[dropcap]C[/dropcap]an you think of a love story without music? It’s almost like living without oxygen. Maybe not that severe, but the fact is that music and love are inseparable. Love is incomplete without music and music has always had a soul – changing impact on people; more so on people who are in love. Love has hence been the inspiration for many songs – be it confessing your love, missing a loved one, impressing  that cute girl/ guy and the list goes on and on.

So with Valentine’s Day around the corner, love in the air and cupid all set to strike, we bring the love birds, the single souls and every music lover, our list of the 10 most romantic numbers from the Hindi film industry.

So put on your headphones and join the celebration.

Pyar hua ikraar hua hai – Shree 420

Rains, Romance and Raj Kapoor spell the perfect combination for a dream romantic setting. The maestro Raj Kapoor has given us romantic melodies for a lifetime and Pyaar hua ikraar hua is definitely top of the list. With lyrics that encourage you to let go of all inhibitions and admit your love, this song by Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey has been effortlessly passed on from generation to generation.

Gaata Rahe Mera Dil – Guide

This Kishore Kumar – Lata Mangeshkar duet featuring the lovely Waheeda Rehman and dashing Dev Anand is a riveting number. The legendary composer S.D. Burman created the memorable music for this Bollywood classic. Complete with mesmerizing lyrics by Shailendra, Gaata rahe mera dil is a memorable proposition of love that takes you back to the 60’s era.

Dekha Ek Khwaab – Silsila

When you think romance, one of the few images that come to mind is that of Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan and their sizzling chemistry amidst the beautiful gardens of Netherlands. Another glorious track in the golden voices of Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar with words by Javed Akhtar, Dekha Ek Khwaab is remembered for its beautiful lyrics and on – screen opulence.

Saathiya Ye Tune Kya Kiya – Love

The sugar coated voices of S P Balasubramaniam and Chitra together created one of the most romantic numbers featuring Salman Khan. This sweet love song composed by Anand- Milind expresses the naughtiness and charm of young romantics. The light -hearted track has Salman Khan as the innocent lover boy and Revathi as a bubbly girl smitten by each other.

Pehla Nasha – Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander

Valentine’s Day would be incomplete without Pehla Nasha. This is the indisputable anthem for young lovers; especially the first timers. Did you know that director Mansoor Khan had initially rejected the song but was forced to incorporate it. Sung by Udit Narayan and Sadhna Sargam, this serene track shot in slow motion has a serenading effect on every romantic and takes you back to memories of your first love.

Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh – DDLJ

Veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra celebrated the fervor of romance like no one else. His films have created romantic numbers for every occasion and Tujhe Dekha toh… is one of those numbers that has redefined the meaning of love with mustard fields in the backdrop. While Shahrukh Khan and Kajol became iconic as Raj and Simran, this song by Lata Mangeshkar and Kumar Sanu has become a chartbuster for any couple in love.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai – Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

If Yash Chopra was the king of romance, Shahrukh Khan is definitely the prince. Featuring King Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji, the title track of this film sung by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik is an honest confession of love through the beautiful words of Sameer. Jatin – Lalit’s composition has an underlying innocence and purity which make it an all time favorite romantic number.

Teri Ore – Singh is Kinng

Katrina Kaif and Akshay Kumar set the screen on fire with their chemistry in this harmonious song shot against the picturesque backdrop of Egypt. Pritam’s musical symphony is aptly supported by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shreya Ghoshal who provide a novel depth to this song with the emotion in their voices.

Paani Da Rang – Vicky Donor

A truly soulful rendition, Paani da rang grips you from the word go. The soft-toned voice, heartfelt lyrics and soulful composition exude the expression of true love.  Ayushmann Khurana’s voice transports you into a dream like sequence in this guitar led Punjabi ballad. The more you hear it, the more you will fall in love with it. This is surely going to become an evergreen love song.

Main Kya Karoon – Barfi

With Barfi, music composer Pritam has delivered a delightful, soul – enriching album, one of his finest works. Main Kya Karoon is one such melodious love ballad that defines new age romance. Crooned by Nikhil Paul George, this song evokes the eagerness of young romance and has an old fashioned western feel. The variations in this track coupled with touching lyrics make it one of the best love songs of recent times.