We have selected the finest musical moments in Indian film history.
Although we have curated a list of 100 exceptional Bollywood films, it is quite challenging to narrow down the selection to just 11 remarkable Bollywood songs due to the vastness and richness of Hindi cinema spanning more than six decades. Therefore, we have decided to present a small glimpse into the captivating realm of Bollywood music by handpicking 11 iconic and significant songs that hold lasting memories.
Featuring movies spanning from 1951 to 2014, this compilation offers a peek into the evolution of Bollywood over the past six decades. It also presents an assortment of captivating songs that are worth adding to your playlists.
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Top Bollywood Songs Ever
How exactly has Bollywood change? Well, the track will give you an idea. Controversial Punjabi rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh waxes lyrical about the virtues of drinking four bottles of vodka (the chours goes: ‘I want a hangover tonight’) over this dissonant hip hop club beats, which also features Canadian-Indian porn star Sunny Leone. Sure parents hate him, maily for the slackness of his lyrics and for encourging their sons to dress ‘inapprpriately’, but the kids love him, as proven by this track’s millions and millions of views.
A lively and playful song, showcasing the talents of up-and-coming superstar Ranbir Kapoor, who has earned a spot on our list of the top ten Bollywood actors. In this track, he effortlessly dances to a fusion of salsa and reggaeton beats at an energetic party. The chorus is incredibly catchy, with a cheerful melody that will make you want to sing along. The lyrics are timeless, proclaiming the joyfulness of Bollywood with the words “Bollywood, Bollywood, very, very jolly good.” This song is undeniably popular and would surely get everyone dancing in the club!
An example of a song recurring throughout a film, the flute intro from the title track of ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ haunts this massively successful early noughties film. Sonu Nigam’s rich, textured voice dreamily animates exquisite, poetic lyrics by Javed Akhtar (of screen-writing duo Salim-Javed, responsible for ‘ Sholay ‘ and ‘ Deewaar ‘), and soundtracks a love triangle with a terminal-illness twist.
The complete music album, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, is outstanding and the modern hip hop style of Mahe Vee showcases how Bollywood in the twenty-first century embraces global influences.
Top Bollywood Songs of All Time
A mesmerising, passionate Urdu love song performed on the roof of a train as it trundles through a jaw-dropping mountain forest backdrop. Item dancer Malaika Arora rivals Shakira in the hip-swivelling stakes and Shah Rukh Khan dances (and head bangs) effortlessly as he always does, in this composition by AR Rehman, sung by Sukhwinder Singh and Sapna Awasthi. This is one song that wasn’t an excuse for a toilet break.
6. ‘Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jana Sanam’
The song from the most romantic film in a generation ‘TDTYJS’ nods to Bollywood’s wholesome days of yore with playback singers Kumar Sanu and Lata Mangeshkar as star-crossed lovers Raj (Shah Rukh Khan) and Simran (Kajol) are reunited in Punjab’s glorious fields.
They declare they’ll die in each other’s arms amid costume changes, location switches (to the Alps), and dream-sequence montages. The combo of glorious melodies, soaring strings and the innocent purity of Lata’s voice has been a Bollywood staple for decades. After all, if it ain’t broke
Considering mainstream 1970s disco has a certain OTT, kitsch appeal, Bollywood disco seems a match made in mirror-ball heaven – and here’s the evidence. ‘Aap Jaiso Koi’ has roots in Britain with Bangalore-born, London-based producer Biddu (Kung Fu Fighting) behind the languid groove and glossy disco vibe of this Bollywood disco classic.
Remarkably, its ethereal, fuzzy voice belonged to 15-year-old Pakistani schoolgirl Nazia Hassan, living in London, who went on to record a hugely successful album ‘Disco Deewane’ (produced by Biddu) with her brother, Zoheb. Tragically, Nazia passed away in 2000 aged 35.
Greatest Bollywood Songs Ever
Songs are often key to the plot of Bollywood movies and repeated throughout the film, as is the case with this achingly beautiful song from the spectacularly successful ‘Kabhie Kabhie’.
Amit, a poet portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan, develops romantic feelings for Pooja, a student played by Rakhee Gulzar. In an attempt to woo her, Amit recites a heartfelt poem that serves as the lyrics to this beautiful song. The vocals are provided by the legendary playback singers Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar.
The union of Amit and Pooja is hindered by their families, as Pooja is compelled to enter into an arranged marriage. On her wedding night, she sings a poignant song that reflects her longing for what could have been between her and Amit. This heart-wrenching moment tugs at the emotions of the audience.
What do you do when you’re Ashaji and your older sister is Lata Mangeshkar, the most in-demand, perfect playback singer in Bollywood? You develop a persona opposite to Lata’s goody-two-shoes image, singing for racy, carefree and sensuous actresses (in this instance, 1970s vamp Zeenat Aman).
This is a homage to hippies in India, as they pass round a chillum as Asha sings, ‘take another hit’ to a glorious, psychedelic Bollywood funk composition by RD Burman – who became Ashaji’s hubby in 1980.
Best Bollywood Songs Ever: “Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai
The chorus of this song expresses a desire to embrace life once again, capturing the essence of joy and letting go of responsibilities. Lata Mangeshkar beautifully portrays a carefree spirit and a feeling of liberation through her mesmerizing vocals. The song narrates the story of Rosie (played by Waheeda Rehman), a dancer trapped in an unhappy marriage, who finds love in Raju (portrayed by Dev Anand), a tour guide.
This song is the highlight of a remarkable movie that was progressive for its time, as it depicted a couple cohabiting without being married. The film featured the talented actors Rehman and Anand, who were highly admired by audiences.
Raj Kapoor is the father of cinema in post-colonial India. The actor and director was behind a flurry of hits in the 1950s and 1960s – including ‘Awaara’ – and key to film becoming central to India’s cultural imagination.
The song ‘Awaara Hoon’ sees the actor cheerfully sing about being a drifter, tapping into the Partition of 1947 that saw around 10 million people displaced. His everyman charisma touched a nerve, and versions of this song appeared in the Soviet Union and China, with Chairman Mao reportedly a big fan of both film and song.
Top 50 Songs in India: A Comprehensive List
The first song mentioned is “Pehle Bhi Main” which is sung by Vishal Mishra and written by Raj Shekhar. It is a beautiful melody that has touched the hearts of many listeners.
Another great song on this list is “Main Dhoondne Ko Zamaane Mein”. Although no specific details about its singers or composers are provided here, it remains one of the most beloved tracks in Bollywood history.
Lastly, we have “Lambiyaan Si Judaiyaan”, a heart-wrenching track that captivates listeners with its poignant lyrics and soul-stirring composition.
Ultimate Bollywood Songs of all Time
What does Bollywood signify for you? Is it the essence of India, its music, romantic tales, melodious songs, dramatic plots, energetic dance sequences, hilarious comedies or thrilling action scenes? We pay tribute to the widely loved and commercially successful Hindi films that have been captivating audiences in India and around the world for over sixty years.
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Your preferred Bollywood songs?
Dekhte Dekhte holds a special place in my heart as it takes me back to the time when I was in 9th grade. I remember vividly, we were on a bus trip with my classmates and this song started playing. Instantly, a wave of nostalgia washed over me as the melodious tune filled the air. It became an anthem for our journey, and every time I hear it now, it brings back those cherished memories.
Lastly, Tum Dil Ki Dhadkan Mein Rehte Ho is a duet by Nadeem-Shravan that deserves all the praise it receives. The harmonious blend of their voices creates pure magic that soothes your senses instantly. This timeless classic never fails to bring joy and warmth whenever it plays.
P.S: These Bollywood songs have left an indelible mark on millions of hearts across India and continue to be loved even today!
Who holds the top spot as a singer in India?
1. “Kabira” – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
2. “Tum Hi Ho” – Aashiqui 2 (2013)
3. “Channa Mereya” – Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)
4. “Pee Loon” – Once Upon A Time In Mumbai (2010)
5. “Kal Ho Naa Ho” – Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
6. “Gerua” – Dilwale (2015)
7. “Tera Ban Jaunga” – Kabir Singh (2019)
8. “Jag Ghoomeya” – Sultan( 2016)
9.”Ae Watan”- Raazi( 2020)
10.”Zaalima”- Raees( 2020)
These are just a few examples from the vast collection of amazing Bollywood songs that have been loved by audiences over the years.
The Bollywood music king is who?
What set R D Burman apart from other composers of his time was his ability to experiment with various genres while maintaining a distinct Bollywood essence. He seamlessly blended elements of Western music with traditional Indian melodies, creating compositions that were both innovative and melodious. This versatility allowed him to cater to different moods and themes within films.
What is the first Bollywood song in the world?
1. “Mera Joota Hai Japani” from the movie Shree 420 (1955)
2. “Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua” from the movie Shree 420 (1955)
3. “Awaara Hoon” from the movie Awaara (1951)
4. “Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein” from the movie Kabhi Kabhie (1976)
5. “Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga” from the movie 1942: A Love Story (1994)
6. “Chaiyya Chaiyya” from the movie Dil Se..(1998)
7. “Tum Hi Ho” from the movie Aashiqui 2 (2013)
8.”Kal Ho Naa Ho”from Kal ho na ho
9.“Lag ja gale”from Woh kaun thi
10.“Pee loon”from Once upon a time in Mumbai
These songs have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and continue to be loved by audiences even today!
