Songs of 'character?

Iconic songs in Hindi films are usually associated with big-name stars from times immemorial. But a significant chunk is associated with character artistes as well.

- Rajiv Vijayakar

Take a Gaadi bula rahi hai (Dost) filmed on Abhi Bhattacharya, Husn ke lakhon rang (Johny Mera Naam) on Padma Khanna, Maar diya jaaye (Mera Gaon Mera Desh) on Laxmi Chhaya or even Bol baby bol (Meri Jung) filmed on Jaaved Jafferi. Hindi cinema has therefore given celebrated songs that even resonate (in original or recreated forms) with Gen Y and Gen Z.

Six actors lead this brigade, while many others across generations are known for one or more musical chartbusters. So can we call such tracks 'songs of character'?

ARUNA IRANI

In her 80th year, this onetime siren has been lucky to get songs that have stood the test of time. Today's youngsters will know Dilbar dil se pyaare and Chadti jawani (both from Caravan) along with Ae phansa, the Bobby perennial, and Mere beri ke ber mat todo (Anokhi Raat) which was recreated in 2022. Aruna has also had Sapna mera toot gaya (Khel Khel Mein), Chhaiyya re chhaiyya re (The Train), Kaho kaise rasta bhool pade (Bade Dil Wala), Choron ko saare nazar aate hain chor (Naya Zamana), Dil tera hai (Bombay to Goa) and then-popular but now forgotten gems from Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, Buddha Mil Gaya, Paap Aur Punya, Sanyasi, and others.

HELEN

Leading the musical cavalcade is the Czarina of Cabaret—Helen. Very ironically, Helen also lip-synched many lovelies in her few films as heroine, but none reached those heights.

The five songs that effortlessly top the list here (especially for Gen Z) are (in alphabetical order) Aa jaanejaan (Inteqam), Mera naam Chin Chin Chu (Howrah Bridge), Monica o my darling (Caravan), Mungda (Inkaar) and Yeh mera dil pyar ka diwana (Don). The