10 Vinod Khanna songs that immortalize the star

'Koi Hota Jisko Apna' – Mere Apne (1971)

Having made his foray into Hindi cinema as a villain, Vinod Khanna took on the mantle of hero for the first time in lyricist Gulzar's directorial debut Mere Apne. This beautiful song saw the actor plumb into the pathos and loneliness of his character.

'Haal Chaal Theek Thaak Hai' – Mere Apne (1971)

Playing the idealist leader of a gang of unemployed young men, Khanna embodied the anger and sarcasm that dripped from the lyrics of Gulzar in this political film.

'Ruk Jaana Nahin' – Imtihan (1974)

Inspired by the Hollywood classic, To Sir, With Love (1967), this film is a wonderful example of Khanna's versatility as an actor. Playing the wise professor trying to get his students in line, Khanna displays a stoicism that defines him, and this song.

'Wada Karle Saajna' – Haath Ki Safai (1974)

While his strong personality was second to none, Khanna, one of the more handsome leading men of his times, was not bad at romance either. This song plays up his charming, gentlemanly personality to great effect.

'Jaate Ho Jaane Jaana' – Parvarish (1977)

Despite his rivalry with Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna went on to partner him to great effect in films like Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), and Parvarish (1977). This wonderful song is an example of the perfect partnership between the two leading men of the time, and their charmingly contrasting personalities.

'Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost' – Aap Ki Khatir (1977)

If you are a Mumbaikar, chances are you have had this song sung to you by your country cousins. While the film did not make a mark on fans or audiences, the song remains a cult hit, and ever hummable. Naturally, it had to feature Vinod Khanna, a true-blue Bombay boy.

'Chahiye Thoda Pyaar' – Lahu Ke Do Rang (1979)

Bappi Lahiri, Kishore Kumar and a very chirpy and exuberant Vinod Khanna make up this fantastic rock-and-roll number from the Mahesh Bhatt film. Not many people will remember the film, but the song continues to score high on radio stations till today.

'Hum Tumhe Chahte Hain Aise' – Qurbani (1980)

One can hardly blame Zeenat Aman for falling in love when such a handsome hunk sings such a romantic number. Vinod Khanna joined close friend Feroz Khan's home production Qurbani and the film went on to become one of the biggest musical hits of the year.

'Lagi Aaj Sawan' – Chandni (1989)

In the absence of Sanjeev Kumar, Vinod Khanna brought a certain elegant gravitas and purpose to mature characters in Hindi cinema. Yash Chopra's Chandni is the perfect example of this. Against the irresistible charm of Sridevi, Khanna's dignified presence makes him even more attractive.

'Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye' – Jurm (1990)

There are few songs as soothing as this wonderful composition by Rajesh Roshan. The sense of calm conveyed through Kumar Sanu's voice is only amplified by the presence of Vinod Khanna — elegant, dignified and calm.