Twenty Best Songs of Ravindra Jain

Though he has never been able to make it to the hype list, Ravindra Jain has proved himself as a consummate musician with a degree of consistency rarely seen in the industry. Born blind, he never allowed his handicap to come in the way of honing his inborn talent. Learning classical music at a young age, he has been a poet as well as a singer.

Starting his film career in the early 70s, he has traversed over 30 years of melody with some outstanding gems along the way. He has promoted some brilliant singers like Yesudas, Hemlata, Suresh Wadkar, Jaspal Singh and Aarti Mukherje. For a long time in the 70s and 80s, he was Rajshri Productions’ resident music director after which he went into the big league with banners like RK.

Just try ignore the high pitched frustrating interludes of the Ramayana serial, and you will discover that Jain has provided some endearing compositions, which are listed below:

1. Tera mera saath rahe

Film: Saudagar(1973)

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar*

This was Jain’s first successful movie and he had the biggies singing for him. This soothing love song had memorable lines like “Dhoop ho, chaya ho, din ho ke raat rahe”

1. Sajna hai mujhe sajna ke liye

Film: Saudagar(1973)

Singer: Asha Bhosale*

Using Asha’s sultry voice for the sexy Padma Khanna, he was able to contrast between the characters of the two heroines in the film. The song is still loved by listeners today.

1. Le jaayenge le jaayenge dilwale dulhaniya le jaayenge

Film: Chor Machaye Shor(1974)

Singers: Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosale*

This peppy number blasted the myth that Jain could only do soulful tunes. With the lead singers adding to the zing, this song was on top with the title becoming immortal after being used as for a Yash Chopra blockbuster nearly two decades later.

1. Ghungroo ki tarah bajtaa hi raha hoon main

Film: Chor Machaye Shor(1974)

Singer: Kishore Kumar*

The versatility of Jain’s craft can be seen in this film which had the peppy Le Jaayenge and this soul-stirring ghungroo number. Kishore Kumar excels in this all time favorite.

1. Geet Gata chal

Film: Geet Gata Chal(1976)

Singers: Jaspal Singh & Chorus*

A unique example of how completely unknown stars, unknown musicians can make a successful film. GGC was the film which launched Sachin & Sarika and almost all the songs were a rage.

1. Shyam teri bansi pukare Radha naam

Film: Geet Gata Chal(1976)

Singers: Aarti Mukherjee & Jaspal Singh*

A heart wrenching number with Aarti Mukherjee coming on tops. This film also had the lovely songs “Ram Siya Ram” and “Kar gaya Kaanha Milan ka vaada”.

1. Jo Raah chuni tune, usi raah pe raahi chalte jana re

Film: Tapasya(1975)

Singer: Kishore Kumar*

This is a inspiring lyric sung beautifully by Kishoreda to Jain’s tune.

1. Do panchhi do tinke

Film: Tapasya(1975)

Singer: Aarti Mukherjee & Kishore Kumar*

Two lovers planning their life together as they watch the birds preparing to build a nest. The song is a lovely collector’s item.

1. Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se

Film: Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se(1977)

Singer: Hemlata*

Hemlata was Jain’s resident female voice once he established himself in the Rajshri banner. This title song was a rage and is among the singer’s best.

1. Le to aaye ho hume sapnon ki gaaon mein

Film: Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaaye(1977)

Singer: Hemlata*

Another Hemlata gem, this is a beautiful number of a young girl who has been married and is just beginning her new life. The lyrics are touching…

“Le to aaye ho hume sapnon ki gaaon mein, pyar ki chaaon mein bithaye rakhna, sajna”

1. Jab deep jale aana

Film: Chitchor(1977)

Singer: Yesudas & Hemlata*

When Jain introduced the Malayalee singer Yesudas, few would have thought that all these songs from the film would have been a national rage. But till date, Chitchor numbers continue to be favorites.

1. Gori tera gaaon bada pyara

Film: Chitchor(1977)

Singer: Yesudas*

Another beautifully composed number from the same film. Other gems are “Aaj se pehle, aaj se jyaada” and “tu jo mere sur mein”

1. Thande thande pani se

Film: Pati Patni Aur Woh(1980)

Singers: Mahendra Kapoor, Asha Bhosale, Sushama Shrestha*

A corny song with time pass lyrics, this was a sample of Jain’s prowess in giving all types of situational songs as was required. This number is still recollected among the top comedy songs of all time.

1. Dil mein tujhe bithake

Film: Fakira(1975)

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar*

A lovely romantic number. Captured beautifully by both the music director as well as the singer. Just see the lyrics…

“tera hi mukh dekhke piya raat ko main so jaaun

Bhor bhaye jab aankh khule to tere hi darshan paaun

Tujhko gale lagake, kar loongi main band aankhen,

Pooja karungi teri…”

1. Purvaiya leke chali meri naiya jane kahan re

Film: Do Jasoos(1975)

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar & Shailendra Singh*

Starting with a fisherfolk chant in the background, the song reaches pristine heights as the two lead singers sing this koli based number.

1. Kaun disa mein leke chala re

Film: Nadiya Ke Par(1982)

Singers: Jaspal Singh & Hemlata*

A song with a Bhojpuri dialect would not have normally blazed the charts, but this lovable tune was enjoyed for his simplicity.

1. Sona…kare jhilmil jhilmil

Film: Paheli(1976)

Singers: Suresh Wadkar & Hemlata *

This song sung by fresh faced youngsters in the rain smells of the first buds of love sprouting in the rain. With lyrics like “Vrishti pade tapur tupur…tip tip tapur tupur”, this melody can capture your heart. This, by the way, happens to be Suresh Wadkar’s first film song.

1. Ek Radha ek meera

Film: Ram Teri Ganga Maili(1985)

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar*

Jain won the Filmfare award for this album. Almost all the songs are captivating and this raga based number sung beautifully by Lata is still unmatched for its richness in tune and verse.

1. Sun Sahiba sun

Film: Ram Teri Ganga Maili(1985)

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar*

A playful number, this one was at the top of the charts for a whole year. Raj Kapoor surprisingly went to Jain, shifting from his usual L-P and came out with a winner here.

1. Chithiye

Film: Heena(1990)

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar*

A Punjabi based number, the music as well as the singing is heavenly. The more you hear it, the more it grows on you. An extremely difficult tune to sing and compose, the song is a classic!

In conclusion.

After reading the above list, Ravindra Jain clearly comes out as a music director who has not got his due. Probably in Bollywood, one needs hype and big banners to make it among the premier rung.

But Jain continues his work regardless of the fame or the lack of it.

Jo Raah chuni tune, usi raah pe raahi chalte jana re,

Ho jitni bhi lambi raat, diya ban jalte jana re!