31st October is the death anniversary of one of the greatest music directors of the [tag]Hindi Film Industry[/tag]. This is the first person who went beyond Indian Classical roots, or western classical roots – like many of his contemporaries – and made folk music the basis for his brand of [tag]Hindi Film Music[/tag]. He left behind a body of work that is solid, inspirational and just gets you to forget everything and be mesmerized in his music……. Here on the day before his death anniversary – my favourite…. and be very clear… it wasn’t an easy choice. And as always – there is no favourite – i love them all…..So here go, my Bakers’ dozen

1. Waqt ne kiya – shot gloriously for Khagaz ke Phool. the voice of [tag]Geeta Dutt[/tag]. I personally prefer this SD & Geeta collaboration to other greats like Mera Sundar Sapna Beet Gaya or Tabdeer se Bigadi huvi Taqdeer bana de…- purely because of the character of the song….. This song could be for any of us and our relationships…………One of my all time favourite songs from all time in any language……
   
2. Sun Ja Dil Ki Dastaan – [tag]Hemant Kumar and Geeta Dutt for Dev Anand & Geeta Bali and lots of oomph by the sea. The film is Jaal – where Dev Anand plays the sexy, no good wastrel Michael and Geeta Bali plays Maria –  the woman torn between her man, and what is right….What an enjoyable film…and what a great sound track. Lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi
   
3. Oh Jaane Wale Ho Sake to Laut Ke Aana – Mukesh at his philosophical best. The movie is Bandini – directed by [tag]Bimal Roy[/tag]. Th song, if I am not mistaken, is a back ground song…. and captures the sheer sense of desperation and claustrophobia in the film. The music in the film is phenomenal. Every piece is a master piece. There is the brilliant number by [tag]Lata Mangeshkar[/tag] – Mora Ang Layle, and there is Asha lilting with Abke Baras more baaye se babul.. and SD himself with the completely folksey More Saajan Hai us Paar
   
4. Yeh Mehlon, Yeh Takhton, Yeh Tajon Ki Duniya – [tag]Mohd. Rafi[/tag] singing for Guru Dutt in one of the most famous scenes from Hindi Films. A silouhetted Guru Dutt singing to a bunch of men and women who have sold their souls for something else…. Yeh Duniya Agar mil Bi Jaaye to Kya Hai… One of those songs that resonate deep within your soul. The other great songs in this film were – Jinhe Naaz Hai HInd per woh Kahan Hai, Aaj Sajan More Ang Laga Lo, Jaane Kya Tu Ne Kahi, Jaane Kya Maine Suni
5. Tere Mere Sapne Ab Ek Rang Hai – The most romantic song ever, in my books. [tag]Dev Anand[/tag] singing to [tag]Waheeda Rehman[/tag] in the film Guide. In an album packed with heart breakers — this one breaks your heart the most, purely because of its sweetness and melody. You know it is not going to last. But, while it lasts – make the most of it. Other songs worth looking out for in the album – Kaanton se Kheechke Ye anchal – by Lata, Din Dhal Jaaye by Rafi and the fabulous Wahan Kaun Hai Tera by S.D. Burman himself…
6. Haal Kaisa Hai Janab Ka – Asha & Kishore having a blast in [tag]Chalti Ka Naam Gadi[/tag]. Again a film with a great track – Ek Ladki Bhigi Bhagi Si, Paanch Rupaya Barah Aana, Hum te Woh Te aur sama Rangeen Samajgaye na……Remember Kishore Kumar chasing a hen in this song, and you will see why the whole movie is such good fun…
7. Mana Janab Ne Pukara Nahin – The Film Paying Guest. The singer Kishore Kumar. Incidentally, Kishore Kumar’s association with SD Burman was probably as prolific and fascinating as his collaboration with RD Burman. This was a film with one of the best sound tracks ever – Oh Nigahe Mastana , Chand Phir Nikla, Chhod Do Aanchal Zamaana Kya Kahega, Haye Haye Haye Yeh Nigaahen
8. Nazar Lagi Raja Tore Bangle Par – the ultimate mujra number, delivered with incredible gusto by [tag]Asha Bhonsale[/tag]. The film is Kala Pani. I have seen it when I was all of 7 years ago – and although a goolgle search may tell me what the movie was about — it would be cheating.
9. Jise Tu Kabul Karle – sung by [tag]Lata Mangeshkar[/tag] for [tag]Devdas[/tag]. before Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the garishness called Devdas — was a much better thought through story starring Dilip Kumar as Devdas, Vyjantimala as Chandramukhi & Suchitra Sen as Paro. My other favourite from this film is the Geeta Dutt & Manna De duet – Aan milo aan milo shyaam saanware
10. Jaaye to Jaaye Kahan – S.D.Burman at his bluesy best. Talat Mehmood sings for Dev Anand. There is aa Lata variation of the same song, but it doesn’t have the same impact as this version..
11. Na Tum Hume Jaano – Hemant Kumar sings for the maestro.
12. Megha Chaaye Aadhi Raat – Lata singing about unrequited love in the film Sharmilee for Rakhee. There are two Rakhees in the movie – one a good Indian girl, and the other a slut (btw there are only two types of women according to films – the devi and the slut). This is sung for the good girl, who is pining for her love – who is in love with her twin sister…. Other great songs in this film Khilte Hai Gul Yahaan, Oh meri Sharmilee, Reshmi Ujala Hai Makhmali Andhera
13. Mere Sapnon Ki Rani – Kishore Kumar singing for Rajesh Khanna in the movie that made the latter a superstar.

There is a treasure trove that i have not even looked at….. a volume of work that goes beyond a hit and miss post. If i searched my memory banks more … i may come up with a few more gems…….. but for now this is my bakers’ dozen…