Sep 12 2016

How Vinod Rathod made the 1990s memorable — Birthday special

by   Keyur Seta

The music of the 1990s today qualifies as 'retro'. Along with Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Alka Yagnik and Abhijeet Bhattacharya, another singer who made a mark then was Vinod Rathod. As he completes 53 years today (12 September), let’s take a look at some of his hits.

1 Chhupana Bhi Nahin Aata – Baazigar (1993)

This melodious number from Baazigar continues to enchant us even after 23 years of the film’s release, despite the fact that it was picturised on a supporting character, played by Siddharth Ray. The song speaks about his secret love for Kajol’s character, Priya. 

2 Koi Na Koi Chahiye – Deewana (1992)

Before Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Vinod Rathod was the voice of Shah Rukh Khan in the early 1990s. Along with a couple of songs in Baazigar, he is also known for singing ‘Koi Na Koi Chahiye.’ It is an important song because it’s Khan’s introduction sequence in his very first release. 

3 Dhol Baje – Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)

It has been 17 years since the song was first heard but it continues to impress garba lovers. In fact, such functions appear incomplete without the playing of ‘Dhol Baje.’ The song also provided an opportunity to Vinod Rathod to display his skills in folk music.

4 Title Song – Khalnayak (1993) 

This is yet another important song from Vinod Rathod’s career. It defines Sanjay Dutt’s unusual titular character from the film. The first and second verses throw more light onto the protagonist. In other words, the song perfectly complemented Dutt’s character in the film. 

5 Aisi Deewangi – Deewana (1992)

This is yet another impressive track from Deewana that is still not forgotten. Both Vinod Rathod and Alka Yagnik displayed their voice range, easily shifting from lower to higher pitch. The song is also one of the earliest successes of the hit composer duo of Nadeem-Shravan.