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Why old Hindi songs rock commercials
Nissan Micra, Chakke Mein Chakka
Kit Kat, Aao Na, Gale Lagao Na
Kit Kat, Kaate Nahin Kat Thi Hai
Film: Mr India (1987)
Music Composer: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Singers: Kishore Kumar, Alisha Chinai
Lyricist: Javed Akhtar
The second biggest hit of 1987 -- after Dharmendra-starrer Hukumat -- Mr India starred Anil Kapoor and Sridevi, who would go on to become his sister-in-law (after marrying his producer brother Boney Kapoor).
The chemistry between the lead couple was so good, they were one of the most popular jodis of their time.
Heinkein, Jaan Pehechaan Ho
Film: Gumnaam (1966)
Music Composer: Shankar-Jaikishan
Singers: Mohammed Rafi
Lyricist: Anand Bakshi
Picturised on extras like Laxmi Chhaya and choreographer Herman Benjamin, the song became quite a rage. The film starred Manoj Kumar, Nanda and a host of actors.
Interestingly, Jaan Pehechaan Ho was also used in the opening credits of the film Ghost World (2001), starring Thora Birch, Steve Buscemi, and Scarlett Johansson.
Mentos, Ye Jawani Hai Diwani
Film: Jawani Diwani, 1972
Music Composer: R D Burman
Singers: Kishore Kumar
Lyricist: Anand Bakshi
Jawani Diwani had some brilliant songs, which helped in making it the eighth highest grossing film in 1972.
From Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani to Jaane Jaan Doodhta Fir Raha, Saamne Yeh Koun Aaya, Agar Saaz Cheda To and Nahi Nahi Abhi Nahin, R D Burman had made some great numbers.
TVS Scooty, Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh
Film: Shree 420 (1955)
Music Composer: Shankar Jaikishan
Singers: Asha Bhosle, Manna Dey
Lyricist: Shailendra
Nadira's seductive gown in Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh was stitched so tight that she couldn't sit down. Later, she said in an interview that the agony was worth it.
Nadira's cigarette holder became a fashion statement -- quite ironical since Nadira never smoked in her life.
The song put Asha Bhosle on the map, as it was her first hit song, putting an end to her struggling years.
TVS, Jaane Do Na
Film: Saagar (1985)
Music Composer: R D Burman
Singers: Asha Bhosle, Shailendra Singh
Lyricist: Javed Akhtar
After separating from Rajesh Khanna in 1982, Dimple decided to make a comeback to the movies.
Even though she got her big hit in Ramesh Sippy's Saagar, that was not her comeback film as many believe.
Sagaar got delayed for a year, so her film Zakhmi Sher released first in 1984. It was a dud at the box office, and went unnoticed.
When Saagar released, it was India's official entry for the Academy Awards that year.
Dairy Milk, Din Hai Suhana Aaj Pehli Tarikh
Film: Pehli Tarikh (1954)
Music Composer: Sudhir Phadke
Singers: Kishore Kumar
Lyricist: Qamar Jalalabadi
Din Hai Suhana from the film Pehli Tarikh was a regular feature on Radio Ceylon, the oldest radio station in Asia. It was played on the first of every month at 7.30 am.
Raymonds, Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke
Film: Brahmachari (1968)
Music Composer: Shankar-Jaikishan
Singers: Mohammed Rafi
Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri
Brahmachari had seven songs, all sung by Mohammed Rafi. But only Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke was a hit. It was a duet with Rafi and Suman Kalyanpuri
The film was a huge hit and won many awards.
Coca Cola, Aaj Ki Raat
Film: Anamika (1973)
Music Composer: RD Burman
Singers: Asha Bhosle
Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri
All the five songs in Anamika were huge hits -- Aaj Ki Raat Koi Aane Ko Hai, Bahon Mein Chale Aao, Meri Bheegi Bheegi Si, Logo Na Maro, and a bhajan called Jaoon To Kahan.
Centre Fresh, Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahen
Film: Junglee (1961)
Music Composer: Shankar-Jaikishan
Singers: Mohammed Rafi
Lyricist: Shailendra
The Yahoo song became a symbol of Shammi's wild image, and remains synonymous with the legend.
Not many know that Junglee was originally titled Mr Hitler, after Shammi's strict character in the film.
Kotak Life, Aap Jaisa Koi
Film: Qurbani (1980)
Music Composer: Biddu
Singers: Nazia Hassan
Lyricist: Biddu
Even though Kalyanji-Anandji were the music directors of Qurbani, Aap Jaisa Koi was composed by Biddu. Pakistani singer Nazia Hassan was introduced to Hindi cinema with this song.
Not many know that Amitabh Bachchan was offered the role of Amar before it went to Vinod Khanna.
Qurbani was remade in Tamil as Viduthalai starring Rajinikanth, Vishnuvardhan, Madhavi and Sivaji Ganesan. It was a big hit.
Happydent Complete, Duniya Main Logon Ko
Film: Apna Desh (1972)
Music Composer: RD Burman
Singers: RD Burman, Asha Bhonsle
Lyricist: Anand Bakshi
Apna Desh was a remake of 1969's Tamil hit film Nam Naadu, starring MGR and Jayalalitha.
Both Tamil and Hindi films were directed by the same director Jambulingam.
The film starred Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz. Sridevi played a boy's role in the film (she played MGR's nephew).