surprise 3rd position for the song "main to aarti utaroon re, santoshi mata ki" from the freak hit " Jai Santoshi Mata". Her second and final appearance was in 1980 at 15th position with the hummable song "Sultana, Sultana, mera naam hai Sultana" from "Tarana".

Jaspal Singh- Ravindra Jain, the music director of Rajshri productions movies gave chances to many newcomer singers in his movies. Jaspal Singh was the one who was introduced in "Geet gata Chal" and people thought that a new singer star was born. But unfortunately he failed to impress much in future. He ended up with just two Binaca geetmala finals songs from this movie.These songs took 4th and 8th position in Binaca geetmala final of 1976. 4th position song was the title song "geet gaata chal" and the other song was "Shyam teri bansi pukare Radha naam, Log kare Meera ko yoon hi badnaam".

Hemlata- Hemlata was used as the standard female voice by Ravindra Jain in Rajshri Production movies, and it really comes as a great surprise that only two songs sung by her have appeared in Binaca geetmala finals. Unlike Jaspal Singh, she sang all the female lead songs in all Rajshri movies in 1970s, and those songs were popular too. Her first appearance was in 1978, when she took the top spot for the song "Ankhiyon ke jharokhon se" from the movie of the same name. Despite singing many superb songs, her next and final appearnce in Binaca geetmala finals was only in 1981 and it was at 23rd position. It was a superb song "Tu is tarah se meri zindagi mein shaamil hai" (aap to aise na the)

Alka Yagnik- Alka Yagnik, now a leading female playback singer would not complain much if she appeared only twice in Binaca geetmala finals, since she made her debut in 1980s when Lata and Asha still had a stranglehold on female playback singing. Her debut song in 1981, saw her claiming the top position ( like Hemlata in 1978) for the song "mere angne me " from "Laawaaris". Her second and final Binaca geetmala final appearance was in 1986 at 8th position for a song that went "peena harram hai" from "Chameli ki shadi"

Anupama Deshpande- She also managed two songs in Binaca geetmala finals. First appearance was "Sohni Chenab de kinaare" (Sohni Mahiwaal) in Binaca geetmala final at 27th position. Her last appearance was in 1987 for "O yaara tu pyaar se hai" from Kaash at 10th position.

Sadhana Sargam- She made her two appearances in Binaca geetmala in the 1987 finals at 9th and 16th positions for two songs of the movie "Khudgarz".

Bappi Lahiri-Bappi Lahiri tended to sing in his movies too, a habit he had copied from his idol R D Burman. But unlike Pancham who sang sporadically, Bappi Lahiri insisted on being the voice of Mithun da.But ironically, the two songs sung by him that appeared in Binaca geetmala finals were sung for other actors. His first apperance as a singer in Binaca geetmala final was a surprisingly hummable song "Yaar bina chain kahan re" from "Saahab", which was 21st in 1985. He also sang "Jeele Jeele" in Tarzan and this song was 11th in 1986 final.

Singers with only one song in Binaca geetmala finals

Pradeep- Known for writing motivational songs that roused the nation, he could also sing some great songs which would invariably become cult songs. His lone Binaca geetmala appearance was in the final of 1955 where he sung one such cult song " Dekh tere sansaar ki haalat kya ho gayi Bhagwaan, kitna badal gaya insaan" for the movie Nastik. This song was in the 6th position in that Binaca geetmala final.

V Shantaram- He too was known more for making great movies that were ahead of their times than singing, but he sang one song in his own movie "Do Aankhe barah haath". The song is very well known- "Ai maalik Tere bande hum" which was 20th in the Binaca geetmala final of 1958.

Ameer Khan- The classical singer appeared once in Binaca geetmala final in a well known song in 1961. This song, which occupied 14th position in the final was "Madhuban mein radhika naache re" from "Kohinoor".

Minoo Purushottam- She sang "Huzure aala jo ho izaazat" under the baton of O P Nayyar. This song from "Ye Raat phir na aayegi" was 5th in Binaca geetmala final of 1966.

Saira Banu- She was one of the many actresses who would utter a few words in the song andwouldthus be credited with singing a song. Her song "aaj ki raat ye kaisi raat" ( Aman) was 12 th in 1967 final. Of course, the fact that Rafi was her co singer certainly helped.

Pankaj- There was a cheapstakes song at 27th position in Binaca geetmala 1970 final sung by Dharmendra and Rajindernath on screen. The song went "Munne ki amma ye to bata tere munne ke abba ka naame kya hai". The song was sung by Kishore Kumar ( for Dharmendra) and Pankaj ( for Rajindernath).

Pratibha- Child singer who sang "hai na bolo bolo" in 1971 for Andaaz ended up with only this solitary song, unlike her fellow child singer Sushma Shreshtha, who was a bit more successful. This song was in 8th position in Binaca geetmala and it continues to be a well loved song among kids and their parents.

Vani Jayram- Though she was quite a prolific singer in the south, her forays into Bollywood movie singing and Binaca geetmala was limited to just a solitary, but memorable song "Bole re Papihara"(Guddi) which was 21st in Binaca geetmala final of 1972.

Rekha- Another actress who would utter a line and got credited with singing a song. Her contribution in this song was uttering "maine aisa to nahin kaha tha", and this song rose to 5th position in Binaca geetmala final of 1974. Of course, the credit for such a popularity should rightfully go to Kishore Kumar the singer, Rajinder Krishan the lyricist and Kalyanji Anandji the music director. If Ekta Kapoor ( not yet born then) would name her serials with "K", the moviemaker of this movie would name his movies with three Ks. And this was the first movie in which he successfully tried that. This movie was called "Kahani Kismat Ki".

Hema Malini- This song was played just minutes before the earlier song in Binaca getmala final of 1974, one rung lower at 6th position. Male ( and main) singer was once again Kishore Kumar who sung with Gusto "Peene waalon ko peene ka bahana chahiye" in "Haath ki Safai". Hema would say " Main Chandramukhi nahin Paaro hoon" to which Kishore Kumar would say " par main bada dukhi hoon". A great fun song, really.

Jaani Babu Quawwal- Sang just one song, and the song topped the chart in Binaca geetmala final of 1975. It went " Mahngaayi maar gayi" from Roti Kapda aur makaan.

Narendra Chanchal- The quawwal in the above song was accompanied by the Bhajan Singer called Narendra Chanchal too.And Narendra Chanchal, like Jaani Babu would never appear in Binaca geetmala again.

Aziz Naazaan- Another quawwal, he not only sang,but also composed the music for this song from Five rifles, and the song was very popular indeed.In fact, the lyricist called Nazaan Sholapuri could well be the same person too, who knows ? This song, an anthem from drunks went "Jhoom barabar jhoom Sharaabi" and the bewdas of the nation made it number 9 song of Binaca geetmala final of 1975. Like the quawwal and bhajan Singer mentioned above, this was the only time this particular quawwal would have his moment under the Binaca geetmala sun ( or should it be moon ?).

Aarti Mukherji- she made her debut in "Geet gata chal" alongwith Jaspal Singh and the 8th position song "Shyam teri bansi pukare Radha naam" of Binaca geetmala 1976 final remains her sole appearance in Binaca finals.

Runa Laila- The singer from Bangladesh charmed all, including Lata Mangeshkar, till Lata came to know how much the producers were paying her vis a vis her own singing fee. She was not amused. And as happened, if Lata was not amused, that was the end for the career of that singer. Runa Laila's sole appearance in Binaca geetmala final was this lovely song "Do deewane shahar mein" from Gharonda which was 6th in 1978 Binaca geetmala finals.

Master Ravi- Not just grown up actors, even a child artist can become a singer in Bollywood by just uttering a few words. Master Ravi speaks "Off Oh, Aage bhi to bolo" and "phir kya hua" and the song finishes 5th in Binaca geetmala 1979. Of course, it was Amitabh Bachchan, also debuting as a singer, who was mainly responsible for the popularity of this song which has become an all time favourite among kids and grown ups alike.

Kanchan- "Laila main Laila" from Qurbani, which was 6th in 1980, was the sole appearance for Kanchan in Binaca geetmala finals.

Sulakshana Pandit- Sulakshana Pandit, daughter of music director Chitragupta was an actress cum singer and she sang some nice numbers. Too bad her singing and acting career was shortlived. Her sole appearance in Binaca geetmala finals was in 1978 in the 21st positioned song "Somwaar ko hum mile" from "Apnaapan".

Ghulam Ali- The Pakistani ghazal maestro's wonderful "Chupke chupke raat din" was included in the movie "Nikaah" without his permission. I guess Ghulam Ali did not mind because that was the first time many Indians heard about him and his fanbase in India suddenly grew manifold. This song was 30th in Binaca geetmala final of 1983.

Vijay Benedict- Another beneficiary of Disco craze, he sang the title song of Disco dancer, "I am a disco dancer" and this song was 8th in 1983.

Anwar- "Sohni meri Sohni Sohni" (Sohni Mahiwaal) was 19th in 1984 final and this was Anwar's only appearance in Binaca geetmala.

Parvati Khan- Another beneficiary of Bappi da's disco songs. Parvati Khan too appeared in "Disco dancer" singing "Jimmy Jimmy aaja aaja" and this song was 20th in 1983 Binaca geetmala finals. Too bad no one sang "Parvati Parvati aaja aaja" and this song proved to be her swansong as well.

Rajeshwari- Daughter of Pyarelal, she made quite an impression in the song "He Raju, haan Daddy" from "Ek hi bhool" and this song was 7th in 1982 Binaca geetmala final.

Zoheb- " Ek do kehne bhi do" from "Star" starring Kumar Gaurav, which was 21st in Binaca geetmala 1982, was Zoheb Hassan's sole appearance in Binaca geetmala. The star of Kumar Gaurav sank, and the singing careers of many wanna be disco singers sank with him too. This included Zoheb and his sister Nazia Hassan.

Manmohan Singh- "Jeene de ye duniya chahe maar daale", a song from Laava (1985), which was 7th in Binaca geetmala 1985 was the only time the namesake of Indian PM was ever heard in a Binaca geetmala final.

Pankaj Udhas-He sang the emotionally moving song "Chithhi aayi hai" in "Naam". This song appeared in 1986 final ( in 15th position) and it took the top position in 1987 final.
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Major singers in Binaca geetmala finals

I have discussed music directors in Binaca geetmala finals and then I discussed lyricists in Binaca geetmala finals. To complete the discussion, Now I present the analysis of various singers who have figured in Binaca geetmala finals. As in case of Music directors and Lyricists, I have considered the period when Binaca geetmala was a one hour countdown programme on Radio Ceylon, viz the period from 1954 to 1987.

Just as my analysis on music directors and lyricists gave some surprising and some not so surprising facts, this analysis of singers in Binaca geetmala also reveals some interesting facts.

I was under the preconceived notion that the number of singers should be much less as compared to the number of music directors or lyricists whose songs appeared in Binaca geetmala finals.But I discovered that there have been as many as 71 singers who have appeared in Binaca geetmala finals.

In contrast, there were only 48 music directors and 48 lyricists appearing in Binaca geetmala finals during the same period. As a result of this unexpectedly big list of singers, my task of discussing them has taken me much longer than I earlier expected. But the effort has been worth it, and I hope it will throw some much needed light on this subject. Considering the sheer number of singers, I will discuss them in two parts. "Major singers" will be covered first. "Minor singers" viz those with less than 10 songs in Binaca geetmala finals will appear in the next part.

Major Singers ( those who sang 10 or more songs in Binaca geetmala finals)

Lata Mangeshkar- A whopping 322 songs sung by her have figured in Binaca geetmala finals. She appeared in all finals right from 1954. Her most prolific year was 1973 in which an incredible 20 songs sung by Lata appeared in the Binaca geetmala final countdown. Songs sung by her topped the annual countdown list of Binaca geetmaala in as many as 17 finals. The years when Lata songs were adjusted the most popular being- 1954,1957,1960,1962,1963,1965,1967,1968,1969,1970,1976,1977,1980,1982,1983,1985 and 1986.

Md Rafi- Rafi songs appeared in Binaca geetmala right from 1954.He sang 220 songs in Binaca geetmala finals. He suffered a setback for a few years in the 1970s as a result of Kishore Kumar hurricane, but he looked set for regaining much of his lost ground when he died in 1980. During his heydays in 1950s and 1960s, he was untouchable. His most prolific year was 1964 when as many as 19 songs in the Binaca geetmala finals were sung by Rafi. Rafi's songs topped the binaca geetmala finals lists as many as 8 times, viz in 1956, 1957, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1966 and 1980.

Kishore Kumar- Despite his great talent, Kishore Kumar's career as a playback singer was going no where till 1968. In the first 14 years of Binaca geetmala, Kishore Kumar had just 26 Binaca geetmala finals songs to his credit. But his playback singing career skyrocketed from the next year onward. So much so that Kishore Kumar's dominance in Binaca geetmala finals in 1970s appears almost surreal. He had as many as 23 songs in the Binaca geetmala final of 1972, 20 in 1971 and 19 in 1973. Such consistent dominance over three straight years in Binaca geetmala was quite unprecedented. Songs sung by Kishore Kumar topped the annual lists of Binaca geetmala in 1959, 1971, 1974, 1979, 1982 and 1983. He ended up with 217 of his songs appearing in Binaca geetmala finals.

Asha Bhosle- Despite her talent and her association, first with O P Nayyar and then with R D Burman, she had less than half the number of songs in Binaca geetmala finals compared to her elder sister. Still, 144 is a very respectable number considering that the next most successful female singer in Binaca geetmala finals only managed 11 songs. Her most prolific year was 1984 whe she had as many as 16 songs in that year's final list. Songs sung by her topped the Binaca geetmala annual lists in 1959,1971,1972 and 1979.

Mukesh- Mukesh, who only sang around 700 songs in his career had 59 of his songs appearing in Binaca geetmala finals. 1960 and 1961 were the two most fruitful years for him when 8 songs sung by him made it to the final list in each of these two years. Mukesh, despite so few songs in Binaca geetmala finals managed to hit the jackpot as many as five times. Songs sung by him topped the Binaca geetmala finals in 1955, 1964, 1965, 1967 and 1976.

Mahendra Kapoor- Mahendra Kapoor, who mostly sang for music director Ravi and for movies under B R Chopra banner, had 24 of his songs appearing in Binaca geetmala finals, beginning from 1960 onwards. His most prolific Binaca geetmala final was 1970 when as many as 4 of his songs appeared in the final. His best result was in 1983 when a song sung by him finished second in Binaca geetmala final.

Shabbir Kumar- Shabbir Kumar, one of the Rafi clones proved quite succeesful in 1980s. 20 of his songs appeared in Binaca geetmala finals. His most prolific year was 1985 when 8 of his songs appeared in the Binaca geetmala finals.His best finish was the second position in that final.

Manna Dey- Manna Dey, who was badly typecast as a classical singer, got to sing very few songs which were not very popular with the masses because of their classical base. Only 15 songs sungs by Manna Dey appeared in the Binaca geetmala finals. 1973 was the best finish for him when the song "Yari hai imaan mera"sung by him ( for who else but the character artist Pran) turned out to be the number one song of the year.

Geeta Dutt- At 11 songs, she is the third most successful female playback singer in Binaca geetmala. This shows the stranglehold of Lata Mangeshkar on the female playback singer scenarion in Bollywood. Of course, Geeta Dutt's career went into a tailspin because of her personal problems too. But as long as her career was on track, she was an influential singer. She may have sung just 11 songs in Binaca geetmala finals, but she tasted the podium finish too. Her song "Ae dil hai mushkil jeena yahan" from CID was number one in the 1956 Binaca geetmala final.

Md Aziz- Another Rafi clone from 1980s, Md Aziz sang 11 songs towards the fag end of Binaca geetmala. As many as 9 songs sung by him appeared in the Binac ageetmala final of 1987. one of his songs-"har karam apna karenge" (Karma) was ranked number 2 in the binaca geetmala final of 1986.

Hemant Kumar- Hemant Kumar was a successful music director as well as a singer who sang for other music directors too. He sang only 10 songs in Binaca geetmala finals, but he tasted the ultimate success as a singer when a song sung by him, "Hai apna dil hai aawara, na jaane kispe aayega" (Solva saal) finished number 1 in Binaca geetmala final of 1958.

Suresh Wadkar- He made his Binaca debut in 1979 and his 10 Binaca geetmala finals songs include fifth place finishes in 1979 and 1982 in the finals. The songs were "Jeejaji jeejaji, honewale jeejaji"( saajan Bina Suhagan) and "Main hoon prem rogi" (Prem Rog) respectively.

"Minor" singers, viz those who sang less than 10 songs in binaca geetmala finals constitute majority of Binaca geetmala singers. There are as many as 41 of them. I will discuss them next.
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Lyricists in Binaca geetmala finals

After discussing the performances of various Music directors in Binaca geetmala from 1954 to 1987, now it is time for me to see how the various lyricists have performed in Binaca geetmala finals for the same period.

The list provided below may throw up some surprises, and also some not so surprising facts.We all have some idea on who are the most prolific lyricists in Binaca geetmala finals, but we may be surprised to find that some very successful lyricists had only a few songs in Binaca geetmala finals.

Anand Bakshi ( 193 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- Anand Bakshi who made it to Binaca geetmala finals for the first time in 1962 went on to become the most prolific lyricists of all time in the history of Binaca geetmala finals. His prolific output in Binaca geetmala finals is similar to that of Laxmikant Pyarelal among music directors. His songs were number 1 in the finals of 1967, 1970,1972, 1980,1984, 1986 and 1987.

Majrooh Sultanpuri( 102 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- The most prolific lyricist during the golden era of Bollywood music, Majrooh Sultanpuri continued to do well even after that golden era was over. His songs were Number 1 in Binaca geetmala finals of 1956, 1958, 1959, 1968 and 1982.

Hasrat Jaipuri( 74 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- Much like Majrooh Sultanpuri, Hasrat Jaipuri too had a long career beginning in 1950s and extending well into the 1980s. His songs claimed the Number 1 position in Binaca geetmala finals of 1961, 1962, 1966, 1971 and 1985.

Indeevar (65 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- Indeevar had a steady career and that reflects in the number of his songs that figured in Binaca geetmala finals. A song written by him was Number 1 in the finals of 1965.

Shailendra( 57 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- Shailendra was the most influential lyricist of the Golden era, and he was at his peak when he died at a youngish age. But for his untimely death, he would have surely been more prolific in Binaca geetmala finals. Songs penned by him took Number 1 spot in the Binaca geetmala finals of 1955 and 1964.

Sahir Ludhianvi(42 Binaca geetmala finals songs)-Another stalwart of the golden era, he wrote songs that were Number 1 in the Binaca geetmala finals of 1954, 1960, 1963, 1976 and 1977

Rajinder Krishan ( 42 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- One of the original greats of the golden era, Rajinder Krishan often teamed with music directors who were known for creating classy songs. One of his songs was Number 1 in 1969,, whereas two of his songs finished at Number 2 in 1954 and 1968.

Shakeel Badayuni (40 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- Another original lyrical great, he mostly teamed up with Naushad. Songs penned by him attained Number 2 positions in the Binaca geetmala finals of 1955, 1960 and 1962.

Anjaan (22 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- Anjaan mostly worked in 1980s with Bappi Lahiri. His songs topped the Binaca getmala finals in 1979 and 1981.

Gulshan Bawra (20 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- Gulshan Bawra had a chequered career.One of the songs written by him was number 1 in 1973.

Gulzar(15 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- Shailendra like penman of later years, Gulzar only had 15 songs in Binaca geetmala finals. The highest rank achieved by his songs was 5th position in 1975.

Bharat Vyas (12 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- Bharat Vyas mainly wrote lyrics in C grade movies such as mythologicals etc. One of his songs written for one such mythological movies topped the Binaca geetmala list in 1957.

S H Bihari (12 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- It is a big surprise to find that S H Bihari had only 12 songs in Binaca geetmala finals. He teamed up with O P Nayyar during the heydays of the latter. Still it was much later and with Laxmikant Pyarelal that he had his best placing, viz Number 2 position in 1985.

Prem Dhawan ( 11 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- Prem Dhawan's songs made infrequnt appearances in Binaca geetmala. His best finish was Number 6 in 1954.

Raja Mehdi Ali Khan (10 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- It is a big surprise to note that Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, the favourite lyricist of Madan Mohan, appears in Binaca geetmala finals only 10 times. Many of his songs, which are regarded as classics, failed to appear in Binaca geetmala finals. The best finish for him in Binaca geetmala was 2nd position in 1966, in association with Madan Mohan.

Neeraj (10 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- Another good lyricist, Neeraj had only 10 of his songs making it to Binaca geetmala finals. His best finish was 3rd position in 1970 Binaca geetmala finals and 8th positions in 1964 and 1969.

Verma Malik ( 8 Binaca geetmala finals song)- Verma Malik had briefly become a favourite of Laxmikant Pyarelal, and during this period, Verma Malik secured top position in the Binaca finals of 1975,and second position in the finals of 1987.

Qamar Jalalabadi (7 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- It is another surprise that a lyricist as senior as Qamar Jalalabadi should have so few of his songs making it to the Binaca geetmala finals. His best finish was in 1971, at the fag end of his career, when his great comical song "Guni janon bhakt janon", became number 4 in the finals.

Javed Akhtar (7 Binaca geetmala finals songs )-Unlike music directors, where we had quite a few instances of sons emulating their fathers in the same job, Javed Akhtar is among very few who followed in his father's ( Jaan Nissar Akhtar)footsteps. In fact, he had more Binaca geetmala songs to his credit than his father. One of his songs attained 8th position in 1985.

Ravindra Jain ( 6 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- He was one of the very few music directors who was a lyricist too. One of his songs as lyricist as well as music director became the number 1 song in the Binaca geetmala finals of 1978.

Pradeep (5 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- Pradeep was a much bigger personality than his meagre 5 appearances in Binaca geetmala finals suggest. And ironically, his best finish was in 1976 for a mythological movie that became a surprising hit and the title song written by Pradeep ("main to aarti utaaroon re, Santoshi mata ki") became Number 3 in the Binaca geetmala finals of 1976.

Farooq Kaisar (5 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- Quite a chequered career this for Farooq Kaisar. His best finish was number 10 in 1987.

Santosh Anand (5 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- Like Verma Malik, he promised a lot, but failed to live up to that promise. His best finish was number 2 in the Binaca geetmala finals of 1981.

Sawan Kumar ( 5 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- Sawan Kumar hit upon the winning formula of making movies on "Soutan" theme, where he also wrote the lyrics and Usha Khanna, his ex wife would give the music. This partnership earned them the top slot in the Binaca geetmala finals of 1983.

Hasan Kamal (5 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- One of the better lyricists to emerge in the 1980s, Hasan Kamal had just 5 songs in Binaca geetmala finals. One out of these five songs became number 2 in 1983.

Asad Bhopali (4 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- another underachieving lyricist in Binaca geetmala. His best finish was number 6 in 1962.

Jaan Nissar Akhtar ( 4 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- It is a big surprise to note that Jaan Nissar Akhtar fared so poorly in Binaca geetmala. His 9th position in 1956, where he teamed with O P Nayyar, remained his best in Binaca geetmala finals.

Kaifi Azmi ( 4 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- Another huge shock, but we must keep it in mind that Kaifi Azmi, like Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, typically worked with Madan Mohan, and the classy songs created by them would more oftn than not fail to make it in the popularity stakes. None of his Haqeeqat songs appeared in Binaca geetmala finals. The best finish for him in Binaca finals were the 3rd positions in 1967 and1972.

Amir Qazalbash ( 3 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- A lyricist who debuted in 1980s, his three songs includes one that finished number 10 in 1982.

Pt Narendra Sharma (2 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- One of the giants of early days of Bollywood and Radio,Pt Narendra Sharma had just two songs in Binaca geetmala, including a song that finished 18th in 1978. It is yet another instance where class failed to find favour with masses.

Yogesh (2 Binaca geetmala finals song )- I am sure everyone would be surprised that Yogesh had only two songs in Binaca geetmala finals. 7th position in 1971 was his best achievement in Binaca geetmala finals.

Naqsh Llayalpuri ( 2 Binaca geetmala finals song)- another big underachiever in Binaca geetmala finals. His best achievement was number 23rd position in 1971.

M G Hashmat (2 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- His debut year saw him topping the Binaca geetmala finals list in 1974, but his career failed to take off.

Amit Khanna (2 Binaca geetmala finals songs )- Best finish was 9th in 1978

Shaharyar ( 2 Binaca geetmala finals songs)-Best finish was 8th in 1982

One songs each


Noor Lucknowi (1 Binaca geetmala finals song)- 14th in 1954

Ghalib (1 Binaca geetmala finals song)- 12th in 1955.

Uddhav Kumar (1 Binaca geetmala finals song)- 13th in 1955

Shamim Jaipuri ( 1 Binaca geetmala finals song)- 3rd in 1960

Kidar Sharma (1 Binaca geetmala finals songs)-20th in 1961

G L Rawal ( 1 Binaca geetmala finals song)- 20th in 1967

Shewan Rizwi (1 Binaca geetmala finals song)- 24th in 1969

Dev Kohli ( 1 Binaca geetmala finals song )- 18th in 1972

Nazaan Sholapuri ( 1 Binaca geetmala finals song )- 9th in 1975

Gauhar Kanpuri ( 1 Binaca geetmala finals song)- 16th in 1975

Nida Fazli (1 Binaca geetmala finals song )- 29th in 1981

Prakash Mehra (1 Binaca geetmala finals song)- 2nd in 1982 ( alongwith Anjaan)

Vasant Dev (1 Binaca geetmala finals song)- 33rd in 1985


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Music directors in Binaca geetmala

Binaca geetmala was a barometer of popularity of songs, which in those days of primitive technology was not very scientific as it was based on sales of records and votes of Listeners clubs. Records were unaffordable for common man so the quantity of records sold were quite abysmal really. Binaca geetmala considered sales of records of only about 40 record sellings outlets in 7 or 8 cities. But this was later discarded and the radio listener clubs were developed.These listeners clubs ( about 200 odd in numbers) would decide the popularity of songs and advise Binaca geetmala.

Of course,popularity of songs were not necessarily proportional to quality of songs. Many of the old songs that became very popular subsequently fared poorly in Binaca geetmala, and some of these songs even failed to appear in the annual countdown of Binaca geetmala on the last wednesday of the year. If songs were released late in the year, then the songs would fall between two stools. They neither ranked high in the year of their release, nor did they qualify for next year's coundown, as they would become previous year's song by then.

For the sake of this discussion, I have assumed that Binaca geetmala was the one hour programme broadcast on Radio Ceylon (later called SLBC) from 1954 to 1987. From 1988,this programme was taken off SLBC.For all practical purposs, this programme came to an end there.

We had programmes variously called Cibaca sangeetmala, Cibaca geetmala, Colgate Cibaca Geetmala etc on Vividh Bharati, but these could hardly be called Binaca geetmala because these later programmes were half an hour programmes, and moreover, the Radio listeners clubs, which were the backbone of judging the popularity of Binaca geetmala shows were well and truly defunct by that time. So, for our purpose, Binaca geetmala programme was the one hour countdown programme that was broadcast on Radio Ceylon from 1954 to 1987.

Based on the songs played in Binaca geetmala finals during this 34 years period, here is how various music directors fared in Binaca geetmala:


Laxmikant Pyarelal( 174 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- Laxmikant Pyarelal, who made their debut in Binaca geetmala finals in 1963 with their debut movie "Parasmani" would go on to become the most prolific music director in the history of Binaca geetmala.During their long and illustrious career, Laxmikant Pyarelal won the top position in Binaca geetmala finals in 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1975,1980,1984,1986 and 1987. In fact, the pale shodow of Binaca geetmala that was subsequently broadcast for a few years ( which I do not regard as Binaca geetmala for this article) also saw Laxmikant Pyarelal earn two more top positions- in 1989 and 1993.

Laxmikant Pyarelal were statistically the most successful music directors in the history of Binaca geetmala.

Shankar Jaikishan ( 133 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- The most successful music directors in the early days of Binaca geetmala were this amazingly prolific and successful music director duo known as Shankar Jaikishan.Their songs finished first in the Binaca geetmala finals of 1955,1961,1962,1964,1966 and 1971.And considering that they notched their wonderful run in Binaca geetmala while competing against many all time great music directors at their best, the achievements of Shankar Jaikishan just boggles the mind.

RD Burman( 118 Binaca geetmala finals songs)-Chip of the old block,the son of S D Burman started his career in 1961 with Chote Nawab, and then cooled his heels for a few years, before he started to serve notice on the old guard of Bollywood music world. And before one could realise what was happening, the old guard, despite continuing to churn great music, found themselves out of work. That is how strongly the hurricane Pancham and Hurricane Kishore Kumar hit the Bollywood music world in late 1960s and early 1970s.

Surprisingly, despite the overwhelming dominance of R D Burman in Binaca geetmala for much of 1970s, R D Burman had just one first place finish in Binaca geetmala finals- and it was in 1972.But statistics like this do not do him proper justice. He was the most influential music director of Bollywood of that era( circa 1966-80)who changed the taste of public for good.

Kalyanji Anandji(74 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- Kalyanji Anandji were just as resilient as Laxmikant Pyarelal, who could hold their own despite changing tastes of the public. They made their debut in Binaca geetmala 1960 and survived till late 1980s. Their songs topped the list of Binaca geetmala finals in 1965, 1973,1974, 1979 and 1981. Quite impressive, one must say.

S D Burman(55 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- S D Burman was already an established music director when Binaca geetmala countdown show began in 1954. And it was a S D Burman composition that had the honour of becoming the first ever top song of the year in 1954. S D Burman's songs topped the Binaca finals lists in 1958 and 1959 as well.

Ravi(46 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- Ravi was one music director who survived almost the entire duration of Binaca geetmala from 1954 to 1980s.Making his debut as a music director and in Binaca geetmala with the memorable lori-"Chanda mama door ke" (Vachan),Ravi's songs never topped Binaca geetmala finals, but he came close on a few occasions.His songs finished second in 1958,1960 and 1983 and third in 1963,1968 and 1983.

Bappi Lahiri(44 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- Bappi Lahiri, whose debut movie Zakhmee (1975) had some decent songs, and who began as a poor man's R D Burman soon jumped into the bandwagon of chalu songs, which saw him emulating R D Burman as a singer cum music director- and he would sing for Mithun Da, poor man's Amitabh Bachchan.His other brand of Chalu songs were for Jeetendra. Despite being a very popular music director in 1980s, Bappi Lahiri never had the satisfaction of seeing any of his songs reach number 1 in the Binaca geetmala finals, though a few of his songs came close and finished second in 1982 and 1984 and third in 1982,1984,1985 and 1986.

Naushad(34 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- Naushad was already a legendary music director when Binaca geetmala began. Naushad's songs never topped Binaca geetmala finals. But his songs were number 2 in 1955 and 1962 and third in 1964.

O P Nayyar(33 Binaca geetmala finals songs)-O P Nayyar was just as influential in 1950s as was R D Burman in 1970s. And O P Nayyar rewrote the rules. His influence cannot be properly gauged by looking at the cold Binaca geetmala statistics, which shows that he made his debut in 1955 and he had just one top finish in Binaca geetmala finals- in 1956. O P Nayyar was a far more influential music director than what his Binaca geetmala statistics suggest.

Rajesh Roshan (28 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- Chip of the old block, Rajesh Roshan got third position in Binaca geetmala in his debut year of 1975. And he managed the pole position in Binaca geetmala finals of 1982, thus emulating his father,Late Roshan's feat, who had achieved it some two decades back.

Madan Mohan(24 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- Considering how most of his movies fell flat at the box office,and his music appealed more to classes than masses, Madan Mohan's music did quite well in Binaca geetmala popularity stakes. One second place finish in 1966 and one top finish (posthumously) in 1977 is not bad for Madan Mohan, who had the mortification of seeing many of his top songs failing to even make it to Binaca geetmala finals,though they won rave reviews and even national award.

Roshan(17 Binaca geetmala finals songs)-Roshan was at the peak of his creative abilities when he died. And so his 17 Binaca geetmala entries do not do him justice. Two of these 17 compostions earned him top positions in Binaca geetmala finals in 1960 and 1963.

Salil Chowdhary(15 Binaca geetmala finals)- All of Salil Chowdhary's 15 Binaca geetmala songs are classics, which are evergreen even today.His best ranking in Binaca geetmal finals was 5th position in 1958 and 7th in 1956 and 1971.

Hemant Kumar(14 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- Another one who was there in Binaca geetmala right from the beginning. Hemant Kumar was a music director as well as a singer. His 14 songs as music director include second position in 1954 binaca geetmala finals, and third position the next year ( both for the same song). Hemant Kumar also topped the Binaca geetmala 1958 finals list- this time as a singer.

Usha Khanna(12 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- The only lady music director to have figured in Binaca geetmala finals ( not that there were too many of them to begin with), Usha Khanna made her debut in Binaca geetmala in 1958. She has had only 12 songs in the Binaca geetmala finals, but one of them was top of the finals chart- in 1983.

C Ramchandra(8 Binaca finals songs)- Here is another music director whose influence on Bollywood music cannot be gauged just by going through the list of his Binaca geetmala songs. His influence can be felt in Bollywood music even today, and many of his memorable songs never made it to Binaca geetmala because they were composed before the days of Binaca geetmala.

The highest rank that his songs reached in Binaca finals was 6th in 1955, but as mentioned above, his Binaca geetmala statistics do no justice to this all time great music director.

Chitragupt(8 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- Chitragupta, the father of Anand Milind, and Sulakshana and Vijayeta Pandit,was mainly confined to grade C movies- viz stunt and mythological movies, and their songs normally did not become popular enough to figure in Binaca geetmala. But Chitragupta managed to buck the trend whenever he got a chance.The highest that his songs reached in Binaca geetmala finals was 8th position in 1958, but what a song it was- "Chal ud ja re panchi ke ab ye desh hua begana" from "Bhabhi".

N Dutta (7 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- A highly underestimated and underutilised music director, who has become largely forgotten. But can we forget his Binaca geetmala songs? And he managed a position as high as number 3 for one of his compositions in 1957.

Khayyam(7 Binaca geetmala finals songs). Though Khayyam was a senior music director who made his debut in 1959, his Binaca geetmala appearances were few and far between.One song in 1959,next in 1967 ( in 3rd position) and the next appearance was in 1976 with two songs( one of them ending up at number 1 position). Then his next appearances were in 1980, 1981 and 1982.

Ravindra Jain (7 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- Ravindra Jain became the regular lyricist cum music director for Rajshri productions in 1970s, and his 7 songs include two songs which finished number 1- one in 1978, another in 1985.

Vasant Desai(7 Binaca geetmala finals songs)-Vasant Desai was a much better music director than what his paltry 7 Binaca geetmala finals appearances show.Madan Mohan considered Vasant Desai as his alter ego. Vasant Desai, before he met a tragic death, had composed some nice songs.In fact,two of his songs finished second and fourth in the Binaca geetmala finals of 1956.

Anu Malik(6 Binaca geetmala finals songs)-Son of Sardar Malik, Anu Malik was one who was known for composing chalu songs in 1980s and beyond.5th position in 1986 was the highest that his songs reached in Binaca geetmala.

Jaidev(5 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- Another music director who deserved better than what he got.He made his debut in 1961 with "Hum dono" amd a song from this movie finished number 2 in the Binaca geetmala finals of 1961. Unfortunately, Jaidev was not given enough opportunities to prove his worth.His next apprearances were in 1974, 1977 and 1978, and that was it.

Biddu(5 Binaca geetmala finals songs)-His "aap jaisa koi" became an unexpected hit, and that made Nazia Hassan a big star.This song, which finished number 4 in Binaca geetmala finals 1980 had purists disgusted.Style without substance could not be sustained for long. Happily for Bollywood music, hardly anyone remembers his music any more, even though his music had become a big rage in those days.

Sonik Omi(3 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- The uncle nephew duo had acted as assistants to many music directors viz Madan Mohan, Roshan etc, before they tried their hands as independent music directors. Though they gave some scintillating music in the few opportunities that they got, Binaca geetmala was not too kind to their music. Their absolutely wonderful musical blockbuster "Dil ne phir yaad kiya" could only garner one lowly spot. Same were the fates of their songs in "Saawan Bhaado" and "Dharma". Just three ongs from these three musical blockbusters were poor return for this music director duo.

Ghulam Mohammad(3 Binaca geetmala finals songs)-His first appearance in Binac geetmala finals was in 1955 at number 12, and the next two appearances came in 1972, at number 2 and three positions- that is all Ghulam Mohammad achieved in Binaca geetmala finals.

Sardar Malik(2 Binaca geetmala finals appearances)-His two appearnces were in 1961 for "Saarangaa" at number 8 and 18.

S N Tripathi(2 Binaca geetmala finals appearnces)- Like Chitragupta, S N Tripathi too was the music director for C grade moview viz mythologicals. But two of his mythological movie songs became so popular that these two songs were elevated to the level of Binaca geetmala finalists. And one of them actually became a surprise number 1 in 1957 finals.Number 1 in 1957, number 6 in 1959,both for C grade mythological movies- were the two Binaca geetmala finals appearances for S. N. Tripathi.

Shiv Hari(2 Binaca geetmala finals songs)-Long time asistants to music directors- Shiv-Hari (Shiv Kumar Sharma- santoor exponent and Hari Prasad Chaurasiya- flute exponent)tried their hands as independent music directors, but lack of opportunities hampered their growth.

Uttam Jagdish(2 Binaca geetmala finals songs)- Both songs were in Painter Babu, a box office disaster that was made to launch the career of Manoj Kumar's son.The songs were 21st and 25th in the 1983 finals list.

Jagjit Singh( 2 Binaca geetmala finals songs)-Both songs were from Arth, a 1983 movie.One appeared in Binaca finals 1983, and the other in 1984 finals.

Anil Biswas( 1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-5th in 1954 Binaca geetmala finals

Dattaram(1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-21st in 1958

Ramlal(1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-11th in 1965

G S Kohli (1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-20th in 1964

Husnlal Bhagatram(1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-15th in 1954

Jagmohan Sursagar(1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-13th in 1955

Sudhir Phadke(1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-29th in 1962, but what a song! "Jyot Kalash chalke"

Sapan Jagmohan(1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-23rd in 1971

Timir Baran (1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-8th in 1954

Shyamal Mitra (1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-7th in 1975. This song " Dil aisa kisi ne mera toda" earned Kishore Kumar and Indeevar the awards for best singer and lyricist respectively, but the music director was left high and dry.

Aziz Nazan (1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-"jhoom barabar jhoom sharabi"-A popular quawwali from "Five Rifles" produced by I S Johar.

Brij Bhushan(1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-35th in 1973. The immortal song-"kai sadiyon se, kai janmon se" from "Milaap"

Snehal Bhatkar(1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-1961 movie "Hamari yaad aayegi".Lyrics by Kidar Sharma and sung superbly by Mubarak Begum-"Kabhi tanhaayion mein yoon hamari yaad aayegi" which is regarded as a classic song by music buffs.

Kishore Kumar(1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-Kishore Kumar was the music director in the movie Jhumroo. He earned 7th position for Jhumroo song "Koi humdum na raha, koi sahara na raha" in 1961 Binaca geetmala finals.

C Arjun (1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-"main to aarti utaaroon re",the title song of the surprise hit "Jai santoshi maa". This song was 3rd in 1976 Binaca geetmala finals.

Ram Laxman (1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-15th in 1980 from Tarana-"Sultana Sultana, mera naam hai Sultana"

Ghulam Ali(1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-"chupke chupke raat din aansoobahana yaad hai". 30th in 1983 Binaca geetmala finals.

Remo Fernandes (1 Binaca geetmala finals song)-From Jalwa."Dekho Dekho ye hai jalwa".8th in 1987.

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