
Bollywood movies often rely heavily on their music to make a lasting impression, but sometimes, the songs transcend the films themselves, becoming iconic independent of their cinematic contexts. Here are five Bollywood songs that outshined their movies big time:
1. “Chaiyya Chaiyya” – Dil Se (1998)
While Dil Se was critically appreciated, it was the song “Chaiyya Chaiyya,” composed by A.R. Rahman and sung by Sukhwinder Singh, that captured hearts worldwide. Featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Malaika Arora dancing atop a moving train, it remains one of Bollywood’s most iconic songs.
2. “Tunak Tunak Tun” – Daler Mehndi (Unrelated to films but immensely popular)
Although not tied directly to a movie, this song by Daler Mehndi gained so much popularity that its fame dwarfed most contemporary Bollywood hits. It’s an example of a track that became a cultural phenomenon on its own.
3. “Keh Do Ke Tum” – Tezaab (1988)
Despite the movie Tezaab being a standard action drama, the soulful track “Keh Do Ke Tum” remains memorable for its haunting melody and Anil Kapoor’s emotive lip-sync performance, continuing to be a favorite decades later.
4. “Mundian To Bach Ke” – Punjabi MC (Featured in several Bollywood films)
This fusion of traditional Punjabi music with hip-hop elements caught on globally and appeared in numerous Bollywood soundtracks, eclipsing the impact of many films it was part of.
5. “Pee Loon” – Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010)
Though the film was fairly successful, it was “Pee Loon,” with its romantic lyrics and soothing melody sung by Mohit Chauhan, that found a special place in listeners’ hearts and playlist collections.
In conclusion, Bollywood’s music often works independently to make movies memorable or, in some cases, even outshine the films themselves, creating timeless masterpieces.