1994 – My favourites

It has been long since I posted the yearly review of the 1990s songs. I have completed the year 1993, so let’s go to 1994.

It was quite a busy year for me as I was in tenth standard and was going to appear for the final board exams. I passed it with flying colours (even though I say it myself) and joined a college. Let it be a junior college, it was exactly like a college, we had seen in a movie. I mean its building and the classrooms were exactly like the ones I had thought of. A big chemistry lab, well equipped and good zoology and botany labs and an equally specious physics lab were very interesting for me. 

Other than the college and the studies, I clearly remember Zee TV was a new channel and Banegi Apni Baat was the first serial that I used to watch on it. It was hugely popular. I think the countdown shows like Philips Top Ten were also introduced in the period. As it was the first of its kind, it soon became popular. As far as the year 1994 is concerned, I remember, 1942 A Love Story was on top for a few months. 

Anyway, let’s turn to the films, songs, and debuts in 1994. 

Prominent Debutantes of the year 1994 –

Tabu in Pehla Pehla Pyar 

Sonali Bendre in Aag & Naaraz 

Divya Dutta in Ishq Mein Jeena Ishq Mein Marna 

Suchitra Krishnamurthy in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na (Bollywood debut)

Jugal Hansraj (as a protagonist) in Aa Gale Lag Ja

Anjali Jathar & Faisal Khan in Madhosh 

Niki Aneja in Mr Azad 

Popular playback singers of the year –

Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu were indispensable of course. They were on the top. But Sadhna Sargam, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Poornima (Sushma Shreshtha), Abhijit, Alisha Chinoy also had their share. Sadhna Sargam sang a good number of songs under the baton of Anand Milind, but due to commercial failure of the films, her songs are unfortunately forgotten now. She had comparatively much less share in Nadeem Shravan’s music. The latter used to prefer Alka Yagnik. Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle continued their innings. Amit Kumar was not much heard during the period, though he had a hit that year. The Filmfare music Awards that year were grabbed entirely by 1942 A Love Story. R D Burman got the best music director Filmfare Award posthumously. And Kumar Sanu, Kavita Krishnamurthy received the Filmfare for best playback singers. 

Popular composers and lyricists of the year –

R D Burman is still fondly remembered for his songs in 1942 A Love Story. He wasn’t much successful in the earlier years of the 1990s, and his score for the movie was tremendously popular and he was expected to come back with full vigour. But his sudden demise was very unfortunate and broke all the dreams of his fans. 1993 was a very successful year for Anu Malik, who again met success with his songs from a few movies. Though Anand Milind were also popular till then, their downfall was already on the way. I was very much surprised to find just a couple of films by Nadeem Shravan on my final list. Of course I don’t claim my list to be a mirror of popularity of the bygone years. Considering their brilliant performance in the early years of the 1990s, this was unexpected. 

Among the lyricists, Sameer was still very popular and was associated with the majority of the composers. Javed Akhtar was penning songs from the 1980s, but now his name was prominent as a lyricist after 1942 A Love Story. Javed Akhtar also received the best lyricist Filmfare Award for the film. His simple but meaningful lyrics won a million hearts and his magic continued well beyond the year 2000. Majrooh was still writing successfully and his songs were popular too. Some lesser heard names in Hindi cinema like Zameer Kazmi, Faiz Anwar also penned memorable songs. Though songs from Hum Aapke Hai Kaun were popular, the lyricists, Dev Kohli and Rajendra Rawal are hardly remembered today. 

Let’s take an overview of the films released in the year, 1994. As usual the films included on the final list won’t be discussed here. 

I’ll start with the film, Laadla. Divya Bharati was the original choice for Sheetal’s role and it is said that she had completed most of her scenes.

But her sudden death compelled reshooting of the film, with Sridevi replacing her. A few of Divya Bharati’s scenes are still available on the net. Sridevi undoubtedly excelled in her role, with Anil Kapoor and other supporting cast doing their job well. The film was a hit. Though Sridevi and Ravina Tandon were nominated for Best Actress and Best supporting actress award category respectively, they couldn’t get the award. The songs were popular then, but I don’t think they appeal to me today. Some of the songs even seem over dramatic and loud, so I’m skipping the songs. Sridevi’s other release, Sawan Kumar’s Chand Ka Tukda wasn’t at all successful. After Chandramukhi, it was Salman’s second film with Sridevi. Both the films met the same fate, that was, a few popular songs and box office failure. 

Jugal Hansraj was introduced as a main lead in Aa Gale Lag Ja, with his childhood co-star Urmila Matondkar. The film had no impact, nor I remember any popular song from the movie. Unfortunately Jugal couldn’t establish himself as a lead actor.

David Dhawan had three releases in 1994, Andaz, Eena Meena Dika and Raja Babu.

I’m not a fan of his movies, but I remember watching Andaz and repenting for the same. I haven’t watched the other two, though Raja Babu was a hit. 

The pair of Govinda and Karishma kapoor was on a full swing during the period. A movie called Khuddar starring the pair was also released in 1994. More than anything else, it was popular for the song, ‘Sexy Sexy Mujhe Log Bole’. After a huge controversy, the lyrics were changed to Baby Baby Mujhe Log Bole. As far as I remember, the song was not decent. Other songs of the movie were also popular, though not my favourites. 

Ajay Devgan had four major releases in the year, and he was fortunate enough to have three hits. A couple of movies, Vijaypath and Dilwale are there on the list. The third movie Suhaag also featured Akshay Kumar, Naghma and Karishma Kapoor.

It was also a hit, though the story was a usual one. The songs were hugely popular, with one of the songs being a blatant copy of a song from Roja. But the songs are not my favourites, though I remember, ‘Gore Gore Mukhde Pe Kala Kala Chashma‘ for its catchy rhythm. 

Akshay Kumar had a number of releases that year, with three hits and other average B grade action films. His pair with Saif Ali Khan proved to be lucky, as they had a couple of super hits in 1994. 

Salman Khan had a mixed year, with one super hit, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and one average hit, Andaz Apna Apna and two flops, Sangdil Sanam and Chand Ka Tukda. I however remember Salman and Manisha Koirala starrer Sangdil Sanam for a song, ‘Aankhon Mein Band Kar Loon‘ which was somewhat popular and I still remember it. The movie was otherwise absolutely forgettable. Manisha Koirala’s only film to succeed was 1942 A Love Story. 

Amir Khan perhaps had only one release, Andaz Apna Apna. Though it was an average hit, now it counted among the cult comedies of Bollywood. Amir Khan’s younger brother, Faisal Khan made a debut opposite debutante Anjali Jathar in the movie, Madhosh, directed by Vikram Bhat and produced by Tahir Hussain. A couple of songs did churn the air, but in all the film wasn’t successful. Unfortunately Faisal couldn’t create a mark of his own. 

Kajol had a couple of major releases, Yeh Dillagi was a hit, but Udhaar Ki Zindagi wasn’t a success. However Kajol’s performance was appreciated in both the movies. 

Niki Aneja was introduced opposite Anil Kapoor with the movie, Mr Azad, which was a story of modern Robin Hood. I think she took the name Shalu Aneja, as her character was named Shalu in the movie. The film couldn’t create magic at the box office, but later Niki Aneja was very successful as a television actress. And I agree, she is a good actress. 

Atish was a multi starrer action movie featuring Sanjay Dutt, Karishma Kapoor, Ravina and Atul Agnihotri. A song called, Ya Mustafa Ya Mustafa was very much popular. But due to a controversy, the details of which I have forgotten, it was changed to Ya Dilruba Ya Dilruba. It had unmistakable Arabian flavour, and though it was popular, the film wasn’t successful. 

Raj Kumar and Shatrughna Sinha starrer, Betaaj Badshah was also released, it was directed by Iqbal Durrani. I usually steer clear from action movies, so I have no idea what the movie was about. 

Mahesh Bhatt’s ‘The Gentleman’ was a remake of the Tamil movie, Gentleman. It was Chiranjeevi’s last Hindi film. Roop Suhana Lagta Hai was actually taken from the original tune composed by A R Rahman for the Tamil movie. It was a popular song, but the movie was a disaster at the box office. Juhi Chawla had a great year in 1993 with Filmfare Best Actress Award to her credit. In 1994, she lost her magic and none of her films were super hit. 

Before I conclude, I should mention a couple of off beat films. Shyam Benegal’s Mammo and Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen. 

Mammo was the first film in Shyam Benegal’s Muslim trilogy. Farida Jalal, Amit Phalke, and Benegal’s favourites, Rajit Kapoor and Surekha Sikri featured in the movie. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi in 1995. Farida Jalal won Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance, while Surekha Sikri won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress. It was a heart touching story of an elderly woman, who had migrated to Pakistan after the partition. The film had only one song, ‘Yeh Faasle Teri Galiyon Ke‘ penned by Gulzar, composed by Benegal’s favourite, Vanraj Bhatia and sung by Jagjit Singh. The song would always be remembered for its heart touching lyrics and Jagjit Singh’s rendition. 

On the other hand, Bandit Queen was critically acclaimed at national and international levels, it was woven into a controversy for the violence and rape scenes. Phoolan Devi herself had objections to the film.

Seema Biswas and Nirmal Pandey also received limelight, though the latter had acted in small roles in a few movies earlier. It won a number of awards at various film festivals.

Now let’s turn to the final list. My favourites from the year 1994. The songs are in no particular order, but the ones I like more, are obviously occupying a higher position on the list. 

1. Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To – 1942 A Love Story (1994) Kumar Sanu / R D Burman – Javed Akhtar 

The song was immensely popular and all of us were totally crazy about it. The song used to top the countdown show (for ages it seems), Philips Top Ten. In fact all the songs of the movie were hugely popular, including Yeh Safar Bahot Hai Kathin and the chorus version of Kucch Na Kaho. The latter was the only pure chorus song that I was aware of. The songs are so melodious and sound so much like old film songs. I love the songs. 

The movie was good, Though not great. At least I liked it. Anil Kapoor looked so young again and Manisha Koirala was like a blossoming rose. Jackie Shroff and Anupam Kher were also impressive. Chandni Sharma (Sanam Bewafa fame) also played a supporting role, but disappeared after the movie. It was a hit, though not to the extent expected. 

I still remember the mentioned song frame to frame, Manisha Koirala looking beautiful.

2. Didi Tera Dewar Deewana – Hum Aapke Hai Kaun (1994) Lata Mangeshkar, S P Balasubramaniam & Chorus / Ram Laxman – Dev Kohli 

I was not sure which song to add. My other favourites include, Mai Ni Mai and Yeh Mausam Ka Jadoo Hai Mitwa. When the film was released it was made fun of. The gist of the criticism was it’s just a video cassette of marriage ceremonies. But Rajshree productions publicized it in a systematic way. The cinema halls were updated and decorated with movie posters, life size cutouts of leading actors etc. It was as if the audience was supposed to enjoy it as their own celebration. The cinema screen was decorated with rows of tiny bulbs, which glowed during the songs of celebration. It was quite a nice and attractive idea. The film was actually a remake of Rajshree’s own film, Nadiya Ke Paar (1982) featuring Sachin and Sadhna Singh. HAHK was studded with songs, I think it had 14 songs. A couple of songs were deleted to make it a little shorter, but the DVD released later had all the songs. Madhuri Dixit was awarded with the Filmfare Best actress trophy. The film also received many other Filmfare awards. Renuka Shahane became popular overnight as a loving and caring sister in law. Reema Lagu was a perfect choice for the mother’s role of the two beautiful actresses. Other supporting cast was good too. 

The film started the trend of family dramas, depicting Indian values and culture. But eventually the films settled for a rich joint family, a palatial house, rivalry between the siblings etc etc. An angle of NRIs was later added by Yash Chopra, to make it more appealing. Anyways, let’s enjoy the song on the occasion of a baby shower. 

3. Woh To Hai Albela – Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na (1994) Devaki Pandit & Kumar Sanu / Jatin Lalit – Majrooh 

After performing a couple of negative roles in 1993, Shah Rukh Khan was back with a different role. The protagonist of the film is always a good character, with minimal traces of grey shades. But Shah Rukh Khan’s character was a real one. He had a few अवगुण as well. Though not exactly villianish, he was a boy next door, who tries hard to create misunderstandings between Suchitra Krishnamurthy and Deepak Tijori. But true love wins in the end. Juhi Chawla’s guest appearance was exactly similar to that of Karishma Kapoor’s in Yeh Dillagi. It was discussed also among my college mates as to whose idea was it originally it to end the film the way it did. The song very aptly summarizes Shah Rukh Khan’s character in the movie. He was awarded with critics best actor award at the Filmfare. 

4. Lagi Lagi Hai Yeh Dil Ki Lagi – Yeh Dillagi (1994) Lata Mangeshkar, Abhijit & Udit Narayan / Dilip Sen – Sameer Sen – Sameer 

Inspired from the Hollywood classic, Sabrina, it was among the top grossers of the year and the songs were among the top three albums of the year. Though Ole Ole Ole would be the most popular song, my favourite is the piano song. A large hall, a party, the trio singing the song with one of them playing the piano, a perfect scenario for a piano song. Kajol and Akshay Kumar are in love, but Saif is also slowly getting attracted to Kajol. Saif portrays a casanova, who learns the real sense of life from Kajol. Kajol is the daughter of their driver, so Reema Lagu is totally against the relationship. Her disapproval is quite obvious from her gestures. 

Kajol had two releases that year, and she received acclaim for her performance. It is said that Yash Chopra, quite impressed with her talent, signed her for DDLJ. And then, Kajol never looked back. Karishma Kapoor’s guest appearance was also appreciated. 

The movie and the songs were extremely popular, and so was the association between Saif and Akshay Kumar. They later acted in many films together. But except ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’, none could achieve success. 

5. Yeh Raat Aur Yeh Doori – Andaz Apna Apna (1994) Asha Bhosle & S P Balasubramaniam / Tushar Bhatia – Majrooh 

The film was an average success when it was first released. But later in the internet era, it slowly evolved as a cult comedy. 

It’s definitely one of the most entertaining comedy films of Bollywood. The story revolves around a tale of two men, who are good for nothing. In search of easy money, they ultimately end up finding their true life partners. But the story has mind blowing characters like Teja, Bhalla, Robert, crime master Gogo etc. Amir Khan and Salman Khan share perfect comedy timing and Paresh Rawal’s double role is icing on the cake. Music director Tushar Bhatia adopted O P Nayyar style, but failed to impress. Ae Lo Jee Sanam, with Tonga rhythm is popular, but the female singer doesn’t impress at all. Her expressions fall short and sound fake. So I selected my favourite song, that is picturised on all the four characters. It is fun to watch! Enjoy the facial expressions of all of the characters including Bhalla and Robert. 

Asha Bhosle is so impressive, incomparable! S  P Balasubramaniam was a preferred choice for Salman Khan in the early years of the 1990s. 

6. Paas Woh Aane Lage Zara Zara – Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994) Alka Yagnik & Kumar Sanu / Anu Malik – Hasrat Jaipuri 

The movie was good and very entertaining. I can’t forget the scene when Akshay Kumar takes Saif to his home for the first time and Rageshwari is mesmerised to meet her favourite actor. The film was full of funny sequences and of course action scenes. Akshay Kumar’s dashing inspector, Saif’s hero who’s bored of the clichés, he has to perform on screen, Rageshwari’s portray of die hard fan of a hero, all the characters were spot on. Saif proved himself good in comedy. Though Churake Dil Mera Goriya Chali was the most popular, my choice for today’s list is the one penned by the lyricist of the yesteryears, Hasrat Jaipuri. The latter must have been delighted to work with Sardar Malik’s son. He had a long and melodious association with Sardar Malik. 

Anyways, enjoy the song with a catchy rhythm. The dance steps look funny as per today’s standards. 

7. Raah Mein Unse Mulaqat Ho Gayi – Vijaypath (1994) Alka Yagnik & Kumar Sanu / Anu Malik – Zameer Kazmi 

Continuing with his action hero movies, Ajay Devgan’s Vijaypath was released. Tabu had debuted the same year, but she was noticed due to Vijaypath. Another couple of songs from the movie were also popular. As I always say, the action movies used to have a few good romantic songs and this one’s a perfect example. 

8. Badi Muskhil Hai – Anjaam (1994) Abhijit / Anand Milind – Sameer 

What a popular song it was! Shah Rukh Khan dreams about Madhuri Dixit and he is passionate about his one sided love. The song is fun to watch, mainly Madhuri’s panwali. Actress Bina also looks gorgeous as Shah Rukh’s mother. Shah Rukh Khan was back with his anti hero image. I don’t think the movie was very successful. Madhuri’s dance number, Chane Ke Khet Mein was hugely popular. The decade of the 90s was of Madhuri Dixit and Saroj Khan duo. They delivered hits after hits over the years. 

9. Chehra Kya Dekhte Ho – Salami (1994) Asha Bhosle & Kumar Sanu / Nadeem Shravan – Madan Pal 

I haven’t seen the movie so I don’t know much about it. But the song was popular and holds its popularity till date. A cute romantic song between the lovers. I don’t think the film was successful at the box office. 

10. Sambhala Hai Maine Bahot Apne Dil Ko – Naaraz (1994) Kumar Sanu / Anu Malik – Faiz Anwar 

What I said about the earlier song holds water for this song too. The film wasn’t a hit either, except as Sonali Bendre’s noticeable debut. She looks stunningly beautiful, almost like a cute doll. I don’t know if the song is remembered today or not, I like it very much. Good lyrics and a soothing tune. 

11. Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast – Mohra (1994) Udit Narayan & Kavita Krishnamurthy / Viju Shah – Anand Bakshi 

The song used to be in top three hits on countdown shows and on screen (and off screen) chemistry between Ravina and Akshay Kumar was much talked about. Nasiruddin Shah’s blind villain was much acclaimed too. Paresh Rawal’s funny constable was popular as well. It was yet another action movie by Akshay Kumar. 

The song was also in trouble for its lyrics. How can you call a woman a Cheez? But I think it got settled afterwards, I don’t remember the details now. The film was a box office hit. 

12. Love Rap – Krantiveer (1994) Amit Kumar, Sudesh Bhosle, Sapna Mukherji, Poornima & Chorus / Anand Milind – Sameer 

I had completely forgotten about the song. But it resurfaced when I was researching for the post. It was also quite popular, but for the part picturised on Nana Patekar and Bindu. The typical Maharashtrian rhythm and Marathi lyrics made it quite sensational. Another aspect of the film was its awards. It was a box office success and Nana Patekar grabbed Filmfare, Screen and the National award for best actor. Dimple Kapadia’s supporting role was also awarded. In addition the film got awards for best story and best dialogues. It’s considered one of the best performances by Nana Patekar . 

13. Chand Se Parda Kijiye – Aao Pyar Karen (1994) Kumar Sanu / Aadesh Shrivastav – Shyam Raj 

While Saif was fortunate to taste success with a couple of films, another couple of movies were popular for their songs. The first one is Aao Pyar Karen, which is remembered for a couple of songs. It was Aadesh Shrivastav’s first popular film, though he debuted in the earlier year. I was torn between this song and Haathon Mein Aa Gaya Jo Kal Rumal. The former won. Never mind about Shilpa Shetty’s dresses in the movie, who’s now considered a fashion icon. 

14. Chaha To Bahot Na Chahe Tujhe – Imtihaan (1994) Kumar Sanu & Bela Sulakhe / Anu Malik – Faiz Anwar 

The film had an interesting concept which was less explored, at least in the 90s decade. I don’t remember the fate of the movie, but its songs were popular. At least I remember the film just for the songs. It was a successful year for Anu Malik, who had a number of hit songs to his credit. Is Tarah Aashiqui Ka Asar and Do Baatein Ho Sakti Hai were equally popular. 

15. Saaton Janam Mein Tere – Dilwale (1994) Alka Yagnik & Kumar Sanu / Nadeem Shravan – Sameer 

The movie and its songs were popular, and Sunil Shetty’s inspector was also acclaimed. Dilwale was one of the films where Divya Bharati’s sudden demise made the producers go for the second choice. In this case, she was replaced by Ravina Tandon. I’m actually not a big fan of the movie, but the song was so popular that I can’t keep it out of the list. And it’s not that the song is bad, it’s not among my great favourites. Enjoy the song! 

Please add your favourites to the list. 

Disclaimer –

Mehfil Mein Meri, claims no credit for any image, movie posters, 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.