Happy Birthday Panchamda

(Pic Source: http://www.rediff.com)

Rahul Dev Burman (June 27, 1939 - January 4, 1994), music composer and singer whose songs have entertained each and everyone of us. And is still providing bread and butter to most 'DJ Remix'walas.

Here are a few of the genius' songs, categorized into several random categories. Such was he versatility of this musician that anyone would find it hard to pick 1 song from each category. Here is my attempt:-

1) ROMANTIC

Do Lafzon Ki Hai Dil Ki Kahani, The Great Gambler (1979)
This song is an all time favorite. Very melodius and romantic. Some songs which came close are:- O Hansini - Zehreela Insaan (1974), Kitne Bhi Tu Karle Sitam - Sanam Teri Kasam (1982), Tu Hai Vahi Dil Ne Jise - Yeh Vada Raha (1982).

2) MALE SOLO

Aur Kya Ahede Wafa, Sunny (1984)
I somehow like the Suresh Wadekar Song MUCH more than the Asha Bhonsle version. Other songs in this category :- Aanewala Pal Jaanewala Hai - Gol Maal (1979), Agar Tum Na Hote - Agar Tum Na Hote (1983), Diye Jalte Hain - Namak Haram (1973), Tujhse Naraaz Nahin Zindagi - Masoom (1983).

3) FEMALE SOLO

Mera Kuchh Saamaan, Ijaazat (1988)

The way this song has been rendered with so much pain and hurt in the voice, is just phenomenal. Other good songs in this category:- Aaja Piya Tohe Pyar Doon - Baharon Ke Sapne (1967), Aaj Kal Paon - Ghar (1978).

4) QAWWALI

Hum Kisise Kum Nahin, Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977)
Very hep and youithful qawwali if I may say so. Other good songs in the category: - Jina To Hai Usika, Adhikar (1971).

5) GHAZAL

Huzur Is Kadar, Masoom (1983)
The comic timing of Naseer and the shokhi of Shabana make this ghazal a treat to watch as well as hear.

6) CLASSICAL BASED

Mitwa Bole Meethe Bain - Parichay (1972)
The choice for this category very difficult with songs such as Abke Na Sawan Barse - Kinara (1977), Beeti Na Bitai - Parichay (1972), Meethe Bol Bole - Kinara (1977), Raina Beet Jae - Amar Prem (1971) in contention. I had earlier chosen the song Ab ke na sawan barse but changed my mind later on.

7) SEDUCTION / CHED CHAAD

Jane Do Naa, Saagar (1985)
This is inarguably the best seductive song for me. The effect may be more due to the visual appeal pf the song than the musical but it just rules. Other songs in this category:- Ek Chatur Naar Karke Sringar - Padosan (1968), Yeh Ladki Zarasi Diwani Lagti Hai - Love Story (1981).

8) SAD

Meri Bheegi Bheegi Si, Anamika (1973)
Other songs in this category are:- Kya Hua Tera Wada - Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977), Raah Pe Rahte Hain - Namkeen (1982), Yaad Aa Rahi Hai - Love Story (1981).

9) DHINCHAK / MASTI

Pyar Hamen Kis Mod Pe, Satte Pe Satta (1982)
This song tops the categoryundisputed. Other songs:- Dekha Na Hai Re Socha Na - Bombay To Goa (1972), Dum Maro Dum - Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971), Gol Maal Hai - Gol Maal (1979), Ye Jawani Hai Diwani - Jawani Diwani (1972).

10) HIS OWN VOICE

Mehbooba O Mehbooba, Sholay (1975)

Duniya Mein Logon Ka, Apna Desh(1972) or Dil Lena Khel Hai , Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai (1982) would be close, but not quiet. (ROT in hell Himesh Reshamiya)

11) CLUB / ITEM NUMBER

O Haseena Zulfowali, Teesri Manzil(1966)
So many lovely songs to choose from:- Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyar Tera - Teesri Manzil (1966), Duba Duba Nashe Mein - Drohi (1992), Jaane Jaan O Meri Jaane Jaan - Sanam Teri Kasam (1982), Jahan Teri Ye Nazar Hai - Kaalia (1981), Khatooba Khatooba - Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1980), Piya Too Ab To Aaja - Caravan (1971). I hope u agree with my choice. This also happens to be RD's first Hit film and then there was no looking back.

12) CHILDREN'S SONG

Lakdi Ki Kathi, Masoom (1983)
Now who hasnt sung this song as a child (errr... people who were grown ups in 1983? :P ). Other songs in this category:- Bada Natkat Hai Yeh - Amar Prem (1971), Lalla Lalla Lori - Mukti (1977).

13) FOLK BASED

Chadti Jawani Meri Chal Mastani, Caravan (1971)
Though it is not exactly folk based but it has the use of colloquial words or the lyrics are a touch less refined and give the feeling of a village belle singing it rather a city girl. Other songs:- Bechara Dil Kya Kare - Khushboo (1975), Ghar Jayegi - Khushboo (1975), Goriyan Kahan Tera Desh Re - Caravan (1971).

14) SENTI

Roz Roz Aankhon Tale, Jeeva (1986)
Another of my favs. Other songs in the category:- Yeh Shaam Mastani - Kati Patang (1970), Tujhse Naraaz Nahin Zindagi - Masoom (1983), Is Mod Se Jate Hain - Aandhi (1975).

PS: Will update the post tomm. Its already 28th June in some parts of the world including mine.