5 notable duets of GM Durrani

1. ‘Nazar Na Phero Humse - Deedar (1951)

GM Durrani sang only one song on this film with music by Naushad and lyrics by Shakeel Badayuni. Starring Ashok Kumar, Nargis, Dilip Kumar and Nimmi, the film was an early multi-starrer directed by Nitin Bose. Behind the scenes, there was plenty of star talent too. Durrani and Shamshad Begum sang ‘Nazar Na Phero Humse’ which was picturised on Nargis and Ashok Kumar. The two played a recently engaged couple in the song.

2. ‘Hum Ko Haste Dekh Zamana Jalta Hai’ - Hum Sab Chor Hai (1956)

IS Johar's, Hum Sab Chor Hai, featured him and co-star Majnu as conmen who have so far managed to evade the law. Nalini Jaywant, Pran and Shammi Kapoor were also part of this madcap film in which Jaywant’s character is framed for a crime she didn’t commit. The zany ‘Hum Ko Haste Dekh Zamana Jalta Hai’ written by Majrooh Sultanpuri and composed by OP Nayyar was a duet sung by Mohammad Rafi and Durrani, who the young Rafi looked up to.

3. ‘Aaj Preet Ka Naata Toot Gaya’ - Do Bhai (1947)

Filmistan’s Do Bhai starring Kamini Kaushal, Ulhas and Rajen Haskar was a blockbuster hit and one of the top earners during the year India got her independence. GM Durrani sang this lovelorn duet written by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan with Geeta Dutt in the film. Dutt’s other song ‘Mera Sundar Sapna Beet Gaya’ was also popular.

4. ‘Hai chhore ki jaat badi bewafa’ - Chandni Raat (1949)

This became one of the few songs that GM Durrani sang with Lata Mangeshkar. It was attributed to a misplaced comment by Durrani towards Mangeshkar about a necklace she wearing. Lata mentioned it to the film’s composer Naushad Ali who used another male singer for the next song with Lata. Chandni Raat (1949) featured Naseem, David and Cuckoo in key roles.

5. ‘Unko Rupye Me’ - Pyar Ki Baten (1951)