Shammi Kapoor: Recalling his best songs ever

Legendary actor, Shammi Kapoor had a unique manner of dancing and his steps are iconic. Here’s taking a look at some of the songs that have been immortalised with his signature steps.

Yahoo

This iconic song was pictured on Shammi Kapoor and Saira Banu. It is from the film, Junglee. True to the name of the film, this song earned Shammi Kapoor the Yahoo Man title. Composed by Shankar Jaikishen and sung by Mohammed Rafi, this number remains one of the most popular numbers in the history of Hindi film music.

- Swarupa Tantravahi

Yeh chaand sa roshan chehra

This Mohammed Rafi song from the 1964 Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore-starrer, Kashmir Ki Kali, was shot on a houseboat on the Dal Lake in Kashmir. Shammi Kapoor’s antics in the song made up for the lack of choreography. The manner in which he had plunged into the water with the last mad bout of clapping, was something that only he could have pulled off. Director Shakti Samantha’s son, Ashim, who was all of 10 at the time of shooting this film recalls that while Sharmila used to rehearse for the song for hours on end, Shammi wasn't a part of the rehearsals. Ashim says that he was a natural dancer and could shimmy through any song with elan.

Aaja aaja mai hun pyaar tera

This song was composed by RD Burman and sung by Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle. Picturised on Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh the song featured in the film, Teesri Manzil. Shammi Kapoor is his usual carefree self in the song. He sheds all his inhibitions and seems to dance for the joy of it.

Aaj kal tere mere pyaar ke charche

Sung by Suman Kalyanpur and Mohammed Rafi, this song from the 1968 flick, Brahmachari, was picturised on Shammi Kapoor, Mumtaz and Pran. Shankar-Jaikishen had won the Best Music Director Award for the music of this film. Shammi Kapoor with his trademark shimmi step and Mumtaz in a bright orange saree enthralled the audience.

Baar baar dekho

Baar baar dekho, hazar baar dekho… from the 1962 movie, China Town, was such a popular song that its renditions are still used in commercials and ad jingles. While Ravi provided the music, the lyrics were by Majrooh Sultanpuri and the song was sung by Mohammed Rafi. However, the other songs in the film could not connect with the audience. This black-and-white song has been picturised on Shammi Kapoor and the film’s leading lady, Shakila.

Badan pe sitare

This song from the 1969 movie, Prince, stars Shammi Kapoor and Vyajayanthimala in the lead. With Vyajayanthimala donning a red sparkling saree, the lyrics, Badan pe sitare lapete hue was Shammi’s cue to croon, Zara paas aao toh chain aa jaaye.

Oh haseena zulfon wali

This song, from the film, Teesri Manzil, crooned by Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle, became a raging hit with the party circuit. Picturised on Shammi Kapoor, Asha Parekh and Helen, the song was the party song of the year and has continued to be one of the must-haves in any party album. Along with Shammi’s peppy dance, this song also had Helen gyrating to the peppy beats.

Dil deke dekho

This title song from the 1959 film, Dil Deke Dekho, was sung by Mohammed Rafi. It is a light-hearted song. In this fun number, Shammi Kapoor dances to the spirited beats in his own unique style.

Dil tera deewana hai sanam

The film, Dil Tera Deewana starred Shammi Kapoor and Mala Sinha. This song shows the lead pair singing and dancing in the rain. Sung by Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, Dil tera deewana has been composed by Shankar Jaikishan. The song is very catchy and is one of the best rain songs ever.

Ehsaan tera hoga mujh par

With this song, Shammi Kapoor tries to convince Saira Banu of his true love for her, in the film, Junglee. The song is sung by Mohammed Rafi and the music has been composed by Shankar Jaikishan.