Before I start, let’s wish Asha Tai a very happy 89th birthday and many more years of healthy life.
I’ve been posting a Asha Bhosle song list on her birthday for the last four years. And I had not thought of a theme for this year. Last month, when I was compiling for Raja Mehdi Ali Khan song list, I faced a dilemma when it came to selecting a song from Woh Kaun Thi. I realised that even if the song, Shokh Nazar Ki Bijliyan, is a gem, it hasn’t got its due. Though it has good lyrics, good tune and amazing rendition by Asha Bhosle, the song is not as popular as the other songs of the movie. It’s been overshadowed by the rest of the popular songs. It deserves to be extremely popular. Then and there itself, I thought of compiling a list of Asha Bhosle songs which have been overshadowed by other popular songs of that particular movie, but the songs are excellent. Mostly the songs stand out because of Asha Bhosle’s Midas touch. Some of the songs on the list do have a good tune, but still for me it’s Asha Bhosle’s rendition that takes the song to a higher level. I know this could be subjective. But of course I can have my own list and readers can add to it.
When Asha Bhosle started in Hindi films, she faced a tough competition not only by her sister, Lata Mangeshkar, but also by the other female playback singers, Geeta Dutt, Shamshad Begum etc. She had to work hard, pour out her mind and soul into her career.
In the beginning, she sang any song that came her way. Perhaps that was her financial need for that hour. But perhaps that’s why initially she was offered dance numbers, songs picturized on supporting characters and so on. It must have been really a challenge to break the trend. She had a major breakthrough in 1957- 58 and I have discussed this period of her career on her last birthday. But the journey wasn’t easy at all.
Though she sang as a leading female voice for O P Nayyar, Ravi and R D Burman, the other composers called her mainly for the songs of other characters. And this continued well till the late 60s.
So here I am with a list of ten songs, which according to me, are overshadowed by the other popular songs of the movie. Asha Bhosle did a full justice to these songs. But despite being good, the songs didn’t attain the popularity they deserved. For most of the movies, it’s her only song for the movie. I’ve chosen solos, but readers are free to add duets as well.
So here we go…………
1. Shokh Nazar Ki Bijliyan – Woh Kaun Thi (1964) Asha Bhosle / Madan Mohan – Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
The audience gets so much involved in the Lata’s solos and other songs that this magnificent number by Asha Bhosle gets sidetracked. What a difficult song to sing! Asha’s flawless rendition makes it sound quite easy, but do try once for yourself. Shot at an ice skating club, and picturised on Parvin Choudhary and Manoj Kumar, the song is surely a perfect fit for the list. This is her only solo for the movie, she also has a duet with Rafi.
2. Itni Badi Mehfil Aur Ek Dil – Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai (1960) Asha Bhosle / Shankar Jaikishan – Hasrat Jaipuri
Though it’s an inspired song, it’s not a complete copy. And such a beautiful song! Helen dancing and singing at a club. It’s the only song Asha Bhosle sang for the movie. But in the flood of Lata Mangeshkar’s soulful solos, the song hardly stands out. But for me it’s one of her good songs.
3. Dil Ki Manzil – Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1963) Asha Bhosle / S D Burman – Hasrat Jaipuri
So much impressed we all are with the solos and duets of Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, that this beautiful club song is overlooked. It’s obviously not meant to be just another club song, the picturisation is so meticulously done. Asha Bhosle sings for both the dancers and does a great job. The whispering part of the verses, sounding more like prose, is not at all easy to sing in a flow. And the modulation of voice, the diction, everything is perfect!
4. Chand Tu Yahan Hai – Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan (1961) Asha Bhosle / Sudhir Phadke – Pandit Narendra Sharma
The film is mainly remembered for the Lata Mangeshkar solo, Jyoti Kalash Chhalke. And the composer Sudhir Phadke’s contribution to Hindi films is also generally talked about keeping in mind just this film. But obviously he was active in Hindi films since the late 40s and actually Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan was his last Hindi film. A general music lover tends to forget the other songs of the movie which are equally fantastic. Asha Bhosle sang for Seema Dev, and had a solo and a duet to her credit. Listen to the song and decide for yourself. Sung with perfect expressions, the song also has a good tune and lovely orchestration.
5. Sirf Apne Khayalon Ki Parchhai Hai – Bahu Begum (1964) Asha Bhosle / Roshan – Sahir
The film has a couple of songs by Lata Mangeshkar, one of which was a duet with Asha Bhosle. Asha Bhosle’s other duet Hum Intezar Karenge is very popular. But Asha Bhosle’s couple of solos didn’t become popular despite being good. Both the solos were picturised on Helen as Mujra. Nikle The Kahan Jane Ke Liye is a bit well known at least among the hard core fans of HFM. But this short song with meaningful lyrics and excellent rendition is not at all popular. Please follow the link to watch it on YouTube.
6. Bin Baadal Barsaat Na Hogi – Bin Baadal Barsaat (1963) Asha Bhosle / Hemant Kumar – Shakeel Badayuni
I wasn’t aware of the song being a Tandem song. It has two versions, the one by Lata Mangeshkar is a credits song while the other is a dance number picturised on Nishi. Asha Bhosle had a couple of songs in the movie, one solo and another duet with Rafi. This song holds an important place in the movie, or so it seems, but it’s not popular. The other songs of the movie have completely overshadowed this song. Enjoy the song. The dance is good and so is Asha Bhosle’s rendition. At the hands of an inexperienced singer, the song wouldn’t have had that impactful.
7. Parwanon Ki Raah Mein – Hariyali Aur Rasta (1962) Asha Bhosle / Shankar Jaikishan – Shailendra
Another club song, picturised on Helen. Helen used to be a part of many films and at least one dance number picturised on her was a must! While we always talk about Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh solos and duets from the movie, this sizzling Asha Bhosle solo, her only song for the movie, is always forgotten.
8. Tora Man Bada Papi – Ganga Jumna (1961) Asha Bhosle / Naushad – Shakeel Badayuni
Naushad always seemed reluctant to offer songs to Asha Bhosle. This is yet another beautiful song picturised on beautiful Helen. Again it’s just because of Asha Bhosle that the ordinary song has risen to another level. Her expressions are perfect, and the adakari in her voice is out of the world. It perfectly creates the necessary aura of the villain’s character.
For the next couple of songs, perhaps the scenario is not the same. The films and their songs are not extremely popular. Here, I may say, the songs are relatively less popular in general.
9. Sawan Ban Gaye Nain – Karodpati (1961) Asha Bhosle / Shankar Jaikishan – Hasrat Jaipuri
I don’t know if the songs of the movie, Karodpati, are at all popular. But still, the Lata Mangeshkar solos are a bit known. This soulful sad song picturised on Shashikala is not popular. It’s Asha Bhosle’s only song for the movie. In complete contrast with the earlier songs on the list, it’s not a dance number or bubbly song. Listen to the pain in her expressions. Excellent rendition indeed!
10. Kahan Jaate Ho Saiyan – Do Gunde (1959) Asha Bhosle / Ghulam Mohammad – Shakeel Badayuni
Do Gunde isn’t a well known movie either, but a couple of songs by Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar are popular. But this cute and sweet Asha Bhosle solo steals the heart. Asha Bhosle has sung it with apt expressions and when there’s Kumkum on screen to perform it, what more could you ask for? Kumkum just steals the show, fully complementing Asha’s performance. How lively she was! And It’s been more than two years since Kumkum’s death.
Have you thought of a befitting song?
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.
Mehfil Mein Meri 
Finally, somebody else loves Shokh Nazar ki Bijliyan! Its being sidelined has always perplexed me.
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Neeruji,
Not only me, I’m sure, there would be a long list of fans to join us.
It’s such a lovely song!
🙂
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Great List! Had never heard of the title song of ‘Bin Baadal Barsaat’ or even ‘Do Gunde’ .. there are so many other gems of Asha that got lost in the Lata dominated albums as was usually the case (Abhinetri – Bane Bade Raja, Agar Tum Na Hote – Dheere-Dheere, Akeli Mat Jaiyo – Thodi Der Ke Liye, Bandhe Haath – O Maajhi Re, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke – Main Ek Haseena, Basera – Aaj Jaoon , Sharafat – Ek Din Aapko etc). Are there many movies where Asha was the main singer and Lata only gave one song?
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Thank you for your appreciation Vikas ji.
I’m glad I could add a few songs to your list.
And thanks a lot for adding the other befitting songs.
“Are there many movies where Asha was the main singer and Lata only gave one song?”
At least offhand, I can’t say there are many movies. One movie that I could instantly remember is Akhri dao. The only Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey duet was not included in the movie, though it’s well known. Otherwise the songs included in the film were all by Asha Bhosle.
🙂
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I am so glad you chose to showcase Shokh nazar ki bijliyaan . While Lag ja gale is my favourite song from this film, this song follows close on its heels – absolutely lovely. I like it much more than the other (Lata) songs.
I have to admit that some of the other songs are not familiar – I must listen to them once I’m a bit free (my child’s exams start from tomorrow, so we’re a bit stressed today! :-))
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Thank you Madhuji.
I’m glad you liked the list. Actually for me too, lag ja gale and shokh nazar ki bijliya are equally good. And both songs are my favourites too.
Please listen to the unheard songs at your leisure. I’m sure you’ll like those songs.
LO must be in third standard now. I think she’s also of my daughter’s age.
🙂
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The LO is I think one year older than your LO. 🙂 She’s in class IV now, and is having half-yearly exams for the first time this year. So there’s much excitement!
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Oh yes!
Due to covid pandemic, all the children missed the excitement in school. Now that offline school and normal activities have resumed, the excitement is back!
All the best to the LO.
🙂
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Anup ji ,
What a theme !!!
When I read the title nd the preface , I became very curious to know ur selection of songs ..
Nd
What a praiseworthy research …gr8 .
I totally agree with U for each nd every song .
Let me add one .
हम दोनों
first , everyone wud think of अभी ना जाओ छोडकर .. then come the 2 devotional Lata songs अल्ला तेरो नाम , ईश्वर तेरो नाम nd प्रभू तेरो नाम , जो ध्याये फल पाए … then remaining votes will go to Rafi’s कभी खुदपें कभी हालातपें रोना आया .. nd the evergreen मैं ज़िंदगी का साथ निभाता चला गया
nd thus the soulful , philosophical , sweet song by Asha will lag behind
जहाँ में ऐसा कौन हैं के जिसको ग़म मिला नही
As I had said earlier जिसका कोई नहीं , उसका तो अनूप हैं यारों .. yes , U hv proved my words again by giving justice to those melodious but neglected Asha – songs .
I will b back with 2 more Asha – songs including a marathi song , as usual .
Thnx Anup ji
nd with lots of best wishes ,
Pramod Godbole .
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Thank you for the appreciation Pramod ji.
I’m glad you liked the theme and enjoyed the list.
And
Thank you for adding the song from Hum Dono. It’s a very good song, rendered with perfect expressions.
I’ll wait for your further additions.
🙂
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Your post is avant garde. It is a novel concept to bring to focus the songs of a singer who is overshadowed by another famous singer. This involves a serious introspection of concerned movies and pick out the concerned song, well sung, but not in prominence. You have done a very good job. I can think of a song from Bank Manager, music Madan Mohan, lyrics Jalal Malihabadi
Saba ka yeh kaha do by Asha Bhonsle
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Rangan ji,
Thank you for your appreciation. It’s satisfying that the readers including you liked the concept of overshadowed songs’.
Saba se ye keh do is a very good song. Thank you for adding it.
🙂
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Lovely post, Anupji! I hope duets are fine. Here is a duet from Chitralekha sung by Asha with Rafi – Cha Gaye Baadal Neel Gagan Par.
A lovely song! Most of the songs of this movie that are remembered are those by Lata.
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Anitaji,
Thank you for your appreciation. Glad you liked the post.
Of course, you can add duets.
I agree,
Chitralekha is remembered more for the Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi solos. And this beautiful romantic duet is a bit sidetracked.
Here, I remember one more of Roshan’s film, Mamata.
Mamata is also known for Lata Mangeshkar solos and duets and Asha’s wonderful duet with Rafi,In Baharon Mein Akele Na Phiro gets very little attention, though it’s a wonderful song.
Let me add the link as well,
🙂
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Truly enjoyed your post and look forward to reading more from your blog. This theme you have picked for Asha Bhonsle ‘s birthday is really unique and backed up by good research.
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Arpito,
Welcome to Mehfil.
I’m glad you liked the blog as well as the theme for Asha Bhosle’s post.
Thanks for your appreciation.
I hope you will be a regular on the blog.
🙂
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Anup ji ,
I am back with one more song having the Midas – touch by Asha but is overshadowed by other songs .
साहिब बिबी और गुलाम
No doubt Geeta Dutt nd the beautiful छोटी बहू Meena Kumari steal the show by 3 superhit songs कोई दूरसे आवाज़ दे चले आओ , पिया ऐसो जियामें समाय गयो रे nd ना जाओ सैय्या छुडाके बैय्या
Even , the equally beautiful जबा Waheeda Rehman nd Asha create magic thru भँवरा बडा नादान हैं .. Asha sings 2 more wonderful मुजरा songs साक़िया आज मुझे निंद नहीं आएगी nd ना ना ना , ओ मेरी जाँ , अच्छा नहीं इतना सितम .. nd all those एकसे बढकर एक
songs overshadow the melodious emotional Asha – song in राग बागेश्री
मेरी बात रही मेरे मनमें
कुछ कह ना सकी उलझनमें
Will post a marathi song 2morrow .
– Pramod Godbole .
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Pramod ji,
Thank you for adding the lesser popular song picturised on Waheeda Rahman.
It’s my favourite too.
Waiting for tomorrow’s feast. Sunday special.
🙂
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Anup ji ,
पेश- ए – खिदमत हैं
Sunday special Veg feast
from the Godboles’ !!! 😊
Asha’s one meaningful , melodious marathi song which shows how it was sidetracked by the other popular songs of the movie .
एकटी ( 1968 ) was a superhit movie directed by Raja Thakur .
All ladies , unanimously , voted for Suman Kalyanpur’s लिंबलोण उतरु कशी , असशी दूर लांब तू .. then there was the masterpiece by बाबूजी सुधीर फडके .. चल सोडून हा देश पक्षिणी nd all the young crowd ( young in age nd young at heart !!! ) was fascinated by Asha’s नाविका चल तेथे , दरवळते जेथे चांदणे … which is Still remembered for the lines दूर देशीचे बुलबुल यावे आज पाहुणे घरी …
Nd
What left unnoticed , overshadowed , under – rated was the excellent Asha song picturised on सुरेखा ..
एक फुलले फूल आणि फुलून नुसते राहिले , त्या कुणी ना पाहिले
Well , Anup ji , thnx once again for this wonderful theme of Asha – songs .
With best wishes ,
Pramod Godbole .
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Yes,
One of my favourites from एकटी
Thank you for adding the song.
🙂
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Anup,
Shokh nazar ki bijliyan is surely an excellent number overshadowed by Lata Mangeshkar’s exquisite songs. Exactly in the same situation is ‘Jhumka gira re‘ from Mera Saya. A great song but not picturised on the heroine. In your list, I am very fond of ‘Saawan ban gaye nain‘. But essentially a time came when Lata Mangeshkar’s voice became thick, whereas Asha Bhosle maintained her timbre for a longer period. And then she took off with films like Umrao Jan.
AK
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AKji,
Thank you for your appreciation.
But for me, Jhumka Gira Re is also equally popular. It’s not as overshadowed as Shokh Nazar Ki Bijliyan. Of course that’s my opinion.
And unfortunately I have to agree that songs picturised on supporting characters do get sidetracked as compared to the ones on the main lead. That shouldn’t be the case. The song should be appreciated for things other than the actor its picturised on.
In this regard, I instantly remembered ‘Balamwa nadaan’ from Aaram. It’s picturised on a dancer, but for me it’s the best song of the movie.
🙂
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An intriguing assignment! Although I am a poor hand at guessing how well-known a song is from, e.g., radio or television play, I think I have a couple of candidates from films whose other songs are more popular. . .
From “Aasha,” “So Jaa Re Chanda So Jaa”:
I had known “Eena Meena Deeka” and “Main Toh Dwaar Chali Sakhi” for a long time, but was only introduced to this beautiful number when people were circulating songs picturized on Minoo Mumtaz following her death.
From “Gauri,” “Baaj Ri Mori Payaliya”:
“Gauri” has a lot of lovely songs, but I am particularly fond of this one. It is always pleasant to watch a character dance solely for their own enjoyment. . . particularly one portrayed by Nutan, who is often stuck being a bit of a sad-sack ( ;
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Thank you.
Glad you found the post interesting.
And as said already in one of my previous comments, hats off to you for reading the posts at a go. Really commendable !
I think, the song from Aasha does fit. That’s a beautiful song.
I haven’t frequently heard the songs of Gouri. But I agree with your views on Nutan’s songs. She looks gorgeous mainly in happy songs.
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