Remembering India’s original superstar Rajesh Khanna on his birth anniversary; His 5 iconic evergreen songs that forever changed Hindi Cinema!

 ‘Rajesh Khanna’: On the occasion of ‘s birth anniversary we look back at the signature songs of Rajesh Khanna aka ‘Kaka’ as he was lovingly called.

Songs like ‘Gulaabi Aakhen’ from the movie Train are still a regular feature amongst even youngsters doing guitar cover versions of this retro favourite song.

His famous dialogue “Pushpa I hate tears.”, is used in pop culture and now even in memes on a regular basis.

During the peak of his stardom, from 1969 to 1975, Every film he did was a guaranteed success.

His fandom was hysterical. People kissed the tyres of his cars and even sent letters written in blood.His unique mannerisms like his hand gestures and flick of hair was adored by the masses.

He had all kinds of songs picturised on him like romantic, sad, situational and even happy ones.

Here’s looking at some of the most amazing songs of Rajesh Khanna with some top leading ladies of the era.

*Mere Sapno ki Rani

Film: Aradhana (1969)

Composer: R.D. Burman

Co-star: Sharmila Tagore

Burman created such a melodious tune which matched the tempo of a moving train. This has got to be one of the most exciting romantic songs where the heart is beating to the music like a moving train. Interestingly the scenes of Rajesh Khanna-Sujit Kumar were shot in Darjeeling while Sharmila Tagore scenes were shot in a replica bogey at Natraj Studio.

*Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana

Film: Andaz

Composer: Shankar-Jaikishan

Lyrics:Hasrat Jaipuri

Co-star: Hema Malini

Rajesh Khanna had a cameo in this film and still managed to have an absolute classic song picturised on himself while riding a bike with Hema Malini. The song is upbeat yet speaks about the unpredictable nature of life. Rajesh Khanna was famous for playing both the romantic hero as well as the martyr. In his small role here as Hema Malini’s romantic  husband who loses his life he got to do both. The yodelling by Kishore Kumar here makes it an evergreen song.This was Jaikishan’s last song before he breathed his last.

*Hum Dono Do Premi

Film: Ajnabee (1974)

Composer: R.D. Burman

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Co-star: Zeenat Aman

Long before Shahrukh Khan and Malaika Arora got atop a train to shoot ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’, Zeenat Aman and Rajeah Khanna had done it way back in 1974 for the film Ajnabee.

The song has been beautifully picturised on top of a goods train. The song is picturised on Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat Aman who is dressed in a Saree. The lyrics are situational “Hum Dono Do Premi Duniya Chhod Chale” as they have both eloped in this song.

R.D. Burman beautifully uses the sounds of the whistle of a steam train engine and the moving train in the composition making it an absolute delight. The film also had other  hit songs like ‘Ek Ajnabee Haseena Se’ and ‘Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein’.

Jai Jai Shiv Shankar

Movie : 1974

Composer: R.D. Burman

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

This song is a fun song where in the film the pair is intoxicated and playful and are fancy free and having a good time in the open.

A fun playful song for all times about love and life. The song also featured Mumtaz with whombRajesh Khanna gave many hits during the Khanna stardom wave.

Gulabi Aankhen

Movie : The Train (1970)

Composer: R.D. Burman

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

The song is a racy song sung by Rafi in his typical sultry style. Rajesh Khanna Aka Kaka does a lot of jumping around, reminiscent of Shammi Kapoor. The song itself is upbeat with great tempo and shot with Nanda and Khanna roaming around trees. The film is a thriller romance and the song follows that feeling.The song is still relevant and till date even generation Z is making cover covers of the same.

Rajesh Khanna has been immortalised in these lovable songs and iconic films.

Let us know which are your Rajesh Khanna favourite songs in the comments section.

 Also Read: Celebration Pics Of Twinkle Khanna With Daughter Nitara, Son Aarav And Akshay Kumar

Here’s wishing ‘Kaka’ a very Happy Birthday wherever you , may you keep living it up!