As we mourn the demise of one of Indian cinema’s most legendary actors, Dilip Kumar, MW creates a 10-song playlist of his movie’s timeless songs to celebrate his legacy
It’s the end of an era. The news of veteran actor and an icon of Indian cinema, Mohammed Yusuf Khan, aka Dilip Kumar, breathing his last on Tuesday, July 7, has taken over fans, the film industry, and everyone who ever danced to one of his popular songs, and watched his legendary films, with sadness. Dilip Kumar has died at the age of 98 due to age-related health issues, but has left behind a legacy that will always honour the way he shaped cinema in the country.
As we reflect on the beautiful pieces of cinematic literature that Dilip Kumar has enriched our screens with, as well as his everlasting romance with Saira Banu, which is an example of a genuine off screen romance that resulted in a marriage of 54 years, we also look at some incredible songs from Dilip Kumar’s films that were not only popular when the films were released, but till date, are recognised by all generations, new and old, and are remixed to catch up with newer tunes.
Also Read: Inside The Dilip Kumar-Saira Banu Love Story, That Stood The Test Of Time, Rejection & Controversy
Here’s a compiled playlist of Dilip Kumar’s songs that will send you on a trip down the memory lane.
Suhana Safar Aur Yeh Mausam Haseen from Madhumati (1958)
Madhumati, Bimal Roy’s film starring Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala, had this picturesque number by Mukesh, featuring the late actor singing and walking amid nature. It’s still one of those travel songs that comes up on family outings, isn’t it?
Nani Lad Jai Hai from Gunga Jumna (1961)
Another Vyjayanthimala and Dilip Kumar hit, this song, from the 1960 film Gunga Jumna by Nitin Bose, is a fun, perky number. Sung by Mohd Rafi, the late actor is seen dancing away to glory, with his expressions on point, as always.
Ude Jab Jab Zulfein Teri from Naya Daur (1957)
New Rendition:
Weddings and wedding functions, even now, will have this song on the playlist. The song has been remixed by many, but most popularly, the song was remixed for Kareena Kapoor Khan’s item number for the film, Kya Love Story Hai. However, the charm of the original song is one-of-a-kind, as Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala’s dance and the little flirtatious jugalbandi between the two is cute to watch, even after all these years.
Imli Ka Boota from Saudagar (1991)
The song that comes up in every antakshari. Also, the one where Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar were reunited by Subhash Ghai after 1959. Sung by Mohammed Aziz and Sudesh Bhosle, Imli Ka Boota shows the actors’ bromance, and Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s music along with their camaraderie has made this song an undying success.
Dil Diya Hai Jaan Bhi Denge from Karma (1986)
Another classic that’s replayed in all schools, societies, and Independence Day, Republic Day functions across the country. This song is from the film Karma, by Subhash Ghai, featuring a flashback in the story as well. This Dilip Kumar song was sung by Mohammed Aziz and Kavita Krishnamurthy.
Aaja Re Pardesi from Madhumati (1958)
New Rendition:
This is another Dilip Kumar-Vyjayanthimala romance segment from Madhumati. She sings the song (playback by Lata Mangeshkar), and he looks at her, completely in awe, as she beckons her pardesi.
Madhuban Mein Radhika Naache Re from Kohinoor (1960)
Anyone who has taken classical music lessons must have witnessed this song as an example in training. Dilip Kumar, who plays a prince in this film, sings this Mohd Rafi song while playing a sitar, as a courtesan dances to his tunes.
Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawano Ka from Naya Daur (1957)
New rendition:
Every song of Naya Daur is worth listing here, but some more than the others. This is one of those spirited, patriotic songs that children of all generations have grown up listening and dancing to, and it will continue to trickle down to many generations to come. Dilip Kumar induces a fun spirit into this OP Nayyar iconic song.
Hue Hum Jinke Liye Barbaad from Deedar (1951)
One of those soft, tragic numbers by music director Naushad from a film about a visually impaired man who looks for his childhood love, this Dilip Kumar song is a classic.
Yeh Mera Deewanapan Hai from Yahudi (1958)
New Rendition:
This song has a very popular remix, but the original is no less popular. Sung by Mukesh, the film Yahudi’s lyricist, Shailendra, won a Filmfare Award for this particular song, and the song is one of Dilip Kumar’s most popular numbers.
