9 Randhir Kapoor songs to remember: Birthday special

Randhir Kapoor was mostly cast as a fun loving, mischievous leading man or as a supporting actor in most of his films, including Jawani Diwani (1972), Raampur Ka Lakshman (1972), Haath Ki Safai (1974) and many others. Most of the songs in his films too tended to be either romantic or dance numbers.

After the initial success, Kapoor’s films didn’t quite click with the audience. The actor may have not have gone on to reach the heights of popularity that many of his fellow Kapoor-family members have, but he was quite lucky when it came to being featured in some beautiful compositions, especially right at the beginning of his career. 

On his 71st birthday (he was born on 15 February 1947), here are 9 songs of the actor that continue to be remembered and loved. 

1) 'Jaane Ja Dhoondta Phir Raha' – Jawani Diwani (1972)

The entire album of Jawani Diwani, composed by RD Burman, is delightful, but 'Jaane Ja Dhoondta Phir Raha' has been remembered over years as one of the most loved songs from the film. Featuring Kapoor and Jaya Bachchan, the intense composition speaks of the longing of a young couple.

2) 'Gum Hai Kisi Ke Pyar Mein' – Raampur Ka Lakshman (1972)

Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar light up this romantic song featuring Rekha and Kapoor. Majrooh Sultanpuri wrote some simple but meaningful lyrics to this lilting melody by RD Burman.

3) 'Bhanwre Ki Gunjan' – Kal Aaj Aur Kal (1971)

Shankar-Jaikishan’s easy on the ears composition, coupled with Kishore Kumar’s smooth rendition made this song, picturised on a young couple dancing and professing love in a party, a good romantic song.

Kapoor, who made his debut with the film, is seen romancing his future wife Babita, and their chemistry is quite sweet in this one. The two fell in love on the sets of this film and got married on 6 November 1971. 

4) 'Samne Yeh Kaun Aaya' - Jawani Diwani (1972)

This song was reintroduced to an entirely new generation when it was remixed in the early 1990s.

A party song of its time once again became a must on the playlist of the DJs. RD Burman's soundtrack for Jawani Diwani was one of the biggest reasons for the films success. Even the other tracks, including 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' and 'Agar Saaz Chheda Tarane Banenge' were big hits.

The upbeat 'Samne Yeh Kaun Aya' was perfectly dance-worthy though.

.5) 'Peene Wale Ko Peene Ka Bahana' - Haath Ki Safai (1974)

Randhir Kapoor’s comic take on Devdas on stage, coupled with Kishore Kumar’s naughty singing, interspersed with a worried-looking Hema Malini's lines, made this Kalyanji-Anandji composition super fun to watch and listen to. It also became an anthem for those who enjoy their drinks!

6) 'Hai Re Hai Tera Ghunghta' – Dhongee (1979)

The song begins after almost one and a half minute of instrumental dance music. A drugged Kapoor imagines the dancer to be his love interest in the film, Neetu Singh. It was a rare occasion when Singh is featured in an item number of sorts. The film sank, but this upbeat dance song stayed on. 

7) 'Mile Jo Kadi Kadi Ek Zanjeer Bane' – Kasme Vaade (1978)

The song features Amitabh Bachchan, Rakhee, Neetu Singh and Randhir Kapoor. It was the coveted combination of Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle that makes this simple composition by RD Burman a little more special. 

8) 'Gori Ho Kaali Ho Yaa Nakhrewali Ho' – Biwi-O-Biwi (1981)

Neither was this the best album by RD Burman nor was Biwi-O-Biwi a great movie, but this song portraying the desperation of Kapoor’s character to find a bride, is still fun to listen.

9) 'Shishi Bhari Gulab Ki' – Jeet (1972)

Laxmikant-Pyarelal compose an intense song, sung by Lata Mangeshkar. The song focuses on Babita’s dancing and her expression of love. While the acting isn't great and the dancing is decent, it is the energy of the composition and Anand Bakshi's lyrics that make this a good song.