ek sau solaah chaand ki raatein…ek tumhaare kaandhe ka til…

This is a post that was inspired by something I read on Megha‘s blog about one of my favourite songs…

Incidentally, the line “ek sau solaah chaand ki raatein, ek tumhaare kaandhe ka til” from the song Mera Kuchh Saamaan from Ijaazat refers to the 116 phases of the moon that are listed in Indian classical literature. What Gulzar means to say is that all the possible phases of brightness that the moon has to offer, cannot even begin to match the tiny dark spot on your shoulder.

Very, very nice, I think. 🙂

Anyway, thinking about mera kuchh saamaan started me thinking about my favourite Hindi songs – or, some of my favourite Hindi songs, at any rate.

1. Mera Kuchh Saamaan and Katra Katra from Ijaazat
   For RD’s awesome music, Asha’s awesome voice, and Gulzar’s awesome lyrics. For the lines “tumne to aakash bichhaya…mere nange pairo mein zameen hai…” in Katra Katra. And for the aforementioned lines from mera kuchh saamaan.
2. Sona Nahin Naa Sahi from One 2 Ka 4
   For the lines “sona nahin na sahi, chaandi nahin na sahi…fikar kya hai, main hoon na tere liye…“. Not great lyrics, I know. But I just love the thought in the song. That, no matter if we have very little, but you have me – always.
3. Hum Aapki Aankhon Mein from Pyaasa
   For the lines “hum aapko khwaabon mein la la ke sataayenge…hum aapki aankhon se neendein hi uDaa dein to…“. And for Geeta Dutt’s and Rafi’s playful, lilting voices.
4. Tum Pukar Lo and Humne Dekhi Hai Unn Aankhon Ki from Khamoshi
   “muqtasar si baat hai tum se pyaar hai…tumhaara intezaar hai, tum pukaar lo…” from tum pukaar lo. And, “humne dekhi hai, unn aankhon ki mahakati khushboo…haath se chhuuke ise, rishton ka ilzaam na do…” – only Gulzar can write words like “aankhon ki mahakati khushboo“. Beautiful! 🙂
5. Meri Jaan Mujhe Jaan Naa Kaho from Anubhav
   “honth jhuke jab honthon par…saans uljhi ho saanson mein…do judwaan honthon ki…baat kaho aankhon se…“. Very sexy words, don’t you think?
6. Gulmohar Gar Tumhaara Naam Hota from Devtaa
   “gulmohar gar tumhaara naam hota…mausam-e-gul ko hasaana bhi humaara kaam hota…“. Such a nice thought behind the lyrics. Also, ‘coz I love Gulmohar trees when they’re in full bloom – especially the red ones. Look like fire flowers.
7. Dekh Ke Teri Nazar from Howrah Bridge
   There’s this one line in the song, which goes – “aaye ho dho ke kahin aankhein sharaab se” – I don’t think any other Hindi film song describes intoxicating, sexy eyes as well.
8. Abhi Naa Jaao ChhoDkar from Hum Dono
   Love this song for its lyrics and music, but more so because this is the first song G sang to me. Not “sang” really – typed. We were chatting and it was very late at night, and I said I had to go sleep – and this is when he said abhi na jaao chhoDke, ke dil abhi bhara nahin…and I said, yehi kahoge tum sada ke dil abhi nahin bhara. And, this was one of those times when I was feeling constantly surprised at how two people who’ve had such different exposures and lives, have so much in common. I love old Hindi film songs (as is quite evident from this list!), and most people I’ve known have had no idea about any except for the most over-played and popular old songs. Another of the things that surprised me the same way is when G said (again in one of our chats) “swatIsaid” (translation: that’s what I said) – which is what Ern Goon from The Five Find-Outers used to say. 🙂
   Also, G’s ID on ICQ used to be Hawkeye. From Hawkeye Pierce in M*A*S*H, who I used to be absolutely in love with. 🙂
9. Maula Mere Maula from Anwar
   Beautiful, beautiful lyrics, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s awesome voice.
10. Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho from Hanste Zakhm
    The most haunting romantic song I have ever heard. Gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. Kaifi Azmi’s lyrics and Rafi’s voice. Wow!
11. Mujhe Dard-e-Dil Ka Pata Naa Thaa from Akash Deep
    “yoon hi apne apne safar mein gum, kahin door mein kahin door tum…chale ja rahe thay juda juda, mujhe aap kisliye mil gaye…” Need I say any more? 🙂
12. Teri Deewani from Kailasa
    Not a Hindi film song, but such beautiful lyrics. And Kailash Kher sings it with such feeling.
13. Mann Re Tu Kaahe Naa Dheer Dhare from Chitralekha
    Outlook voted this as 1st out of the 20 best Hindi film songs ever. Not the best, I think. But, one of the best for sure!
14. There’s this one song that I loooove! It’s by Yesudas, as far as I remember. There’s this one line in the song that goes – “samay ka aanchal thaam ke pal pal umar chali hai jaane kahaan…” – and I can’t for the life of me remember tha title of the song, or any other words from it. Can someone please help me? ‘Coz this is going to be driving me mad till I do remember which song this is from!!

Correction: Maula Mere Maula is not a Rahat Fateh Ali Khan song – it’s actually sung by Roop Kumar Rathod. Still very nice though.

Tags: Also, I tag Quirky Soul, Anand, River, Anvita and the Mad Momma. Also, whoever else would like to take it up. 🙂

Another Update: I have finally managed to remember – with no help from anyone – which the last song I wrote about is! It’s tere bin soona more mann ka mandir! 🙂