IN the realm of playback singing, there are few singers who sang just one or two songs in films, which became immortal along with those who rendered them. Sharafat Ali sang Tere Ruswaeon Se Darta Hoon, Jab Tere Shehr Se Guzarta Hoon for the movie Waada released in 1957, which people still listen to with interest.

Although Sharafat’s voice was a little shaky, the song became an evergreen success. In the same year, Kavi Pradeep of India sang Pinjray Ke Panchi Re, Tera Dard Na Janay Koi for Nagmani, which became an instant hit due to his unique voice. A year later, talented actor and singer Zareef sang Buray Naseeb Mere, Wairi Hoya Pyar Mera for Choo Mantar, which remains popular even today. Suraiya Multanikar’s Baray Be-Murawat Hain Ye Husn Walay for Badnaam in 1966 also falls in the same category.

It is in this list that one has to add the name of Sunny Benjamin John — known to us all as S.B. John — who sang Tu Jo Naheen Hai, Tau Kuchh Bhi Naheen Hai for Swera in 1959. The song has captivated listeners for more than six decades, and it is still frequently played by radio channels. Indian producer and director Mahesh Bhatt liked the song so much that he asked S.B. John to sing it again for his 2006 movie Woh Lamhe. The singer expressed his regrets, but told Bhatt that it could be sung by his son Glenn John, who then rendered it for the movie.

Recently, I listened to S.B. John singing Salim Raza’s Zindagi Mein Ek Pal Bhi Chain Aye Na from Hamsafar which was released in 1960. John sang it so well in his soft and mellifluous voice that to me it appeared to be better than the original. I realised the Pakistani film industry had wasted the good voice of S.B. John who could have contributed many more hit songs had he been provided the opportunity.

Parvez Rahim
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 4th, 2026