We all know that a Bollywood film is incomplete without a few songs being thrown in with them. It is sort of like bread and butter, you can’t enjoy one without the other. Combining them together makes it all the more delicious. Over the last 100 years of filmmaking, the world has been exposed to some of the most iconic Bollywood numbers that we cannot erase from our minds and consider them to be eternal classics. As part of our mini-feature, BollySpice presents to you 15 songs that have changed Bollywood forever. Enjoy!
1. ‘Aayega Aane Wala’ from Mahal (1949) – Though this song won’t be as well known amongst the younger generation, the song ‘Aayega Aane Wala’ from the chilling film Mahal, is important for one major reason. This song made India’s nightingale Lata Mangeshkar a nationwide superstar and she went on to sing for Bollywood films for another six decades.
2. ‘Pyaar Hua Iqraar Hua’ from Shree 420 (1955) – This song is perhaps one of the most iconic songs from 1950s Bollywood and it is still hummed today by millions of Bollywood lovers who enjoy a retro classic. In addition, the romantic chemistry between legendary actors Raj Kapoor and Nargis really stand out in this particular number.
3. ‘Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya’ from Mughal-E-Azam (1960) – This melodious tune from the historical epic Mughal-E-Azam changed the way Bollywood songs are picturized. It is probably one of the most lavish songs you will be exposed to, whilst retaining its lyrical meaning.
4 ‘Mere Sapnon Ki Rani’ from Aradhana (1969) – Before the 60s ended, Bollywood lovers saw heartthrob Rajesh Khanna romancing Sharmila Tagore in the film Aradhana. The film went on to make Khanna Bollywood’s first ever superstar and this song played a big role in him achieving that success.
5. ‘Hum Tum Ek Kamre Mein’ from Bobby (1973) – This film marked the debut of Bollywood actors Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia and their chemistry did not go unnoticed. This classic song is still played today in millions of homes and we’re assuming that whenver a boy and a girl are alone in a room, one of them will be singing this song.
6. ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’ from Sholay (1975) – This song from the action-packed blockbuster Sholay helped to change Bollywood music for the better. Subsequently, songs became more modern and groovy, as well as more and more lyrics being written in a non-romantic context.
7. ‘Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein’ from Kabhi Kabhie (1976) – Even though the 1970s is known as the violent era in Bollywood, this superb track from Yash Chopra’s Kabhi Kabhie reminded us that we can still a traditional romantic song here and there.
8. ‘Dekha Ek Khwab’ from Silsila (1981) – The 1980s is universally considered to be one of dullest decades for Hindi cinema. Yet one of the big highlights of the 80s was the romantic number from Silsila. In addition, Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha’s chemistry is just amazing in this particular song.
9. ‘Dil Deewana’ from Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) – Before the 80s ended, we were exposed to Sooraj Bajartya’s Maine Pyar Kiya, which went on to become one of the biggest hits in Bollywood and is now a cult classic. The film also marked Salman Khan’s debut, who would then go on to change the industry forever and it’s box office numbers. The song ‘Dil Deewana’ also became a big hit and is appreciated for its romantic lyrics and music.
10. ‘Dheere Dheere Se’ from Aashiqui (1990) – Aashiqui is undoubtedly one of the key soundtracks which has had a massive impact on Bollywood and went on to win lots of awards within the Best Music category that year. There are many songs which can be chosen from this film, but we went with ‘Dheere Dheere Se’ which is considered to be the headline number for this film.
11. ‘Pehla Nasha’ from Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992) – Every Asian boy from the 90s no doubt sung this song to their girlfriend and rightfully so. ‘Pehla Nasha’ had a massive effect on the youth during the 90s and it is just one of many which define that particular decade.
12. ‘Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai’ from Khalnayak (1993) – This song proves that an actress can look and act provovative, without needing to do anything obscene. ‘Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai’ is cited by many as one of the greatest songs to have ever been produced in Bollywood. No doubt this was due to Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun’s vocals, Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s splendid music and of course Madhuri Dixit’s iconic dance moves, whom many consider to have played a major role in the song’s success.
13. ‘Tujhe Dekha To Yeh Jaana Sanam’ from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) – DDLJ is cited by film lovers as one of the greatest films ever made. This song ultimately defines the film and the iconic chemistry between superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.
14. ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ from Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) – Considered one of Shah Rukh Khan’s most iconic songs, this song proved that in the modern age, you can still be a soppy romantic. It will really make you feel teary both inside and out.
15. ‘Tum Hi Ho’ from Aashiqui 2 (2013) – This song from 2013’s big hit Aashiqui 2 broke many records and won numerous awards. Most importantly, it shot singer Arijit Singh to superstardom and his vocals are just flawless in this particular song.
