‘Chale Aao’ Songs

I was discussing the other day, hindi songs beginning with the word ‘Aaja’ on Madhuji’s Blog (Dusted off). Suddenly I thought of a song list, having the words ‘Chale Aao’.
Madhuji also encouraged me to make a song list on this theme. She has always helped and encouraged me, in my journey from a blog reader to a blogger. Thank you so much for that Madhuji.
Initially I couldn’t remember any song beginning with ‘Chale Aao’. Then I realized, all songs need not start with the words, but should have the words anywhere in mukhada. Still I was not sure about it and I was searching for the songs with the required words in at least initial lines of the mukhada. Finally I got enough songs to present it as a theme. For one song, those are the last words of the mukhada.(Can anyone guess it right here!). Not surprisingly, my list has only one male solo!
The words ‘Chale Aao‘ mean ‘come at once‘ or just ‘come back‘ as per the situation in the song. So we find the words in happy songs, funny, romantic songs as well as in sad, gloomy songs. I couldn’t include one of my favorite songs in the list, as it was crossing the timeline of my blog.

So ‘Chale Aao’ with me on this tour!

1. Chale Aao Chale Aao- Zevrat (1949) Lata Mangeshkar / Hansraj Behl- Habib Sarhadi
I came across the song for the first time, while searching for this post. I was delighted to find a song that actually begins with the required words! To get at least one such song was obviously my own demand. We are familiar with ‘Sajan Ki Ot Leke’ by Lata & Rafi, from the same film. Not a particularly interesting song, but worth listening as a part of the theme. A typical late 1940s song, as far as the lyrics and the interlude music is concerned.

2. Koi Door Se Awaz De Chale Aao- Sahib Biwi aur Ghulam (1962) Geeta Dutt / Hemant Kumar-Shakil Badayuni
My most favourite song on the list! I am sure many of the readers would agree. I always feel, this song is a Haunted melody. It certainly has that quality.
“Raat Raat Bhar Intezar Hai, Dil Dard Se Beqarar Hai”

This song tells us about her being lonely and deeply unhappy with her life.
Sahib Biwi aur Ghulam has one of the best performances by Meena Kumari (as ‘Chhoti Bahu’). She portrays deep grief, intense desire to be with her husband, drinking for him, getting ready for him with ‘sola singar’, using sindur that said to have powers to make the husband stay back with her.
Oh! What a great performance!

3. Aana Hai To Chale Aao- Taxi Stand (1958) Asha Bhosle & Rafi / Chitragupt-Majrooh
A typical sweet melodious song by Chitrgupt. A couple, meeting on a romantic evening, demands each other’s time and company. I couldn’t get a good audio-visual quality in any video, so posting the best I could get!
No points for guessing that it’s my favorite!

4. Akele Hai Chale Aao- Raaz (1967) Rafi / Kalyanji Anandji-Shamim Jaipuri
The only male solo on my list! Though it also has a female version in Lata’s voice, this one’s my favourite. A young Rajesh Khanna is seen wondering on beautiful mountains to find his love. The trees and the panoramic view are worth enjoying along with the Raf’s voice. Penned by a lesser known lyricist, Shamim Jaipuri, the song is one of the popular songs by Rafi. Though meaningful, the lyrics are not extra ordinarily impressive.

5. Chup Chup Ke Chale Aao- Apsara (1961) Suman Kalyanpur / Husnalal Bhagatram-G S Nepali
A melodious song by H B duo, during their downfall days. But still it’s a good song, even if not an outstanding one! The interlude pieces are not their typical ones.
For me, Suman’s voice makes the song even sweeter. ‘Hardam Tum Hi Se Pyar’ (By Asha & Talat) is a well known song from the movie; it also has a different style of music and orchestration. So I think, H B started to change with time, but it was too late!

6. Aji Chale Aao – Halaku (1956) Asha Bhosle & Lata Mangeshkar / Shankar Jaikishan-Shailendra
This was the first song that I could recollect! Halaku was a stunt movie, but the songs by Shankar Jaikishan were immensely popular and still are. We can enjoy the dance by Helen & Minu Mumtaz, both looking sizzling hot but graceful. Needless to say about excellent rendition by Mangeshkar sisters. A treat for ears and eyes!

7. Ab To Chale Aao Balam- Firdaus (1953) Geeta Dutt / Robin Chatterji- D N Madhok
I found this song while searching for the post. I was happy to find such a melodious song, sung wonderfully by Geeta Dutt. The music director, Robin Chatterji, is not very well known. At least I haven’t come across his songs often! The idea of writing a letter to someone with ‘Kajra’, itself appealed to me so much that I instantly included it. D N Madhok disappeared from popular hindi songs in early 1950s, though he has memorable songs from 40s to his credit. This song also has beautiful lyrics.

8. Tum Chand Ke Sath Chale Aao- Ashiana (1952) Lata Mangeshkar / Madanmohan-Rajendra Krishna
A romantic song picturised on Nargis and Raj Kapoor. Inspite of the superhit Raj-Nargis pair and melodious songs by Madanmohan, the film flopped badly at the Box office.
This was the first film, Rajendra Krishna and Madanmohan worked together. The songs became popular and their association continued till early 60s. The song is good listen on a silent night with partner.

9. Sitare Raah Takate Hai Chale Aao- Black Cat (1959) Lata Mangeshkar / N Datta-Jaan Nisar Akhtar
A well known song from the movie. We see Minu Mumtaz, singing this song in despair. Poignant lyrics by Jaan Nisar Akhtar. He never received his due credit, even after writing many popular and meaningful songs. The songs depicts how lonely and helpless, she feels during his absence. She remembers the places, they used to meet, their meetings, his adoring her eyes, and beckons him to come back at once. Lata’s voice conveys very well, the intensity of the character’s emotions.

10. Nigahein Kyun Bhatakati Hai- Baharon Ki Manzil (1968) Lata Mangeshkar / Laxmikant Pyarelal-Majrooh
One of my favourite songs on the list. I used to credit it to Roshan, somehow. I have seen many people doing the same as well! I think, it is due to huge popularity of ‘Kahin To Milegi, Baharon Ki Manzil’ from Aarti. The theme of this movie is very interesting! I think I should watch it someday! (Very young Farida Jalal looks amazing) Very situational lyrics by Majrooh, make it a sort of haunted melody.

Which song would you add to the 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.