Madanji was very firm on his convictions about his musical creations. He was always sure which singer he wished to use for a particular song, especially since he worked with all the singing legends....all of whom, while having their own niche, were so versatile and were singing for every composer of the day.

Initially, in his first film, AANKHEN, it was Mukeshji who sang most songs with Rafi Saab also singing a song. In subsequent films, while Rafi Saab, Mannada, Hemantda and even Kishoreda sang periodically, the choicest songs were sung by Talat Mahmood. Songs like Meri Yaad Mein, Humse Aaya Na Gaya, Mai Pagal Mera Manwa Pagal and various others are loved till today.

In the early 60's, Talat saab was singing less, due to health reasons as well as since various new stars had emerged and style of music was also gradually changing. Rafi Saab was the undisputed king of playback then.

When JAHANARA was being made, the director wanted that Rafi Saab sing all the male songs. Rafi Saab had already been the voice for Bharat Bhushan in earlier musical hits like BAIJU BAWRA, BASANT BAHAR and BARSAAT KI RAAT, as well as in Madanji's GATEWAY OF INDIA. However, Madanji wished that Talat Saab sing some songs in JAHANARA, for reasons that he felt his voice would be suited to the character as well as the mood of those songs. The director was unhappy about this. Madanji stood his ground, and informed the producer and good friend, actor Om Prakash that he would leave the film if he didn't get his way. Later, he also volunteered to record the songs at his expense in Talat Saab's voice and if they were not appreciated by the producer and director, he would leave the film.

Talat Saab sang Phir Wohi Shaam Wohi Gham, Teri Aankh Ke Aansoo, Main Teri Nazar Ka Suroor Hoon and the duet Aye Sanam Aaj, and these are among his most remembered songs till today.

Of course, Rafi Saab also sang a solo, Kisi Ki Yaad Mein and a duet, Baad Muddat in JAHANARA, as Madanji felt that for these songs his voice was more suitable.

Ironically over a decade later, in 1973/74 a similar situation arose when the songs of LAILA MAJNU were to be recorded. By then, Kishoreda had taken over as lead singer for the younger heroes, and Rafi Saab's reign at the top was now being threatened.

Madanji had earlier worked with Kishoreda in various films in 50's and 60's. In the early 70's he had also recorded songs in PARWANA, EK MUTHI AASMAAN, JALAN and SAHIB BAHADUR with him, while of course at the same time Rafi Saab had recently sung Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho for him.

H.S. Rawail, the director of LAILA MAJNU wanted Kishoreda to sing for Rishi Kapoor, playing Majnu. Madanji insisted on having Rafi Saab as he felt that he suited the character better.

By then Kishoreda had become the accepted voice for Rishi, who was also keen on him.

However Madanji was adamant and prevailed again. Rafi Saab sang all the songs in the film including Barbaad Mohabbat, Is Reshmi Pazeb, and Tere Dar Pe Aaya Hoon and LAILA MAJNU became the biggest musical hit of the year. Madanji did not live to see the success of his music or the amazing comeback of Rafi Saab who then sang many songs for Rishi in subsequent films like Sargam, Amar Akbar Anthony, Hum Kisise Kum Nahin, Karz and others.

The songs of JAHANARA and LAILA MAJNU will remain landmarks in the careers of Talat Mahmood and Mohd. Rafi respectively, and will also be landmark films in Madanji's filmography.