Bhupinder Singh dies: Revisiting five best Bollywood tracks of the unique playback singer

Here’s looking at some of his most beloved numbers.

Huzoor Is Kadar Bhi Na Itra ke Chaliye

The sweetly melancholic, albeit flirty song features in the 1983 movie Masoom, starring Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah in the lead roles. Composed by Rahul Dev Burman, the song was brought to life by Bhupinder Singh’s powerful vocals.

Hothon Pe Aisi Baat

This Sachin Dev Burman track is an upbeat number featuring two musical stalwarts in the form of Lata Mangeshkar and Bhupinder Singh. Their magical voices blended perfectly to create a sensational, rousing track.

Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Asmaan

Filmed on Mithun Chakraborty and Zarina Wahab, this one is a romantic ballad that has been crooned to perfection by Lata Mangeshkar and Bhupinder Singh. The music was composed by RD Burman and the lyrics were penned by the celebrated songwriter Gulzar.

Kabhi Kisi Ko Muqammal Jahaan Nahi Milta

This lovely Nida Fazli-penned track had Bhupinder Singh collaborating with Khayyam. The sentimental lyrics bemoaning the realities of life went well with Bhupinder Singh’s melancholic vocals.

Dil Dhoondta Hai

Composed by Madan Mohan and penned by Gulzar, “Dil Dhoondta Hai” from 1975’s Mausam once again brings out the sad, almost mournful side of Bhupinder Singh’s voice.

Born in Amritsar,  Bhupinder Singh began his music training from childhood itself thanks to his father, who was a music teacher. While he went on to accomplish great success in his chosen field, it was said that Bhupinder was not very fond of either music or the instruments he had to learn when he was a child. In his early years, Bhupinder was associated with All India Radio as well as Doordarshan. Apart from singing, he was also a proficient violinist and guitar player.

Bhupinder got his first big break in 1962 when famed composer Madan Mohan heard him perform at a dinner in Delhi. Apart from his Bollywood career, Bhupinder was known for his lovely ghazals. His first LP was released in 1968.

Bhupinder Singh moved away from singing for a bit after his wedding with Bangladeshi singer Mitali Mukherjee. The couple collaborated on several live acts and ghazals.

Bhupinder is survived by his wife Mitali Singh, and their son Nihal Singh, who is also a singer.