The Veteran Gulzar saab needs no introduction, being one of the most renowned lyricists in the Hindi film industry, who has woven magic with his lyrics! And with movies like Omkara, Haider and Maqbool in his repertoire, Vishal Bharadwaj has captured nuances of every craft from screen-writing, directing to music composition!
So when two such extraordinary forces meet in creative collaboration, the result is always phenomenal. As Gulzar saab has been quoted saying – He sees “an extension” of himself in Bharadwaj, and it’s like “a father-son relationship.”
Let’s take a look at 5 underrated songs by this powerful duo!
1) Tum Gaye (Maachis)
The movie ‘Maachis‘ marked the beginning of the legendary collaboration between Vishal Bharadwaj and Gulzar saab! While ‘Chappa Chappa Charkha Chale’ was the biggest hit in the soundtrack, the beautiful composition of ‘Tum Gaye’ was somewhat overlooked. It had two alternate versions – one by Lata Mangeshkar and one by Hariharan.
Tum gaye sab gaya
Tum gaye sab gaya
Koi apni hi mitti tale dab gaya
Tum gaye sab gaya
2) Naina Thag Lenge (Omkara)
When I say ‘Omkara‘ – your mind immediately jumps to Bipasha’s fiery moves on ‘Beedi Jalai Le‘ and her seductive dance in ‘Namak Ishq ka’! But Omkara’s underrated gem in the soundtrack was ‘Naina Thag Lenge‘. Directed by Vishal and soulfully crooned by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, it is Gulzar’s hypnotic and charismatic lyrics that come together to weave magic!
Bhala manda dekhe na paraya na saga re
Naino ko toh dasne ka chaska laga re
Naino ka zehar nashila re
3) Pehli Baar Mohabbat Ki Hai (Kaminey)
When I say ‘Kaminey’ you yell ‘Dhan Te Nan’ with full gusto! Of course, Dhan Te Nan was all the rage with the youth back then with its head-bobbing potential, but the film also had the mesmerizing ‘Pehli Baar Mohabbat Ki Hai’ sung by Mohit Chauhan – dripping with sweet, sensual lyrics by Gulzar saab and music direction by Vishal Bharadwaj!
Aankhein doobi doobi si surmayee madham,
Jheelen paani paani hai bass tum aur hum
Hmmm baat badi hairat ki hai,
Pehli baar mohabbat ki hai,
Aakhri baar mohabbat ki hai
4) Kaali Kaali Aankhon Ka (Ek Thi Daayan)
Vishal and Gulzar had also collaborated for Ek Thi Daayan’s soundtrack. Sung by Clinton Cerejo, ‘Kaali Kaali Aankhon Ka‘ was a masterpiece for the seductive yet sinister aura it emanated. Gulzar saab’s lyrics were totally fitting and be‘witch’ing!
Kaali kaali aankhon ka
Kaala kaala jaadu hai
Aaj bhi junooni si
Jo ek aarzoo hai
5) Khul Kabhi (Haider)
At the 62nd National Film Awards, Vishal received both Best Music Direction and Best Screenplay for Haider! While the song Bismil was a hit for its evocative lyrics and choreography, Khul Kabhi by the powerful Vishal-Gulzar duo could leave one in an enchanted trance with its hauntingly beautiful atmosphere!
Lab tere yun khule jaise harf thhe
Honth par yun ghule jaise barf thhe
Tu hi tu hai, main kahin nahi
