1996 – My Favourites

It has been quite a while since I posted the list of my favourites from the year 1995. It’s time now for the next year on the list, 1996. The year is special to me as I appeared for my 12th board exams in the month of March. And I did well to secure my seat in the medical college of my choice. It was my first step towards my goal. The college started a couple of months late, but I soon started enjoying my studies and gelled well with the course.

And, life was still very simple. No heavy traffic on roads, no internet, no mobiles, no melodramatic daily soaps, and so on. I used to travel by public transport to the medical college, as I was a local student. Though we had a two wheeler at home, it was not until last year of college that I started using it for college. The first year of MBBS was very enjoyable for me, as I used to like the subjects. Quite simple and straightforward was life!
I think I should focus on the main subject now. Let’s start then, firstly the debutantes of the year.

Debuts of the year –
The year saw a number of debuts, actors and actresses. But it’s worth noting that barring a couple of actresses, others couldn’t establish themselves in Bollywood. Some of them had a very promising start and they shone for a few years post debut, only to disappear later in the dark. Destiny plays a big role in everyone’s life and career.
Anyways let’s have a look at the list

Rani Mukherjee in Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat

Sushmita Sen & Mukul Dev in Dastak

Arbaaz Khan in Daraar

Chandrachur Singh, Arshad Warsi & Priya Gill in Tere Mere Sapne

Indra Kumar in Masoom

Faraaz Khan & Suman Ranganathan (Bollywood debut) in Fareb

Puru Rajkumar in Bal Brahmachari

Tara Deshpande in Is Raat Ki Subah Nahi

Smriti Mishra in Sardari Begum and Is Raat Ki Subah Nahi

Popular playback singers, lyricists and composers of the year –
Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sadhana Sargam were the usual suspects. The singers ruled the 90s. Hariharan also formed an important part of the 90s. He had a number of hit songs in 1996. Renowned classical singers, Aarti Ankalikar-Tikekar and Shubha Joshi, sang for Sardari Begum. Though the songs were not popular, the songs were excellent. Alka Yagnik had the most popular songs, though Kavita Krishnamurthy won the best female playback singer Filmfare award for Aaj Main Upar and
Udit Narayan the best male playback singer award for Pardesi Pardesi Jana Nahi. The latter song also introduced Sapna Awasthi, who had a brief career in Bollywood later.
Another important debutante singer of 1996 was Sunidhi Chauhan. She won the contest, Meri Aawaz Suno at a very young age. Aadesh Shrivastava became the first composer to offer her a Hindi film song. Very soon she became the new sensation of Bollywood.
Among the lyricists, veterans, Majrooh and Anand Bakshi with Indeevar were still active. Sameer was of course The Lyricist of the 90s, and he was penning songs for every other hit movie. Javed Akhtar took his seat very fast and very soon braced for an important and immovable position. He won Filmfare best lyricist award for Papa Kehte Hai for the song, Ghar Se Nikalte Hi. Gulzar of course continued his journey with Maachis and Daayra.
Among the composers, Nadeem Shravan duo was still very popular and won the Filmfare best composer award for Raja Hindustani. Jatin Lalit, Anu Malik continued their success story. Anand Raj Anand debuted as a composer with the movie Masoom and delivered hit songs. He later worked as a lyricist as well. Vanraj Bhatia composed excellent semi classical songs for Sardari Begum. Viju Shah was active since the late 80s, his songs from Tere Mere Sapne were quite popular. Laxmikant Pyarelal couldn’t create magic though they composed for Madhuri Dixit’s couple of films.

Now, it’s time for an overview of films released in 1996. As usual I won’t discuss the films on the list here.
There are a few action films to consider which I haven’t watched, but deserve a mention in this section. All the films were in the top ten grossers of the year. A couple of films featured Sunny Deol, the first one was Ghatak, directed by Raj Kumar Santoshi.

The film was a super hit, with Amrish Puri winning Best supporting actor Filmfare award. The film also won Best editing and best screenplay Filmfare awards. The songs were composed by R D Burman, though the most popular song, ‘Koi Jaye To Le Aaye‘ was composed by Anu Malik.

The second one was Raj Kanwar directed, Jeet which was also successful at the box office.

The songs composed by Nadeem Sharavan were hugely popular, though noy my personal favourites. The song, Yaara O Yaara is more remembered for the funny looking dance steps by Sunny Deol. Saanson Ka Chalna & Abhi Saans Lene Ki Fursat were good too. Sonu Nigam was a budding singer then and the latter song was sung by him. Though Tabu and Salman both were nominated for the supporting role at the filmfare, none of them won. In general it was a good year for Sunny Deol, who had a couple of super hits and Ajay was also an average hit, though his films, Himmat and Dushamani were flops.

Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi was the next film in the series of ‘Khiladi’ films. Though it was among the top hits of the year, I was hardly inclined to it, I never watched it. It was in vogue for many reasons, the alleged attraction between Rekha and Akshay Kumar and his consequent break up with Raveena, who acted in the movie, was one of them. The fight scenes between Akshay Kumar and the Undertaker were another attraction for the action movie lovers. The hot song from the movie was also discussed a lot, both positively and negatively. Rekha won the Best supporting actress Filmfare award for the movie.

It was not a good year for Madhuri Dixit, as both of her movies, Rajkumar and Prem Granth flopped badly at the box office.

Prem Granth was Madhuri’s film with Rishi Kapoor for RK banner, but both looked a bit old. And the story was also a routine one, what I remember is the song, Dil Dene Ki Rut Aayi.

Rajkumar was one of Madhuri’s films with Anil Kapoor, and was a tale of modern Robinhood. The costume drama couldn’t impress the audience, but the song ‘Payal Meri Jadu Jagati Hai’ was popular and was quite melodious.

Manisha Koirala was successful with two memorable performances in the year, I will discuss it on the list. Sridevi had a couple of releases, Mr Bechara and Army.

Army was Sridevi’s film opposite Shah Rukh Khan and had a good story too. A couple of songs were popular, though are hardly remembered now, ‘Main To Hoon Pagal Munda’ & ‘Dil Mein Kuchh Hone Laga’ are the songs. Mr Bechara had a good basic plot, it wasn’t a success. But I still remember a funny and catchy song, ‘Lage Mujhe Sundar Har Ladki’.

Anil Kapoor’s film Loafer was directed by David Dhawan and was an average success. David Dhawan’s other film, Sajan Chale Sasural was a commercial success. I didn’t watch it. I am not a fan, though I remember ‘Tum To Dhokebaaz Ho’.

Salman Khan’s younger brother, Arbaaz Khan debuted with a negative role opposite Juhi Chawla in Daraar. He also won a Filmfare award for the Best actor in a negative role. A song, Deewana Main Tere Liye is still popular. The film was inspired by the American movie, Sleeping with the enemy. Though Arbaaz won an award in his debut film, he couldn’t later establish himself as a main lead.
Rani Mukherjee debuted with the movie, Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, which wasn’t a successful film.
Ajay Devgan didn’t get a hit, though a couple of songs were popular from the movie, Jaan. He was opposite Twinkle Khanna in Jaan. The latter also had another release, Dil Tera Deewana opposite Saif Ali Khan.
Rakshak featuring Sunil Shetty and Karishma Kapoor had a couple of popular songs.

Sheher Ki Ladki was very popular and fetched the choreographers, Rekha and Chinni Prakash, FIlmfare award for best choreography. The song had Raveena Tandon in a cameo. Equally popular was Sundara Sundara.
Mamta Kulkarni and Sanjay Kapoor starrer Beqabu couldn’t show magic at the box office.
A few of other films, Return of Jewel Thief was a flop,

while Puja Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan Starrer, Chaahat was a bit popular. I remember the latter mainly for the song, Daddy Cool Cool.

Sachin Pilgaonkar directed, Aisi Bhi Kya Jaldi Hai was a cute story of a possessive father, presented in a light hearted manner. Though it wasn’t successful, the film was good. I watched it on TV as I guess it was never released in the theatre.

Amol Palekar’s Daayra alias The Square Circle, spoke about a completely offbeat topic.

The story revolves around a romantic relationship between a transvestite male dancer and a woman who starts dressing like a man after a gangrape. Though the movie was never released in theatres in India, it was acclaimed by critics all over the world. It won a Grand Prix Award at France festival. Sonali Kulakrni won the best actress National Award and special jury award. I haven’t watched the movie, though I must admit it sounds very interesting and intriguing.
I also remembered a dubbed South Indian movie, Duniya Dilwalon Ki starring Tabu and Abbas, the song Dekha Nahin Hai Tujhko was quite popular.
I have accidentally included Bandit Queen in my 1995 review, though it was actually released in 1996.

Let’s have a look at the list now. I think this time the prologue got a bit lengthier. So here we go. The songs are in no particular order.

1. Kuchh Mere Dil Ne Kaha – Tere Mere Sapne (1996) Hariharan & Sadhana Sargam / Viju Shah – Anand Bakshi
Tere Mere Sapne was ABCL’s venture and it was received with enthusiasm. The film had four fresh new faces, and I think the film opened quite impressively. Barring the climax, it was well executed. The songs especially were hugely popular and though I’ve selected the one filmed on Chandrachur Singh and Priya Gill, the other one with Arshad Warsi and Simran, Aankh Maare O Ladka Aankh Maare, was equally popular. The film was primarily based on a tale of two men, one foreign returned and another an Indian taxi driver, who become good friends and exchange their places.
Viju Shah, Kalyanji’s son, composed really good songs. While he chose Indian style compositions for Chandrachur Singh and Priya Gill, western influenced songs were also enjoyable. Arshad Warsi’s natural acting was well appreciated. Priya Gill looked beautiful and she refrained from vulgarity and body show completely Though she couldn’t make a mark in Bollywood, her debut was appreciated. Let’s listen to the beautiful song, Indian tune with western orchestration. Hariharan and Sadhana Sargam both have rendered it really wonderfully.

2. Yeh Dil Sun Raha Hai – Khamoshi the Musical (1996) Kavita Krishnamurthy / Jatin Lalit – Majrooh
The film was a directorial debut of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film couldn’t do well at the box office, though critics praised it. The film also received a number of awards at the Filmfare and Screen awards, including best actress award to Manisha Koirala. It’s definitely one of her best performances. All the actors including Helen in a small role impressed the audience. The songs were hugely popular, with Kavita Krishnamurthy winning best female playback singer award at various award ceremonies. The songs from the movie were popular and a few have managed to survive even after 25 years. While the majority of the songs were composed by Jatin Lalit, a couple of songs were composed by Remo Fernandes. The songs suited the film’s Goan background. It was difficult to select a single song, as both, Aaj Main Upar and Bahon Ke Darmiyan are my equal favourites. Gaate The Pehle Akele and Mausam Ki Sargam Ko Sun are good too. Udit Narayan’s soft romantic song, Jaana Suno Hum Tumpe was popular too. Yet I decided to go for the soulful song which portrays all the main characters of the movie. Kavita Krishnamurthy is also at her best in the song. Let’s listen to it.

3. Chappa Chappa Charkha Chale – Maachis (1996) Suresh Wadkar, Hariharan / Vishal Bhardwaj – Gulzar
While Chandrachur Singh portrayed a modern aristocratic character in TMS, his pure Punjabi character in Maachis was acclaimed too. It was a bonus for him to work with Gulzar and have both the films released in the same year. Gulzar always chose R D Burman for the majority of his films, perhaps that’s why he was comfortable with Pancham da’s assistant, Vishal Bhardwaj. The latter also composed apt tunes for the movie, based on Sikh riots. Tabu’s impressive performance fetched her the best actress award at the National awards, while Chandrachur Singh received best debut male Filmfare award for his promising and mature performance in Maachis. The film was very sensitively handled and was a commercial success as well. It’s indeed a memorable movie, the one that leaves a long lasting impact on your mind.
The songs, though otherwise wouldn’t have fitted in the movie of the kind, were hugely popular and had apt situations in the movie. I chose a peppy number with typical Punjabi rhythm to highlight here. The songs rendered by Lata Mangeshkar, Hariharan and Suresh Wadkar were popular.

4. Ye Teri Aankhen Jhuki Jhuki – Fareb (1996) Abhijit / Jatin Lalit – Indeevar
The songs of the movie Fareb were popular too. The one lip synced by Milind Gunaji was a chartbuster and was on the top on the countdown shows. It overshadowed the other romantic songs of the movie, which were actually more melodious. O Humsafar Dil Ke Nagar is my personal favourite among those songs. The film also saw veteran lyricist Neeraj’s song, Aankhon Se Dil Mein Utar Ke, which was also popular. All the songs maintain the popularity.

5. An interesting scenario for the first time in the 90s series. While I always succeed in choosing a single song from a movie, for the movie, Sardari Begum, it wasn’t so. The film has excellent semi classical songs (thumris) rendered by renowned classical singers. So I finally chose the songs, one of which was very popular due to its catchy tune, and a thumri sung by both the classical singers. What amazing songs the movie has! Shyam Benegal, Kiron Kher, Rajeshwari Sachdev, Surekha Sikri with Amrish Puri and Rajit Kapoor, all were acclaimed by critics. The film won three national awards, including the Jury award to Kiron Kher and best supporting actress for Rajeshwari Sachdev. Let’s listen to the wonderful songs.

A. Chahe Maar Dalo Raja – Sardari Begum (1996) Asha Bhosle / Vanraj Bhatia – Javed Akhtar
It was the main song that was promoted during its release. A wonderful Mujra by Asha Bhosle. The song has all the features of a perfect Mujra, what expressions, excellent sarangi and tabla pieces. And a good dance by Smriti Mishra.

B. Raah Mein Bichhi Hai Palkein – Shubha Joshi & Aarti Ankalikar Tikekar / Vanraj Bhatia – Javed Akhtar
Such a wonderful song! There are so many excellent songs by Aarti Ankalikar-Tikekar and Shubha Joshi in the movie. It was difficult to choose.

6. Pehle Pyar Ka Pehla Gham – Papa Kehte Hai (1996) Kavita Krishnamurthy / Rajesh Roshan – Javed Akhtar
Jugal Hansraj was opposite Mayuri Kango, who had debuted in 1995 with the film, Naseem. She is the daughter of Marathi theatre actress, Sujata Kango. She was more popular for her beautiful hair and eyes. The most popular song of the movie was of course, Ghar Se Nikalte Hi. But this soulful song with a beautiful rhythm is also very melodious and impressively rendered by Kavita Krishnamurthy. Sonu Nigam was an upcoming singer then and he lent his voice for Anupam Kher in the movie.

7. Kitna Mushkil Hai Dekho Is Duniya Mein – Agni Sakshi (1996) Kavita Krishnamurthy / Nadeem Shravan – Sameer
Agni Sakshi was a remake of Sleeping with the Enemy and was released in succession with the other two remakes, Yaarana (1995) and Daraar (1996). But Agni Sakshi was successful, and was among the top five films of the year.
This song was very popular and was on the charts. It’s catchy tune, foot tapping rhythm and even the dance steps were popular. The film also had Divya Dutta and Ravi Behl in supporting roles. The song, Mujhko Dilbar Yaar by Alisha Chinoi and Vinod Rathod was picturised on the pair. I think the song, O Piya O Piya by Kavita Krishnamurthy and Babul Supriyo was one of his earlier hits. He fully imitated Kumar Sanu. But the song was popular.
The performances by Manisha Koirala and Nana Patekar were appreciated. The latter also received the National award for the best supporting actor.

8. Ho Nahi Sakta – Diljale (1996) Udit Narayan / Anu Malik – Javed Akhtar
The film proved to be a landmark for Ajay Devgan and Sonali Bendre. It was a successful film at the box office. The songs were popular too. The other songs of the movie, Mera Mulk Mera Desh, Jiske Aane Se Rangon Mein, and Sham Hai Dhuaan Dhuaan were also good. Madhu also had a good role in the movie, and Amrish Puri also had a memorable role. I can still hear his voice saying, “Diljale Diljale”.
This song is a refreshing one! The college mates are teasing Ajay on a prank designed by Sonali. Actually Sonali is deeply in love with him. A fun to watch and what a fresh voice Udit Narayan has! Mischievous, expressive and energetic. Sonali looks beautiful as always.

9. Jaadu Bhari Aankhon Wali Suno – Dastak (1996) Udit Narayan / Rajesh Roshan – Javed Akhtar
Sushmita Sen won the prestigious Miss Universe in 1994 and Bollywood opened doors with the red carpet. She was signed by the Bhatts for their forthcoming venture, Dastak. It was a thriller movie, though it flopped at the box office despite Sushmita’s aura. Sharad Kapoor also received the limelight, so did Mukul Dev. Sushmita proved herself in her later films.
Though I’m not much fond of the other songs of the movie, I like this one. Udit Narayan has sung it amazingly.

10. Aaye Ho Meri Zindagi Mein – Raja Hindustani (1996) Udit Narayan / Nadeem Shravan – Sameer
I must mention that I’m not much fond of the movie, though I like this song a lot. It has a catchy rhythm and it’s composed in a qawwali like fashion. The lyrics are good and the presentation is very pleasant and energetic. Udit Narayan got the best male playback singers award for the film, but it was for Pardesi Pardesi Jana Nahi.
Amir Khan and Karishma Kapoor both were awarded best actor/actress at the Filmfare.

11. Chup Tum Raho Chup Hum Rahe – Is Raat Ki Subah Nahi (1996) Chitra & M M Kreem / M M Kreem – Nida Fazli
M M Kreem hasn’t composed consistently for Hindi films, though whenever he has, the songs are wonderful. I don’t think this film was successful, though it had a good storyline and good actors. The story takes place during a single night and it sounds quite thrilling and intriguing. Should watch soon. Coming to the songs, it had a couple of good songs. This has good lyrics and a very impressive performance by Chitra. I just love it. The rhythm of the song is different from a routine one, with an interesting orchestration. I haven’t forgotten the song even after 25 years and it’s difficult to sing.

12. Baagon Ki Baharein Tujhko Pukare – Sazaa E Kalapani (1996) Chitra & M G Sreekumar / IliyaRaja
I remember watching the movie in a theatre. I don’t remember every detail of the movie, but I think the song appears in the movie, when Mohanlal is coming back from the cellular Jail and Tabu awaits him. The song has such a subtle orchestration. And such an expressive voice of Chitra. IliyaRaja is a genius, his songs always carry his own flavour and are always magically melodious. This one’s not an exception. Couldn’t find the hindi song.

13. Kya Ada Kya Jalwe Tere Paro – Shastra (1996) Udit Narayan & Chorus / Aadesh Shrivastava – Shyam Raj
The song was so popular in those days, I was inclined to add it to the list. Anyway, I still like it. Aadesh Shrivastava became popular with this song. The film would always be remembered for Sunidhi Chauhan’s debut as a playback singer. She sang, Ladki Deewani Dekho Ladka Deewana, which was also popular. The Sunil Shetty and Anjali Jathar starrer film however flopped at the box office. The popularity of the song also couldn’t help it.

14. Jhanjhariya Uski Jhanak Gayi – Krishna (1996) Abhijit / Anu Malik – Anand Raj Anand
The song has a female version by Alka Yagnik and the movie opens with it. I haven’t watched it, being an action movie. The song was very popular and continues to be. Sunil Shetty was very fortunate as most of his earlier action movies were musically good and helped him establish himself, though the films might not have succeeded. It is said that the song was actually from Anand Raj Anand’s debut non film album, which was released on Time music. And it was later taken for the movie by Time magnetics. The song is really melodious, though it is credited to Anu Malik.
But the dance steps, so many dancers in the background, and the loud jewelry with bizarre female attires are so like the 90s.

15. Ye Jo Teri Payalon Ki – Masoom (1996) Sadhana Sargam & Abhijit / Anand Raj Anand – Anand Raj Anand
And a song with catchy rhythm to end the list. It was a remake of the Marathi movie, माझा छकुला, directed by Mahesh Kothare. He remade it in Hindi and it was a story of an innocent little boy, Kishan. Indra Kumar made his debut with the film. He also acted in a supporting role in Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi, the same year. He was a promising new face. The song was popular during its release and used to feature in top five songs on the countdown shows.

I end my list here. Please share your favourites.

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