Friendship day is celebrated all over the world, including India, every year on the first Sunday of August. This year, Friendship Day falls on August 4. Traditionally on this day, people greet their friends with emotional and appreciative messages. Exchange of cards and flowers and tying friendship bands are also common among youngsters. These bands may be made of different types of materials like thread, silk, ribbons and wool. Friends tie the band on each other’s wrist and cement their friendship.
Bollywood is not behind on this grand occasion. Film directors have left no stone unturned in showing inspiring and compelling instances of friendship in their movies. Many evergreen songs like “Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin Todenge” to “Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahaan” and many more are loved by people of all age groups and all walks of life.
Friendship Day is around the corner. Let’s go back to the golden days and refresh our memory about the super hit songs of Bollywood on friendship or dosti.
“Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin Todenge”
It’s is a song of 1975 super hit film ‘Sholay’ directed by Ramesh Sippy. The song was composed by RD Burman while Anand Bakshi was its lyricist. It was sung by Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey. Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra were two fast friends. Both Jai and Veeru were ready to help each other every time. Amitabh Bachchan (Jai) died in Sholay for the sake of his friendship. It is not wrong to call this song the ultimate friendship anthem.
“Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan”
Another famous Bollywood hit song which is from the 1981 film ‘Yaraana’ directed by Rakesh Kumar. Rajesh Roshan composed the music and Anjaan penned the lyrics of this heart touching song. Kishore Kumar won the heart of the audience by singing the song.
In this film, Amitabh and Amjad Khan were childhood friends. Amjad Khan wanted to expose the singing talent of Amitabh, and so brings him to a big town. Khan aims to see Amitabh as a successful singer. Amitabh fulfils his friend’s dream and becomes a noted singer. However, Khan later falls into the trap of villains. Does Amitabh lend a helping hand? The theme of this film was that money is not a hurdle in dosti.
“Yaari Hai Imaan Mera Yaar Meri Zingadi”
A song from the 1973 blockbuster movie ‘Zanjeer’ directed by Prakash Mehra. After this film, Amitabh never looked back. Kalyanji Anandji was the music director while Gulshan Bawra was the lyricist of this song. The song was sung by Manna Dey. There was a street fight between inspector Vijay (Amitabh) and Sher Khan (Pran). After that, both became close friends till the end of the movie.
“Saat ajoobe is duniya mein”
In this movie ‘Dharam Veer’, Dharmendra and Jeetendra showed their great bond of friendship. The movie proved that social or financial status does not come as a hurdle between friendship. Released in 1977, this blockbuster movie was directed by Manmohan Desai. The song was sung by Mohammad Rafi and Mukesh while Laxmikant Pyarelal directed the music and Anand Bakshi’s lyrics really made this song super hit.
“Hum Rahe Ya Na Rahe Kal”
Is a well-known song of the album ‘Aapka Abhijeet Sawant’. This song was sung by Indian Idol winner Abhijeet Sawant. The album was released in 2005. Youngsters like to sing this song, specially at the school and college farewell parties.
“Maine Tere Liye Hi Saat Rang Ke Sapne Chune”
A song from the classic movie of 1971 ‘Anand’, starring two superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna. Mukesh sang this song. Yogesh was the lyricist. Hrishikesh Mukherjee directed the film.
In spite of knowing that he is going to die soon (from cancer), Anand (Rajesh Khanna) in this movie keeps smiling and wants to make people happy. His belief is to make new friends in the movie and enjoy life. Amitabh, his doctor, can’t imagine life without his friend Rajesh Khanna in ‘Anand’. The movie won the Filmfare Award for Best Film in 1972.
“Meri Dosti Mera Pyar”
A fine and heart-touching song based on friendship. This film ‘Dosti’ was released in 1964. The song was sung by Mohammad Rafi. Lyricist of the song was Majrooh Sultan Puri, while music was composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal. All these works were done under the direction of Satyen Bose. Sanjay Khan made his debut in this film. The focus of the film was the friendship between two handicapped boys. One was blind and the other was a cripple. This film was super hit at the box office.
“Salamat Rahe Dostana Hamara”
Kishore Kumar and Mohammad Rafi sang this fine song in the 1980 film ‘Dostana’. Anand Bakshi was the lyricist, while Laxmikant Pyarelal as usual was the music composer. Tarun Mansukhani directed the film.
Amitabh Bachchan and Shatrughan Sinha are great friends but their friendship is broken due to the presence of Zeenat Aman. When the truth is unearthed, then they reunite again and remain friends till the end of the movie. It shows how misunderstandings might happen in friendship, but it certainly cannot be ended.
“Dil Chahta Hai, Kabhi Na Beetein Chamkeele Din”
In 2001, the movie ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ was released by T Series. It revolved around the lives of three young friends living in Mumbai, and traversed various locales like Goa and Australia. The movie had a fresh approach to contemporary life, friendship and dilemmas of youngsters. All the lyrics were written by Javed Akhtar, and set to music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy. Directed by Farhaan Akhtar, the movie, as well as its music, received widespread acclaim.
“Imli ka Boota”
A song from the 1991 film ‘Saudagar’ starring two old war horses of Bollywood, Dilip Kumar and Raj Kumar. Music of this song was composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal and lyrics were penned by Anand Bakshi. Evergreen Subhash Ghai directed this movie.
Veeru (Dilip Kumar) and Raju (Raj Kumar) grew up together and were fast friends. But some misunderstanding is created between them by the villain Amrish Puri, and they become bitter rivals. In spite of their differences, both the friends die in each other’s arms.
“Tera Yaar Hoon Main”
What would you do if your friend did not agree with the choice of bride on your forthcoming marriage? Well, in Sonu ke Titu ki Sweety, the hero literally abandons his fiance at the altar when he learns of his friend’s apprehensions. “Tere bina bewajah bekar hoon main, tera yaar hoon main” – this song, written by Kumaar, composed by Amaal Malik and sung by the golden voiced Arijit Singh along with Rochak Kohli has become a sort of anthem for youngsters on Friendship Day.
Diye Jalte Hain”
Year 1973. Film ‘Namak Haram’. This haunting song was sung by Kishore Kumar and it was penned by Anand Bakshi. Music for this song was composed by RD Burman. Hrishikesh Mukherjee was the mentor of ‘Namak Haram’. In this film, two friends Somu (Rajesh Khanna) and Vicky (Amitabh Bachchan) are fast friends. Amitabh is insulted by the union leader of a factory that his family owns. Rajesh Khanna joins the factory as a worker to avenge for his friend. But the story, and emotions, take a dramatic twist.
It is undeniable that friendship is an everlasting relationship. A true friend never lets down their friend. To find real friends in this world is just like climbing a treacherous mountain. No wonder then that, Diye Jalte Hain, Phool Khilte Hain, Badi Mushkil Se Magar Duniya Mein Dost Milte Hain.
