Ten of my favourite Waheeda Rehman songs
Waheeda Rehman! Just spelling out that name conjures a vision of great beauty for me. Beauty yes, but not coquette, not of a siren, very down to earth beauty, which radiates warmth. A smile, which brightens up your day. Grace, which mesmerises you. Eyes so expressive, that they could show a whole kaleidoscope of emotions and of a depth that one could lose oneself in it. An ethereal beauty! You would say how do a down-to-earth and ethereal go together. Well, that is what Waheeda Rehman is all about. Bringing together contradictions like truth always is. And truth is beautiful and divine. No wonder Guru Dutt sings and describes her a chaudhvin ka chaand (the full moon) in the film by the same name.
There was and is more to Waheeda than her beauty. A versatile actress, she proved her acting prowess again and again in different films. She showed their highs and lows, their dark and brighter sides, but what she gave them all was a human quality. A vulnerability, which made them connect to you. It might be the street smart hooker of Pyaasa or the career-oriented Rosie of Guide or the repentant Shanta waiting for her husband in Phagun. You could relate to all of them. You might not agree with them, but you could empathise with them.
Choosing ten songs from her films was not easy. Thus I laid some criteria for choosing them.
a. The film must have her in a main role.
b. It must be a solo song
c. Waheeda must be lip-syncing to the song.
Dustedoff and Sunehriyaadein have already published a post of their favourite Waheeda Rehman songs and Anu of her favourite Waheeda roles. This post began as a comment at Sunehriyaadein’s post. Over the years it has changed indeed! Enjoy!
1. badle badle mere sarkar – Chaudhvin Ka Chaand [1961]
MD: Ravi; Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni; Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Jameela devoted to her husband to the point of being a masochist, can’t understand that he is not interested in her anymore. No more songs from him in moonlit nights, no more sweet nothings. He is morose and she doesn’t know why? The fact is he is torn between his lady love and loyalty to his friend. A few serious talks would surely clear the matter, but we wouldn’t have a film story extolling the virtues of Lucknow. Waheeda’s Jameela, though a door-mat, remains restrained and commands empathy but never pity.
This is Lata Mangeshkar’s first and last song for Guru Dutt Film Productions in Guru Dutt’s lifetime, though not for a film under his direction.
Although Waheeda would become famous as a dancer-actress, Guru Dutt never gave her an opportunity to show her dancing skills in his films. The only song from Guru Dutt Films, where she gets to dance is kahin pe nigahen kahin pe nishana from C.I.D [1956], which was directed by Raj Khosla.
2. tum to dil ke taar chhed kar – Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja [1961]
MD: Shankar-Jaikishan; Lyrics: Shailendra; Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
I haven’t sent this film and discovered this song only a few years back. This is one of the few cases, where I like the female version of a song better than the male one. Such a sweet song of longing and still with a tinge of teasing in it.
3. meri baat rahi mere man me – Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam [1962]
MD: Hemant Kumar; Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni; Singer: Asha Bhosle
Jaba, a strong, liberal, open-minded, courageous young lady grown up in the tradition of Brahmo Samaj, is suddenly confronted with her past at her father’s death bed. News, which suddenly makes her go to her roots. It just doesn’t convince me that a liberal character like Jaba could do such a thing. Waheeda though plays it with such a conviction and strength, that she makes it appear plausible.
4. raat bhi hai kuchh bheegi bheegi – Mujhe Jeene Do [1963]
MD: Jaidev; Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi; Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Chamelijaan, a nautch girl, one would say of no convictions and hardly any scruples. She goes on to reform her kidnapper, the dacoit Jarnail Singh. The above song is her first encounter with him. Jaidev’s music reflects the heat and sultriness of the song.
5. o jaadugar pyaar ke ye bataa – Ek Dil Sau Afsane [1963]
MD: Shankar-Jaikishan; Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri; Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
An unusual song with a western touch. I find it hard to classify it any order. A sweet song with lovely dance accompanying it.
6. piyaa tose nainaa laage re – Guide [1965]
MD: S. D. Burman; Lyrics: Shailendra; Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
A marathon song of 9 minutes! The song charts Rosie rise in her career. The first scene in the song is that of a private audience for influential men, where the colour-effects are all done by hand. The second scene sees her in the same costume dancing at an annual function of an educational institution. From there on it is a meteoritic rise for her. The different costumes symbolising different regions of India, shows her tour throughout India signifying her popularity is pan-Indian. More than that, the song gives Rosie an opportunity to express her love for Raju. Till then in the film, it is Raju, who is sacrificing his family, his social-status and money for her. He is encouraging her to become independent and listen to her inner voice. Now she gets to say thanks for all that and tell him how much she loves him. Without this song, she would come across a very selfish lady, who just takes from Raju and never giving anything in return. This song, on different levels, thus not only takes the story ahead but also fills in the gaps and holes of the plot. So if somebody asks you why Indian films have songs, show them this example.
7. aa aa bhi jaa raat dhalne lagi – Teesri Kasam [1967]
MD: Shankar-Jaikishan; Lyrics: Shailendra; Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Heerabai a dancer in a travelling theatre-troupe meets Heeraman (a bullock-cart driver) on her journey from one town to the other. The story of the film is not only her journey but also the journey of their affection for each other. Affection, love, desire, sacrifice have never been shown more subtly in Hindi cinema. Basu Bhattacharya shows his skills learned under his mentor Bimal Roy in best possible light.
Watch Waheeda’s dance steps in the song! They are not intricate Kathak steps, although she seems to be dressed for it. They are simple steps, which one would expect from a nautanki dancer, but Waheeda gives them such a grace, that they appear very refined! Hats off to all the people involved in the making of this classic film!
8. rangeela re tere rang me – Prem Pujari [1970]
MD: S. D. Burman; Lyrics: Neeraj; Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
What does a Hindi film heroine (or for that matter any Indian film heroine) do when she sees her lover with another woman? Well, she sings, drinks and dances! No, not out of joy, but to express her grief. And does she get to express her grief here!
I find some of the dance steps here a bit awkward, but the song is fabulous! A little bit of trivia: S. D. Burman allegedly asked Neeraj explicitly to start the lyrics with the word Rangeela.
9. tu chandaa main chaandani – Reshma Aur Shera [1972]
MD: Jaidev; Lyrics: Balkavi Bairagi; Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Another marathon song by Lata for Waheeda, this time from S. D. Burman’s assistant Jaidev. A music director, who never got his due! Reshma and Shera, the Rajasthani Romeo-Juliet, start sending messages to each other with the help of camels till it comes to the actual rendezvous. The song documents this development in their relationship. Listen to Lata sing/hum/whisper kahaan bujhe tan ki tapan (where can this fire get relief)! A lovely odyssey through feelings and emotions of a blossoming love but also through highs and lows of music and sound.
10. sandhya jo aaye man ud jaaye – Phagun [1973]
MD: S. D. Burman; Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri; Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Shanta, whose husband has left her, for being insulted by her for spoiling her sari during Holi celebrations, is awaiting his return. She expresses her melancholic state of mind and loneliness in this poignant song. A very beautiful composition by S. D. Burman.
Few months back, it was reported, that Waheeda Rehman has quit films for good. That is indeed a sad news for the film industry.She didn’t quit films, because she was old and tired, but because she hardly gets any strong roles. A very sad situation for a film industry, where such great talents lie neglected. But maybe this signal will rally directors to offer her substantial roles.
All said and done, we, the audience, have hardly any reason to complain. Waheeda has left behind a body of work, which still lets us discover new aspects and angles to it. Thank you, Waheeda, for this immensely rewarding movies that you have gifted us! Thank you!
Enjoy the playlist!
Harveypam's Blog 
warnerbroseats
April 15, 2013 at 2:27 pm
Yes! Waheeda does exhume a lot of warmth and ‘domestic’ beauty, the adjective not being very apt. But it is this ethereal beauty(yeah, now its OK) of her that easily makes us brush aside some rumours linked it to her.
I’d like to add “Paan khaye saaiya hamaro” because it is a fun song and it has a rustic simplicity to it. (Weren’t we celebrating simplicity?). It is really one of those songs, which when you hear on radio, a high-energy image of Waheeda sparkles in your mind!
harveypam
April 15, 2013 at 2:49 pm
Although i don’t like that adjective ‘domestic’ as well, but I can understand, what you mean. As for the rumours, linking her to Guru Dutt, I do tend to believe them, that doesn’t make her a worse person for me. It makes so much more humane, doesn’t it?
Yes “paan khaaye saiyaan hamaaro” is really in so many ways related to her. One surely just can’t imagine anybody else in that role except her. It does have a rustic feel to it, but surely not simplicity. The rustical songs may have a simple rhythm but are anything but simple in there multi-layeredness. The way she has danced to that song, it makes me feel that she herself enjoyed the song very much. Her smile and laughter is so infectious and oh so genuine!
Thanks for your comment, warner!
chitrapatsangeet
April 15, 2013 at 2:34 pm
Great post on my favourite actress!
I am sure there must have been a reason why you left out “Paan Khaayo Saiyya”.
“Koi Nahin haii(Patthar ke Sanam),”He Rom Rom me“(Neel Kamal),,”Kaari Badariya”(Aadmi),”Phir Teri Kahani”(Dil Diya Dard Liya) are some of my favourites. Note how she manages Asha’s and Lata’s voice so easily. Both of them suit her so well.
harveypam
April 15, 2013 at 2:41 pm
Thank you Karthik! Waheeda is truely many people’s fav actress. i still have to meet a person, who doesn’t like her.
The reason, why I left out “paan kahe saiyaan hamaro” was that I like “aa aa bhi jaa” better.
That is true any voice suits her well, even that of Geeta Dutt, though with Shamsahd Begum, I’m not so sure!
The songs you have mentioned are all beautiful and I had even considered “koi nahin hai“, “kaari badariyaa” and “phir teri kahaani” for the list, but chose the ones above. Good that you mention them here.
chitrapatsangeet
April 15, 2013 at 3:29 pm
I loved her in the “Sasural Genda Phool” song too… :-).In fact, she romances Sanjeev Kumar in Trishul, “Appki Mehki Hui”, which I like very much for Sahir’s lyrics.
harveypam
April 15, 2013 at 3:44 pm
As a spin off of this post I have listening to “sasural genda phool” a lot the last few days. It has started growing on me!
“aap ki mehki huyi” is indeed a lovely song, but she looks a bit tired there. A beautiful song nevertheless!
Lalitha
April 15, 2013 at 3:37 pm
Great choice of songs, Harvey, and a great write up on one of the greatest actresses! I love the song, Sach huye sapne tere … from Kala Bazar, but couldn’t find a good video with her in the song. She looks so happy in this scene, but this was all I could find, the song sung by someone else!
harveypam
April 15, 2013 at 3:46 pm
Sach huye sapne tere was just about there in the list till I decided to take in “sandhya jo aaye”. Good that you have put it in here. A melodious song of the first order.
Lalitha
April 15, 2013 at 3:38 pm
Okay, let me see if this one works!
Sach Hue Sapne Mere–Kala Bazaar–1960 von Mav3r1ck
harveypam
April 15, 2013 at 3:49 pm
This is of course a better link. The video is clear and the voice is original! Thank you Lalitha!
raja
April 15, 2013 at 4:27 pm
Harveyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!! What can I say? MERI Waheeda ke baare mein itna achha post!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I love all these songs – and as usual, the way you weave your intro around a song makes it extra special to read about on this blog.
The only song that comes top of mind that I’d have thrown in here would’ve been “bhanwra bada naadaan hai“. As you know it is one of my Waheeda favourites. But then “meri baat rahi mere man mein” is also wonderful.
Other than that, extremely good selection of songs. Hey, while on my Waheeda, how about a post on her duets? I can think of a few I really love. 🙂
harveypam
April 15, 2013 at 8:55 pm
Well, Raja you were always on my mind, while I was writing this post. And really was wondering at times how you would describe her and how you would think of this or that aspect of her acting or very presence. 🙂
Thanks for your kind words! 🙂
Of course Waheeda duets are worth a post! And I can’t think of anybody else but you doing it. How about a guest post here? or a post at your blog? I admire very much your way of expression. Never a word too much and never a word too less! Anywhere you publish it, I’m looking forward to it!
“bhanwara bada naadan hai” was there on my list, I even remembered that it is your fav Waheeda song, thus felt a bit sad while removing it in favour of “meri baat rai mere man me”. You know I’d to remain true to myself.
Thanks for all the nice words Raja! Coming from a die-hard fan of Waheeda it is real compliment!
YOUR Waheeda is simply great!
ava
April 15, 2013 at 5:14 pm
Harv – What a lovely post.
As usual I found one song among this playlist that I had not listened to before – O Jadugar.
Waheeda was endowed with such talent, grace and beauty that it will be hard to find another quite like her.
I remember watching waheeda in Pyaasa all those years ago. I was mesmerised by her first appearance where she repulses Guru Dutt at first and then sings – Jane kya tune kahi.
Her beauty was not glamorous or flashy, it stole upon you. More than her beauty, she wins you over with her grace and simplicity.
What a body of work she has. She was a major part of the huge talent which made Hindi Cinema of the 50s and 60s so great.
harveypam
April 15, 2013 at 9:05 pm
Thanks Ava for the appreciation!
So you “o jaadugar” was new for you. That puts me at ease to know that not only I don’t know popular songs! 😉
It is somehow odd isn’t it?
Pyaasa is such a wonderful song and she has great entry there. I just adore that film!
You have described her beauty in few but precise words, which I tried to tell in whole paragraph!
She was as you say very much instrumental in making the 50s and also the 60s a glorious period of Hindi Cinema.
Well said!
Lalitha
April 16, 2013 at 4:02 am
Harvey, I did not know the song O Jaadugar … , either. I listened to it and seriously, I cannot remember ever hearing it before, but I remember the other songs of Ek Dil Sau Afsane very well. Suno ji suno …, Tum hi tum ho …, and Door ke o chanda … used to come often on the radio in those days, but I do not remember hearing this one, so the song didn’t become popular, and that is why Ava also found it to be new.
As for Ava describing her beauty in few and precise words, remember she is in the editing business, while you are in the phool patta business, so you use flowery language! And I love flowers!
harveypam
April 16, 2013 at 8:53 am
Your memory is reliable Lalitha! So I’ll take your word for it. I myself discovered it only some five-six years back. But I often tend to forget songs, so it could have been discovered or rediscovered. I remember “tum hi tum ho” and “suno ji suno” being fav of Vividh Bharati even in the 70s and 80s.
ROTFL at phool patta business! Very apt!
Anu Warrier
April 15, 2013 at 7:57 pm
Aah. Waheeda. Along with Meena Kumari and Nutan, she forms my triumvirate of favourite actresses. Beauty, grace, dignity, simplicity, and talent – she was indeed blessed! From your list, I love Aa bhi jaa, Piya tose naina laage re, and Raat bhi kuch bheegi bheegi. Lalitha already posted Sach hue sapne tere; my other favourites would be Saanjh dhali dil ki lagi from Kala Bazar (though it is a duet and wouldn’t fit your post)
Jaane kya tune kahi from Pyaasa
and Bujha diye hai khud apne haathon from Shagun.
ps: Thanks for the shout-out to my post. 🙂
harveypam
April 15, 2013 at 9:10 pm
Waheeda-Nutan-Meena sounds to be a good combination. Do you think they would have been a good cast for Dekh kabira Roya? I would have loved to see them in that film! A pity that they never got a chance to star in a film.
saanjh dhali dil ki lagi is one of my fav WAheeda-Dev duets! So beautiful and so hummable. A real ear-worm!
Waheeda’s entry in Pyaasa can surely be put in the list of ten amazing entries for a heroine in Hindi cinema!
“bujha diye hai” was new for me! Quite an unusual composition. After all the MD is Khaiyyam!
Glad to give the link to your post! Good for the readers to get to read some quality-work!
coolone160
April 15, 2013 at 8:03 pm
Waheeda Rehman is indeed a talented actress and gifted dancer.Who can forget her dance sequences in Guide? Some of my favorite Waheeda Rehman songs are “Bata Du Kya Laana” from patthar ke sanam
“Chala Bhi Aa” from Man Ki Aankhen
harveypam
April 15, 2013 at 9:14 pm
Your chocie of songs are indeed beautiful coolone!
“bataa do kyaa laanaa” reminds me of me pestering my mum to bring me sweets from the market. A cute song!
chala bhi aa has such a beautiful locale. Do you know where that is? Particularly the first part. Is it soemwhere in kashmir? It looks like the place where tum aa gaye ho noor aa gaya hai had been filmed!
Thank you coolone!
coolone160
April 16, 2013 at 12:06 pm
I think the location is Jainabad’s Aahukhana Baag(not quite sure) where Mumtajmahal was buried first before her body was shifted to Tajmahal. I maybe wrong. Dustedoff can surely pinpoint the location of the song IMO.
🙂
harveypam
April 16, 2013 at 6:00 pm
But this looks more like ruins of an old Hindu temple or a Buddhist monastery, doesn’t it?
coolone160
April 16, 2013 at 6:33 pm
Yes,indeed! that is why I am not quite sure about the location…………..
harveypam
April 17, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Somebody had told me the name of the location, but I just can’t recollect it now.
coolone160
April 17, 2013 at 7:50 pm
Tell me when you get any clue of it.(still scratching my head)
🙂
harveypam
April 17, 2013 at 11:25 pm
Of course, I’ll tell you!
coolone160
April 18, 2013 at 6:22 am
🙂
harveypam
April 18, 2013 at 9:55 am
As you see Madhu has already answered the question!
coolone160
April 18, 2013 at 10:03 am
Thanks! (stops scratching the head)
🙂
harveypam
April 18, 2013 at 7:26 pm
Hope the scalp is okay! 😉
coolone160
April 18, 2013 at 7:46 pm
lol….. yes :p
harveypam
April 18, 2013 at 7:56 pm
Thank God! If you’d started losing your hair, I would never have been able to forgive myself!
😉
coolone160
April 18, 2013 at 7:58 pm
🙂
dustedoff
April 18, 2013 at 6:27 am
Avantipur, the Sun Temple at Martand. And yes, it is Kashmir. Haven’t been to Avantipur myself, but it looks beautiful in the song. 🙂
harveypam
April 18, 2013 at 9:55 am
A sun temple in Kashmir! Very beautiful!
Would love to visit all the the baghs and places in Kashmir someday!
Thank you Madhu. One can always rely on you for the right information!
dustedoff
April 19, 2013 at 6:18 am
My pleasure. 🙂
harveypam
April 19, 2013 at 9:48 am
🙂
dustedoff
April 16, 2013 at 7:04 am
Mmm. Harvey, what a great post.Not just the songs (which are lovely – and Sandhya jo aaye was new to me), but also, especially, the introduction to the post. You manage to express so wonderfully the beauty and charm and talent – yet the very ‘down-to-earth’ feel that is Waheeda. I loved reading this post (and listening to some of my favourites – especially the ones from Guide, Chaudhvin ka Chaand, Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam and Reshma aur Shera. Total bliss. 🙂
Anu has already posted two of my favourites, Jaane kya tune kahi and Bujha diye hain khud apne haathon, so here are two more which I like, both from films opposite Biswajeet:
O beqaraar dil ho chuka hai from Kohraa:
And Sapne suhaane ladakpan ke from Bees Saal Baad:
chitrapatsangeet
April 16, 2013 at 7:44 am
O Beqaraar Dil is a superb song DO!!
harveypam
April 16, 2013 at 8:58 am
HAMARI (yes Raja she is ours too!) Waheeda! One can go on tlaking about her beauty and tlaent for hours together, couldn’t we? But there still remains something, which remains unexpressed. I think that is what one calls charisma!
Thanks for your appreciation, DO!
I had to leave out the songs of Kohra and Bees Saal Baad with a very heavy heart. That is why I’m glad you posted them! Both are very cute songs.
I always get confused between the music score of Bees Saal Baad and Kohraa. Does that happen to you as well?
dustedoff
April 17, 2013 at 6:44 am
No, I never get confused between the songs of Kohraa and Bees Saal Baad – somehow they’re very distinctive, even despite the similarities. 🙂
By the way, I was just thinking: one could probably draw up an entire post on songs sung in praise of Waheeda – almost every film in which she’s acted seems to have a hero singing a solo in her praise. Chaudhvin ka chaand ho is probably the most famous, but there’s also Yehi toh hain woh, Apni toh har aah ek toofaan hai, Yeh nayan dare-dare, Zara nazron se keh do ji, etc…
harveypam
April 17, 2013 at 11:58 am
Now that you mention it! Yeah that’s true! I never thought of that before! That sure is a great idea. Waheeda’s birthday is sometime in May isn’t it? Wouldn’t that be a good post on this occasion? *nudge-nudge, wink-wink*
dustedoff
April 18, 2013 at 6:28 am
😉
There’s another major landmark birthday coming up in May. Not an actress, but one of my favourite actors.
harveypam
April 18, 2013 at 9:44 am
Hindi film actor? Regional cinema actor? or some pardesi?
dustedoff
April 19, 2013 at 6:19 am
Hindi film actor. Very major. Centenary.
harveypam
April 19, 2013 at 9:23 am
How apt, that he should be born on THAT day!
One of my favs! Looking very much forward to it!
MuVyz
April 16, 2013 at 11:05 am
There are total 84 solo songs lip synced by Waheeda Rehman in a lead role in movies.
harveypam
April 16, 2013 at 6:02 pm
Wow, how did you get that? Amazing!
World of Cinema
April 17, 2013 at 4:17 pm
As I always say pasand apni apni khayal apna apna. If I were to choose a few of the Hindi film actresses then I would choose Nutan, Sharmila Tagore ( when she is focusing on her acting and not her nakhras), Shabana Azmi Smita Patil, Raakhee, Jaya Bhaduri, you see Waheeda Rehaman does not feature in this list. But I like Waheeda Rehman, for one she has a sweet voice and along with Vyjantimala, Asha Parekh and Helen she is one of my favourite dancers. She is so graceful. Her dances in Guide were superb just take a note of her expressions in Mose Chal Kiye Jaye. Once she had said in an interview that she had requested Devanand not to edit any of her dances,remove what you want but please retain all my dances.
Here is an another anecdote, this relates to a song from Neel Kamal Aao Ni Sakhiyon. This is a duet dance (is it okay to call a dance duet?) male and female both performed by Waheeda Rehman. She was once talking about this song on Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan, she was telling Tabassum , the show’s anchor, that she was not comfortable wearing that wig while performing as a male. She had in fact told the director that this get-up did not suit her personality. But the director insisted and she had no choice but to go ahead with it. Now when you see her dancing, do you see her discomfort? Absolutely not. She looks so much at ease and overall I would say it its a wonderful performance.–Shilpi
harveypam
April 17, 2013 at 7:36 pm
Yes that aspect of hers I had nearly forgotten, her sweet voice. It never got screechy! It was always pleasant to hear dialogues.
Since you mention her dances, in fact I wanted to make a list of my 10 fav Waheeda dances, but then later discarded it because it would have been very difficult for me to chose only on dance from Guide. All her dances there were superb!
I can understand her very well, when she said that the director/editor may not edit any of her dances. It happened to her in her first Hindi movie. “jaataa kahan hai deewane” got cut out at the editing table. First I thought that the song was never filmed, but Anu writes on her blog that the song was filmed and it got edited.
As I said earlier, I wonder why Guru Dutt didn’t exploit her dancing skills in his films.
That Neel Kamal anecdote is very enlightening. She indeed looks very odd there. That goes to show how dedicated she was to her role and the director’s instructions. Sanjay Dutt said in some interview that during the shooting of Reshma aur Shera, they were all confronted by snakes and scorpions of the desert, but Waheeda never complained about such things, although the other actors and actresses were fed up with this menace.
Shalini
April 18, 2013 at 5:33 pm
I know this is a minority opinion (miniority of one perhaps!) but I don’t think Waheeda is a great dancer. Competent definitely but too unimaginative and strait-laced to be great.
I remember reading an interview of Vijay Anand some years ago where he talked about Guide, Jewel Thief and Tere Mere Sapne. IRC, he said that Vyjanthimala was a pain to deal with in JT but made up for all the drama with her fabulous dancing. He however was very uncomplimentary about Waheeda’s dancing in Guide and said that she was too inhibited and worried about her image to give him the performance he really wanted. Interestingly, he had the most praise for Hema Malini. He said she trusted him completely and delivered exactly what he want in her dances in TMS.
harveypam
April 18, 2013 at 7:44 pm
Thank God a different opinion for a change! Every opinion counts here, even if it is the only one of that kind! And I respect it!
I for myself like her filmi-dances. They are not spectacular like that of Vyjayanthimala’s but I have a feeling that she gives her all to her dances like in Guide. But opinions tend to differ as to what a good dance is. I shudder every time Sandhya dances, Richard loves it!
I can remember an interview with Vijay Anand as well, where he was saying the same thing about Vyjayanthimala being very uncooperative with the dance rehearsals for Jewel Thief and was all praise for Waheeda, who appeared for the dance rehearsals for Guide at 6:00 in the morning.
He said that Vyju compensated it with her fabulous dancing in hoton pe aisi baat. Vyju was a great dancer, but I felt really let down in hoton pe aisi baat. She just waves her arms around like a windmill there!
Thanks for that different opinion, Shalini!
World of Cinema
April 17, 2013 at 4:20 pm
This is not a song and dance but all the same I am posting for I really loved her in this one.—Shilpi
harveypam
April 17, 2013 at 7:39 pm
The snake dance of Guide is superb. She also had a dance sequence in Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja. This must have been her first elaborate dance sequence in Hindi film if one leaves the kahin pe nighaen number aside.
pacifist
April 20, 2013 at 10:08 pm
Fabulous!! Love Waheeda’s dances. Not only was she graceful, but there was something very feminine in her movements which were lacking in Vyjayanthimala’s. I think this one characteristic put her apart from the others.
harveypam
April 20, 2013 at 10:13 pm
I wouldn’t say that Vyjyanthimala’s movements were less feminine. She also had a gait and grace, but quite different than that of Waheeda’s. IMHO!
World of Cinema
April 17, 2013 at 4:26 pm
OK, now I am hooked watch this one from Namkeen, she was well past her prime, she was no longer the young heroine, but that had no effect on her dancing capabilities. Just note how graceful she is. Oh how I miss such song and dance numbers–Shilpi
harveypam
April 17, 2013 at 7:43 pm
I am so glad that you posted the Namkeen song. I was pondering over it, but had to leave it out. Very graceful!
She wasn’t that old in Namkeen, she was hardly 43 years old. In Hindi film cinema that means you are already a grandma, which is a pity!
chitrapatsangeet
April 18, 2013 at 6:01 am
This song is Amitabh’s more than Waheeda’s
harveypam
April 18, 2013 at 9:53 am
You mean to say acting-wise?
chitrapatsangeet
April 19, 2013 at 7:38 am
No, I meant Lata Mangeshkar lending her voice for Amitabh 😀 😀 😀
harveypam
April 19, 2013 at 9:47 am
O that! That was self-evident, wasn’t it? 😉
Shalini
April 18, 2013 at 5:19 pm
I agree with all the praise for Waheeda; I thought she had the most enchanting smile in all of Hindi films. Shy but not coy, just beguilingly beautiful.
Great collection of Waheeda songs, Harvey though perhaps a tad too Lata-centric? 🙂 That said I’m delighted to see that someone else loves ” o jadugar pyar ke” – it’s such a lovely, floaty song.
Most of my favorite Waheeda songs have already been mentioned, but here two others that I absolutely love:
Jaata kahan hai deewane (C.I.D) – I know the video from the movie is no longer available but since it was picturised on Waheeda I think we can still count it as a Waheeda song.
Raat bhi hai kuch bheegi bheegi is already on the list, but I’m equally fond of “mang mein bhar de rang sakhi re” from Mujhe Jeene Do.
harveypam
April 18, 2013 at 7:55 pm
She did have an enchanting smile, didn’t she? Beguilingly beautiful is a good word!
Yes, I agree that it surely is too Lata-centric. I haven’t included any Geeta Dutt songs not that of Suman Kalyanpur and only one by Asha Bhosle! bahut nainsaafi hai! mia culpa!
So jaata kahan hai deewane was really filmed. I never had a chance to see that song. Have you ever seen it? Pity that it is lost, eh?
Mang me bhar le rang sakhi ri is a cute song. Thanks for that!
Must be some palace in Rajasthan, where it was shot, eh?
Jaidev divided the songs fairly among the two Mangeshkar sisters in Mujhe Jeene Do and also in Hum Dono and Reshma Aur Shera!
Thanks for the songs, Shalini!
pacifist
April 20, 2013 at 10:18 pm
Lovely lovely post, harvey. Each and every song that you have listed would be on mine too, but it would be an extended list 😉 including so many others. She sang 87 songs as I just read have a lot more lvely ones. Here’s one from 12 O’clock. Of course I get distracted when Guru Dutt comes on to the screen, but at other times she has that enchanting smile and those expressions.
harveypam
April 20, 2013 at 10:24 pm
Thank you dear Pacifist!
I am happy, that you enjoyed the post! You can listen to the playlist. I just added all the comment-songs as well.
kaisa jadoo is a song, which I like, but which I tend to forget quite often. Thanks for reminding me of it. Trust you to dig out lesser known songs!
Guru Dutt is a bit distracting, that’s true! 😉
pacifist
April 20, 2013 at 10:24 pm
And then, her whole personality changes for this song in Ek Phool Chaar Kaante.
In addition to looking lovely she has this serene peaceful look – so different from the one in the
12 o’clock song.
harveypam
April 20, 2013 at 10:27 pm
I was seriously thinking of adding this song to my list, since I like the lyrics a lot and also Waheeda’s “serene expression” here. The other songs just deposed it. Thus I’m happy you added it here. This is also my sister’s fav bhajan. It was at least two years back.
pacifist
April 20, 2013 at 10:29 pm
Of course there’s another pretty song with Waheeda looking ‘ethereal’ from the same film Ek Phool Char Kaante. Lata’s voice does get high pitched at places, but otherwise it’s a melodious tune.
harveypam
April 20, 2013 at 10:34 pm
Wow, I had never heard of this song before! Really! NEVER!
And such a beautiful song at that!
Thanks Pacifist! She seems to be such an improbable candidate to lie down on a hood of a jeep! But even this she does with such a grace!
It is also one of the rare songs, where the heroine gets to drive a jeep!
pacifist
April 22, 2013 at 8:44 am
>She seems to be such an improbable candidate to lie down on a hood of a jeep!
LOL Harvey!! True.
harveypam
April 22, 2013 at 9:52 am
She always seemed all the same a bit uncomfortable doing such things!
ASHOK M VAISHNAV
April 22, 2013 at 7:27 am
Here are some from those 84 songs-
Kahin Pe Nigahen Kahin Pe Nishana – C I D – http://youtu.be/e3xm21KoXWE
Yeh Bhi Koi Roothne Ki – Solwa Saal- Asha Bhosle – http://youtu.be/ipj5lLoXrWo [ To me the song has sounded very nearer to Dekhne Men Bhola Hai form Bumbai Ka Baboo – http://youtu.be/-0dPCZencLo ]
Na Socha Na Samja – Shatranj – Asha Bhosle – http://youtu.be/misLKhZhoLU [ possibly a post- Jaikishan, post- Shailedra song when Shanker does not seem to have his old touch]
Ishq Ki Bemar- Dharati (1960) – http://youtu.be/hiW9aamCjl8
Kya Rang-e-mehfil Hai Diladaram – Dil Diya Dard Liya – http://youtu.be/fipAOhuyXAk
Kal Ke Sapne Aaj Bhi Ana – Admi – http://youtu.be/7saol6lFH8U
Pyar Ki ye Baaten Hamko Na Samajao – Baazi (1968) – Kalyanji Anandji – http://youtu.be/KAFFBRy8bIo
Chal Bhi Aa…O Jaanewale – Man Ka Meet –Laxmikant Pyarelal http://youtu.be/w8hzCsI9DCY
[We have a line up Hemant Kumar – Bees Saal Baad, Kohra- , Ravi – Neel Kamal -, KA and LP songs here, as well.]
Naalona Valapundhi – Banagaru Kalau – http://youtu.be/xPtsds0wzEQ [ incidentally this will bring back memories of Bangle Ke Pichche of Samaadhi – http://youtu.be/58mvAZqweF0
harveypam
April 22, 2013 at 9:50 am
Thanks Ashok for these variety of songs! Very good choice!
naalona valapundhi sounds to be definitely inspired by bangle ke peeche. I heard the former today for the first time. It is a Telegu film, I think.
I tend to forget yeh bhi koi roothne. Always refreshing to listen to it. You are right, it has a distant similarity to dekhne me bhola hai but not like Waheeda’s song eravuku sagaroo http://youtu.be/OcRX4o71xUI
The songs from Shatranj and Dharti (1970) are not one of my favs. As you say Shankar has lost his touch!
kya rang-e-mehfil is always a delight to listen to. Very unusual Naushad song there!
Thanks for the songs Ashok!
coolone160
April 26, 2013 at 7:06 pm
Reblogged this on coolone160 and commented:
Graceful Waheedaji……
Pramod Godbole
June 8, 2018 at 9:04 am
Very nice post on the most beautiful face on screen.
Here is one from ” Solva Saal ”
” Yeh bhi koi roothne ka mausam hai deewane ”