R. D. Burman recorded several songs with Kumar in the 1970s, including "O Maajhi Re" from "Khushboo", "Yeh Shaam Mastaani" and "Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai" from "Kati Patang" (1971), "Raat Kali Ek Khwab Mein Aayi" from "Buddha Mil Gaya" (1971) and "Chingari Koi Bhadke", "Kuch To Log Kahenge (Amar Prem)", "Zindagi Ke Safar Me Guzar Jaate Hain Jo Makam" from "Aap Ki Kasam" ( 1974), "Aane Wala Pal" from "Golmaal" (1979), "Hume Aur Jeene Ki Chahat Na Hoti" from "Agar Tume Na Hote" ( 1983), "Raha Pe Rahete Hai" from "Namkeen" (1985) and "Jab Bhi Koi Kangana" from "Shaukeen" (1987). Although Kumar was not formally trained in classical music, R. D. Burman often had Kumar sing semi-classical songs, such as "Humein Tum Se Pyaar Kitna" from "Kudrat" and "Mere Naina Saawan Bhadon" from "Mehbooba".