Legendary playback singer Mahendra Kapoor is remembered mostly for his patriotic and devotional numbers. But through his career spanning five decades, Kapoor also sung several unforgettable romantic melodies, featuring most heartthrobs of an era gone by. From Rajesh Khanna, Shahi Kapoor and Sunil Dutt to Manoj Kumar, Dharmendra and Raaj Kumar, Mahendra Kapoor gave them all musical super hits that defined their careers to a large extent.

On the occasion of his death anniversary (27 September), we’ve put together some of his most memorable and timeless classics, that’ll have you humming along in no time. While his filmography embraces dozens of directors, he enjoyed his most fruitful collaboration with filmmaker B.R. Chopra, a partnership that extends across productions like 1959’s Dhool Ka Phool, 1963’s Gumrah, 1965’s Waqt, and 1973’s Dhund. His association with BR Chopra also gave birth to the most epic TV tune that haunts us to this day, the Mahabharath katha.

#1. 'Aadha Hai Chandrama' – Navrang (1959): He got the opportunity to sing with Asha Bhosle despite an initial hiccup during recording and the song ‘Aadha Hai Chandrama’ became a hit. Kapoor sang four songs on the soundtrack including the patriotic number ‘Yeh Mati Sabhi Ki Kahani’, but ‘Aadha Hai Chandrama’, written by lyricist Bharat Vyas, is remembered by his fans even today.