10 Less-Known Hindi Songs

For me, this post is not only about the joy of selecting 10 songs but also about the pain of not selecting many others. In the end, it has primarily been an exercise of elimination, based on certain criteria, most importantly accessibility. For instance, I had intended to add couple of K.L.Saigal gems but later decided against it. Thanks to Google, he is still reachable if you want to reach him. In comparison, I believe that the likes of Pankaj Mullick are relatively inaccessible to this generation because we don't even know how to search them. You can't search unless you know the keyword, can you?

Also, what easy to see is easy to miss. We feel rather, forgive my choice of word, saturated with Lata that we hardly bother to find out how she might have been 60 years back. After all, she started early and lasted as long as she wanted. She couldn't have been the same artiste all through these years. 

Finally, selecting something based on some romantic sentiment, and not respect, would have defeated the purpose. The purpose is to realize that there are many melodies that we have lost in the noise, and they are worth looking for. In the end, this post aspires to be but a beginning for those who happen to enjoy these songs and would like to explore further. The keywords will still not be there but perhaps there will be desire. These unsung people have made great songs, and there is no reason for them to remain lesser-known in the age of information overdose. After all, time has to level things.   

1. Yeh Raatein Yeh Mausam (?, ?)

Music - Pankaj Mullick

Lyrics - ?

Singer - Pankaj Mullick

Evidently, I don't know much about the who's who of this one. For a long time I used to believe that this song is sung by Lata. Later I came to know that her version is just a tribute to the original. Hers is also good, but but the original is precious.

Here is the link. Enjoy.

2. Dil Ko Hai Tumse Pyaar Kyon (?, ?)

Music - Jagmohan Bakshi

Lyrics - ?

Singer - Jagmohan Bakshi

Ditto for this. I don't know much about this one either. And truly, what matters is experience, not trivia. Here is the link. Let the song speak for itself.

3. Tumhare Bulaane Ko (Ladli, 1949)

Music - Anil Biswas

Lyrics - ?

Singer - Lata Mangeshkar

1949 was a landmark year in Hindi Cinema. With Mahal arrived Lata Mangeshkar, and charmed the nation with her ethereal Libran voice. In coming years, the landscape of female playback singing was going to be changed forever. Such was her force that the reigning queen, the sublime Geeta Dutt barely managed to float. No wonder not much is known about others.

There is another gem by her in the same year. The music is composed by Shyam Sundar for Nargis starred Lahore. But between the two I would go for this.

4. Tere Baghair (Jahaan Tum Wahaan Hum, Unreleased)

Music - Madan Mohan

Lyrics - Raja Mehdi Ali Khan

Singer - Md. Rafi

Of all the songs composed by Madan Mohan that never saw the light of day, this is my pick.

Rafi has sung many songs that can be included here. But I can't add all of them. Let me add this one for you. This is not the best, but certainly different. At this point it's difficult for me not to share this too, another differently rendered masterpiece, this time with Lata joining the party.

5. Khayaalon Mein Kisi Ke (Baawre Nain, 1950)

Music - Roshan

Lyrics - Kedar Sharma

Singer - Geeta Dutt, Mukesh

Geeta Dutt is at her mellifluous best in this duet, complemented well by Mukesh. Notice how their voices blend in the background music. And the occasional strum of Veena (or Sitar) is divine. Enjoy. 

6. Lehron Pe Leher (Chhabili, 1960)

Music - Snehal Bhatkar

Lyrics - Ratan S

Singer - Hemant Kumar, Nutan

Nutan is a revelation in this song. And nothing soothes like the baritone voice of Hemant Kumar. Together, they are absolutely mesmerizing in this full-moon melody. Check this out.

There is a solo version too.

7. Kitni Haseen Ho Tum (Yeh Dil Kisko Doon, 1963)

Music - Iqbal Qureshi

Lyrics - Qamar Jalalabadi

Singer - Md. Rafi, Asha Bhosale

This song contains both honey and moon, lot of it. The usually earthy Asha is unusually ethereal here. And Rafi sounds rather besotted. It's geriatric to remain sober when something like this is poured into your senses.

8. Woh Tere Pyaar Ka Gham (My Love, 1970)

Music - Daan Singh

Lyrics - Anand Bakshi

Singer - Mukesh

Mukesh sounds sincere and vulnerable. That's why, despite his technical failings as a singer, his sad songs hardly ever fail to move. This song is neither an exception nor exceptional. But, you might not like to miss this anyway. 

9. Tere Khayaalon Mein Hum (Geet Gaaya Pattharon Ne, 1970)

Music - Ramlal

Lyrics - Hasrat Jaipuri

Singer - Asha Bhosale

I am not absolutely sure about this one. But certainty is elusive while doing what I am doing.

10. Khamosh Sa Afsana (Libaas, Unreleased)

Music - Rahul Dev Burman

Lyrics - Gulzar

Singer - Lata Mangeshkar, Suresh Wadkar

I am a steady fan of RDB-Gulzar compositions. They are not just the best in their league, they are only one in their league. There is a lot to be said about them, which warrants a separate post.

Libaas was never released. Perhaps that why this song remains relatively anonymous. The music is typical RDB and the lyrics is typical Gulzar. And the effect is typically magical. Rendition-wise, I would rather have Lata one note down, but Suresh Wadkar hits right on the spot. 

The little party is over. Or may be the party is yet to begin. This was just a teaser, as it were. It couldn't have been anything more than that. However, in the end, one can't help feeling frustrated.