Amitabh Bachchan's most iconic songs: 'Paan Banaras Wala' to 'Dekha Ek Khwab'

The cinematic legend Amitabh Bachchan turns 83, and the revelry has been felt in the hearts of many fans. Whether it’s the angry young man blood or a distinct father figure, the charming actor made an indelible mark in the entertainment industry. While a line of generations recites his dialogues, there is a majestic sense of warmth in his songs, which range from dancing with friends to pondering love in the middle of the night. Let’s take a look at iconic songs by Big B that are imprinted in the back of the mind!

Amitabh Bachchan knows how to win hearts, and he indeed does with his witty charm. Humming, ‘Mere angne mai tumhara kya kaam hai / Arre joh hain naam wala wohi toh badnaam hai,’ his characterises into numerous acts through costumes. Composed by Kalyanji-Anandji, the 83-year-old actor himself sang in the 1981 film, and left the viewers smiling with his expressive dance. Directed by Prakash Mehra, the other cast of ‘Laawaris’ includes Rakhee Gulzar, Amjad Khan, Zeenat Aman, Bindu, and more.

The ultimate romantic song that captures the magic of love, and how the feeling resembles the mist of a garden. Sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar, the iconic song enchants the audience into the blooming days of yearning. With the lyrics, ‘Dekha ek khwab toh yeh silsile hue / Dur tak nighaon main hai gul khile hue,’ Bachchan and Rekha performed an unforgettable confession song, consisting of embraces and hope. Directed by Yash Chopra, the other cast of the 1981 film includes Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, and Shashi Kapoor.

The look, the aura, and the choreography – it’s a version of what’s called ‘a chef’s kiss.’ Bachchan owns the 4-minute song and manages to seamlessly transform the viewers into a zone that leaves them grooving to his beats. Sung by Kishore Kumar, ‘O khaike paan Banaras wala / Khuli jaaye band akal ka tala’ can swiftly print the lyrics on the back of the mind. Directed by Chandra Barot, the other cast members of the 1978 film include Zeenat Aman, Pran, Om Shivpuri, and many more.

‘Rim jhim gire sawan / Sulag sulag jaaye man’ really had the fans dream about the empty Mumbai, rain, and a partner to hum the romantic song with. In the female version by Lata Mangeshkar, the actors, Amitabh Bachchan and Moushmi Chatterjee, walked across the city while having a humorous chat, and transcended the values of what the ‘bare minimum’ looks like. Meanwhile, in the male version by Kishore Kumar, the tune captured the feeling of having a deep conversation through the eyes. Directed by Basu Chatterjee, the other cast includes Satyen Kappu, Urmila Bhatt, and Rakesh Pandey.

‘Are o jummaa, meri jaaneman, baahar nikal / Aaj jummaa hain, aaj kaa waadaa hain’...you can continue the lyrics and groove in Bachchan’s style (because no one can simply resist the melody). One of the classics, sung by Sudesh Bhosale and Kavita Krishnamurthy, has the lead actor dancing on an old ship with the fellow laborers, with a charming lady who steals the show. Directed by Mukul S. Anand, the other cast members of the 1991 film include Rajnikanth, Govinda, Anupam Kher, Kader Khan, Danny Denzongpa, and more.

Should the lyrics ‘O, Rang barse bheege chunar wali, rang barse…’ not be played during the Holi festivities, the day would be declared incomplete – and everyone knows it. Sung by Amitabh Bachchan himself, the track makes the listeners think of colours, instruments, and someone they love. The 83-year-old actor sets the vibrant tone, as Rekha dances it out with her thumkas, as Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bachchan gaze at the celebrations. Directed by Yash Chopra, the other cast of the 1981 film includes Shashi Kapoor, Sudha Chopra, Sushma Seth, and more.

The iconic friendship song, ‘Yeh dosti hum nahin todenge / Todenge dum magar, tera saath na chodenge,’ that leaves a tear or ten by the end. Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, the track takes the viewers into the trance of memories with their friends. Sung by Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey, the song gives a striking look at the actors’ bond that connects them deeper than the roots. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, the other cast members of the classic 1975 film include Amjad Khan, Hema Malini, Sanjeev Kumar, and Jaya Bachchan.