Yahan Bhi To Nahin Hai - Preet Na Jane Reet by Mohammed Rafi, Kamal Barot

Not every song from Preet Na Jane Reet lingers, but Yahan Bhi To Nahin Hai - Preet Na Jane Reet is the one that stays. The production by Kalyanji, Anandji is understated in the best way — supportive without overshadowing the vocal.

The performance by Mohammed Rafi, Kamal Barot is the centrepiece here — controlled where it needs to be, open where it counts. Hearing Yahan Bhi To Nahin Hai - Preet Na Jane Reet without thinking of Johnny Walker, Minoo Mumtaz is almost impossible for anyone who has seen Preet Na Jane Reet.

1966 was a strong year for Hindi music, and Yahan Bhi To Nahin Hai - Preet Na Jane Reet was among the reasons why. It is the kind of track that works at full volume with friends and equally well in a quiet room alone — the mood adjusts without the song changing.

The 3:59 runtime feels perfectly judged — long enough to develop its ideas, short enough to compel a second play. It is, simply, one of the better songs to come from Hindi in recent memory — and the numbers agree.