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.

#2. 'Chalo Ek Bar' – Gumrah (1963): Kapoor won his first major award, the Filmfare award for best male playback singer for ‘Chalo Ek Bar’ in BR Chopra’s Gumrah (1963) starring Sunil Dutt, Mala Sinha and Ashok Kumar. Here, Kapoor sang all the male solos and duets on the soundtrack wonderfully composed by Ravi.

#3. 'Mere Desh Ki Dharti' – Upkar (1967): Arguably, Kapoor’s most famous and beloved song, ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti’ made him synonymous with actor Manoj Kumar and became identified as his voice in many films from Purab Aur Pachhim (1970) to Kranti (1981). Kapoor won the National Award for this song written by Gulshan Bawra.

#4. 'Neele Gagan Ke Tale' – Hamraaz (1967): Composer Ravi employed Kapoor on all the songs of Hamraaz’s soundtrack. Once again, he was rewarded with a Filmfare award for his collaboration with Ravi. Alongside Upkar and the National Award, 1967 was an extremely fruitful year for Kapoor.

5. 'Aur Nahin Bas Aur Nahin' – Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974): Kapoor gave voice yet again to Manoj Kumar’s Mr. Bharat persona in Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974). Composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, with lyrics by Santosh Anand, ‘Aur Nahin Bas Aur Nahin’ is an admonishment by Kumar’s character to the woman who gave in to her materialistic needs over him. Kapoor picked up his third Filmfare award for this song.