Mammoth Of An Actor – Sanjeev Kumar

By Aditi Thakur | July 9, 2020

Sanjeev Kumar needs no introduction for Hindi movie buffs, but for the newer generation lets us have a little insight into his vast life that he lived as an actor. Born as Harihar Jariwala he was fondly referred to as Haribhai. He got under the skin of each of his characters and he was known to live those characters and not just performed. One of the finest actors that the industry had produced he was known for his versatility, range of emotions and the intensity with which he performed.

Despite having blessed with handsome looks he never aimed for the role of only the “”Hero””, but always gave importance to the script and character; whether it was the leading man, a character artist or a cameo. Such was his hunger for the performing arts! This was quite evident from the fact that he played the role of the leading man opposite Jaya Bhaduri in Anamika and played the same actress’ Father-in-Law in Sholay and her father in Parichay; all the roles played with equal ease. And I think this is what makes the actor timeless.

There was no genre that this fine actor had not dabbled with. He played nine roles in the film ‘Naya Din Nayi Raat’ which was a remake of the 1964 Tamil film Navarathri, that represents the nine rasas (love, joy, disgust, fury, compassion, heroism, horror, astonishment and compassion). No wonder he had many acclaimed award in his kitty including two National Awards for his performances in the movies Dastak (1970) and Koshish (1972).

No matter how hard we try we will always fall short of words to describe this actor and talk about his acting skills so you can imagine how difficult it was to choose 12 songs to showcase his craft. We are sure that you all have your own favorites. Feel free to add your favorite songs in the comment section.

1. Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi – Aandhi (1975)

This song from the political thriller Aandhi leaves the listener in awe. This magical duet by Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar is a masterpiece written by Gulzar and composed by Rahul Dev Burman. This song is a classical hit and could be considered one of the biggest hits of not only the singers but also the writer and music director. The feeling of regret , pain from separation in both’s minds has been perfectly written and communicated with this song. The video features Sanjeev Kumar and Suchitra Sen. Again we see Sanjeev Kumar playing different age groups in this film.

2. Meri Bheegi Bheegi Si – Anamika (1973)

Sanjeev Kumar plays the role of a famous writer and a misogynist Devendra Dutt n this romantic suspense film. Meri Bheegi Bheegi Si became an instant hit and remains one of the biggest classical hits of all time in Indian Cinema. Sung by Kishore Kumar. the fabulous tune is composed by Rahul Dev Burman and written by Majrooh Sultanpuri.The song features Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri.

3. Hawa Ke Saath Saath – Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)

One of the super hits of the 70’s featuring Sanjeev Kumar and Hema Malini this song went on to become one of the most popular songs of all time. Hawa Ke Saath Saath is a hindi song from the 1972 movie Seeta Aur Geeta. Sung by Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar the song is sung by Rahul Dev Burman and written by Anand Bakshi.

4. Chandni Re Jhoom – Nauker (1979)

Chandni Re Jhoom is a hindi song from the 1979 movie Nauker. Sanjeev Kumar played the role of Amar, a widower who lives with his daughter and a servant. The song is sung by Kishore Kumar.and composed by Rahul Dev Burman. The lyrics is written by Majrooh Sultanpuri. The video features Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri in yet another movie of high level performance.

5. Aya Re Khilone Wala – Bachpan (1970)

Aya Re Khilone Wala is a hindi song from the 1970 movie Bachpan. Sanjeev Kumar plays the role of a widower and a storyteller who has lost his wife and children in an accident. Needless to say the conviction with which he performed this character of Kashi. Sung by Mohammed Rafi and composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal, the lyricis are written by Anand Bakshi. The movie feature Tanuja along side Sanjeev Kumar.

6. Dil Dhoondta Hai – Mausam (1975)

Sanjeev Kumar plays the role of a doctor, Dr. Amarnath Gill in this dramatic love story directed by Gulzar. Dil Dhoondta Hai is a superhit hindi song from the 1975 movie Mausam. The song is a duet by Bhupinder Singh and Lata Mangeshkar. The beautiful tune is composed by Madan Mohan Kohli and Salil Chowdhury. The song is written by Gulzar and features Sanjeev Kumar and Sharmila Tagore.

7. Raah Pe Rahte Hai – Namkeen (1982)

This is one of the best performances by Sanjeev Kumar. He convincingly and effortlessly portrays the role of Gerulal, a truck driver who starts living as a tenant in a house of three unmarried sisters and their old mother. This is yet another great movie filled with brilliant performances by every actor on a sensitive subject. Raah Pe Rahte Hai is sung by Kishore Kumar and composed by Rahul Dev Burman while the lyrics are penned by the filmmaker himself.

8. Beeti Na Bitai Raina – Parichay (1972)

Sanjeev Kumar plays the role of Nilesh, a stubborn music enthusiast who leaves his father to pursue music professionally against his wishes. The film has many great performances by legendary actors including Pran and Jaya Bhaduri. This is one of those performances where Sanjeev Kumar convincingly plays Jaya Bhaduri’s father. The movie is one of the best collaborations of Gulzar and Sanjeev Kumar. ay. Beeti Na Bitai Raina is sung by Bhupinder Singh and Lata Mangeshkar, composed by Rahul Dev Burman and written by Gulzar.

9. Khilona Jaan Kar Tum To – Khilona (1970)

Sanjeev Kumar plays the role of a wealthy man’s son who loses his mnd and memory due to a shocking incident in his personal life.
Khilona Jaan Kar Tum To is a hindi song from the 1970 movie Khilona. The song is very popular till date and is sung by Mohammed Rafi. The song is composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal and written by Anand Bakshi.

10. Dulhan Se Tumhara Milan – Anokhi Raat (1968)

Dulhan Se Tumhara Milan is a hindi song from the 1968 movie Anokhi Raat. The film has an unusual story line where few strangers share their life stories on through the night. The character of Baldev Singh was beautifully enacted by Sanjeev Kumar. The song is
sung by Mukesh and composed by Roshanlal Nagrath. The lyrics are penned by Indeevar.

11. Log Kahte Hai Main Ek Fankar Hu – Daasi (1981)

Sung by Bhupinder Singh the song is written and composed by Ravindra Jain. The film is a romantic drama featurng Rekha and Rakesh Roshan alongside Sanjeev Kumar who plays the character of Anand.

12. Tumhari Zulf Ke Saaye Mein – Naunihal (1967)

Tumhari Zulf Ke Saaye Mein is a hindi song from the 1967 movie Naunihal. The song is sung by Mohammed Rafi and composed by Madan Mohan Kohli. Kaifi Azmi penned the lyrics for the song. The song features Indrani Mukherjee along side Sanjeev Kumar.