The man behind these amazing songs

Lyricist Yogesh, who worked across generations with everyone from Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna to Amol Palekar and Shah Rukh Khan, passed away on May 29. He was 77.

With over 50 films to his credit -- from 1971's Anand to 2018's Angrezi Mein Kehte Hai -- Yogeshji enjoyed a long innings though he did slow down in the mid-90s.

The list of his songs is long, and choosing the top ten is a task. Joginder Tuteja makes an attempt here:

 

Kahin Door Jab, Anand
Singer: Mukesh

Anand became popular not just due to the crackling performances by Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan and its sensitive narrative, but also because of the manner in which its songs were written, composed, sung and placed in the film.

Kahin Door Jab remains popular almost 50 years after the film was released.

 

Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli, Anand
Singer: Manna Dey

Yogesh's first major film Anand had several gems.

Other than Kahin Door Jab, another song that has terrific recall value is Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli.

If the lyrics were a sheer gem, the manner in which Manna Dey rendered it was priceless.

 

Rajnigandha Phool Tumhaare, Rajnigandha
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Picturised on Vidya Sinha, the title song of Rajnigandha was as simple as it gets.

In fact, the strength of Yogesh's songs lay in their simplicity.

The 1970s was the time when newer ways of expressing love were being discovered, and Yogesh made his contribution to that as well.

 

Badi Sooni Sooni Hai, Mili
Singer: Kishore Kumar

Yogesh formed a bond with Amitabh Bachchan and wrote several chartbusters for the actor.

One such song was Badi Sooni Sooni Hai, which had such beautiful words to explain the singer's pain.

Kishore Kumar made it even more special.

 

Aaye Tum Yaad Mujhe, Mili
Singer: Kishore Kumar

Another song that brought on emotions of sadness and loneliness was Aaye Tum Yaad Mujhe.

It was to the credit of the entire musical team, and of course, Yogesh, that listeners got to experience different flavors through these two songs in Mili.

 

Na Jaane Kyon Hota Hai Yeh Zindagi Ke Saath, Chhoti Si Baat
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Another philosophical take on life by Yogesh.

He seemed to have a certain affection attached to the word 'zindagi' and that is visible in songs like Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli Badi Sooni Sooni Hai, Na Jaane Kyon Hota Hai Yeh Zindagi Ke Saath and others.

Suniye Kahiye, Baaton Baaton Mein
Singers: Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar

For Baaton Baaton Mein, Yogesh wrote a love song for a young couple played by Amol Palekar and Tina Munim.

It was all about falling in love 'baaton baaton mein.' Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar made sure that the sweet sound of falling in love was conveyed in a simple manner though Suniye Kahiye.

 

Rim Jhim Gire Saawan, Manzil
Singer: Kishore Kumar

Rim Jhim Gire Saawan makes its presence felt at jam sessions as well as bonfire outings.

The song had everything from passion to desire coming together, and Kishore Kumar made sure that even decades down the line, the film Manzil is remembered.

 

Jab Bhi Koi Kanganaa Bole Paayal Chhanak Jaaye, Shaukeen
Singer: Kishore Kumar

Picturised on Ashok Kumar and A K Hangal in the 1982 film where Mithun Chakraborty played the hero.

A song about living life to the fullest and romance having no age, Yogesh's lyrics made sure nothing was out of place.

 

Tera Naam Lene Ki Chahat, Yeh Lamhe Judaai Ke
Singers: Sadhana Sargam, Kumar Sanu

Back in the 1990s, when Shah Rukh Khan had just started working in films, he had signed a film called Yeh Lamhe Judaai Ke.

One of the songs in it got very popular, Tera Naam Lene Ki Chahat.

Unfortunately, the film was delayed and the song was pushed forward to 2004.