I have been a fan of Gulzar Saahab ever since I started understanding the meaning of words. I ultimately got to meet him in March 2000 and got his autograph on my collection of poems because he is the inspiration behind my poetry. The list of my Gulzar favourites can be endless but I will try to choose just ten.
1. DO NAINO MEIN AANSOO BHARE HAIN. This song from his film Khushboo does something to me. Especially the line’Jhoothe tere waade pe baras bitaaye, Zindagi to kaati ye raat kat jaaye.’
2. THODISI ZAMEEN. This song from the film Sitara is the height of romanticism for me. Two lovers dreaming about their future life was never so innocent, so pure, so romantic.’Raat kat jaayegi to kaise din bitaayenge, Baajre ke kheton mein kauwe udaayenge.’
3. PHIR SE AAIYO BADRAA BIDESI. From his film Namkeen, this song portrays love and longing in the best way possible. Just experience the pain in Asha Bhosle’s voice when she sings -’Tere jaane ki rut main jaanti hoon, mud ke aane ki reet hai ki nahi.’
4. MERA KUCHH SAMAAN. It was so obvious this song from Ijaazat will be on the list.’Ek sau solah chaand ki raatein, ek tumhaare kaandhe ka til.’
5. SEELI HAWA CHHOO GAYI. This film Libaas never got a proper release and many are not aware of the wonderful songs of this film.’Jitne bhi tay karte gaye, badhte gaye ye faasle. Meelon se din chhod aaye, saalon si raat leke chale.’
6. DIL DHOONDTA HAI. Undoubtedly, one of his best works. Though I would like to include all songs from Mausam but this one wins hands down.’Thandi safed chaadaron pe jaagein der tak.’
7. MERE SARHAANE JALAOO SAPNE. Again, all songs from Maya Memsaab are beautiful but this one touches me the most. It perfectly portrays what’Maya’ feels.’Main ek bhatki hui si khushboo, talaash karti hoon phool koi.’
8. MUSAFIR HOON YAARON. Just think and tell me, whenever you are on a journey, doesn’t this song from Parichay automatically starts playing in your mind.’Mujhe chalte jaanaa hai, bas chalte jaanaa hai.’
9. MERA DIL JO MERA HOTA. This song from film Anubhav was sung by Geeta Dutt. Though I am unable to decide whether its the poetry that mesmerises me or the magical voice of Geeta Dutt, I attribute the credit to Gulzaar Saahab.’Suraj ko masal kar main chandan ki tarah malti.’
10. TERE BINA JIYA JAAYE NA. Please consider that I am in fact placing all songs from Ghar here by mentioning this song. All you ladies reading this review, whenever you are alone in the house, missing your husband, take out old photographs, play this song in the background and experience the magic. At least, that’s how my mother remembers this song.’Jab bhi khayaalon mein tu aaye, mere badan se khushboo aaye.’
Please understand that I am restricted myself to just 10 favourites of mine. The list is endless. These songs have made it to top 10 because I make it a point to dig them out of my selection and listen to them again and again.