Mukesh was always neglected by the great music directors, he was also not the darling of critics either. This troubled him somewhat but what he didn’t get from the critics was compensated by the masses & then more. Along with all the other greats like Rafi-Manna-Kishore, Mukesh & Talat carved their own niche in the industry. *Rather, Mukesh has sung so many songs & so many hits that it would be difficult to justfy the’niche’ word, using due to his specialist role for sad/romantic songs. *.
There are several songs where Mukesh just stamped his identity. His different voice naturally suited for sad songs. At the same time he would make you re-think his ability by the quality of his romantic or light mood songs.
Mukesh was always accused(?) of having a limited range due to his characteristic voice, sometime rightly so, but then the same critic would find it difficult to digest the magnitude of success he had. Raj Kapoor & Mukesh were almost born for each other.
Honorable mentions: Main Pal do pal ka shayar hun; Kabhi Kabhie; Mene Tere liye hi sat rang ke; Jeena Yahan; Kai baar yunhi dekha hain; Ramayya Wattawainya; Koi Jab tumhra hriday tod de; Aa Ab Laut chale; Hotho pe sachchai reheti hain; Baharon ne mera chaman loot kar; Sawan ka mahina pawan kare sore
(1) Dil Se Tujako Bedili Hain, Muzhko hain Dil ka Gurur; Tu Ye Mane Ke Mane, Log Manenge Jarur.YE MERA DEEWANA PUN HAIN, Ya muhabbat ka surur; Tu na pehechane to hain ye teri najaron ka surur
From Yahudi: Dilip Kumar. Initially the song was meant for Talat but it seems he didn’t turn in time or something & was given to Mukesh. Mukesh made it unforgettable & this one tops my list of all time great songs let alone Mulesh’ best.
(2) Suhana Safar aur ye mausam hansi
Mukesh was almost identified with Raj Kapoor’s sad songs which I think was an injustice as he also had a very good voice for the romantic songs. With Raj Kapoor he was mostly used in the songs where Raj Kapoor wanted to seek sympathy etc.
This song shows Mukesh’ ability in a light mood song.(Specially Ho, Ho, Ho.Ho, Ho. Ho.HO HO.Woh asama zhuk raha hain jameen par). Dilip Kumar is as usual perfect in this song but a little too methodical & a little less natural than should have been. The song starts with a very great voice bhirrrrrr.
(3) Jindagi khwab hain.Kwab main Zhut kya aur such hain kya? Sub such hain.!
This one is from Jagate Raho & filmed on Motilal(?) who had as good as dialog delivery as Dilip Kumar. He also did very well in Devdas(it was a pain to watch Jackie in that role).
(4) Patali kamar Hain Tirachhi Najar hain
A playful song by Mukesh than usual tragic songs. Premnath displays an extrovert/jindadil performance in this song.(A good actor but somehwere down the line he just lost it). He made a come back in Teesri Manjil/Johny Mera Nam & Bobby though. Mukesh sings the ’Merrri Jindagi masta safar hain’ with a great exuberance.
(5) Saranga Teri yaad main
A class act by Mukesh. His voice didn’t allow his a great range but he was the master within his own territory.
(6) Zhum Zhum ke nacho aaj, nacho aaj, gawo khushi ke geet ho(Andaz)
Somehow the great music directors like Naushad, S.D & others didn’t use him much. Read that Naushad used to frustrate with his cigarrette smoking? Not sure. This song with’Tu Kahe Agar Jeevanbhar’ shows the performance Mukesh gave with Naushad.
(7) Sab kuchh Sikha Hamane Na Sikhi hoshiyari
Like Dost Dost na raha this one is also perfect suit for Mukesh’ voice.
(8) Jaane Kahan Gaye Woh Din
Again, Mukesh Raj Kapoor combo. Mukesh has put everything in this song & has also sung stanzas in a higher than usual note.
(9) Dost Dost Na Raha
Mukesh has poured life in this song. Woh mere dost tum hi the.tumhi to the. I am not sure if any singer has been so appropriate for a song. I was really disturbed the first time I heard his song(may 7/8 year old).
(10) Ye Din kya aye.Lage Phool hasane
Chhoti Si Baat, An Amol Palekar classic. Perfect song for Mukesh’ voice. Mukesh disaplyed that even in this age he could deliver & had enough eft in him. Durinig 70s I think Mukesh was used the most for the bakground songs. Without such songs these movie would not be that effective. Rajaneegandha, Chhoti Baat etc
(11) Chandan Sa Badan Chanchal cheetwan, Deere se tera ye muskana.Muzhe dosh na dena jagawalo ho jawun agar main deewana
Mukesh again displays his romantic song abilities in this one. Very honest songer he was! He gave all what he had, never held anything back or never played any games(Are you listening Lata?):-)
(12) Dil Jalata hain To jalane Do
Like Kishore initially Mukesh also used to sing like Kundanlal Saigal. This song could be treated as his tribute to Saigal.
(13) Ek Deen Bik jayega Maati ke mol
One of last songs from Mukesh. Raj Kapoor presented it very well. The way Mukesh has sung this song I think he really enjoyed singing it.
(14) Kahin Door Jab Deen Dhal Jayen
The song every generation sings, specially when someone starts learning, this one is the one they practice with. Almost in every college-gathering in 80s/90s this song used to make an appearance. Don’t know now!
(15) Chal ri sajani ab kya soche
Bombai ka Babu
(16) Jane Na najar pehechane jigar ye koun hain jo dil par chhaya muzhe rom rom tadapaya
Romantic song for a romantic character.
(17) Jees Gali main tera ghar
The last’offcial’ romantic hero of Indian cinema! In this movie RD used Kishore all the way except for this one which needed the typical Mukesh touch.
(18) Sajan re zhoot mat bolo Khua pe pas jana
and
(19) Oh re Taal Mile Nadi ke jal main
Even though 18th & 19th on the list, please do not mind these numbers. These songs should be at the very top of the list of the unforgettable songs of Mukesh. Again, Mukesh displays how to sing in an’honest’ voice & makes impact with a simple but elegent manner in both these songs.
(20) Dil Tadap Tadap ke keh raha hain Aa Bhi Ja
Again, a sadabahar duet. Mukesh once again proves him the contender for top post when it comes to romantic & tragic songs. When a song has both of it then who else than Mukesh can perform it so well?