What Makes Hum Kisise Kum Nahin: A Super-Trouper Soundtrack

It all began at Tiffany's nightclub in London. Nasir Hussain watched in awe as youngsters danced in the disco, cheered as the DJ changed the song, and then resumed dancing.

Hussain sought a similar medley, a similar momentum of music in his next film. Nervous, he asked his music man, R. D. Burman, whether such a medley would be possible in a soundtrack. The maverick Burman reassured Hussain of his vision, saying, "If a director of your stature doesn't take this risk, who will?"

And Hussain green-lit the iconic "Competition" sequence of the film. Rishi Kapoor and Tariq Khan awaited an on-screen filmi face-off.

Thrilling trumpets sounded. A drum, shaker and percussion groove followed. Together, they gave way to "Wakao!" Rafi took over. "Chand Mera Dil", sang a heartbroken Tariq. Kapoor ignored the saccharine. In went Kishore's "Ah Dil Kya Mehfil". "Tum Kya Jaano", Tariq retorted in the boisterous key of Pancham. No game for Kapoor, who contentedly followed with India's "Mamma Mia": "Mil Gaya Humko Saathi".

The audience got sold. Hum Kisise Kum Naheen was here to stay, just for the music. People came in, watched the songs, the "Competition" sequence and the titular qawwali––and went out.

The film's soundtrack, a product of India's rising disco wave, proved super-duper; or shall we say, "super trouper"? R. D. Burman sampled ABBA twice. First, in the soundtrack, with "Mil Gaya!" lifting "Mamma Mia!" and second, in the film, with "Honey Honey" playing in the hotel right before "Kya Hua Tera Waada" - Rafi's Filmfare and National Award-winning song.

And who can forget the ever-remade "Bachna Ae Haseeno" with Kishore and Kapoor's youthful energy? The experimental oscillator opening of "Ye Ladka Haye Allah"; or the mariachi breaks of "Humko To Yara Teri Yaari"?

As for the film, it meanders amidst music, diamonds, childhood love and deceit. Nasir Hussain presents Rishi Kapoor playing a millionaire musician, Tariq "relaunched" as the sacrificial supporter, Kajal Kiran as a pretty one-hit-wonder, Amjad Khan doing what he does best, and Zeenat Aman, in her first pairing with Kapoor.

Also read: Teesri Manzil: Romance, Rock 'N' Roll, Revenge And RD

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