Guwahati: Shammi Kapoor is one of the most loved, entertaining, and popular actor of Bollywood. He charmed his fans with his energetic dance moves, good looks and impeccable performances.
Often called the Elvis Presley of India and, at other times, dubbed stylish playboy of Hindi films, Shammi’s currency has actually grown with every passing day.
Shammi never fell into any strict category of acting — unconventional and unpredictable — it is famously said of him that he never needed a choreographer and reportedly would think of (and execute) his steps himself. Much before Jeetendra would make his entry into films, Shammi was dubbed the dancing star of Bollywood.
Shammi formed a winning combination with two directors — Nasir Hussain (actor Aamir Khan’s famous uncle) and Shakti Samanta. With Nasir, he gave hits like Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957), Dil Deke Dekho (1959) and Teesri Manzil (1966) and with Shakti, he delivered hits like China Town (1962), An Evening In Paris (1967), Kashmir Ki Kali (1964).
No mention of Shammi’s legacy is complete without a mention of his hit combination with singer Mohammad Rafi. Composers like OP Nayyar and Shankar Jaikishan composed most of their memorable hits.
Tune into a late-night FM channel and chances are you will hear a Yaa-hooo, Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe’ reaching out to you.
On his 89th birthday, here’s a look at some of the evergreen songs.
1. Akele Akele Kahan Ja Rahe Ho
One of the most iconic movies of the 60s An Evening in Paris has this song. It features Shammi Kapoor as he follows Sharmila Tagore singing the song. It was sung by legendary singer Mohammad Rafi and shows the beautiful mountains.
2. Dil Deke Dekho Dil Deke Dekho
It is the title track from the film Dil Deke Dekho. The black and white movie stars Shammi Kapoor, Asha Parekh, Sulochana Latkar and Raj Mehra. The movie has ten songs and the male voice for all of them was Mohammed Rafi. Directed by Nasir Hussain, it was a romantic comedy film.
3. Ehsan Tera Hoga Mujh Par
Junglee starring Shammi Kapoor, Saira Banu and Shashikala has this song. The soothing romantic song is sung by Mohammed Rafi and lyrics were written by Hasraj Jaipuri. Shammi was seen convincing his love for Saira as she tries to avoid him in the song.
4. O Mere Sona Re Sona Re
Sung by Asha Bhosle and Mohammad Rafi, it is from the film Teesri Manzil. The song features Asha Parekh, who tries to win over Shammi as he is angry. R.D. Burman composed it. Apart from O Mere Sona Re Sona Re, the movie also has other iconic songs such as O Haseena Zulfonwali Jaane Jahan and Aaja Aaja Mein Hoon Pyar Tera.
5. Tumse Achha Kaun Hai
Janwar starring Shammi Kapoor, Rajendernath, Rajshree and Asit Sen with others has this song. Shammi attempts to woo Rajshree in the song as she is with her friends. It is said to be shoot at Ladakh. The song is sung by Mohammed Rafi and music was by Shankar Jaikishan.
6. Badan pe Sitaare
The song was sung by Mohammed Rafi. The track had some notable dance moves from the yesteryear actor. The song was from the Shammi Kapoor cult film, Prince. Badan Pe Sitare had instantly managed to strike a chord with the masses due to its upbeat music and catchy lyrics. But it was Shammi Kapoor’s unstoppable energy which added to the beauty of this track.
7. O Haseena Zulfo Wali
Shammi Kapoor had immortalised this dance number with his infectious energy and sizzling dance moves. The song saw him shake a leg with yesteryear actor Asha Parekh. The song was from the film Teesri Manzil. Many iconic dance numbers came after this song but none of them matched the peppy and groovy vibe of this evergreen song.
8.Yaahooo… Yaahoo, Chahe Koi Mujhe Koi Junglee Kahe
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.
9. Aaja Aaja Mein Hoon Pyar 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.
10. Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche
Everything in the song, from the music to the lyrics to Mumtaz’s saree and Shammi Kapoor’s steps made history. The song is a classic peppy love song from the movie Brahmachari
