Top 10 Films: Music that made a mark

[dropcap]Be [/dropcap]it weddings or Ganpati Utsav, Hindi songs have always been an integral part of our celebrations and festive events. Known all over the world as the sole musical film industry, Bollywood has acquired a unique identity owing to the melodious songs backing it. Much before a film gets released, it’s the songs and the music that make an initial and instant impact on the listeners. Unlike Western films, Hindi movies have constantly been making huge profits by providing additional entertainment in the form of its musical offerings over the past many years.

Hindi music casts such a great impression on Indian masses that right from the era of Mughal-E-Azam to the modern generation Rock On, the musical taste of the Indian audience has been immensely influenced by it. In the present day scenario, many films are becoming blockbusters just by the popularity of their music. More than anything else, sometimes it’s only the songs of the film that strike the deepest chord inside us. Stealing million hearts and still etched in our memories, Bollywood has churned out numerous musical hits. As an ode to the evergreen musical cinema and some remarkable tunes, Pandolin presents you a list of top ten Hindi films that should be watched by every Bollywood buff mainly because of its music.

Shree 420: The golden age of Indian cinema saw countless films directed by Raj Kapoor and with his every new movie, he used to set new benchmarks for music. Shree 420 has been R K Film’s one of the most memorable albums that was liked not only in India but also got enormous accolades in the overseas, particularly in Russia. Every song of this movie is a masterpiece in its own and remains a gem in the history of Hindi music. Mera Jhoota Hai Japani, Ichak Dana Bichak Dana, Ramaiya Vastaviya, Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua, Dil Ka Haal Sune Dilwala and Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh, all these tracks are so simple yet mind-blowing that one can’t help but adore them forever.

Guide: Anyone who understands the true value of music would undeniably appreciate the sheer brilliance of SD Burman who came up with an outstanding and classic album like Guide. Though the film got rave reviews for its performances and direction at the time of its release yet it was the music of the film that made it unforgettable. Gaata Rahe Mera Dil, Tere Mere Sapne, Din Dhal Jaaye, Piya Tose Naina Laage, Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai, Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya and Wahan Kaun Hai Tera are some of the tracks from this film that contributed towards its grand success.

Aashiqui: If you have ever been in love or yearned for someone, you would easily reckon with the magic of romance that Aashiqui created. Best selling album of its times and a legacy that gave rise to the latest Aashiqui 2, this is easily the most romantic soundtrack released in the Bollywood history. One can’t really pick the favorite song in this album but still the top likeable choices include Jaane Jigar Janeman, Bas Ek Sanam Chahiye, Nazar Ke Saamne, Dheere Dheere Se Meri, Main Duniya Bhula Doonga and Tu Meri Zindagi Hai. Treasures like Aashiqui arrive once in a blue moon and its entire acclaim must be given to the music composers Nadeem-Shravan, lyricist Sameer and the legendary singers Anuradha Paudwal and Kumar Sanu.

Saajan: Another harmonious treat by Nadeem-Shravan and Sameer, Saajan got applauded for almost all its songs, ranging from the romantic duets to the melancholic soulful melodies. From the poetic tracks like Tu Shayar hai and Bahut Pyaar Karte Hain, to the joyful ones such as Tumse Milne Ki Tamanna Hai and Pehli Baar Mile Hain, Saajan was a complete package of enjoyable songs, which continues to throb our pulses even today. This love triangle starring Madhuri Dixit, Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt happens to be one of the best musical narratives that came out of Hindi cinema.

Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Ayee: The entire cine world is aware of Bhatt’s clan wonderful music taste but Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Ayee is probably the only album produced by them that went completely unnoticed throughout the years. Embellished with several timeless tunes such as Tere Dar Par Sanam Chale Aaye, Shairana Si Hai Zindagi, Badalon Mein Chhup Raha Hai Chand and Dil Deta Hai Ro Ro Dohai, this film had an average story plus performances but classic enduring songs. Above everything else, one must watch this movie for the immortal music composed by Anu Malik.

1942 A Love Story: Though the film was a disaster at box-office yet its soundtrack continues to live among Indian masses till date. Studded with Javed Akhtar’s fantastic lyrics and maestro RD Burman’s music, 1942 A Love Story made a lasting impression with the superb melodies like Ek Ladki Ko Dekha, Pyar Hua Chup Ke Se, Rooth Na Jana, Kuch Na Kaho and Rhim Jhim Rhim Jhim. Backed by magnificent visuals and direction of Vidhu Vinod Chopra, this film can be considered as the most sentimental example of storytelling elevated by poignant tunes.

Dil se: A R Rahman’s much-admired work of 1998, Dil Se is embraced by songs that are distinctive and marvelous in their own way. From the dance number like Chhaiya Chhaiya picturized on the train to the heart-wrenching Jiya Jale Jaan Chale, to the lyrical E Ajnabi and the brilliant title track Dil Se Re, this album made a tremendous mark in the music market all over. After Roja, Dil Se was the next musical masterpiece turned out by Mani Ratnam though the film didn’t get a sound commercial feat.

Taal: Again A R Rahman did wonders with his musical sensibilities in the year 1999 by offering us the melodious Taal. Unquestionably, the most excellent album presented by Mukta Arts, this Hindi film comprises some beautifully penned and composed songs such as Ishq Bina, Taal Se Taal Mila, Ramta Jogi, and Ni Main Samajh Gayee. Subhash Ghai himself agreed that amongst all his films, Taal has been the best musical journey for him so far. Its one film, where music was not only added to enhance the story but treated like a full-fledged character in it.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi: The major credit for the success of this film definitely goes to its award-winning musicals that not only made Indian nationals but also the westerners dance to their tunes. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi became the first Hindi soundtrack, which achieved the top-ten album status in the iTune store for best selling. Directed by Aditya Chopra and bejeweled with music composed by Salim-Sulaiman, this romantic comedy introduced Shahrukh Khan in a new avatar and launched a fresh face Anushka Sharma in the role of Taani. One of the songs from the movie, Dance Pe Chance got so popular that it was remade into ‘Insomnia’ and ‘Nedie’ by the pop singers from two different countries.

Rockstar: Regarded as a milestone in the history of Hindi film music, this recently composed album by A R Rahman received awesomely positive reviews from various critics. Though this emotional drama directed by Imtiaz Ali met with a mixed response, it was the music of the film that made it work among many people. Rockstar is a musical journey that encompasses a blend of art spanning across the ballads to the Gujarati folk to the Sufi music and even a gypsy note from an unheard Czech tradition. Featuring fourteen tracks, out of which nine were sung by Mohit Chauhan, this album witnessed its most popular song in the form of “Sadda Haq” that got termed as an “Indian youth anthem”.

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