The Indian media today is dominated by two living national legends who are equivalent to demi-gods in their respective fields. Sachin Tendulkar has announced his retirement from the Test Cricket while Amitabh Bachchan turned 71.
The histrionics of Amitabh, fondly known as Big B, are unimaginable and the space here is too less to pick just 10 songs from his entire career. Such was the euphoria of his superstardom that the biggest movie industry in the world was often referred to as a ‘One Man Industry’ for more than one and a half decade.
To pick 10 best songs of Amitabh is an improbable task and hence we have selected our favorite ten songs out of a huge bank which we have always enjoyed over the years. Here we go
1) O Saathi Re: The multi-faceted genius of Amitabh Bachchan showcased his superb acting skills in many movies including ‘Muqqadar Ka Sikandar’ from which this ever-lasting melody has been taken. My fav line from this gem by Kishore Kumar is – ‘har dhadkan mein pyaas hai teri, saanson mei teri khushboo hai, is dharti se us ambar tak meri nazar mein tu hi tu hai’
2) Kabhie Kabhie: Yash Chopra’s Kabhie Kabhie music album composed by Khayyam will remain an ode to brilliant melody forever. The title duet sung by Mukesh and Lata is arguably one of the most romantic songs of all times. My pick from the lyrics is – ‘tu ab se pehle sitaaron mei bas rahi thi kahin, tujhe zameen pe bulaaya gaya hai mere liye’.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzTUxRyWzn4
3) Chookar Mere Mann Ko: This song from the movie ‘Yaarana’ arrests you from the get go and make you gasping for more. Amitabh gave a stupendous performance as a typical villager. My best line is – ‘tu jo kahe jeevan bhar tere liye main gaoon, geet tere bolon pe likhta chala jaoon’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUtXdIRvwNo
4) Pag Ghungroo: This song from blockbuster ‘Namakhalaal’ showcases Amitabh at his entertaining best. Bappi’s Da composition, Anjaan’s hilarious lyrics and Big B’s screen presence have made this number immortal. My fav line is – ‘aap andar se kuch aur, bahar se kuch aur najar aate hain , baakhuda shakal se to chor najar aate hain’
5) Khaike Paan Banaraswala: This chartbuster song from ‘Don’ is composed by Kalyanji-Anandji with lyrics by Anjaan. Bachchan put his heart and soul into the performance and has really made this song his own. My best line from this memorable songs is – ‘ek kanya kunwari, hamri soorat pe marr gayi haaye haaye, ek meethi kataari hamre dil mein utar gayi haaye’
6) Tere Mere Milan Ki Ye Raina: The sentimental and surreal singing by the duo Lata-Kishore in this song from ‘Abhimaan’ takes you to a totally heavenly level. Film featured Big B with his better half Jaya Bachchan and movie’s influence can still be seen in recent blockbusters like ‘Aashiqui 2’. My most touching line is – ‘tujhe thaame kayi haathon se miloonga madbhari raaton se’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8IVa-7-2_w
7) Rang Barse: Yash Chopra’s movies are known for their songs and there cannot be a better song than this track from ‘Silsila’ on the Holi festival. Bachchan showed his singing talent in this song and his unique rendering style is still copied by many singers. Silsila had the magnetic pairing of Amitabh-Rekha along with Jaya Bachchan. My fav line – ‘launga ilaichi ka beeda lagaya , chabe gauri ka yaar, balam tarse, rang barse’
8) Inteha Ho Gayi: Sharaabi was the 6th hit in a row for Prakash Mehra- Amitabh Bachchan combo. Big B gave yet another scintillating unparalleled performance as an alcoholic in the movie. This Bappi Da’s composition has been magically sung by Kishore Kumar. My best line – ‘baat jo hai usmein, baa t wo yahaan kahin nahi kisi mein, wo hai meri bas hai meri, shor hai yehi gali gali mei.’
9) Mere Angne Mein: Amitabh rendered his voice to yet another unforgettable song from the movie ‘Laawaris’. Film is remembered for Big B’s iconic portrayal of an orphan. Each and every line of Anjaan’s lyrics is hilarious and well thought of. Enjoy this lovely song.
10) Jumma Chumma De De: Sudesh Bhonsle emerged as Amitabh’s voice in the 90s and rendered his voice for the legend in many songs. This Anand Bakshi’s composition from ‘Hum’ rocked the charts for years. My fav line is – ‘arii o jummaa, meri jaaneman, bahar nikal , aaj jummaa hai, aaj kaa vaadaa hai’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hRkFIsWkT4
We could so easily add a 100 more songs to the list – most were equally good and the list could simply go on and on. But here is just a glimpse of the wide range, unbelievable versatility and immense talent of this extraordinary actor who is a blessing and God’s gift to the Indian Film Industry.
Here’s wishing the ultimate megastar the best of happiness, health, joy and celebrations on his 71st Birthday.
Do let us know your favorite songs of Amitabh Bachchan in the comments section below.
Abhishek Sharma tweets @abhu_sharma