10 classic tracks written by lyricist Indivar

Shyamlal Babu Rai, better known as Indivar, was amongst the pioneers of Hindi film music. Indivar penned many a great lyrics, forming a great combination with legendary music composer Roshan. Indivar’s career spanned over five decades. The first half of his career saw him write mostly soft slow numbers, but towards the latter half of his career, he adapted to contemporary music, penning a few disco tracks too. On his 20th death anniversary today (27 February), we take a look at some of his classic songs.

1. Bade Armanon Se Rakha Hai — Malhar (1951)

Still early in his career, Indivar penned what probably is his finest and one of the best romantic songs ever written. ‘Bade armanon se likha hai balam teri kasam, pyar ki duniya main hai pehla kadam’. The golden words, crooned by Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar, were perhaps the first step in love. This track was from the Shammi and Arjun-starrer Malhar. 

2. Mujhe Dekh Chand Sharmaye — Samrat Chandragupta (1958)

Self-glorification was deemed immoral in those days, but if done lyrically, who wouldn’t blush? Krishna Kumari’s million watt smile made her the perfect fit for this song. Lata Mangeshkar doled out another timeless track.

3. O Re Taal Mile — Anokhi Raat (1968)

Sanjeev Kumar and Zaheeda Hussain’s Anokhi Raat depicted events on a particular night. And this night produced five melodious tracks, all penned by Indivar. 'O Re Taal Mile' is the finest among these, yet another gem from Mukesh.   

4. Meri Beri Ke Ber Mat Todo — Anokhi Raat (1968)

Who would have thought that this juicy track featuring Aruna Irani would go on to become a rage in pop culture? ‘Meri Beri Ke Ber Mat Todo’ was another endearing track from Anokhi Raat. 

5. Pal Bhar Ke Liye Hume Koi Pyaar Kar Le — Johny Mera Naam (1969)

Love me for a moment, even if it’s fake... Johnny (Dev Anand) pleaded Rekha (Hema Malini) to love him just for a moment. Johnny’s plea was a huge hit, more so because it was made in the voice of Kishore Kumar.  

6. Yeh Mera Dil — Don (1978)

Having begun his career with largely slow numbers, Indivar penned 'Yeh Mera Dil 'from Don, a pop track that would be revered for many years after. Shah Rukh Khan’s remake of the original film, Don (2006), had recreated the classic track, but it could never beat the original. Sunidhi Chauhan was good, but there can only be one Asha Bhosle.

7. Laila Main Laila — Qurbani (1980)

Qurbani introduced the audience to the Pakistani pop sensation Nazia Hassan. 'Aap Jaisa Koi' was a rage and the music triggered a disco wave in Indian cinema. Qurbani also unearthed another young talent, Kanchan, who was the voice of Laila (Zeenat Aman) in the 'Laila Main Laila' song. Thirty-six years later, the track would be recreated in Shah Rukh's Raees with Sunny Leone emerging as the new Laila. New or old, both the Lailas will have to thank Indivar for penning this glorious track.

8. Honthon Se Choo Lo Tum — Prem Geet (1981)

In a first, Indivar penned a few ghazals in the 1981 film Prem Geet. The film helped popularised ghazal music with Jagjit Singh emerging as the new ghazal king. 'Honthon Se Choo Lo Tum' was a fine love song.  

9. Dushman Na Kare Dost Ne — Aakhir Kyon? (1985)

10. Har Kisi Ko Nahi Milta — Janbaaz (1986)

Indivar was a master when it came to penning emotional romantic numbers. With Janbaaz, his lyrics were echoed through contemporary music. The two versions brought both Sadhana Sargam and Manhar Udhas into prominence.