
Here's our pick of the greatest musical moments in Indian cinema
wroteRahul VermaiAlim Kheraj
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While we may have chosenTop 100 Bollywood-filmsWith over six decades of popular Hindi cinema, it's almost impossible to pick just 11 of the best Bollywood songs. Instead, we've opted for just a taste of the world of Bollywood music, choosing 11 of the most memorable and important songs.
With movies dating from 1951 to 2014, this list will give you an insight into how much Bollywood has changed over the past 60 years, while also giving you some absolute bangers that you'll want to add to your playlists too.
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Best Bollywood Songs
1.'Chaar bottle of vodka'
Film:'Ragini MMS 2' (2014.)
How exactly has Bollywood changed? Well, the track gives you an idea. Controversial Punjabi rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh waxes lyrical about the virtues of drinking four bottles of vodka (chorus: "I want a hangover tonight") to these dissonant hip-hop club beats, which also feature Canadian-Indian porn star Sunny Leone. Sure, parents hate him, mostly because of the debauchery of his lyrics and because he encourages their sons to dress "inappropriately," but kids adore him, as evidenced by the millions upon millions of views of this song.
2.'Badtameez Dil'
Film:'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' (2013)
A song dedicated to mischief and play, featuring superstar-in-waiting Ranbir Kapoor - on our listtop yours Bollywood-actors– jump, hook and hip through the party with the taste of salsa and reggaeton. It has a catchy chorus, a happy sing-along song and the immortal lyrics 'Bollywood, Bollywood, very, very merry good'. This is huge, as 50 Cent would say, "in da club."
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3.'Kal Ho Naa Ho'
Film:'Kal Ho Naa Ho' (2003.)
An example of a recurring song throughout the film, the flute intro of the title track 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' haunts this hugely successful film from the early 1990s. The rich, textured voice of Sonu Nigam dreamily delivers the exquisite, poetic lyrics of Javed Akhtar (of the screenwriting duo Salim-Javed, responsible for 'Sholay' i 'Deewaar') and the soundtrack of a love triangle with an undertone of terminal illness.
The whole soundtrack – by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy – is brilliant and Maha Vee's fat hip-hop production reflects twenty-first century Bollywood and absorbs influences from 'outside'.
4."Every Happiness, Every Sadness"
Film: 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (2001.)
Despite receiving mixed reviews at the time, 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' became one of Bollywood's highest-grossing films internationally. The title track is an example of how a song can weave itself through a movie. Lata Mangeshkar's distinctive and emotional voice takes you on a journey through the complex world of the family. Mimicking the film's title (which translates to 'in time of happiness, in time of sorrow') with her singing, pain and celebration merge into one stunning performance.
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5.'Chaiyya Chaiyya'
Film:'Dil Se..' (1998)
Mesmerizing passionate love song in Urdu performed on the roof of the train as it passes through the breathtaking mountain forest. Item dancer Malaika Arora matches Shakira on hip-twisting stilts and Shah Rukh Khan dances (and headbangs) as effortlessly as ever in this composition by AR Rehman, sung by Sukhwinder Singh and Sapna Awasthi. This is a song that was no excuse for a pee break.
6.'Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jana Sanam'
Film:'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (1995)
Ofsong fromofthe most romantic film in a generation 'TDTYJS' nods to the glorious days of Bollywood past starring playback singers Kumar Sanu and Lata Mangeshkar as star-crossed lovers Raj (Shah Rukh Khan) and Simran (Kajol) are reunited in the glorious fields of punjab .
They declare that they will die in each other's arms in the midst of costume changes, location changes (to the Alps), and dream sequence editing. The combination of majestic melodies, soaring strings and the innocent purity of Latina's voice has been a staple of Bollywood for decades. After all, if it ain't broke...
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7.'Aap Jaisa Koi'
Film:'Gurbani' (1980)
Since mainstream 1970s disco has a certain OTT, kitsch appeal, Bollywood disco seems like a match made in mirrorball heaven – and here's the proof. 'Aap Jaiso Koi' has its roots in Britain with Bangalore native and London native producer Biddu (Kung Fu Fighting) behind the slow groove and great disco atmosphere of this Bollywood disco classic.
Incredibly, his ethereal, faint voice belonged to 15-year-old Pakistani schoolgirl Nazia Hassan, who lives in London and recorded the hugely successful album 'Disco Deewane' (produced by Biddu) with her brother Zoheb. Tragically, Nazia passed away in 2000 at the age of 35.
8.'Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein'
Film:'Kabhi Kabhi' (1976)
Songs are often central to the plot of Bollywood films and are repeated throughout the film, as is the case with this achingly beautiful song from the spectacularly successful 'Kabhie Kabhie'.
Poet Amit (Amitabh Bachchan) falls in love with student Pooja (Rakhee Gulzar), and a smooth operator recites a song to her: the lyrics of this song sung by the great musical duo Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar.
The family prevents Amit and Pooja from being together and Pooja has an arranged marriage and sings this song on her wedding night imagining what could have been. A real heartbreaker.
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9."Dom Maro dom"
Film:'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' (1971)
What do you do when you are Ashaji and your elder sister is Lata Mangeshkar, the most wanted perfect singer in Bollywood? You develop a character that is the polar opposite of Latina's goody-two-shoes image, singing to vivacious, carefree, and sensual actresses (in this case, 1970s Zeenat Aman).
This is a tribute to the hippies in India, passing the chillum as Asha sings, 'take another hit' on the famous psychedelic Bollywood funk track by RD Burman - who became Ashaja's husband in 1980.
10.'Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Manna Hai Hai Hai'
Film:'Manager' (1965.)
"Today I feel like living again," is the chorus of this song, a joyful ode to life and forgetting responsibility. Lata Mangeshkar intoxicatingly exudes carefree abandon and a sense of liberation as Rosie (Waheeda Rehman), a dancer in a loveless marriage, falls for guide Raju (Dev Anand).
It is a remarkable song from a remarkable film that was ahead of its time in portraying a couple living together out of wedlock, and it starred two beloved, classy actors in Rehman and the woman-thinking Anand.
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11.'Awaara Hoon'
Film:'Awaara' (1951.)
Raj Kapoor is the father of cinema in post-colonial India. The actor-director spawned a string of hits in the 1950s and 1960s - including 'Awaara' - and was instrumental in putting film at the center of India's cultural imagination.
In the song 'Awaara Hoon', the actor gleefully sings about being a bum and touches on the Partition of 1947, when about 10 million people were displaced. His charisma struck a chord with everyone, and versions of the song appeared in the Soviet Union and China, with Chairman Mao reportedly a big fan of both the movie and the song.
More from the world of Bollywood
- Film
What does Bollywood mean to you? India, music, romance, song, drama, dance, comedy, action? All of the above? Here we celebrate the popular, mainstream face of Hindi movies - blockbusters that have been entertaining audiences in India and around the world for over six decades.
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FAQs
Best Bollywood Songs | 11 Great Bollywood Songs In Hindi Movies? ›
"Why This Kolaveri Di" become the first Indian music video to cross 100 million views. Dheere Dheere Se by Yo Yo Honey Singh become the first Indian music video to cross 200 million views . "Swag Se Swagat" became the first Indian music video to cross 500 million views on YouTube.
Which Hindi song has best beats? ›- 11. Dhoom Dhoom. Tata Young, Asif Ali Baig.
- 22. Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte. Sonu Nigam, Salim-Sulaiman.
- 33. Do Dhaari Talwaar. Shahid Mallya, Shweta Pandit.
- 44. Chhaliya. Vishal & Shekhar, Piyush Mishra, Sunidhi Chauhan.
- 55. Hum To Bhai Jaise Hain. ...
- 66. Bandeya (From "Dil Juunglee") ...
- 77. O Re Piya. ...
- 88. Shayarana.
- 11. Aaj Bhi. Vishal Mishra.
- 22. Jo Tu Na Mila. Asim Azhar.
- 33. Shikayat. Ved Sharma.
- 44. Kisi Aur Naal. Asees Kaur.
- 55. Jaane De Mujhe. Sanam (Band)
- 66. Aaya Na Tu. Arjun Kanungo, Momina Mustehsan.
- 77. Woh Baarishein. Arjun Kanungo.
- 88. Dil De Huzoora. Rahul Mishra.
- Ella Baila Sola. Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma.
- Eyes Closed. Ed Sheeran.
- Never Felt So Alone. Labrinth.
- Players. Coi Leray.
- Creepin' (with The Weeknd & 21 Savage) Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, 21 Savage.
- All My Life (feat. J. Cole) ...
- Anti-Hero. Taylor Swift.
- Baby Don't Hurt Me. David Guetta, Anne-Marie, Coi Leray.
The first Indian music video to reach 1 Billion views online was 'Laung Laachi' in 2020. Since then, more Indian videos have surpassed billion views, and a handful have hit the 500 million mark. We will keep updating as new videos make landmarks in Indian/Bollywood music industry.
Which songs are most listened in India? ›- O Bedardeya (From "Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar") Pritam, Arijit Singh, Amitabh Bhattacharya.
- Maan Meri Jaan. King.
- Kesariya. Pritam, Arijit Singh, Amitabh Bhattacharya.
- Kahani Suno 2.0. Kaifi Khalil.
- Malang Sajna. ...
- Obsessed. ...
- Phir Aur Kya Chahiye (From "Zara Hatke Zara Bachke") ...
- Agar Tum Saath Ho (From "Tamasha")
- 11. Naiyo Lagda. Himesh Reshammiya, Kamaal Khan,
- 22. Apna Bana Le. Arijit Singh, Sachin-Jigar.
- 33. Jhoome Jo Pathaan. Vishal & Shekhar, Arijit Singh, Sukriti Kakar.
- 44. Galliyan Returns. ...
- 55. O Bedardeya (From "Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar") ...
- 66. Malang Sajna. ...
- 77. Rabba Janda. ...
- 88. Ram Siya Ram (Lo-Fi)
R D Burman is commonly known as the 'Music Scientist' and the 'King of Bollywood Music'. He composed musical scores for 331 movies from the 1960s to the 1990s. R. D. Burman was trained by Ustad Ali Akbar Khan (sarod) and Samta Prasad (tabla).
Which is the fastest 100 million Hindi song? ›It looks like Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone led Besharam Rang has also found its blessing in disguise as the song becomes the fastest Bollywood track to cross 100 million.
Which Hindi song girls like most? ›- 11. Raataan Lambiyan. Tanishk Bagchi, Jubin Nautiyal, Asees Kaur.
- 22. Maiyya Mainu. Sachet Tandon. ...
- 33. Kesariya (From "Brahmastra") ...
- 44. Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas - Title Track. ...
- 55. Thoda Thoda Pyaar. ...
- 66. Tera Ban Jaunga. ...
- 77. Lut Gaye (Feat. ...
- 88. Baarish Ban Jaana.
Which type of song is famous in India? ›
The two main traditions of Indian classical music are Carnatic music, which is practised predominantly in the peninsular (southern) regions, and Hindustani music, which is found in the northern, eastern and central regions.
What songs make girls cry? ›- Glimpse of Us by Joji. ...
- Someone Like You by Adele. ...
- Overprotected by Britney Spears. ...
- Wherever You Will Go by Charlene Soraia. ...
- Matilda by Harry Styles. ...
- Shallow by Lady Gaga And Bradley Cooper. ...
- Conversations With My 13 Year Old Self by P! ...
- Piece by Piece by Kelly Clarkson.
01 – Arijit Singh
Arijit Singh is renowned as the “King of Playback Singing” and is well-known for his “love ballads.” He has received numerous awards including the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer, the IIFA Award for Best Male Playback, the Mirchi Music Awards, and many more.
Pos | P+ | Artist and Title |
---|---|---|
1 | = | King - Maan Meri Jaan |
2 | = | Pritam - O Bedardeya (From "Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar") |
3 | = | Pritam - Kesariya (w/ Arijit Singh, Amitabh Bhattacharya |
4 | = | Kaifi Khalil - Kahani Suno 2.0 |
- Mukesh.
- Kumar Sinu.
- Sanu Nigam.
- Kishore Kumar.
- Asha Bhosle.
- Shreya Ghoshal.
- Mohammed Rafi.
- Lata Mangeshkar.
"Blinding Lights" is now the top Billboard Hot 100 song of all time. The Weeknd and his collaborators reveal just how they made history.
Who is No 1 song in the world? ›According to Guinness World Records, Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" (1942) as performed by Bing Crosby is the best-selling single worldwide, with estimated sales of over 50 million copies.
What's the best song of all time? ›- Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana (1991)
- Imagine - John Lennon (1971)
- One - U2 (1992)
- Billie Jean - Michael Jackson (1982)
- Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen (1975)
- Hey Jude - The Beatles (1968)
- Like A Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan (1967)
- I Can't Get No Satisfaction - Rolling Stones (1965)
- 11. Naiyo Lagda. Himesh Reshammiya, Kamaal Khan,
- 22. O Bedardeya (From "Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar") Pritam, Arijit Singh, Amitabh Bhattacharya.
- 33. Apna Bana Le. Arijit Singh, Sachin-Jigar.
- 44. Raataan Lambiyan. ...
- 55. Jhoome Jo Pathaan. ...
- 66. Kesariya. ...
- 77. Tum Hi Ho. ...
- 88. Ram Siya Ram.
LATA MANGESHKAR WON GUINNESS WORLD RECORD
Lata Mangeshkar started her career in the year 1942 and over the years, she recorded as many as 50,000 songs in 14 languages. During the 1960s, she recorded 30,000 songs and won the Guinness World Record.
Who is India Billboard King? ›
Sidhu Moose Wala has the most number-one singles on the chart.
What is the number one song in India 2023? ›Nigerian music superstar, Rema has continued his fine run with his single 'Calm Down' which is making waves across the globe. In the Indian Music Industry chart week dated 9th January, 2023, Rema's 'Calm Down' topped the chart as it began in 2023 as the number 1 song in India.
Who is number 1 in Bollywood? ›Shah Rukh Khan, also known as the “King of Bollywood,” is one of the most popular actors in the world.
Who is called Queen of Bollywood? ›UPDATED : Mar 23 2023, 19:05 IST. Kangana Ranaut is one of the celebrities in Bollywood who has proved her mettle in acting and has carved a niche space for herself in showbiz. As she turns 36 today, here we list some lesser-known facts about Bollywood'sread more...
Who is Best actor India? ›...
National Film Award for Best Actor | |
---|---|
Last awarded | 2022 |
Most recent winner | Suriya Ajay Devgn |
Highlights | |
Most awards | Amitabh Bachchan (4) |
Interestingly, the lengthiest song in a Hindi film so far was the 11-minute Qawwalli, Humein to loot liya mil ke husn waalon ne from the 1958 film Al Hilal, produced by Shree Ram Bohra, grandfather of Sunil Bohra, producer of Mastaan.
What songs attract girls? ›- Don't Make Me Dream About You – Chris Issak. ...
- Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby - Cigarettes After Sex. ...
- Susanna – The Art Company. ...
- Lay Lady Lay – Magnet. ...
- Lady in Red - Chris De Burgh. ...
- P.D.A. (We Just Don't Care) – John Legend. ...
- Just the Way You Are - Billy Joel. ...
- Better Love – Hozier.
- 11. Main Hoon Saath Tere. Arijit Singh.
- 22. Agar Tum Saath Ho. Alka Yagnik, Arijit Singh.
- 33. Tum Hi Ho. Arijit Singh.
- 44. Tumhe Apna Banane Ka. Armaan Malik, Neeti Mohan, Amaal Mallik.
- 55. Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai. Roopkumar Rathod, Salim-Sulaiman,
- 66. Dil Aaj Kal. KK.
- 77. Tum Jo Aaye. ...
- 88. Chaar Kadam.
- “Beloved Wife” by Natalie Merchant.
- “My Wife” by The Who.
- “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley.
- “My Girl” by The Temptations.
- “My Woman, My Woman, My Wife” by Marty Robbins.
- “I've Got a Darlin' (for a Wife)” by Merle Haggard.
- “Faithfully” by Journey.
- “Lovesong” by The Cure.
Even though Indians love their culture, Indian pop music is the most popular genre across the country because of Bollywood movies. The adaptation of pop music in India is all about the combination of Indian classical and folk music with a blend of modern beats from all over the world.
Which state is famous for music in India? ›
The correct answer is Goa. Mando is a musical-dance form that developed among Goan Catholics of Goa during the 19th and 20th centuries.
What songs boost mood? ›- 'Let's Go Crazy' by Prince. ...
- 'I Got You (I Feel Good)' by James Brown & The Famous Flames. ...
- 'Don't Stop Me Now' by Queen. ...
- 'Good as Hell' by Lizzo. ...
- 'Walking on Sunshine' by Katrina & The Waves. ...
- 'Lovely Day' by Bill Withers. ...
- 'Tightrope' by Janelle Monáe. ...
- 'Three Little Birds' by Bob Marley & The Wailers.
Sad music also triggers the release of a hormone called prolactin, which can help reduce feelings of grief. Since the feeling of sadness, which led the brain to release the hormone, was second-hand — there's no actual grief the person experienced that needs consoling, so the hormone just leaves them feeling happy.
What song to listen when sad? ›My Tears Ricochet – Taylor Swift. For Emma, Forever Ago – Bon Iver. Pink Moon – Nick Drake. Knockin' on Heaven's Door – Bob Dylan.
What is #1 song right now? ›iTunes Top Pop Songs
The chart of today's current hit top pop songs 2023 on iTunes is several times daily and was last updated: Pacific Time. The current number one pop song on iTunes right now is Monsters by James Blunt.
Currently, Mangeshkar's sister Asha Bhonsle is listed on the Guinness World Records for the record 'Most studio recordings - singles'. The record, which she holds since 2011, stated that Bhonsle has "reportedly recorded up to 11,000 solo, duet and chorus backed songs in over 20 Indian languages" since 1947.
Which song is trending now in India? ›- Cupid - Twin Ver. FIFTY FIFTY.
- Malang Sajna. Sachet Tandon, Parampara Tandon, Kumaar, Sachet-Parampara.
- Calm Down (with Selena Gomez) Rema, Selena Gomez.
- Bones. Imagine Dragons.
- Bye. Aditya Bhardwaj.
- Until I Found You (with Em Beihold) - Em Beihold Version. Stephen Sanchez, Em Beihold.
- Flowers. ...
- Boy's a Liar Pt.
According to Guinness World Records, Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" (1942) as performed by Bing Crosby is the best-selling single worldwide, with estimated sales of over 50 million copies.
Which Indian singer is on Billboard? ›Sidhu Moose Wala has the most number-one singles on the chart.
Which Indian singer has most fans? ›With an Historical Popularity Index of 68.56, Lata Mangeshkar is the most famous Indian Singer.