Voice of Dev Anand

Dev Anand, an iconic, chocolate hero of Indian Cinema, with his trademark bangs (Gregory Peck would disagree of course!) charm and quirky walk is still an inspiration!

So I thought, why not start my blog writing, on this legendary actor? And to top it all, my father is a huge fan of Dev Anand, and because of whom, I started listening to old hindi film songs.

So here it is…………

My first ever post, I am dedicating to you, Dad!

When we think of Dev Anand songs, what we get in mind is S D Burman as Music director, and Rafi or Kishore Kumar as Playback singers.

But, he has lip sync with all the great singers of the Golden Era, right from G M Durani to Mahendra Kapoor.

Incidentally, his first film, Hum Ek Hai (1946), had majority of the songs by female singers Amirbai Karnataki & Johrabai Ambalawali, under music director duo- Husnalal Bhagatram.

So here are some of the songs of Dev Anand by various playback singers………………….

1) Do Bichhade Hue Dil- Shair (1949) G M Durani & Lata Mangeshkar- Ghulam Mohammad

A romantic duet on screen by Dev Anand & Kamini Kaushal

Today, we may find this combination a little odd, but at that time, when Dev Anand’s song didn’t mean Rafi or Kishore Kumar, it didn’t seem odd at all!

In fact, it’s still delightful and enjoyable.

2) Bahe Na Kabhi- Vidya (1948) Mukesh-S D Burman

Mukesh was a well known name in late 1940s, his first recorded song as a playback singer is said to be ‘Badariya Baras Gayi Us Paar’ (With Khurshid & Naseem Bano) from Moorty (1944) under music director Bulo C Rani.

Although, his name stuck for ever with Raj Kapoor afterwards, here his voice fits perfectly for Dev Anand as well! He had an opportunity to sing only two songs in the movie, this solo, and Layi Khushi Ki Duniya, a romantic duet with Suraiyya. His third song was for the film Shair, a duet with Lata Mangeshkar. 

3) Dekho Mane Nahin Ruthi Haseena- Taxi Driver (1953) Jagmohan Bakshi & Asha Bhosle- S D Burman

The credit goes to S D Burman, for daring to use various playback singers for Dev Anand.

Jagmohan Bakshi ( From the duo- Sapan Jagmohan) was Burman Da’s assistant that time, and it is said that, he was not ready to lend his voice, but Burman Da made him sing for Dev Anand in this song, and the result sounds quite enjoyable!

4) Hai Apna Dil To Awara- Solva Saal (1958) Hemant Kumar- S D Burman

S D Burman used Hemant da’s voice for Dev Anand in movioes like, Solva saal, House No 44, Manzil, Jaal etc.

This Association gave us many memorable songs like Yaad Aa Gayi Woh Nashili Nigahein, Yeh Raat Yeh Chandani Phir Kahan, Teri Duniya Mein Jine Se…..

S J also used him once for a duet in Patita (Yaad Kiya Dil Ne- with Lata Mangeshkar).

I chose this particular song, as it’s a perfect example of light hearted, playful song by a singer, who was known for deep somber voice, not quite used for such type of songs!

5) Ae Dil Kahan Teri Manzil- Maya (1961) Dwijen Mukharji & Lata Mangeshkar- Salil Choudhari

Even with the two famous Rafi solos, (Koi Sone Ke Dilwala & Zindagi Hai Kya), this song proves to be a wonderful surprise package! With Lataji as a leading voice in chorus, the song creates an impact.

6) Chahe Kitani Kathin Dagar Ho- Jeet (1948) Shankar Dasgupta & Suraiya- Anil Biswas

The song is from one of the earlier movies of Dev Anand with Suraiya. This is I think the only song of Shankar Dasgupta for Dev Anand. Anil Biswas’s music with Prem Dhawan’s lyrics creates an enthusiastic atmosphere, while keeping the romantic side intact. Suraiya & Dev Anand’s on screen chemistry is worth watching!

7) Dane Dane Pe Likha Hai- Baarish (1956) Chitalkar- C Ramchandra

C Ramchandra always used Talat as a main singer, Rafi, Kishore, Mukesh were never his first choice. He used them, infrequently or he used himself. He is not a good option for this song, as far as Dev Anand is concerned, but his fascination for his own voice, got the better of him.

Never the less, we do enjoy this fabulous song.

8) Sanjh Dhali Dil Ki Lagi- Kala Bazaar (1960) Manna Dey & Asha Bhosle- S D Burman

This song looks and sounds effortless on screen; I never thought it was picturised on Dev Saab, until I watched the film. To me, it was always a song for second lead or comedian, just because Manna Dey sang it. S D Burman always preferred him for such songs.

The other song of Dev Anand-Manna Dey combo is ‘Tak Dhoom, Tak Dhoom Baje’ from Bombai Ka Babu.

9) Hai Sab Se Madhur Woh Geet- Patita (1953) Talat Mehmood- S J

S D Burman used Talat in Sazaa (Aaja Aaja Tera Intezar Hai) and also, in Taxi Driver for Jaye To Jaye Kahan. It seems, Mukesh & Talat were the first choice of music directors in early 1950s (For a couple of years at least!)

S J used Talat’s Silky smooth voice for Dev Saab, in Patita & Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja. ‘Tum To Dil Ke Taar Chhed Kar’ happens to be my most favorite song from RKRCKR, but I still chose this one as its rendition makes it a perfect song.

10) Kahan Jate Hai Woh- Roop Ki Rani Charon Ka Raja (1961) Mahendra Kapoor & Lata Mangeshkar- S J

This was the only occasion, where Mahendra Kapoor, got an opportunity to sing for Dev Anand.

He made it a wonderful duet, with S J’s fascinating tune, worth listening again & again.

11) Tere Mere Sapne Ab Ek- Guide (1965) Mohd. Rafi- S D Burman

I consider this song, as one of the finest works by the trio – S D Burman, Rafi & Dev Anand.

Not to mention, the picturisation, the performances and above all the fitting lyrics by Shailendra. Everything is perfect!

It was a tough task, to select one song amongst all the gems.

The other songs of Rafi-Dev Anand combo that i like are, Kahin Bekhayal Hokar (Teen Deviyan), Hum bekhudi mein (Kala Pani), Jiya O Jiya Kuchh (Jab Pyar Kisi se…)

Kal Ki Daulat Aaj Ki Khushiyan (Asli Naqli) and Tu Kahan Yeh Bata (Tere Ghar Ke Samne)

12) Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat- Teen Deviyan (1965) Kishore Kumar- S D Burman

Kishore Kumar started his carrier as a playback singer, in Ziddi (1948)- Marane Ki Duain Kyun Mangu, for Dev Saab Himself!

From this point onwards, the duo gave so many memorable gems, that to choose one song is next to impossible.

S J used him, in Duniya (Dooriyan Nazadikiyan Ban Gayi- with Asha Bhosle), quite a rare singer combo for S J , for that period!

Should I choose, Mana Janab Ne Pukara Nahin Or Jeevan Ke Safar Mein Rahi Or Hum Hai Rahi Pyar Ke ?

I finally chose this song from Teen Deviyan.

13) Tikhe Hai Nainwa Ke Baan Re – Dushman (1957) S D Batish & Asha Bhosle – Husnalal Bhagatram

This singer is known to old hindi song lovers. I came across this song accidentally while searching net for something else. This singer wasn’t mentioned by anyone on similar lists. This is a good song. Dev Anand seen as a Tabla player in disguise. Enjoy this lesser known song. Kumkum as usual steals the show. (Updated on 14/07/2018)

14) Hothon Pe Aisi Baat – Jewel Thief (1967) Bhupendra Singh & Lata Mangeshkar – S D Burman

I was aware of the song of course, but the playback is of such a short duration that I had not included it so far. But I think the length of the playback should not matter at all. So here I’m with the song. It’s quite notable that S D Burman was the one to use different voices, eight in total, for Dev Anand in various films. Though we primarily remember the song as Vaijayanti Mala’s dance number, it should also be remembered as Bhupendra’s playback for Dev Anand. (Updated on 21/09/2020)

I want to mention a couple of songs that appear as background songs in the film. Both are incidentally sung by Subir Sen.

One is, Aaja Re Aaja Nain Dware– From Roop Ki Rani ( Subir Sen & Asha Bhosle)

Another one, Phir Ek Baar Kaho– From Maya (Subir Sen & Lata Mangeshkar)

I came to know about the later being a background song, only when I watched the video.

I think these songs are worth mentioning, though I couldn’t include them in the list!

What other songs would you like to see on this list?

Disclaimer –

Mehfil Mein Meri, claims no credit for any image, screenshots or songs posted on this site. Images on this blog are posted to make the text interesting. The images and screenshots are the copyright of their original owners. The song links are shared from YouTube, only for the listening convenience of music lovers. The copyright of these songs rests with the respective owners, producers and music companies.