Often overlooked in "popular" lists but a mandatory inclusion for "best," this track is philosophical poetry set to a gentle waltz. Gulzar’s lyrics ("I’m not angry at life, I’m just disappointed") capture the exhaustion of middle age. R.D. Burman’s orchestration—using accordions and soft strings—creates a haunting atmosphere. While the original film was Masoom , the song gained legendary status after being used in Masaan (2015). It is the best Hindi song ever written about acceptance. Film: Sadma | Music: Ilaiyaraaja | Lyrics: Gulzar
Think of the most energetic two minutes in film history. A.R. Rahman composed this Sufi-rock fusion on a train roof, with Sukhwinder Singh screaming "Chaiyya Chaiyya" (a Sufi invocation meaning "shadow"). The percussion (the dhol ) is relentless. The brass section is fiery. And the visual of Shah Rukh Khan dancing on a moving train became iconic worldwide. In 2010, Time magazine voted it the 4th best song in the world. It is the best Hindi dance song ever made. Film: Woh Kaun Thi? | Music: Madan Mohan | Lyrics: Raja Mehdi Ali Khan bollywood top 10 the best hindi songs ever songs best
But with thousands of melodies spanning from the 1950s to the 2020s, how do you pick just ten? We have taken on this impossible task. We analyzed lyrical depth, musical composition, vocal performance, cultural impact, and longevity. Here is the definitive, ranked list of the . 10. Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) – Sonu Nigam Film: Kal Ho Naa Ho | Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy | Lyrics: Javed Akhtar Often overlooked in "popular" lists but a mandatory
This song changed Bollywood. When A.R. Rahman arrived with Roja , he introduced the world to the Oboe , synthesized rhythms, and a melody that climbs like a prayer. Roja Janeman is a declaration of love set against the backdrop of Kashmir’s conflict. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam’s voice is urgent and hopeful, while Chitra’s portions are ethereal. It is the best Hindi song to prove that love can bloom even in a war zone. Film: Aradhana | Music: S.D. Burman | Lyrics: Anand Bakshi Film: Sadma | Music: Ilaiyaraaja | Lyrics: Gulzar
This is the song that built modern India. Sung by the iconic Mukesh, Mera Joota Hai Japani became the unofficial national anthem of the common man. The lyrics declare: "My shoes are Japanese, my pants are English, but my heart is Hindustani." In an era of post-colonial identity crisis, Raj Kapoor’s tramp character sang this with a mix of pride and rebellion. Even today, if you play this at a gathering in rural India, everyone will stand. It is timeless. Film: Dil Se | Music: A.R. Rahman | Lyrics: Gulzar