Mahendra Kapoor- Manoj Kumar

Bharat Kumar aka Manoj Kumar, who patronized nationalistic fervour through his films, instilled emotions of patriotism rendering beautiful songs in the voice of Mahendra Kapoor. It sounded as if Kapoor was tailor made for Manoj Kumar and the duo couldn’t have found better comrade to team up as the face and the voice. Kumar had once said in a statement, “I have shared many memorable moments with Mahendra Kapoor. I remember him everyday; after all he was my voice.” Some of their hit numbers are `Mere Desh Ki Dharti Sona Ugle` and ` Bharat ka Rehnewala Hoon`.

Dilip Kumar- Mohd Rafi

Dilip Kumar and Mohd-Rafi made a perfect actor-singer pair. Dilip Kumar couldn’t have found anyone better than Rafi to give playback in his films. The legendary actor’s songs were as popular as his films. Rafi made songs picturised on Dilip Kumar sound simply exemplary. Who can forget the evergreen chartbuster `Madhuban Mein Rahika Naache Re` or the dumbfounding `Apni Azadi Ko Hum Hargis Mita Sakte Nahin`! These numbers are truly capitivating and thanks to Dilip-Rafi for enthralling music lovers across the globe.

Mehmood-Manna Dey

The flamboyant star of the 1960s and 70s, Mehmood was one of the finest all rounder artist, who could make you laugh, cry and even dance. The voice behind this fine actor was the legendary Manna Dey. The singer, who still continues to captivate audiences, had shared a special bond with Mehmood and the duo’s personal equation reflected on the silver screen with utmost perfection. The all time hit number `Ek Chaturnar Karke Shringar` from the film `Padosan` had accentuated their comradeship. ` Aao Twist Karen`, `Main Tere Pyaar Mein Kya Kya Na Bana Dilbar` are some of the other memorable numbers of the duo.

Rajesh Khanna- Kishore Kumar

The first superstar of Bollywood Rajesh Khanna and Kishore Kumar made a great duo. They were responsible for innumerable hit numbers. Kaka as Khanna was fondly called had lip synced songs sung by the flamboyant playback singer in most of his films. Their greatest all time hit remains `Jai Jai Shiv Shankar`. Kishore aptly befitted Rajesh Khanna’s voice on screen. `Yeh Shaam Mastani`, `Mere Naina Saavan Bhadon`, `Roop Tera Mastana`, `Zindagi Ke Safar`, `Karvatein Badalte Rahe Sari Raat Hum` are other memorable hits of this super-hit actor-singer jodi.

Helen- Asha Bhonsle

Helen and Asha Bhosle have complimented each other beautifully. Asha’s voice suited Helen so convincingly that it seemed as if the evergreen dancing diva was singing the songs herself. The cabaret queen’s popularity rose to the peak through Asha’s sensous number `Piya Tu Ab To Aaja` from the film `Caravan’. `Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu`, `O Haseena Zulfowali` and `Yeh Mera Dil Pyar Ka Diwana` are some of the most memorable songs of this dancer-singer duo.

Salman Khan- SP Balasubramanium

Playback singer SP Balasubramanium lent his voice to Salman Khan in the early 1990s. The singer’s typical Dravidian voice ironically suited the Pathan so well that it looked as if Salman was giving playback for himself. SPB in a way became indispensable to Salman’s success in the initial days of his career. Who can forget `Pehla Pehla Pyaar Hai` from Rajshri Production’s `Hum Aapke Hain Kaun`. `Mere Rang Mein Rangne Wali`, `Pehli Baar Mile hain`, `Yeh Raat Aur Yeh Doori` are some of the other chartbusters of this actor-singer duo.

Aamir Khan- Udit Narayan

`Papa Kehte Hain Bada Naam Karega` is the iconic song that made Aamir Khan and Udit Narayan popular overnight. The youth instantly connected with the song which became a youth anthem of sorts in those days! Since `Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak`, Udit became the voice of Aamir on screen. Udit sung for the perfectionist star and the two churned out innumerable hits one after the other. `Pehla Nasha Pehla Khumar`, `Mujhe Neend Na Aaye` and `Kaali Naagin Si Jaise Zulfein Teri Kaali Kaali` are some of the hits that this duo has given.

Shah Rukh Khan- Abhijeet

Shah Rukh Khan and Abhijeet have been instrumental in giving Bollywood some of the memorable foot tapping numbers. Though singers like Sonu Niigam, Vinod Rathore and Udit Narayan have sung for King Khan, none have been able to compliment him as well as Abhijeet. `Chaand Taare Tod Laaon`, `Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaaon`, `Suno Na Suno Na Suno Na`, `Tauba Tumhare Ishare`, `Roshni Se Bhare Bhare` are some of the melodious songs that have made both Shah Rukh and Abhijeet “sound” made for each other. However, the two are at loggerheads over the inclusion of Pakistani players in SRK’s team in the IPL.

Manisha Koirala- Kavita Krishnamoorti

This talented actress-singer duo of Manisha-Kavita has given a number of hits together. None can compliment this Nepali beauty as well as Kavita. The song `Tu Hi re` from Mani Ratnam’s film `Bombay` picturised on Manisha and sung by Kavita can put your tears glands at work. This actress-singer duo have also given other chartbusters like `Ikraar Kerna Mushqil Hai`, `Yeh Ilu Ilu Kya Hai`, `Kyon Naye Lag Rahe Hain Yeh Dharti Gagan`.

Ranbir Kapoor- Atif Aslam

Ranbir Raj Kapoor aka Ranbir Kapoor is the newest superstar of Bollywood. RK has contributed many hit songs in his career spanning just 4 years. And Pakistani singer Atif Aslam’s voice suits him the most. The duo has given `Tu Jaane Na` and `Tera Hone Laga Hoon` from the film `Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani`. Though Atif has not sung too many songs for Ranbir, his voice compliments Ranbir the most. Here’s hoping that these two handsome men team up to give many more chartbusters in times to come.
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By Gayatri Sankar