Mukesh – often referred to as the ‘Voice of the Millennium’ or even ‘King of Tragedy’ had a distinct ability to to bring out the most devastating meanings from a song,
Starting from his early work in the 1940’s – when his singing style resembled that of his vocal idol – K.L. Saigal, to his ‘vocal renovation’ under the guidance of music composer Naushaad, Mukesh eventually got to be known as the ‘voice of Raj Kapoor’ – singing countless classics for his trademark characters.
With songs that usually served as a commentary to society, politics or life in general, Mukesh’s piercing deep tone and his ability to caress each word with emotions, made him an icon over time.
From the profound sense of sadness in his songs like ‘Jab Dil Hi Toot Gaya’, to a sense of vulnerability in the classic ‘Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaaye’ – Mukesh was on one of the most versatile voices of the 20th century.
Counting down ten of his biggest classics, from his illustrious catalogue, here are the late legend’s 10 best songs:
1) KAHIN DOOR JAB DIN DHAL JAYE
From the film – Anand
Released in the year 1971
2) KISI KI MUSKURAAHATO PE HO NISAAR
From the film – Anari
Released in the year 1959
3) KOI JAB TUMHARA HRIDAYA TOD DE
From the film – Purab Aur Paschim
Released in the year 1970
4) SAJAN RE JHOOT MAT BOLO
From the film – Teesri Kasam
Released in the year 1966
5) DUNIYA BANAANEWALE
From the film – Teesri Kasam
Released in the year 1966
6) SAWAN KA MAHINA
From the film – Milan
Released in the year 1967
7) JAANE KAHAN GAYE WOH DIN
From the film – Mera Naam Joker
Released in the year 1970
8) YEH MERA DEEWANAPAN HAI
From the film – Yahudi
Released in the year 1958
9) Zinda Hoon Is Tarah
From the film – Aag
Released in the year 1948
10) DOST DOST NA RAHA
From the film – Sangam
Released in the year 1964
While it was quite a hurricane task to select just 10 out of an innumerable list of recordings from this icon of Hindi film music, but it is safe to assume that these selections stand the tallest in the landscape of this pioneer’s legacy.
A few honourable mentions also go to songs like:
JEENA YAHAN MARNA YAHAN
AWAARA HOON
MERA JUTA HAI JAPAANI
DIL JALTA HAI TOH JALNE DE
KAI BAAR YUHI DEKHA HAI