Just like his storytelling, the music in Basu Chatterjee's films had a simplistic approach.
In his 30-year movie-making career, Basuda created many, many, memorable songs. Joginder Tuteja lists some of them:
Ye Jeevan Hai, Piya Ka Ghar
Singer: Kishore Kumar
Composer: Laxmikant Pyarelal
One of the earliest chartbusters heard in a Basu Chaterjee film was Ye Jeevan Hai.
A lovely song in which Basuda enjoyed a rare collaboration with Laxmikant-Pyarelal (before he moved on to Salil Chaudhary and Rajesh Roshan for most of his films), this Kishore Kumar song is a gem.
Na Bole Tum, Na Maine Kuch Kaha, Baaton Baaton Mein
Singers: Asha Bhosle, Amit Kumar
Composer: Rajesh Roshan
Amit Kumar broke into a Basu Chatterjee film with Baaton Baaton Mein.
Though the title track was superb as well, Na Bole Tum, Na Maine Kuch Kaha stays memorable for its playful appeal.
Koi Roko Na Deewane Ko, Priyatama
Singer Kishore Kumar
Composer: Rajesh Roshan
Kishore Kumar and Rajesh Roshan exceled in Koi Roko Na Deewane Ko, a beautiful love song from Priyatama.
It was picturised on Rakesh Roshan, Jeetendra and Neetu Singh.
Thoda Hai Thode Ki Zaroorat Hai, Khatta Meetha
Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
Composer: Rajesh Roshan
Lata Mangeshkar made sure the song has stayed memorable over the decades.
Ka Karoon Sajni Aaye Na Baalam, Swami
Singer: Yesudas
Composer: Rajesh Roshan
Yet another Rajesh Roshan gem, this is a textbook for those looking at how to blend classical music into a mainstream Hindi film song.
Ka Karoon Sajni Aaye Na Baalam saw the southern singing superstar Yesudas deliver a superb track in Swami.
Aaj Se Pehle Aaj Se Zyada, Chitchor
Singer: Yesudas
Composer: Ravindra Jain
Yesudas became a regular in Basu Chatterjee films and came up with many meaningful songs.
Aaj Se Pehle Aaj Se Zyada in Chitchor was one such, with composer Ravindra Jain.
Gori Tera Gaon Bada Pyara, Chitchor
Singer: Yesudas
Composer: Ravindra Jain
Another song from Chitchor that has remained in the hearts of music lovers is Gori Tera Gaon Bada Pyara.
In fact, right through the 1970s and 1980s, the song was popular on radio stations as well as Doordarshan's own playlist, Chitrahaar.
Jaaneman Jaaneman Tere Do Nayan, Chhoti Si Baat
Singers: Asha Bhosle, Yesudas
Composer: Salil Chaudhury
In the series of songs that Yesudas sung for Basuda, Jaaneman Jaaneman Tere Do Nayan from Chhoti Si Baat is etched in the hearts of music lovers.
Naa Jaane Kyon Hota Hai Yeh Zindagi Ke Saath, Chhoti Si Baat
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Composer: Salil Chaudhury
In Chhoti Si Baat, Lata Mangeshkar got a solo track for herself with Naa Jaane Kyon Hota Hai Yeh Zindagi Ke Saath.
The song's simple lyrics and composition were its strengths.
Kai Baar Yoon Bhi Dekha Hai, Rajnigandha
Singer: Mukesh
Composer: Salil Chowdhury
There aren't many songs that Mukesh sang for Basuda, but when he rendered Kai Baar Yoon Bhi Dekha Hai for Salil Chowdhury, he went on to win a National Award.
