Nasir Husain’s films have some of Bollywood’s most memorable tunes. Much more than what “memorable” holds in terms of Bollywood today, the compositions in his films are what is being trashed in remix albums weekly nowadays. Interestingly enough, at least three of the songs from Caravan have been remixed over five times recently but there is certainly no substitute for the actual originals. Caravan was probably one of the best, if not the best, R.D. Burman- Nasir Husain soundtrack ever composed. There was the romance, the solo hero song, the spicy dance number and every other song simply fell into its own best of category. In Caravan music lovers will be hard pressed not to like a thing about each of the deliciously enticing songs.

Burman has also never failed in creating the one memorable tune for Husain films that leaves an everlasting impression in Bollywood. While it is unarguably “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja” (Asha Bhosle) here, where R.D. Burman croons the ever so popular line, “Monika… Oh My Darling”, it is also difficult to chose from the upbeat excellently composed “Chadti Jawani Mere Chal Mastani” (Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammad Rafi) and “Dilbur Dilbur Jaani” (Lata Mangeshkar). Each song is distinctly unique, upbeat and addictive in their own sense. Lata Mangeshkar is the particular highlight in the two latter tunes where her voice has a somewhat mischievous tone that compliments the enlightening mood each song holds. Lyricist Majrooh has failed on no accounts in making appealing lyrics to match R.D. Burman’s invigoratingly melodious musical compositions.

Mohammad Rafi’s solo “Hum To Hai Rahi Dil Ke” is well lengthened so that the listener doesn’t get bored and so that the melody matches Rafi’s aptly superb vocals. As usual with Rafi’s solos this one is enlightening enough to enjoy without hitting that fast forward button.

When everything else has been composed, Burman goes back to the basics in the hardcore romance number “Kitna Pyara Waada”. Like all memorable Rafi-Mangeshkar duets this one has left its impression in Bollywood today and its unquestionable why. Rafi and Mangeshkar display their irresistible talent to sing together and sound priceless.

“Goriyan Kahan Tera Desh” is the obligatory “desh ki darthi” number, yes, Caravan even has that. And, even pleasantly enjoyable at that. Asha Bhosle takes the lead with Mohammad Rafi in the entertaining tune.

For the situational peppy number, Asha Bhosle sings, “Daiya Meh Yaha Aa Faisi”, the stage number which Asha Bhosle, as always, makes sounds luscious and fun at the same time.

“Ab Jo Mile Hain” is Asha Bhosle’s soulful cabaret number. It intermixes a little emotion into the feet tapping beat that Burman usually includes and is a bit more on the slower side making it too stand out as situational.

Caravan is one of Bollywood’s musical gems which is no surprise considering the names behind it, R.D. Burman and Nasir Husain. If you remember nothing, you’ll definitely remember, Monika, Oh My Darling.