When Vishal Agarwala, the lyricist for Jhumroo’s title song Facebooked me, I figured who better than him to ask for a Top 10 Bollywood lyrics list?! Enjoy, and feel free to add your own in the comment below. xoxo
“When I have to impress a girl with her fave song (which mostly would turn out to be in English) I would be in a soup, as I wouldn’t understand the English words. My way of making the best of the situation was to rewrite the same song in Hindi, keeping the meaning intact, and sing it!”
1. Lag jaa galey – Woh Kaun Thi (1964)
Raja Mehndi Ali Khan’s soul stirring lyrics, cherishing the intimate moment which might never return. He introduced the word Aap to Hindi film songs.
2. Pehla Nasha – Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1992)
Majrooh Sultanpuri’s statement of first love. Udta hi phiru in hawao me kahi.
3. Eena Meena Deeka- Aasha (1957)
Rajendra Krishan’s nonsensical hookline still screams energy. A prime example of the use of phonetics in lyrics. Kishore da wore his heart on his sleeves for this one. Yehi to hai wo!
4. Ishq bina – Taal (1999)
Anand Bakshi’s ode to the intangibility of love. His rare outing with A.R.Rahman. Bas ek tamanna ishq ishq…
5. Dillagi – Dillagi (1999)
Javed Akhtar’s explanation of what love is. One of Shankar Ehsaan Loy’s first songs in Bollywood. Having 10 singers sing together in a song! Dhadkane jo so jaaye, dillagi jagaati hai...
6. Arziyaan – Delhi 6 (2009)
Prasoon Joshi’s kneeling down and surrendering to the Supreme Power. Nectar for the soul. Marammat muqaddar ki kar de Maula!
7. Thoda hai thode ki zaroorat hai – Khatta Meeta (1978)
Amit Khanna etches on vinyl record the sentiment of the middle class. Jis din paisa hoga, wo din kaisa hoga?
8. Aa chal ke tujhe – Door Gagan Ki Chaon Main (1964)
Kishore Kumar writes, composes and sings this quasi-lullaby, playing the protective father. Let me take you to a world so far. kabhi dhoop khile, kabhi chhanv mile.
9. Phoolo ke rang se – Prem Pujari (1969)
Neeraj drenches you in romance. Sanson ki sargam, dhadkan ki bina sapno ki geetanjali tu.
10. Thak gayi ho to suno – Jahan Tum Le Chalo (1999)
Gulzar’s way of saying ‘I will stand by you’. One of the simplest lyrics by him ever. Ye chikne chikne raaste, biche hai dil ke waaste.
What are your favorite Bollywood song lyrics? Post a comment and let us know!