Subhash K Jha celebrates Hrishikesh Mukherjee's birth anniversary on September 30 by listing the best songs from his films.
Tere Mere Milan Ki Yeh Raina from Abhimaan
One of Hindi cinema's most perfect scores, each song bringing out the best in every singer.
This duet by Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar is special for Majrooh Sultanpuri's lyrics about an expectant couple.
Haye Re Woh Din Kyun Na Aaye from Anuradha
A rare compositional outing for Pandit Ravi Shankar, every song by Lataji is a beauty.
Laagi Nahi Chhute Rama from Musafir
Salil Chowdhury and Hrishikesh Mukherjee pulled off the impossible: They got Dilip Kumar to sing with Lataji in Hrishida's first film.
Kisi Ki Muskurahto Pe Ho Nisaar from Anari
Shailendra's lyrics went a long way in giving long legs to this Mukesh song, picturised on Raj Kapoor, about what makes life meaningful.
Kuchh Dil Ne Kaha from Anupama
Hemant Kumar and Hrishida got together for the films Do Dil and Anupama. In the latter, Lataji whispers sweet somethings in Kuchh Dil Ne Kaha.
Maa Hi Ganga Maa Hi Jamuna from Majhli Didi
Lataji sings with the tenderness and fervour of a child offering a prayer to his mother.
Do Din Ki Zindagi Kaisi Yeh Zindagi from Satyakam
Lataji reportedly never charged Hrishida for her songs. Satyakam was the only film of his to feature songs by Laxmikant-Pyarelal.
Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye from Anand
Salil Chowdhury composed this song which Rajesh Khanna regarded as one of his best.
Aanewala Pal Janewala Hai from Gol Maal
Gulzar, R D Burman and Kishore Kumar made a timeless song.
Sawan Ke Jhoole from Jurmana
R D Burman composed this gem sung by Lataji and picturised on Raakhee.
Ab Ke Sajan Sawan Mein from Chupke Chupke
One of the most popular songs from Hrishida's cinema, this was picturised on Sharmila Tagore and Dharmendra.
Koi Gata Main So Jata from Alaap
A flop from Hrishida, but the soundtrack had many semi-classical tunes by the under-rated Jaidev. This Yesudas lullaby is the pick of the lot.