Sylvie 
Mumbai has always been the heartbeat of Bollywood, where music plays a pivotal role in defining the success of a film. Sometimes, however, the songs from a movie not only become chartbusters but also outshine the movies themselves. Here are five such Bollywood songs that made a lasting impact, transcending the films they belonged to.
1. “Kajra Re” – Bunty Aur Babli (2005)
This peppy and sensuous track featuring Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, and Amitabh Bachchan became an instant classic. Its catchy tune and rhythmic beats made it more memorable than the movie’s storyline itself. Composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and sung by Alisha Chinai, Shankar Mahadevan, and Javed Ali, it remains a staple at parties and weddings across India.
2. “Chaiyya Chaiyya” – Dil Se (1998)
With its energetic beat and unforgettable choreography on a moving train, “Chaiyya Chaiyya” is often considered one of the best Bollywood songs ever. Sung by Sukhwinder Singh and Sapna Awasthi and composed by A.R. Rahman, the song’s popularity soared beyond the movie ‘Dil Se,’ becoming synonymous with Bollywood dance numbers worldwide.
3. “Pardesi Pardesi” – Raja Hindustani (1996)
This soulful romantic track sung by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik struck a chord with audiences, overshadowing the movie’s narrative to a great extent. The emotional depth and melodious tune made it an evergreen favorite, often played to express heartbreak and longing.
4. “Why This Kolaveri Di” – 3 (2012)
Though technically a Tamil film song, “Why This Kolaveri Di” gained massive popularity all over India including Bollywood fans due to its quirky lyrics and catchy tune. Sung by Dhanush and composed by Anirudh Ravichander, the song went viral globally and became more popular than the film itself.
5. “Munni Badnaam Hui” – Dabangg (2010)
This item number featuring Malaika Arora turned into a sensation soon after its release. Known for its catchy lyrics and upbeat tempo, the song received immense love, often eclipsing the movie’s other aspects. Composed by Sajid-Wajid and sung by Mamta Sharma and Aishwarya Nigam, it remains a dance floor favorite.
In conclusion, these songs have managed to carve a niche for themselves in Bollywood’s musical history despite their films’ varying success levels. They highlight the power of music to transcend cinema and stand alone as cultural phenomena.
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