17 Best Bollywood Songs of All Time: Bollywood Melodies

Hey music lovers, it’s TBone, your favorite DJ and the man behind Level Tunes. Today I’m here to talk about something really close to my heart—Bollywood music! As a DJ, I’ve had the pleasure of mixing tracks from around the world, but there’s something truly special about the beats, melodies, and lyrics of Bollywood songs.

They evoke nostalgia, joy, and excitement like nothing else. So, I decided to put together a list of the 17 best Bollywood songs of all time, in my humble opinion. Whether you’re a seasoned Bollywood fan or new to the scene, this list will give you a taste of the magic that is Bollywood music.

Trust me, these songs are so good; they’ll have you dancing in no time. So, sit back, turn up the volume, and let’s get grooving!

Here are the best Bollywood songs of all time that you can check out:

List Of Best Bollywood Songs of All Time

Best Bollywood songs of all time in a list format:

1. “Tujhe Dekha To” (1995)

“Tujhe Dekha To” is a classic love ballad from the album “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” released in 1995 under the Sony Music India label. Composed by the legendary duo Laxmikant–Pyarelal and penned by Anand Bakshi, this song features the evergreen voice of Kumar Sanu and Lata Mangeshkar. The beautiful melody, haunting lyrics, and mesmerizing on-screen chemistry between Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol make this track unforgettable. I chose this song because it truly captures the essence of romance in Bollywood, bringing back fond memories for anyone who has experienced love.

2. “Awaara Hoon” (1951)

“Awaara Hoon” is an iconic track from the album “Awaara,” released in 1951 under the Saregama record label. Composed by the genius Shankar Jaikishan and written by Shailendra, Mukesh’s voice perfectly captures the spirit of this song. This track is an anthem of rebellion, freedom, and non-conformity, and it resonated with the youth of the time. The timeless appeal of Raj Kapoor’s performance adds an extra layer of magic to this song. I included “Awaara Hoon” because it represents an era of Bollywood that was breaking boundaries and experimenting with new themes in Indian cinema.

3. “Chaiyya Chaiyya” (1998)

“Chaiyya Chaiyya” is a high-energy track from the album “Dil Se,” released in 1998 under the Venus Records & Tapes label. The brilliant A.R. Rahman composed the music, while Gulzar penned the lyrics. Sukhwinder Singh and Sapna Awasthi’s voices bring an infectious energy to this song. The track’s unique fusion of traditional Indian and modern elements made it an instant hit, and the catchy tune is still played at parties today. I chose “Chaiyya Chaiyya” because it showcases the innovative spirit of Bollywood music, blending various musical styles into a foot-tapping number.

4. “Roja Janeman” (1992)

“Roja Janeman” is a soul-stirring melody from the album “Roja,” released in 1992 under the Lahari Music label. A.R. Rahman’s debut as a film composer showcases his genius in this song, while P.K. Mishra’s lyrics beautifully convey a sense of yearning and love. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam’s voice adds an emotional depth that tugs at the heartstrings. I included “Roja Janeman” because it represents the beginning of a new era in Bollywood music, with Rahman’s fresh approach to composition and instrumentation that has since become legendary.

5. “Tum Hi Ho” (2013)

“Tum Hi Ho” is a romantic ballad from the album “Aashiqui 2,” released in 2013 under the T-Series label. Mithoon composed and wrote the lyrics for this beautiful track, and Arijit Singh’s soulful voice does justice to the emotional depth of the song. The heart-wrenching story of love and sacrifice portrayed in the movie, combined with the haunting melody, makes “Tum Hi Ho” an unforgettable experience. I chose this song because it showcases the emotional intensity that Bollywood music can achieve, touching the hearts of millions around the world.

6. “Kabhi Kabhi Aditi” (2008)

“Kabhi Kabhi Aditi” is a fun and catchy track from the album “Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na,” released in 2008 under the T-Series label. A.R. Rahman’s music and Rashid Ali’s unique voice add a playful charm to this song, while Abbas Tyrewala’s lyrics capture the essence of friendship and love. I included “Kabhi Kabhi Aditi” because it represents the youthful and vibrant spirit of modern Bollywood music, capturing the feelings of young love and friendship in a light-hearted and entertaining way.

7. “Mann Ki Lagan” (2003)

“Mann Ki Lagan” is a soulful qawwali from the album “Paap,” released in 2003 under the Saregama label. The music and lyrics by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan showcase his mastery over the qawwali genre, and his voice adds a mystical depth to this track. The song captures the intense emotions of love and longing in a unique musical style. I chose “Mann Ki Lagan” because it highlights the diversity and richness of Bollywood music, showcasing the traditional qawwali style in a modern cinematic context.

8. “Mera Joota Hai Japani” (1955)

“Mera Joota Hai Japani” is a classic song from the album “Shree 420,” released in 1955 under the Saregama label. Composed by Shankar Jaikishan and penned by Shailendra, Mukesh’s voice adds a layer of authenticity and charm to this song. The song became a symbol of Indian identity and pride in a rapidly globalizing world. I chose this song because it embodies the spirit of resilience and optimism in the face of challenges, a sentiment that still resonates with people today.

9. “Maa Tujhe Salaam” (1997)

“Maa Tujhe Salaam” is a powerful track from the album “Vande Mataram,” released in 1997 under the Sony Music India label. A.R. Rahman composed the music and wrote the lyrics for this track, delivering a powerful and patriotic anthem. This song celebrates the beauty and diversity of India, capturing the love and respect for the country. I included “Maa Tujhe Salaam” because it represents a sense of national pride that transcends regional and cultural boundaries.

10. “Kajra Re” (2005)

“Kajra Re” is a foot-tapping track from the album “Bunty Aur Babli,” released in 2005 under the YRF Music label. The music composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and the lyrics penned by Gulzar capture the playful and flirtatious spirit of the song. Alisha Chinai, Javed Ali, and Shankar Mahadevan’s voices add an energetic charm to this track. I chose “Kajra Re” because it showcases the vibrant and lively nature of Bollywood dance numbers that get everyone grooving.

11. “Mitwa” (2006)

“Mitwa” is a soulful track from the album “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna,” released in 2006 under the Sony Music India label. Composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and penned by Javed Akhtar, Shafqat Amanat Ali’s voice brings a touch of emotion and depth to this song. The track beautifully captures the dilemma of love and longing in the face of societal norms. I included “Mitwa” because it represents the contemporary emotional dilemmas that Bollywood music often explores, touching the hearts of listeners.

12. “Badtameez Dil” (2013)

“Badtameez Dil” is an energetic track from the album “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani,” released in 2013 under the T-Series label. Pritam composed the music and Amitabh Bhattacharya wrote the quirky lyrics. Benny Dayal’s voice adds a playful and rebellious vibe to this song. The track is a celebration of youth and the carefree spirit that comes with it. I chose “Badtameez Dil” because it captures the spirit of rebellion and fun that Bollywood music often celebrates.

13. “Lag Ja Gale” (1964)

“Lag Ja Gale” is a timeless love ballad from the album “Woh Kaun Thi?,” released in 1964 under the Saregama label. Composed by Madan Mohan and penned by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, Lata Mangeshkar’s voice adds an ethereal beauty to this song. The track captures the intensity of love and the yearning for a moment of togetherness. I included “Lag Ja Gale” because it represents the enduring beauty of Bollywood’s classic romantic numbers that continue to captivate listeners.

14. “Jai Ho” (2008)

“Jai Ho” is an uplifting track from the album “Slumdog Millionaire,” released in 2008 under the Interscope Records label. A.R. Rahman composed the music and Gulzar wrote the lyrics for this Academy Award-winning song. Sukhwinder Singh, Mahalakshmi Iyer, and Vijay Prakash’s voices bring a vibrant energy to this track. The song celebrates the triumph of the human spirit and the joy of success. I chose “Jai Ho” because it showcases the global appeal of Bollywood music and its ability to inspire and uplift people around the world.

15. “Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge” (1975)

“Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge” is a heartfelt track from the album “Sholay,” released in 1975 under the Saregama label. Composed by R.D. Burman and penned by Anand Bakshi, this song features the soulful voices of Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey. The track celebrates the enduring bond of friendship and the moments of joy shared between friends. The iconic duo of Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra on screen adds to the song’s charm. I included “Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge” because it captures the essence of true friendship, a theme that resonates with people of all ages.

16. “Tum Mile” (2009)

“Tum Mile” is a romantic track from the album “Tum Mile,” released in 2009 under the Sony Music India label. Pritam composed the music and Sayeed Quadri wrote the heartwarming lyrics. KK’s voice adds an emotional depth to this love ballad. The song captures the magical moments of love at first sight and the emotions that come with it. I chose “Tum Mile” because it showcases the beauty of new love and the excitement of the initial moments of a relationship, a theme that resonates with people in love.

17. “Kal Ho Naa Ho” (2003)

“Kal Ho Naa Ho” is an emotional ballad from the album “Kal Ho Naa Ho,” released in 2003 under the Sony Music India label. Composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and penned by Javed Akhtar, Sonu Nigam’s voice adds a soul-stirring depth to this song. The track beautifully captures the message of living in the present and embracing life with open arms. The heartwarming on-screen performance by Shah Rukh Khan adds to the emotional impact of the song. I included “Kal Ho Naa Ho” because it delivers a powerful message of embracing life and living in the moment, a sentiment that resonates with people of all ages.

Fun Facts: Best Bollywood Songs of All Time

Fun Facts About “Tujhe Dekha To”

• Multiple languages: “Tujhe Dekha To” has been dubbed and released in multiple languages, including Tamil and Telugu, to cater to the diverse Indian audience.
• Iconic Scene: The song is part of an iconic scene where Shah Rukh Khan plays the mandolin, and Kajol runs through a mustard field towards him. This scene has become a symbol of romance in Bollywood.

Fun Facts About “Awaara Hoon”

• International Fame: “Awaara Hoon” became immensely popular not just in India, but also in countries like the Soviet Union, Turkey, and China, showcasing the global appeal of Bollywood music.
• Cultural Impact: The song was so influential that even decades later, it’s remembered as a representation of Indian cinema in many countries.

Fun Facts About “Chaiyya Chaiyya”

• Top of the Train: The entire song was shot on top of a moving train, which was a risky and innovative approach at the time.
• Global Recognition: “Chaiyya Chaiyya” was ranked 9th in BBC World Service’s poll of the world’s top 10 songs of all time.

Fun Facts About “Roja Janeman”

• Debut Success: “Roja Janeman” was part of A.R. Rahman’s debut soundtrack as a film composer, and it instantly catapulted him to fame.
• International Acclaim: The album “Roja” was included in TIME magazine’s list of the 10 Best Soundtracks of All Time in 2005.

Fun Facts About “Mann Ki Lagan”

• Musical Heritage: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the composer and singer of “Mann Ki Lagan,” is the nephew of legendary qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and has carried on the family tradition of qawwali music.
• Firsts for Rahat: “Mann Ki Lagan” marked Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s debut in Bollywood as a playback singer.

Fun Facts About “Kajra Re”

• Star-Studded Video: The music video of “Kajra Re” features Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Aishwarya Rai, creating a unique blend of star power in a single song.
• Award Winner: “Kajra Re” won numerous awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer for Alisha Chinai.

Fun Facts About “Jai Ho”

• Oscar Glory: “Jai Ho” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2009, a significant achievement for Bollywood music on the global stage.
• Unconventional Lyrics: The lyrics of “Jai Ho” combine Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Spanish, showcasing A.R. Rahman’s knack for blending diverse musical elements.

In the world of music, Bollywood has carved its niche with unforgettable melodies, soul-stirring lyrics, and mesmerizing performances.

These 17 songs represent just a fraction of the incredible diversity and creativity that Bollywood music has to offer. So, immerse yourself in these timeless classics and let the magic of music transport you.

Thanks for reading.

TBone