Jeetendra @ 80: Upbeat dance tracks filmed on the legend

What can be said about this legend that hasn’t been said before. Known for their unique dancing style they ended up with the nickname ‘jumping jack’ something that has remained with them even today. They entertained the audiences for at least three decades with their splendid choice of films and beautiful songs. Father of actor Tusshar Kapoor and queen of television, Ekta Kapoor, we are talking about none other than the evergreen actor Jeetendra.

The 7th April marks their 80th birthday and on this joyous occasion BizAsiaLive.com will look back at ten upbeat dance tracks that were filmed on the legend.

Chadhti Jawani from ‘Caravan’ (1971)
Numerous versions of the song have been created but the charm that the original holds cannot be competed with. Mohammed Rafi sang for Jeetendra while Lata Mangeshkar sang for Aruna Irani. It’s not the first time that Irani and Jeetendra have worked together but this is one song that captures their dancing skills perfectly. In the film Irani and Jeetendra have to perform for the crowd that has gathered to watch and this is one of their popular songs. It was a sweet song where Nisha (Irani) complains to Mohan (Jeetendra) that he doesn’t know her worth.

Baar Baar Din Yeh Aaye from ‘Farz’ (1967)
It would be impossible to do a Jeetendra special and not mention this one. Young or old this is one song that everybody knows. Every birthday is incomplete without this gem sung in the voice of Mohammed Rafi. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that this song became an anthem and at some point in everyone’s lives they have either had this song played to them or they have heard it play. Created in the 60s even today this song hasn’t been forgotten.

Babita Kapoor is the birthday girl in the song who has the charming Jeetendra praising and wishing her the best in her life. Jeetendra and Kapoor both dressed in white dance with guests at Sunita’s (Kapoor) birthday party.

Hum Banjaron Ki Baat from ‘Dharam Veer’ (1977)
Neetu Singh was seen alongside Jeetendra in this colourful number. In the film Veer (Jeetendra) has disguised himself as a gypsy in order to help his best friend Dharam (Dharmendra) escape who has been caged by a princess. Jeetendra’s performance was full of energy but is that any surprise as the song was so upbeat thanks to Laxmikant Pyarelal’s music. Kishore Kumar vocals matched Jeetendra perfectly.

Ek Aankh Maaru from ‘Tohfa’ (1984)
The song may sound familiar to many as it was remade in 2020 for the film ‘Baaghi 3’ however it will never be able to match up to the 80s original, sung in the voices of Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle. One of the reasons this song is remembered is for the pairing of both Jeetendra and Sridevi. They were a pairing loved by many and when one watches the song they understand why. They matched each others expressions well. Bappi Lahiri can’t be praised enough for his peppy music that has so many sounds from the flute to the snake charm music and of course the special effects of the eye wink.

Jawani Ka Khazana Hai from ‘Qaidi’ (1984)
Bappi Lahiri’s disco beats and the vocals of both Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle made this song a treat. Hema Malini who is considered a great dancer was seen with Jeetendra in this film. Picturised in the outdoors both actors are seen in various looks trying to match the beats as they dance. It’s a song that many may not know of but once heard it’s hard to forget.

Jawaani Jalti Jawaani from ‘Jaani Dost’ (1983)
Not many may know but Jeetendra had got to work with the actress Silk Smitha in this film. Smitha is known for her dance performances and in this song both actors lit the stage on fire with their electrifying performance. It may have seemed like an odd pairing but after watching the song one has to agree they matched each others energy and danced very well together.

Deewana Dil Sangeet Ka from ‘Hoshiyar’ (1985)
The song begins with Meenakshi Seshadri’s entry on stage with her presenting Jeetendra’s arrival. If anything this song screams the 80’s with techno beats, the discotheque stage and of course the glittery outfits. Usually actors like Mithun Chakraborty would have been given songs like this to perform on but in this case Jeetendra was lucky to have been able to perform on it adding his own twist to the performance.

Yaar Tere Sab Naach from ‘Shakka’ (1981)
This wedding tune can get anyone up and dancing as it is so addictive. Mohammed Rafi can’t be praised enough for the way he sung this song. Rafi’s vocals fit Jeetendra in such a way that anyone would think that the actor himself was singing. In the video Jeetendra can be seen singing and dancing merrily along with the colourful baraat. It’s said to be a popular song even today as it gets played during many weddings.

Tohfa, Tohfa, Tohfa from ‘Tohfa’ (1984)
An iconic number that if looked back on now may seem so simple in the way it was picturised but at the same time very creative, as it left an impression on whoever heard or saw the song. Before the song begins Janki (Jaya Prada) is gifted a sari from Ram (Jeetendra) at which she is both surprised but happy to receive something from the one she loves. Janki begins to day dream and the audience is able to see both Ram and Jaya in the greenery of the countryside surrounded by various colourful sarees.

Prada and Jeetendra were and are still very much a popular pairing. Although they haven’t worked together for many years when they appeared on a Television show together their fans couldn’t contain their excitement.

Maine Tujhe Khat Likha from ‘Mera Pati Sirf Mera Hai’ (1990)
Rekha and Jeetendra are another well loved pairing that have worked together in numerous films over the years. This film was just one of many that they made in the early 90s as they had at least two other releases that very year. Legendary singers Lata Mangeshkar and S P Balasubrahmanyam sung for the actors fitting the 90s feel music by Anand Milind perfectly. The choreography was kept simple for Jeetendra as he is seen doing some steps alongside Rekha. It was perhaps the first time that Balasubramaniam had sung for Jeetendra but it is one song that will always be remembered.

The team at BizAsiaLive.com wishes Jeetendra a very happy birthday!