Songs are the key to Bollywood movies. They are the anchor for the film’s theme and get played over and over again during the course of the story.
Bollywood movies are iconic, in large part because of their catchy music. If you’re wondering which ones are the very best, we’ve compiled a list of five of the best Bollywood songs of all time. Check it out.
1. “Chaiyya Chaiyya”
Although Bollywood films get categorized as Hindi, this song from the 1998 movie Dil Se.. was written in Urdu, as do most songs for Bollywood. There is an alternate version in Tamil.
The upbeat song was popular because of its location: a moving train. The album sold over six million copies.
2. “Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein”
Get ready to get your heart broken if you watch the 1976 movie this song is from, Kabhie Kabhie. The leading lady falls for someone, but it’s not in her destiny. Her family arranges for her to marry someone else, and she spends her wedding night wishing she was with the other guy.
But the song began as part of a collection of poems, and later got simplified for the movie. It won several awards.
3. “Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai”
The song from the 1965 movie Guide had several nominations (and later wins) at the Filmfare Awards in 1967. It’s lyrics translate to, “Today I feel like living again,” and embody the feelings of the main characters, Raju and Rosie.
The characters go through some major lows, even attempting suicide, but in the end, they each find a cause to fight for. Their determination makes this their perfect anthem.
4. “Chaar Bottle Vodka”
This newer Bollywood song from the film Ragini MMS 2 has millions of views on YouTube. The 2014 erotic horror movie is a sequel to Ragini MMS. It stars porn actress Sunny Leone as herself.
The song is the most popular of the six total on the movie’s soundtrack. You can find more songs from rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh available for download on the mp3boy website.
5. “Kal Ho Naa Ho”
“Kal Ho Naa Ho,” titled the same as the 2003 movie it’s from, mimics the theme song from The Titanic, by Celine Dion. It’s more contemporary than many of the other Bollywood iconic songs.
The translation, “Tomorrow May Never Come,” embodies the story, a tragic love story about Naina, who falls for the new neighbor, but ends up marrying her classmate who loves her. When the neighbor almost dies, he asks Naina’s husband to let him marry her in the next life.
Listen to this great Bollywood song on one of the many devices in your home, but we highly recommend checking out the YouTube video to see the original.
Hindi Rock: Best Bollywood Songs
These five best Bollywood songs won’t disappoint you. From the Golden Age to Classic and New Bollywood, these quintessential songs give you a taste of the rich Indian influence so many American films have embraced.
The success of a Bollywood film’s soundtrack determines the success of the film, and all these songs made their movies big hits.
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