The best of Shammi Kapoor, through his songs
Shammi Kapoor, often referred to as the Indian Elvis Presley by fans, danced his way to success. During his long stint in Bollywood, the veteran got some of the best tracks under his belt. Here are the 10 best Shammi Kapoor songs that enthralled audiences over the years.
Ehsaan tera hoga mujh par: The classic number from the 1961 movie “Junglee” is one of the best known romantic songs of Kapoor. Crooned by Mohammad Rafi, whose voice almost became synonymous with the actor during that time. The song was beautifully penned by Hasrat Jaipuri.
Yahoo - chahe mujhe koi junglee kahe: Another gem from the same film got attached to Kapoor’s image thereafter. ‘Yahoo’ became a cult word and was then being considered as an extension of the actor’s rebel personality. Sung by Rafi and written by Shailendra, this high octave foot-tapping song is extremely popular even today.
Baar baar dekho: Sung by the actor’s favourite singer Rafi, this song from “China Town” (1962) is a light, jazz-oriented, pleasing song. Kapoor’s flirting with his onscreen lady, holding a guitar, is an image that will be remembered for years to come.
Yeh chand sa roshan chehra: An O P Nayyar composition, and sung by Rafi in his inimitable style praises Sharmila Tagore’s character. It is melodious with easy musical arrangements and honey-tucked feel. It was from the 1964 film “Kashmir Ki Kali”.
Deewana hua badal: Another beautiful rendition from the same film by Nayyar. Romance flapped its wings, when Rafi went behind the mike to sing this song that is slow, free-flowing and pulls at one’s heartstrings even in this day and age.
Tumse achha: From the “Janwar” (1965), the song by Rafi is still one of the favourite love songs among music buffs.
O Haseena: “Teesri Manzil”, a phenomenal hit of 1966, presented this electrifying song which was a creation of R D Burman and written by Majrooh Sultanpuri. Sung by Rafi again, this foot-tapping, cabaret, is one of the most popular retro hits of all times.
Aaja aaja main hoon: “Teesri Manzil” song was a runaway hit. It grabbed attention and interest owing to Rafi’s unique style of rendering the word “Aaja”.
Aaj kal tere mere pyar ke: This evergreen song has fascinated generations. From 1968’s “Brahmachari”, this Shankar-Jaikishan composition is fast-paced and highly enjoyable. Sung by Mohammad Rafi and penned by Shailendra, the track is again a testimony to Kapoor’s rebelous and carefree nature.
Badan pe sitare lapete huye: An almost seductive number, this song was composed by Shankar-Jaikishan for the film “Prince” in 1969.
