
Mumbai’s Bollywood has given birth to numerous iconic songs, some of which have achieved fame and popularity that far exceed the success of the films they were part of. Here, we explore five songs that have outshined their entire movies, becoming evergreen hits in the process.
1. “Chaiyya Chaiyya” from Dil Se
Composed by A.R. Rahman and sung by Sukhwinder Singh and Sapna Awasthi, “Chaiyya Chaiyya” became an instant classic with its unique beat and energetic choreography on a moving train. While the movie Dil Se was moderately successful, the song transcended its cinematic boundaries and is still celebrated worldwide.
2. “Tip Tip Barsa Paani” from Mohra
This rain-themed song, featuring Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon, combined sensuality and melody to create an unforgettable track. The film Mohra was popular, but the song continues to be a favorite in Bollywood dance playlists.
3. “Kajra Re” from Bunty Aur Babli
Sung by Alisha Chinai, Shankar Mahadevan, and Javed Ali, “Kajra Re” stole the show with its catchy tune and mesmerizing dance by Aishwarya Rai. Although Bunty Aur Babli was a hit, the song’s popularity eclipsed that of the movie, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
4. “Pardesi Pardesi” from Raja Hindustani
This soulful number sung by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik became a heartbreak anthem. While Raja Hindustani was well-received, the song’s emotional depth made it an everlasting favorite across generations.
5. “Tunak Tunak Tun” by Daler Mehndi
Although not from a movie, “Tunak Tunak Tun” deserves mention as a song that overshadowed many films due to its catchy rhythm and iconic dance moves, cementing Daler Mehndi’s place in music history.
In conclusion, these songs have not only contributed to Bollywood’s rich musical legacy but have also showcased the power of music to capture hearts far beyond the silver screen.