Songs of Raja-Rani

tn_Raja-RaniWe all love historical films of Raja-Rani, even though their story does not have much to do with reality or history, except that they pertain to well-known historical figures set in a defined period in history. These films showed the grandeur of the palace and the royals’ life style. Sohrab Modi acquired larger than life image for his great historical films like ‘Pukar’ (1939) and ‘Sikandar’ (1941). You can relate to them because they were about well-known legends associated with them. The former about Jahangir’s sense of justice in which he is willing to submit himself to the same punishment as would have been given to a commoner, and the latter about the famous legend of King Porus holding his head high even in defeat – when asked by Alexander how he should be treated, Porus replied, “Just like a king treats another king”. We also feel happy to be a vicarious witness to an important fixed point in history – 326 B. C. which I consider the beginning of our formal historiography.

The same applies to the Mughals in Bollywood on whom D P Rangan has written an excellent article. There are legends galore about them and their royal ladies – a goldmine for Bollywood. These movies’ slender connection to history is that the principal characters are from known history. We can’t say the same for the stories – these may be well-known folklore, but not necessarily historical facts.

I am most troubled by the other Raja-Rani films, and there must be dozens of them. We have been an independent country for 73 years and a republic for 71 years, therefore, when I watch a film like Aan (1952) I am curious which period or location it belongs to. Rajkumar (1964) was a Raja-Rani film. and there was a Rani Sahiba as late as in 1980 in Karz. We know there were about 550 princely states, but surely there were famous ones like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Gwalior, Baroda, Patiala, Rampur, Hyderabad, Awadh which played an important role in history. I gave up because there were so many Raja-Rani films of indeterminate place and time, and the experts I knew were as clueless as I was.

But I am delighted by Raja-Rani songs of ‘O mere Raja, O meri Rani, khafa na hona’ type. Raja-Rani are not kings or queens, these are colloquial endearing terms to address one’s lover or beloved. Raja has another very specific usage – in a raunchy folk song-dance performance the singer, who may be a transgender, would often address an inebriated person ‘Ae Raja’ suggestively to make him shower some currency notes on her. The courtesan would often address a rich patron, or a lover, ‘Raja’, which had nothing to do with a royal lineage, but simply a term of endearment – sometimes genuine, but often a part of her performance repertoire.

The Vintage Era was the heyday of Raja-Rani songs. One of the roaringly famous vintage songs one immediately recalls is, ‘More Raja ho le chal nadiya ke paar/ Mori rani ho tumhin mori pran aadhar. Raja-Rani were very socialist, egalitarian terms. In Patanga (1949), the traffic constable Yaqub was Raja, and Nigar Sultana, a street performer helping her father in earning their livelihood, was Rani. Since they were Raja and Rani, they naturally hit it off like a house on fire.

Raja-Rani songs are delightful because they are history-neutral and status-neutral. Let me present some of my favourites.

1. Humein bhool mat jaiyo Rajaji by Zohrabai Ambalewali and Aziz from Shahenshah Babar (1944), lyrics Pt Indra, music Khemchand Prakash

This has been a most fascinating discovery during my blogging years. The lady pleads her ‘Rajaji’ not to forget her, and warns him of all the enchantresses in different directions. You will never come across a more compliant ‘Rajaji’ who assures her that he is going only because of call of duty, his heart will remain with her. He even promises he would not go to panghat even when he is thirsty, he would quench his thirst by her memories.

2. Ab Raja bhaye more baalam wo din bhool gaye by Khursheed from Tansen (1943), lyrics DN Madhok, music Khemchand Prakash

(Tani) Khusrheed’s Tana (KL Saigal) has gone to Akbar’s court; for all practical purposes he has himself become a royal, and she sings a sad song for the lover who has become a ‘Raja’.

3. O bhangiyo ke raja mera nanha sa dil bahla ja by Ram Kamlani and Shamshad Begum from Doosri Shadi (1947), lyrics IC Kapoor, music Govind Ram

Full blast Punjabi School’s song with equally funky lyrics.

4. Kabhi yaad karke gali par kar ke chali ana hamaare anagana by Chitalkar and Binapani Mukherji from Safar (1946), lyrics Gopal Singh ‘Nepali’

I think there was something of a Raja – the ‘bindas’ lover – in the personality of C Ramchandra, if you go by information on him, or excerpts from his banned autobiography, available in public domain. And fittingly, he created at least two immortal Raja-Rani songs in the vintage era. Veteran SOY-ers would recall that at the invitation of her lover to cross the threshold of his courtyard, the lady unhesitatingly responds, Raja more man ke tori Rani ban ke chali aaun tumhare angana.

5. More Raja ho le chal nadiya ke paar by Rafi and Lalita Deulkar from nadiya Ke Paar (1948), lyrics Moti B.A., music C Ramchandra

This is the second everlasting song composed by C Ramchandra I was referring. This time the lady beckons her lover to ferry her across the river, and he is oozing intense love, Mori Rani ho, tumhin mori pran adhar.

6. Main akeli Raja aa ja sanwariya kaise baaje muraliya by Nirmala Devi from Geet (1944), music Naushad

The year 1944 has become synonymous with Rattan; it would be a surprise for many of us that he composed music for another film in the year. That was a period when Naushad was fishing around many singers before he would finally settle with Lata Mangeshkar in a big way, and perhaps Shamshad Begum to some degree. Nirmala Devi, a classical singer sings this courtesan-style song in a very impressive way, this is a song of lament that she cannot play her music in the absence of her ‘Raja’.

7. Muskurate ho kyun itaraate ho kyun abhi to pehli pehchan hai Raja by Geeta Dutt and AR Oza from Pehli Pechan (1947), lyrics Pt Indra Chandra, music Hansraj Behal

Here is a beautiful Raja-Rani song sung by Geeta Dutt and AR Oza, who sounds uncannily similar to Mukesh. I doubt that HFGK credit may be wrong and the singer might be Mukesh himself.

8. Nazar laagi Raja tore bangale par by Asha Bhosle from Kala Pani (1958), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri, music SD Burman

This is a proper courtesan song when the patrons went to her to be entertained, and some to forget their worries. For her they were all her ‘Rajas’ – to make them feel important for her.

9. Hamaar kaha mana Rajaji by Usha Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle from Dulhan Ek Raat Ki

Madan Mohan gives a makeover to the traditional bandish by composing it as a fast-paced dance duet, picturised on Helen and Laxmi Chhaya at a marriage function of Dharmendra and Nutan.

10. Hamar kahi mano Rajaji by Begum Akhtar

Music lovers will recall that Madan Mohan’s great favourite Begum Akhtar had sung this traditional dadra in her own inimitable style. Please note she says ‘kahi’ instead of ‘kaha’. and there is a pathos in her pleading with Rajaji. She also warns him of the dangers of going to distant lands. This is the same concern as in song #1, which was a duet. There the Rajaji was also at hand to assure her that he would take all due care. Begum Akhtar has no such comfort, as such the sadness in her voice is palpable.

11. Phulgendwa na maaro Raja, lagat karejawa mein chot by Jaddanbai (Bhairavi thumri)

We are familiar with this traditional Bhairavi thumri, thanks to Manna Dey’s version sung in a comic style, picturised on Agha in the film Dooj Ka Chaand (1964), composed by Roshan. The connoisseurs of classical music would have heard the legendary Rasoolan Bai’s signature piece. I came across this version by Jaddanbai which became roaringly popular in its time. We know her primarily as the mother of Nargis, and as one of the earliest female music directors of Hindi films – her Talash-e-Haq (1935) predating Saraswati Devi. For the record, now we know that they are both preceded by Bibbo (Ishrat Sultana/Jahan?) who gave music for Adal-e-Jahangir (1934). But I don’t want to digress to this trivia. You will notice a special feature of Jadanbai’s rendering – an emphasis on Raja, which adds pathos to the plaintive pleading repeated in many different ways, which is the hallmark of thumri singing. Even a heartless patron would stop and realise that he has to soothe her hurt ‘karejawa’. Which flippant Casanova can walk away from the आर्त्त पुकार – राजे निर्मोहिया दरदिया न जाने मोरा. After this thumri my esteem for Jaddanbai has gone several notches higher. The uploader has put a picture placing her along Siddheshwari Devi, Rasoolan Bai, Badi Moti Bai etc. I am not surprised, she got training from the legendary thumri singers Moujuddin Khan and Ustad Barkat Ali Khan (brother of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan).

Disclaimer and Acknowledgement

The video links of songs have been added only for the listening pleasure of the music lovers. This blog claims no copyright over these songs which rests with the respective owners such as Saregama etc.

150 comments…read them below or add one

  1. Arre Huzoor,

    Yes, we all like Raja Rani songs. At least by addressing ourselves and our loved ones like this we can feel Royal!

    Raja ki aayegi baaraat…AAH, 1953.

    Main ek Raja hoon, Tu ek Rani hai…UPHAAR, 1971.

    I thought these 2 will be definitely there in your list.

    Main ek chor, Tu meri Rani….RAJA RANI.

    Ye jawani, hai deewani
    Rukh jao Rani….JAWANI DEEWANI.

    Piya ka ghar hai ye, Rani hoon main..PIYA KA GHAR.

    We have many songs. Will keep coming back.
    We have a plenty of songs where children are addressed as Raja beta, Raj dulara, Bitiya Rani etc. Do these qualify , AK ji?
    example..
    Tujhe Sooraj kahoon ya Chanda..
    …
    Jag mein mera Raj dulara….
    EK PHOOL DO MALI.

  2. Baghon mein bahar aayee..
    …
    Aaja meri Rani..
    …
    Aaja mere Raja..
    MOM KI GUDIYA.

    And, of course,
    Mere sapno ki Rani kab aayegi tu..
    ARADHANA.

    Sapno ka Raja koi man mien..
    …
    Sapno ki Rani koi….
    CHALTE CHALTE.

  3. A wonderful Sunday post on an interesting theme.
    Most of the Raja-Rani songs are quite enjoyable.

    Hope these fit!!

    Darpan 1970 – LP- AB – Lata
    Ek gagan ka Raja ek chaman ki Rani

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A4n4QgCa6c

    Dildaar 1977 -LP- AB – KK, Asha
    Main Raja Tu Rani

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xmlO1Hf2Ns

    Akele Hum Akele Tum 1995 – Anu Malik – Majrroh – Udit, Alka
    Raja Ko Rani se pyar ho gaya

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5JSLRB9ZAU

  5. Akji
    History Neutral & status neutral sums the theme perfectly. I am Particularly delighted to find Nazar lagi Raaja & Hamar kaha Mano.
    This raja is so powerless that he cannot even take leave from his office
    Raja na jaa Dil tod ke-Charas- Lata-AB-LP
    https://youtu.be/Ink4ZSxQCYc

  6. AK,

    Will read the post at leisure but in an attempt at ‘fastest fingers first’ , thought I would cite two khayal bandishes that come easily to mind before someone pips me to the post like Dr.Shetty did with ‘Raja ki aayegi baraat’ 🙂 :

    1. ‘Raajan ke sirtaaj’ is a well-known vilambit khayal bandish in Raga Kaunsi Kanada, a compound raga formed by melding Malkauns and Darbari Kanada. The ‘raajan’ is a reference to Lord Ram. Here is a rendition by Bhimsen Joshi. Listening to it would be a good way of commemorating this Emperor of Hindustani Music in his centenary year.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6Wa2OPlCLc

    2. In this clip, another Emperor, Kumar Gandharva, sings his own composition, ‘Ab to aaja re raajan’ in Raga Nand:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iebkWnYH9J0

  7. Interesting theme AK. I recall a song about rebellion against the Raja Saheb by none other than his own children! ‘Beadab bemulahija bemuhal’:

    https://youtu.be/Uls_SH7gfq8

    A variation of Raja is Rana. This song from Gulaal is quite amazing in its lyrics full of comment on the contemporary world events and politics. ‘Ranaji mhare gusse mein aaye’ from Anurag Kashyap’s Gulaal:

    https://youtu.be/9Vjj1b_ivDs

    A risque song from Karan-Arjun about Ranaji:

    https://youtu.be/5Gg_DHL0CnQ

  10. Dr Shetty,
    Raja ki ayegi baraat: This is a perfect Raja-Rani song. It should have made to my list. Thanks for adding it. I didn’t think about Raja Beta. Let us confine ourselves to the romantic Raja-Ranis for the time being.

  11. Mere Sapnon ki Rani Roohi Roohi Roohi…
    SHAJEHAN.

    Main Rani hoon Raja ki
    Raja mora piya….
    ( Starts with Kheton ki Rani aayee.. )
    AAN.

    Ek na ek din kahani banegi
    Tu mere sapnon ki Rani banegi..
    GORA AUR KALA.

    Aa meri Rani, le jaa challa nishani..
    ANJANA.

    Aajaa o mere Raja
    Jannat ki sair karaoongi main…
    APNA DESH
    ( An unlikely Raja here in the form of a lecherous Om Prakash. )

    Jaana o meri Jaana
    Main tere khwabon ka Raja..
    SANAM TERI KASAM.

    Dulhe Raja and Banno Rani are often met in our songs.

  15. Ek gagan ka Raja, Ek chaman ki Rani…
    DARPAN.

    Ek tha Raja, Ek thi Rani….
    HARIYALI AUR RAASTA.

  16. Dr Deshpande @3, 4,
    Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Ek gagan ka Raja ek chaman ki Rani seems to be a mother singing to her child to clam her. But Main Raja tu Rani; Raja ko Rani se pyar ho gaya; Tu roop ki Rani main choron ka Raja; Main galiyon ka Raja tu mahlon ki Rani are perfect Raja-Rani songs.

  20. Mr Muli @5,
    Raja na ja dil tod ke: I didn’t find Raja mentioning any leave problem. The Rani herself talks of all the possibilities. But she seems to be carried away in the flush of romance, even suggesting to the Raja to chuck the job. She will soon realise that joblessness is no romance.

    In this vintage song, the Rani takes the lead – सावन में गरवा लगा लूँगी पास बुला लो मोरे राजा. The Raja is really powerless in getting leave from office. The boss is another colourful character in our popular culture: दारोग़ा – छुट्टी न देवे दारोग़ा मिज़ाजी.

    Rookhi sookhi main kha lungi, paas bula lo more Raja by Rafi and Hamida Bano from Insaaf (1946), lyrics DN Madhok, music HP Das

  21. Ashwin @6,
    Both are wonderful bandishes. You have no fear that anyone would pip you in classical music. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi’s, though not for the romantic Raja, was deeply satisfying. Kumar Gandharva’s is for Raja the lover, and the nayika is in virah:
    राजन अब तो आ जा रे
    थिर ना रहत कजरा
    आँखन में राजन
    अब ना सहूँ रे
    छब तोरी आ गई
    आँखन में राजन
    अब तो आ जा रे राजन

    The kohl does not stay intact in the eyes
    (Because of the tears of separation)
    I can stand it no more
    Your image has subsumed me
    And is embedded in my eyes
    For heaven’s sake, my Raja
    Please just come now

    Some listeners have commented, No Raja can refuse this lovely invitation.

    @8, 9,
    Heard the Tamil and Konkani songs. Now it seems Raja-Rani songs are also language-neutral.

  22. Subodh @7,
    Thanks a lot. Both Rana songs are wonderful. I was aware of the song from Karan-Arjun, but in the context of this post I am enjoying it in a new light. The song from Gulal has some absolutely funky lyrics, though the first simile is somewhat morbid. Thanks for bringing to attention the Ranaji who is equivalent of Rajaji of courtesan songs.

  24. A beautiful post on Raja-Rani songs. I never thought about the possibility of songs with this combination of words . It may be said that this is the noblest of the ways of addressing the two individuals responsible for life on earth. Perhaps February is the month when couples would call each other with the sweetest names. I am familiar with only 2 of the lovely songs uploaded . The noble participants are adding more nice songs . I am looking forward to learning more on this theme.

  26. Dr Shetty @11,
    All perfect Raja-Rani songs. Dulhe-Raja and Banno-Rani is a nice connection.

    @12,
    Absolutely.

    @15,
    Ek gagan ka Raja, ek chaman ki Rani: I have commented this song @16.

  27. Mr Joseph @13,
    Mahlon ka Raja mila ki Rani Beti raaj karegi: This is a beautiful Roshan composition in his last film. But the pathos in the tune and the picturisation suggests the song shows the irony of the situation. Mahlon ka Raja may not meet the romantic needs.

    @14,
    This is a perfect Raja-Rani song.

    @24,
    But you are still able to post so many apt songs! Thanks a lot for your appreciation.

  29. Dr Deshpande @18,
    O sapnon ke Raja, O sapnon ki Rani is an excellent Raja-Rani song. I remember another one from Teen Bahuraniyan.

    Aa sapnon ki Rani, aa sapnon ke Raja/ Naache gaayein hum tum, lahrayein hum-tum by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle from Teen Bahuraniyan, music Kalyanji-Anandji

  31. Anita @19,
    Ai phoolon ki Rani, bahaaron ki malika we should accept, because had it been a duet she could have responded Ai sapnon ke Raja, khayalon ke maalik.

    @25,
    Radhe Rani: It is a nice one, but I have not heard its pair Kanha Raja. A really vintage Radhe Rani song is from 1933.

    Radhe Rani de daaro na, bansari mori re by KL Saigal from Puran Bhagat (1933), music RC Boral
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94pOxwQMsM4

  32. Good list.May be we could add,
    Raja jani pyare chor hamare. …… from Bhai Bhai sung by Lata and composed by Madan Mohan

  34. Oh!
    And one soulful marathi भावगीत
    भातुकलीच्या खेळा मधले राजा आणिक राणी
    Though it’s a sad song, it does mention Raja Rani.
    But I’m afraid, the song could be referring to a royal couple, though not explicitly stated.

    https://youtu.be/Zxu-rWjyM3Y

  38. Dr Pradeep Kumar Shetty , AK ji’s;

    Film Aan has Raja Rani reference in another song….khelo rang hamare sung [ aaj koi raja na aaj koi rani hai ].

  39. AK ji ;

    Your article can never make us outdated kids . Raja Rani theme lived with us and often lead back to memories when everyone listened to their mothers fantasy stories about Raja Rani.

    Every story began with ….Ek tha Raja Ek thi Rani ….a great way to start and then dream thereafter…..and to nice sleep. The next very day we will ask ….aage kya hua. !!! Such stories often lead to dream merchants where stock of them goes to wardrobes of comic books ….those were the days of mid 50s when story books and comics were very popular. That reminds me of 1951 movie titled …Ek tha Raja ….which we all brothers and sisters went to see in a new delhi cinema hall in CP. I remember Rattan Kumar of Boot Polish fame acted in it as child artist .

    Since quite a number of known songs already posted I have to dig some rare songs .

  41. Jitendra Desai @32,
    Raja jani pyare is a wonderful song, though sung by a mother to the children. A unique aspect of this song is that the mukhada is embedded deep inside and comes much later.

  42. Anup @33, 34,
    Thanks a lot for your generous appreciation. The Marathi Bhavgeet is wonderful. Someone has posted on the link its meaning: There is only start point of any love story on the planet, but there is no end point. I hope he is current. The accompanying music is too good.

  44. Dr Deshpande @36,
    I didn’t know Basu Manohari were duo. Nice song.

    @37,
    This man proclaims he will make a palace for his Rani, Taj for his Mumtaz and so on. Vidya Balan loves the romance in it, though she does not believe it.

  45. KS Bhatiaji @38,
    Are you sure? I thought it was Aaj koi raja na aaj koi rank hai.

    @39,
    Thanks a lot for your nice words. You have so much music in your heart, it is our luck that you got connected with SOY.

    @40,
    Door desh ka Raja ek din is my eternal favourite. I have especially written about it in my review of the songs of 1950. The male voice in the beginning seems to be someone other than Rafi. Any idea?

    Mere Raja ke nainon mein I heard for the first time.

  47. Heeron se moti se gehno se phoolon se
    …
    Arre tu hoti Rani jo Raja main hota …
    AAGE KI SOCH, 1988.

    Directed by and starring Dada Kondke. So, obviously a remake of one of his Marathi movies.

  48. ‘Eechak dana, beechak dana’ from ‘Shree 420’ has the lines:

    हरी थी मन भरी थी, लाख मोती जड़ी थी
    राजा जी के बाग़ में दुशाला ओढ़े खड़ी थी

    ‘Ichak dana’ by Lata & Mukesh from ‘Shri 420’ (1955), MD – Shankar-Jaikishan, Lyricist – Hasrat Jaipuri

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Dx_STgFLLo

  49. Ak ji , Anupji @ 34
    Here is romantic raja rani somg from a Marathi film Amhi dogha raja rani
    Mi premnagar cha Raja
    https://youtu.be/LB6wZSsdk7Q
    In the opening line he is calling himself as premnagar ka Raja but in the second line
    She calls him priticha Rajkumar
    Akji translation given seems to be off the mark. I will leave the difficult task to Anoopji

  55. Nice Post! I think of the JOHNY MERA NAAM song O mere raja in this context. Also nice to recollect the old song of rebellion from AAJ AUR KAL (1963) at #7.

  56. Dr Shetty @46,
    Tota maina ki kahani to purani ho gayi is a well known song.

    @47,
    I have not heard this song. If link was there it was easy to click it and listen to it.

  58. Mr Muli @49,
    “You are the Raja of Premnagar, I am your prem diwani” – This song is easy to understand. Nice Raja-Rani song.

  59. Mr Joseph @50, 51, 52,
    I especially liked Geeta Dutt’s Chupke chupke aana.

    @53,
    Being a duet it has Raja-Rani symmetry.

  64. AK
    What a fertile imagination you possess to invent such novel themes and make it stick with all. As expected songs are flooding and had me floored. I post songs from my memory alone as I lack the means or the intelligence to look for them. Here are two songs.

    Yeh kaun aaya – First duet of Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar from Ziddi (1948) – Nakshab/Khemchand Prakash
    https://youtu.be/M_NjaPJAMsI
    Kamini Kaushal addresses her hero Dev Anand as Raja in the song.

    Roop ki Rani Choron ka Raja (1961) – Hasrat Jaipuri/Shankar Jaikishan
    Lata Mangeshkar and Talat Mahmood (Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman)

    too roopka rani – https://youtu.be/4T_X7dM4CLA?t=76

  69. Dr. Rajesh Deshpande @68;

    I remember in quite a few movies , at appropriate places , this marriage memorial tune used to be played with front liner band …Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat . If I remember correctly the band wale played this famous tune in Phir wahi dil laya hun , Dhool Ka Phool …etc.

  70. AK ji ;

    Some more songs still coming in my mind …some in mukhda and some in stanzas …

    Anuradha….. Din Huye Taron Ke Desh Men · Manna Dey · Mahendra Kapoor · Chorus…..MD Shankar [ Sitar Mastero]….

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N0YQ8nIuzA

    suno chhoti si gudiya ki lambi kahani [ Dole mein Rani ho aur Ghode pe Raja ho ]..Seema1955- Lata- Hasrat Jaipuri- S J.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBq5okmzUZI

    Film Maa Year 1976 Song Mein jangal ka raja meri rani kaisi ho by Rafi Sahab & Lata…..LP

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvmZykSHMRs

    Main Chun Chun Layi-Shamshad Begum-Raj Rani (1950). Hansraj Behl

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgGk9PMhJQo

    …to be contd….

  73. AK ji;

    Musical dance Songs from Raj Tilak reminds me of two songs starring Bhanumati and Vyjantimala’s mother Vasunthara Devi in two of their films having Ranjan as hero . The dance number and song carries the word Raja at one place . The songs are based on western movie of 1941 …Carmen . The other movie Jadoo made in 1951 had Naushad’s great number based on the style of Carmen tunes. a worth watching again and again .

    Suno Suno Pyare More Sajana – Shamshad Begum, Bhanumati, Mangala [1950]

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5Jc0gaoZCY

    ayyayyo-vasuntharadevi-mangammasabatham….1943….

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guNcA4P_7zI

    ….to be contd….

  75. Bhatiyaji ,
    When you take the strike and start hitting fours & sixes, the non strikers have to just watch in awe and admire the ease with which you hit them all around the park. It is better for us to take a single and give you the strike.
    Here is a single.
    Joseph ji @ 63 has posted
    Mere sapno ki rani tum nahi ho
    Turning the clock bacwards by 17 years we have another SJ number
    from aas ( a long forgotten film) where the girl insists that she is the dream queen
    Mere hoon tere sapno ki rani- Lata
    https://youtu.be/evSdIO7A-gU

  81. Dr Deshpande @68,
    When a baraat procession takes a few hours to cover about 100 metres, I find it irritatingly long. But from Raja ki ayegi baraat to Raja ki ayi hai baraat more than 40 years takes the cake.

    @77,
    Nice song.

  82. KS Bhatiaji @69, 70, 71, 72, 73,
    I am fascinated by Suno suno pyare more saajna and its Tamil original picturised on Vyjayanthimala’s mother.

  83. Manoj @74,
    The main criteria was Raja-Rani words in the song as a term of endearment. Which songs from these two films come to your mind.

  84. Mr Joseph @76,
    Chup chup khade ho is obviously an iconic song.

    @78,
    New song for me. Some Amirbai Karnataki’s songs from Leela are my great favourites.

    @79, 80,
    Thanks for these additions.

  85. Rahul Bhagwanrao Muli Ji @75 ,

    I am defenseless against fast bowling of Joseph , Dr Shetty , Dr deshmukh and many others . Yours Bumraa like Yorker is a surprise for me .

    Yes , Aas is a rare film of SJ that went un noticed though it had some very nice songs . Mere hoon tere sapno ki rani- Lata…is a beautiful song.

    Here I bat with another forgotten film….Kismat ka Khel ……. facing your Yorker .This film had practically all melodious songs …mostly dance numbers , and hearing even today is a pleasure for SJ fans ….and also those lovers who like to see Vyjantimala dance at her rustic best. Watch movie to enjoy songs , dance and music all at one place .

    Here is one song that carries the word Raja in its mukhda .

    Na Bure Na Bhale Humgarib Gham Ke Pale – Lata – KISMET KA KHEL…SJ…

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs123Lqf408

    This film was produced and directed by Kishore Sahu. Most of his films had SJ as his music directors . A great friendship on the lines of RK .

  90. Manoj @87, 88,
    Bharat ki ek sannari ki hum katha sunaate hain is my great favourite. You have proven your point, but my Raja-Rani focussed on romantic lovers.

  93. Mr Joseph @91,
    This is a fabulous song.

    @92,
    KL Saigal created sensation with songs of Puran Bhagat. The video creator has no sense that he was committing blasphemy by putting it on Sunil Dutt

  94. My favorite game of finding a movie with the most number of songs ( or, at least, many songs fitting a theme)…

    AFSANA, 1951.

    Raja Rani in 3 different moods.

    1. Tere khayal mein bachpan..
    ….Kahan hai tu mere Sapnon ke Raja?

    2. Duniya ek khel re bhai..
    …..Is duniya ke khel mein koi Raja koi Rani..

    3. Chowpati mein kal jo tujhse aankh matakka ho gaya..
    …
    Ruth ho suhani aur Rani mera sang ho…
    Raja mere sang ho…
    …
    Khoon ke har khatre pe tere husn dikhaoon Rani..

  95. A suicide threat…

    Raja tere raste se hat jaoongi
    Gaadi ke neeche jaake kat jaoongi…

    AB AAYEGA MAZA.

    Oh! No ! I wasn’t saying Ab aayega maza to look at her body being cut into pieces under a running vehicle! Barbaric! I was naming the movie.

    O dil jaani, Bol meri Rani..
    UDHAR KA SINDHOOR.

  96. PIYA KA GHAR.

    Bambai shahar ki tujhko chalo sair..
    …
    Lagta hai aise Shehzadi ye..
    …Aa Rani, aa Jaani…

    SWAYAMVAR.

    Ik mahal ma chamcham karti rehti dui Shehzadi
    …
    Ek dafa dui bhayiyo jaise aaye Rajkumar…

    MERI JUNG

    O mere khwabon ke khayalon ke Shehzade…

    JOSH

    Mere khayalon ki Malika…

  97. Duniya (?), aree kahan hai ree tu?
    Mere dil ki Rani, mere nawason (?) ki Rani…
    ( Mahmood )
    Mehabooba Mehabooba , banailyo mujhe dulha…

    SADHU AUR SHAITAN.

    Seedhi saadhi Shehzadi
    Phoolon ki woh ladki
    Woh ladki meri dil ki Rani hai..
    AAP KI KHATIR.

  98. Dr. Shetty@97

    Thanks for posting Raja tere raste se hat jaoongi. -Ab Ayega Maza (1984)

    I remembered it last night but had no time to post.

    This is a nice composition, one of my favorites of the Anand -Milind duo and the 80s.
    They had Lata singing in their debut film as composers.

    Here’s the link:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xy4NNc59sbs

  100. NATEEJA, 1969, had Bindu as the heroine opposite Vinod Khanna.

    Ae Sapnon ka Raja, milne aajaa…

    Shamshad Begum, Kamal Barot, Usha Mangeshkar, Usha Khanna; Asad Bhopali, Usha Khanna.

    The peppy number has 4 lasses dancing merrily, one of the lasses being Junior Mahmood!

  101. AK @93
    I was gobsmacked when I saw the video of the Puran Bhagat song. Sacrilege at its worst. I fully concur with your view.

    On checking I observe the film had 20 songs, but only 6 are available as on date – 4 of Saigal and 2 of K C Dey. Only titles are available for the 14 songs and nothing else. What a tragedy to have missed so many of good songs.

  102. From Bindu to Aruna Irani.

    KHEL KHEL MEIN.

    Sapna mera toot gaya
    Woh na raha, kuch na raha..
    …
    Ek sundar gaadi mein mujhe bitakar bola..
    ” Hnn, ye tere liye hai Ranee. ”
    …..
    Rajaa, ……..dekho na mujhe dar lag raha hai,
    Sunona Rajaa, ahista, please ahista…

    It is my favorite song from the movie.

  104. Dr Shetty @94, 95, 96, 97, 100, @102,
    Some songs are known to me. Now thanks to Dr Deshpande @98, we have the link of Raja tere raste se hat jaungi.

  106. Mr Rangan @101,
    It is interesting to find so many creative videos synchronised with a different song. This one has been imposed on a separate song – Radhike tune bansuri churayi.

  111. DHOLAK, 1951.

    Chand ki sundar nagri mein
    Pariyon ki Rani rehti thi..
    ….
    Ek din ek Shehzada ne dekha kuchh aisa sapna…

    Uma Devi, Rafi.

    Aise Rasiya ka, aise balma ka kya aitbaar!
    ….
    Hamse toh bole tumhari woh Raja…
    Lata, Rafi.

    Fun songs, both.

  113. AKji:

    What a marvelously rich theme! One could explore it from so many angles. You have rightly pointed out that raja-rani films are history agnostic. More than denoting history, I think, the term has been a literary device or prop in the fashion of ‘once upon a time’ (‘bahut dinon ki baat hai’) for story tellers. Without this term how would our grandmothers have gotten their grandsons and granddaughters to sleep? This role of raja-rani perhaps remains underexplored in HFM dominated by romantic songs where raja is simply your prince charming/knight in shining armour and rani the epitome of ethereal beauty sometimes welcoming, at others playing hard to get. Here is ‘Rani khol de apne dwar‘ (Saigal & Suraiya in Tadbeer; MD: Lal Mohammad):

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzNuNlDUK4Y&ab_channel=SunehreGeet

    There is a Rajarani temple in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, where a music festival is held every January celebrating Odiya, Carnatic and Hindustani music. Here are links to the proceedings this year:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE405qN94Bo&ab_channel=OdishaTourism

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f3u_naXBwc&ab_channel=OdishaTourism

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZlf7g7LI-M&ab_channel=OdishaTourism

  114. Canasya ji @113;

    Very true. Child time best stories always started with….Once upon a Time. Right winning over Evil was always a winning subject . How time flies now.

    In contrast , we all are now surrounded by so many subjects making us forgetting what we enjoyed with our limited knowledge . We really are trapped by so many fake stories imposed on us. But beauty of fairytales always remains that ends with…..“happily ever after”. Que sara sara !!!

    A song up surfaced from no where….

    Aayenge Re Mere Mann (HD) – Dil Ki Rani ….Geeta Dutt…SDB….

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghSoi4pRRpg

    …..to be contd…

  117. This one will surprise you!

    Re man sur mein gaa…
    ….
    Jag hai geeton ki Rajdhani
    Sur hai Raja, Lay hai Rani…

    The Ragmalika ( if I am not mistaken ) from LAL PATHAR.

    GUMRAH.

    Ek thi ladki meri saheli…
    …..
    Ladki ban gayi Roop ki Rani
    ….
    Usne kaha ki meri Rani…

    HARIYALI AUR RASTA.

    Ek tha Raja ek thi Rani
    Aao sunaoon unki kahani…

    KALICHARAN.

    Ek bata do, do bate char…
    …
    Nahin Daddy sa koi Raja aur Mummy si koi Rani..

  118. BOBBY

    Ge ge ge ge re, ge re Saiba..
    …
    Mere Sapnon ki Rani…

    JAWAN MOHABBAT

    Mere Sapnon ki Rani
    Tum nahin ho…

  121. Canasya @113,
    Thanks a lot for your generous praise. Rani khol de pane dwar is of course every Saigal-fan’s favourite. There was also a mention earlier of Radherani de daro na bansuri mori re from Puran Bhagat (1933), which explores the mythological aspect of Rani. Is the Rajarani temple about Krishna-Radha?

    I am impressed by the music festival. Carnatic seems to dominate. The video recordings are very good. The uploader should also have mentioned the artistes’ names and some description about them. The introduction by the compere was in Odiya.

  123. Akji
    I do not find any OPN song posted so far ( forgive me, if I have missed)
    Here are 2 songs ; one making a fleeting reference to Raja by kunwari & the other refereeing to big king.
    1 Akeli hoon main Piya aa-
    Sambandh – Pradip- Asha
    Roop Nagar ki kunwari tarase
    Raja, Preet nibha
    Asking the raja to be loyal
    https://youtu.be/Sz_a7Y4PT6Q
    2 Yaar Badshah Yaar dilruba-
    CID 909- Shewain Rizvi-Asha
    https://youtu.be/ZZnFMCzNCRM

  125. What a wonderful list! No dearth of themes in that era I suppose.

    Here’s a song only tangentially related to the topic at hand: Mujhe kehte hain Kallu qawwal from Dulha Dulhan, which contains the following lines:
    Raja mai geeton ka tu sur ki rani
    Gaa ke sunaye hum apni kahani
    Tu mere geeton ki hai zindgani

    Interestingly (and even more tangentially), this song also contained the following lines, which is clearly a throwback to Raj Kapoor’s movies:
    Soorat se pehchane mujhko zamana
    Awara, Chhalia, Anari, Diwana
    Kaisa hu dil ka kisi ne na jaana

    https://youtu.be/F0K-FOuHCjU

  128. AK ji @126 ;

    Your referal comments reminds me of OPN song that mention his own name along with SDB, SJ and Naushad . For dholak he refers to Raj Kapoor. I niceand rare song from old film Basant starring Nutan , Shammi Kapoor and JW. Not connected with the theme but must watching ….and it refers to small towns also.

    BAAJE WALA PATIALYE WALA …RAFI, ASHA …BASANT [1960]….OPN….

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzSdtbqa3QU

  130. AK ji @ 129;

    Enjoyed revisiting … ‘Songs of Stars’… a beautiful one on star ensembles . Yes OPN song from Basant appeared in your post .

    In Jwala song , raja and rani appeared in stanza .

  131. Nice post, AK. I’d initially thought it was about kings and queens singing to each other – I’d done a post years ago on that, and was curious to see what new songs you’d added. I’d never have, in a million years, thought of this use of Raja. 🙂

    The commentariat seems to have collated all possible combinations, so I will just enjoy the songs.

  132. Anu,
    Thanks a lot. And in a million years I can’t think of many songs that actual Rajas and Ranis sang to each other 🙂 . My Raja-Ranis were always commoners.

  133. AK,

    Appearing late has now become a habit with me, so I would say I am late as usual. Though I did not think like Anu that this post is about Raja or Rani singing to each other, but this use of Raja Rani songs I never had in mind and so I had not made a list either physically or mentally. The songs posted are all from the top drawer. May be ‘raja ki aayegi baraat’ and ‘tamtam se jhanko na rani ji’ in the original list could have made it a more impressive list. I also agree with you that for music and in fact love the commoners are the real Raja-Ranis. Sahir also thought like that when he wrote ‘mere mehboob kahin aur mila kar mujhse’. Then he again wrote in the 3rd antara of the Babar-1960 song ‘payam e ishq mohabbat hamen pasand nahin’, –
    जो तख्तो ताज के वारिस हों उनका प्यार ही क्या
    बदलने वाली निगाहों का ऐतबार ही क्या
    हुज़ूर की ये इनायत हमें पसंद नहीं

    Though I would say that for the historical Raja-Ranis there could be quite a few songs and for the filmy Raja-Ranis or would be Raja-Ranis there could be a lot more. These topics might also be interesting.

    As for songs, after the postings by our two Doctors – who perhaps believe in curing more through music – and the stalwart Bhatiaji who not only keeps himself healthy through his musical and poetical contributions but also makes others feel happy and also additions of ever ready Josephji, most of the songs that I could have thought are already there. Still I would like to contribute.

    There was a film in 1972, Dil Ka Raja. One of my friends was and even now is a great fan of Raj Kumar. He took me to see this film. One song particularly has been etched in memory, not for its greatness, but for the dancing avatar of Raj Kumar where he shows his body even more than the heroine Leena Chandrawarkar. Look for his turning his back at about 3.30 with the patka tied very low on his buttocks. The song is ‘jinke paas hathi ghoda’ sung by Rafi, Asha and Manna Dey where both the words ‘badshah’ and ‘rajaji’ are included but not in the requisite endearing manner envisaged by you.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18pmGpC08Ds

    There is another beautiful song in the same film ‘badi hai shoharat tumhare hothon tumhari ankhon ki’ by Rafi and Asha which contains the word ‘rajeshwari’ which means ‘rani’.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cl_pActvONM

    Now in this song our Bihari Babu calls ‘barkha’ as ‘rani’ instead of his actual Rani. But may be you would allow it because the song itself is romantic.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF1mOl5cD0k

    In the song ‘neel gagan par udte badal’ from Khandan, Sunil Dutt and Nutan are calling each other as ‘kheton ki rani’a and ‘kheton ka raja’ in the first antara. We may take it as a result of some shyness on their part.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMmVeMyg5ds

    The song ‘jodi hamari jamega kaise jani’ by Manna Dey and Asha also contains the words ‘dil ki rani’ in the second antara which were lip-synced by Aruna Irani.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZSvfQkVqd0

  134. Hans,
    You have batted like an opener! Since you also confirm it, now I would look for royal Raja-Ranis singing to each other.

    Why was Raj Kumar doing a Salman Khan when the latter was not yet born on the screen? The old man – appears to be also played by Raj Kumar in a dual role – seems to be embarrassed by this body display.

    All the songs are very nice. You are right about Raja ki ayegi baraat. Even after Baharo phool barsao, this continued to be a favourite of wedding bands.

  135. AK ji @134 ;

    Yes very true. Hans ji some times joins the party late and not only takes wickets he makes century like Ashwin did in second innings. Truly his comments are worth weighing in many respects. Why not add one appendix to make the horizon wider …such as musical add ons like heroins or heros dancing and singing before Raja or Rani or both. Many climax are filmed while people are dancing and hidden forces getting un noticed and attack as soon as song is over. Just a little thought of mine.

    Meanwhile here is one from the self proclaimed Raja from Actor Dhiraj debut film ….Raaton Ka Raja ….[ Till date I regret watching this film after I passed out from IIT with my fellow friends .]

    Mere Liye Aati Hai Shaam …..Raaton Ka Raja 1970….Rafi…RDB

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9ywi2zDqpI

  136. Ak ji
    This is a bit far fetched but cannot resist from posting.
    Composer Bulo C ” RANI ” creating tune for lyricist “RAJA” mehdi Ali Khan rendered by IndRANI Mukharjee along with moti sagar
    In Gul Sanobar . The song refers to sarkar which sometimes is used as a vernacular alternative for raja.
    https://youtu.be/ped2EoI6L5o

  137. Mr Muli @5,
    Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Interesting observation. ‘Ajnabi’ songs pre-60 did not come to my mind instantly. That is another difference from ‘Pardesi’ – it has been a perennial theme from the 40s. ‘Ajnabi’ songs are relatively few, and perhaps it cam in vogue in the 60s. I would try to look for early ajnabi songs.

  144. Dr Deshpande @140,
    Mil lo raja sadakiya pe mil lo is a very interesting song. Lata Mangeshkar’s voice seems very girlish whereas in that year she had already matured to the top. This song must have been recorded a few year’s earlier.

    O raja mohe le chal tu Dilli ki sair ko is an excellent Raja-Rani song. ‘Dilli ki sair’ seemed to be a favourite demand those days.

  146. AK ji @145;

    Moving backward and looking life thru small mirrors makes a good reverse drive or sweep. I am surprised as i browse thru 1938 year songs . They practically covered every subject …and what a variety of lyrical content ….very subjective , crisp and to the point. MDs of those times were wonderful…seems to have done their homework in a best possible way. Singing department clicked the right tone for us to enjoy even this day. Hats off to the unknown people who got recognition in present times.

  148. AK ji,

    The most enchanting example of referencing earlier (and present) works is ‘ye dil jo jala ek Aag lagi, aansu jo bahe Barsaat hui, baadal ki tarah Awara the hum……. ‘. So perfectly referenced, so apposite. https://youtu.be/1lHlfBGBMN4

  150. AK ji @ 149,

    Thanks! My post was as a reply to your post at no. 126 (15.02.21). Haven’t yet read the other article, will do.

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