All time Best Songs Bollywood

Planet Bollywood is proud to present a unique 4-part series featuring 100 Greatest Soundtracks in Bollywood history. It was a monumental task to identiy such masterpieces, given that Bollywood has produced over 30, 000 movie soundtracks. We selected some of the all-time-hit albums that have:

• Made an instant impact on the listeners
• After watching the movie, people liked them even more
• Have at least three songs that were superhit
• Have been etched into our memories forever

In Part-1 and Part-2 we had featured the soundtracks that made it to the bottom of the list (51 to 100). So, let’s continue with our countdown from 50 to 26.

50. Karz (1980) Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

The Subhash Ghai-Laxmikant Pyarelal-Anand Bakshi combo has never failed to deliver a great album. It comes to no surprise that Karz is among their best. Winner of the Best Music award in 1980, Karz was one of the best albums of the 80s as it became one of the top selling albums in the 80s. From the evergreen Om Shanti Om, to the immensely popular Ek Haseena Thi (which sets the mood of the film), to the poignant Dard-E-Dil, to the great Kamaal Hai, to the romantic Main Solah Baras Ki, to the haunting signature tune and the energetic Paisa Paisa, Karz album was full of energy that truly delivered. It’s being said that the song Om Shanti Om was the first Hindi song being played at Indian discotheques. That’s the power of Karz album.

49. Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965) Music: Kalyanji-Anandji Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Upto this day, the songs of Jab Jab Phool Khile remains a classic as it became the number one selling soundtrack of 1965. Every song from Jab Jab Phool Khile is timeless, which includes Pardesiyon Se Na Ankhiyaan, Na Na Karte Pyar, Ek Tha Gul Aur Ek Thi, Yahaan Main Hoon Ajnabi, and Yeh Samaa Samaa Hain Yeh Pyar Ka. There is was no doubt that the music was amongst the highlights of Jab Jab Phool Khile.

48. Mera Naam Joker (1970) Music: Shankar-Jaikishen Lyrics: Shailendra, Hasrat Jaipuri, Neeraj, Prem Dhavan, Shaily Shilendra

Although the film was a major flop at the box-office (I still don’t understand why because it was a great film), however the only thing that was a major success was its astonishing music from Shankar-Jaikishen. Like all RK Films, music was one of its assets, and it won the Best Music award in 1971. Mukesh had two classic songs, Jaane Kahan Gaye Woh Din and Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan, are not only the best songs in the film, but some may consider it to be Mukesh two greatest songs ever. Manna Dey sings one of his best songs ever in Ay Bhai Zara Dekh Ke Chalo, which earned Manna Dey an award. The other Hit tracks were Ang Lagja Balma, Daag Na Lag Jaye, Kaate Na Kate Rehna, Kehta Hai Joker Sara Zamana, Teetar Ke Do Aage Teetar, and Sadke Heer Tujhpe, Mera Naam Joker album was simply fantastic. Once again, RK Films scores with Mera Naam Joker.

47. Yaadon Ki Baraat (1973) Music: RD Burman Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri Back in those days, you can never find a fast-paced soundtrack like Yaadon Ki Baraat. One of the biggest assets of RD Burman (I hope the nowadays music directors read this, esp. Anu Malik) is that he made sure we never hear the same tune all the time, he always comes up with something unique and original. No doubt, the highlight of Yaadon Ki Baraat was its brilliant soundtrack. From the hummable title track, to the classic Chura Liya Hai Tumhe, to the awesome Lekar Hum Diwana Dil, to the romantic Aap Ki Kamare Mein, to the splendid Oh Meri Soni, Yaadon Ki Baraat album was a huge smash success at the music market and became the second highest selling album in the 70s. That’s simply impressive.

46. Dil Se..(1998) Music: AR Rehman Lyrics: Gulzar

Dil Se†is an achievement for AR Rehman. Winner of Best Music Award of 1998, Dil Se is simply one of the best albums of the 90s. Every song is distinctive in its own way, which makes Dil Se...an enjoyable album. From the energetic Chhaiya Chhaiya, to the superb Jiya Jale Jaan Chale, to the brilliant E Ajnabi, to the wonderful Dil Se Re, and the lively Satrangi Re, Dil Se.. had some of the best songs of 1998 that made it a huge success in the music market. No doubt, Dil Se.. is ranked as AR Rehman best album till date.

45. Pyaasa (1957) Music: SD Burman Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi

There was no doubt that Guru Dutt films had remarkable music, and Pyaasa is amongst his albums till date. To compose such a wonderful score is SD Burman, and Pyaasa finished as among the top ten selling albums in the 50s. From the classic Jaane Who Kaise Log The Jinke, to the evergreen Jaane Kya Toone Kahi, to the gem Aaj Saajan Mohe Ang Lagaalo, to the wonderful Sar Jo Tera Chakraaye, to the mesmerizing Hum Aapki Aankhon, to the superb Yeh Mahalon Yeh Takhton and the brilliant Yeh Kunche Yeh Neelam. Today, both the film and the music of Pyaasa are considered a classic.

44. Ek Duje Ke Liye (1981) Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Ek Duuje Ke Liye had haunting melodies from maestros Laxmikant-Pyarelal, and there is no doubt Ek Duuje Ke Liye is in the midst of their best. From the classic Tere Mere Beech Mein, to the evergreen Solah Baras Ki, to the fun Mere Jeevan Saathi, to the romantic Hum Bane Tum Bane (probably the cutest romantic song ever in Bollywood history), and the superb Hum Tum Dono Jab, Ek Duje Ke Liye was a brilliant album that led the music sales in 1981. Today, the songs of Ek Duuje Ke Liye are considered as an evergreen, and Ek Duuje Ke Liye is among the ten best albums of the 80s.

43. Devdas (2002) Music: Ismail Darbar Lyrics: Nusrat Badr, Sameer, and Pandit Birju Maharaj

Devdas is simply the best musical album in 2002, thanks to Ismail Darbar timeless tunes. Devdas would’ve been a hard assignment for any music director, however Ismail Darbar has really put a lot of effort into his work, and came up with a memorable album. From the soulful Silsila Yeh Chaahat Ka, to the flawless Maar Daala, to the likeable Bairi Piya, to the classical Kaahe Chhed Mohe, to the beautiful Hamesha Tumko Chaha, to the remarkable Chalak Chalak, to the simple Woh Chaand Jaisi Ladki, to the semi-classical Morey Piya, and the brilliant Dola Re Dola, Devdas is one extraordinary album that has all the ingredients to go down well with the audiences. Devdas is definitely worth buying.

42. Andaz (1949) Music: Naushad Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

After almost 60 years, the songs of Andaz still maintain its appeal throughout the years. First, we must thank, once again Naushadsaab for coming up with a superb album as every song is great. Songs like Tu Kahe Agar, Toote Na Dil Toote Na, Jhoom Jhoom Ke Naacho, Uthaaye Jaa Unke, Hum Aaj Kahin, Koi Mere Dil Mein Khushi and Yoon To Aapas were all huge hits back in those days, and still are till this day. No wonder why they say Old is Gold.

41. Veer-Zaara (2004) Music: Madan Mohan Lyrics: Javed Akthar

Veer-Zaara is another classic album from the Yash Chopra camp. If there is one department a Yash Chopra can never fail on, it’s the music. It will have atleast one or two great songs; however, almost the whole soundtrack of Veer-Zaara is pure brilliance. To the remarkable Tere Liye, to the wonderful Main Yahaan Hoon, to the beautiful Aisa Des Hai Mera, to the classic Yeh Hum Aa Gaye, to the simple Do Pal, to the astonishing Aaya Tere Dar Par, to the notable Kyon Hawa, to the incredible Lodi, to the noteworthy Tum Paas Aa Rahe Ho and the timeless Jaane Kyon, Veer-Zaara is one of the best soundtracks to come out lately. Amitabh Bachchan found the album to the unbelievable, and there is no doubt it’s another addition to Yash Chopra classic albums.

40. Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985) Music: Ravindra Jain Lyrics: Ravindra Jain, Amar Kazalbash, Hasrat Jaipuri

Ravindra Jain was best known for the music of Ramanand Sagar’s TV Epic Ramayana, however, with Ram Teri Ganga Maili, he came up with his biggest and most popular album till date. Although he did other RK Films and other films, he never produced great album than this one, and Ram Teri Ganga Maili became the third best-selling album in the 80s. All of the songs from Sun Sahiba Sun, Yaara O Yaara, Husn Hai Paharon Ka, Ek Dukhiyari Kahe, Ek Radha Ek Meera, Main Hi Main Hoon, and Tujhe Bhulaye, every song was very rich in its lyrics and each song had wonderful musical composition. Like Yashraj films, RK Films always have great music in their films, and Raam Teri Ganga Maili is ranked right at the top.

39. Tere Naam (2003) Music: Himesh Reshammiya, Sajid-Wajid Lyrics: Sameer and Jalees Sherwani

Tere Naam was undoubtedly the best album of 2003, and it became big from the day it was released because it was known to be Salman Khan comeback film. It was not only the best selling album in India for that year, it sold very well in the US, Canada, UK and the West Indies. This is an album that comes once in a lifetime, as it has a variety of songs that makes this album popular till this day. From the mesmerizing title track, to the romantic Tumse Milna, to the youthful O Jaana, to the semi-qawalli Tune Saath Jo, to the heart-rending Kyon Kisi Ko, to the wonderful Chand, to the energetic Lagan Lagi, to the superb Man Basia, and the beautiful Oodhni, Tere Naam had every type of song that should easily appeal to the masses. It comes to no shock that Tere Naam album is still sells today because the score from Himesh Reshammiya is simply brilliant. If piracy never exist these days, no doubt Tere Naam music sales would’ve been 60 lakhs plus.

38. Taal (1999) Music: AR Rehman Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Back in 1999, Taal is unquestionably the most eagerly awaited Hindi film album of the year. Ghai has said numerous times that Taal has the best music than any of his previous film. One may argue with that statement, but Taal is definitely amongst his best. To the beautifully penned Ishq Bina, to the flawless Taal Se Taal Mila, to the soft romantic Nahin Samne, to the brilliant Ramta Jogi, to the stunning Kariye Na, to the enjoyable Kahin Aag Lage, and wonderful Ni Main Samajh Gayee, Taal is an excellent album. It shows that AR Rahman has focused a lot more on melody in Taal, and that is main substance of music, melody.

37. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) Music: Anand-Milind Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak is Anand-Milind best album till date. Released in 1988, it became the highest selling album for that year, and it finished as one the top ten best selling album in the 80s. Almost after 20 years, the songs from this classic film is still endures till this day. From the evergreen Papa Kehte Hain, to the classic romantic Ae Mere Humsafar, to the wonderful Gazab Ka Hai Din, to the soulful Kahe Ho Sataye, and the wonderful Akele Hain To Kya Gum Hain, each song from Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak was truly a masterpiece and it comes to no surprise why this album is so popular till this day.

36. Hero (1983) Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

While one might argue that Taal was Subhash Ghai best album till date, I personally believe that Hero was his best album. Laxmikant-Pyarelal scored one of their most vibrant albums of all-time with Hero. Today, Hero music is still extremely popular, and became the fourth highest selling album in the 80s, and probably Subhash Ghai best selling album till date (although the stats of Pardes and Taal is in, we don’t know the exact statistic for Hero music sales). From the memorable Tu Mera Hero Hai, to the extraordinary Pyar Karnewale, to the perfect Lambi Judaai, to the brilliant Nindiya Se Jaagi, to the fun Ding Dong, and the melodious Hai Mohabbat, Hero actually broke some music records of some sorts in those days. Hero is a must buy for music lovers.

35. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) Music: Ismail Darbar Lyrics: Mehboob

Winner of the Best Music Award from the National Awards, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam is a musical treasure that has superb songs from start to finish. Bhansali is one director, with an ear for great music, and he can extract memorable songs from nearly all the music directors. To the unforgettable Chand Chhupa, to the dazzling Nimboda, to the melodious Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan, to the percussive Man Mohini, to the haunting Jhonka Hawa Ka, to the foot-tapping Dholi Taro Dhol, to the brilliant Tadap Tadap, to the outstanding title track, and the likeable Albela Sajan, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam is truly cherishable. Along with Taal, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was a perfect album to end of the century.

34. Lagaan (2001) Music: AR Rehman Lyrics: Javed Akthar

Lagaan is the best musical album so far for this decade. AR Rehman came up with an album that is a winner by all standards. From the excellent lyrics, to the wonderful singing and superb music compositions, each and every song from Lagaan is a gem. From the exhilarating Ghanan Ghanan, to the powerful Mitwa, to the melodious Chale Chalo, to the romantic O Rey Chhori, to the wonderful Radha Kaise Na Jale, and the brilliant bhajan O Paalanhaare, any way you look at it, Lagaan music is truly a masterpiece. No doubt, AR Rehman truly deserves the music awards he got for Lagaan.

33. Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) Music: Uttam Singh Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Once again, a Yash Chopra film made it to the list. Like what I said, if there is one department a Yash Chopra can never fail on, it’s the music. Winner of the Best Music Award in 1997, Uttam Singh gave his best album till date, probably the only album he will be remembered for. What was special about Dil To Pagal Hai album? Well, from the nice title track, to the rhythmical Are Re Are, to the creative Bholi Si Surat, to the romantic Dholna, to the noteworthy Pyar Kar, to the notable Chak Dum Dum, to the classy title track, and the addictive Le Gayi Le Gayi, the music is splendid and it became one of the top selling albums in Bollywood history. It was the best album in 1997.

32. Dosti (1964) Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Dosti is one film Laxmikant-Pyarelal will always be remember for. For one, it was Dosti that they earned their first ever Best Music award in 1964. Laxmikant-Pyarelal relies solely on melody, and Majrooh Sultanpuri’s excellent lyrics. With, Meri Dosti Mera Pyar being the most admired, and Awaaz Mein Na Doonga being the best, Dosti music is marvelous which ever way you look at it. The other Super-Hit tracks were Rahi Manwa, Mere To Jo Bhi Qadam, Gudiya Kab Tak Na Hasogi, and Jaanewalo Zara, all the songs were meaningful and it had an extremely touching score that can soften our hearts. The Rajshri production unit has rarely let us down in terms of music and has never underestimated the power of excellent tunes

31. Waqt (1965) Music: Ravi Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi

Ravi’s music towards the classic Waqt played a huge role in its film success. In fact, it’s among the top ten selling album of the 60s. From the evergreen Ae Mere Zohrajabeen, to the romantic Din Hai Bahar Ke, to the soulful Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu, to the lovely Chehre Pe Khushi, to the brilliant Kaun Aaya, and the attractive Hum Jab Simat Ke, almost every song from Waqt album is still hummable till this day. Waqt is a major achievement for composer Ravi and filmmaker Yash Chopra.

30. Baiju Bawra (1952) Music: Naushad Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Many of Naushad fans regard Baiju Bawra as his best ever, and they have a point. Naushad contribution towards Baiju Bawra made the film a huge success, and it earned Naushad the first-ever Best Music Director award. From Bachpan Ki Mohabbat, Door Koi Gaye, Jhoole Mein Pawan Ke Aayi, Man Tarpat Hai Darshan, Mohe Bhool Gaye Sanwariya, O Duniya Ke Rakhwale and Tu Ganga Ki Mauj, every song was classic material, which made Baiju Bawra the second best selling soundtrack in the 50s. Truly, an album who loves classical music.

29. Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994) Music: Raam-Laxman Lyrics: Ravinder Rawal, Dev Kohli

It’s true when they say that no wedding celebrations can be complete without the songs from the Blockbuster Hum Aapke Hain Koun. Raam-Laxman, in those days, gave the Barjatyas wonderful musical score, and it comes to no shock that Hum Aapke Hain Koun is ranked amongst its best. Every song from Hum Aapke Hain Koun was Super-Hit material, which the album sold over a crore copies. Didi Tera Devar, Wah Wah Ramji, Samdhi Samdhan, Joote Dedo Paise Lelo, Dhiktana, Maaye Ni Maaye, Chocolate Lime Juice, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Yeh Mausam Ka Jaadu, Pehla Pehla Pyar Hai, Lo Chali Main, each of these songs were popular in its own right. Raam-Laxman and Barjatyas score once again with Hum Aapke Hain Koun after the super success of Maine Pyar Kiya.

28. Naya Daur (1957) Music: OP Nayyar Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi

Back in 1957, Times Of India mentioned that the true hero of the classic film Naya Daur was OP Nayyar for coming up with an excellent music score in Naya Daur. Winner of the Best Music Award in 1957, Naya Daur musical score is considered to be a classic today, as every song is Hit material. The evergreens include Ude Jab Jab Zulfen, Aana Hai To Aa, Saathi Haath Badhaana, Maang Ke Saath Tumhara, Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawaanon, Reshmi Salwar Kurta Jaali and Main Bombai Ka Babu. Naya Daur was among the top selling soundtracks in the 50s, and with a score like this, it comes to no surprise.

27. Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974) Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal Lyrics: Varma Malik, Santosh Anand

Like Guru Dutt’s Pyaasa, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan is Manoj Kumar best album till date. The album of Roti Kapada Aur Makaan was extremely popular back in the 70s, and the songs are still loved to this day. Every song from Main Na Bhoolunga (being one of the greatest love duets ever in Bollywood), Aur Nahin Bas Aur Nahin, Mehangai Maar Gayi, Haye Haye Yeh Majboori and Panditji Mere Marne Ke Baad were all chartbuster material. After 30 years, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan songs remain a timeless classic and were the fifth top selling album of the 70s. Quite an achievement.

26. Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977) Music: RD Burman Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Once again, the RD Burman-Nasir Hussain pair strikes again with their blockbuster album Hum Kisise Kum Naheen. The great thing about this album was that it was ahead of its times (in terms of the western beats was used), and it had many hummable tunes. Even watching Main Hoon Na, you can see that Farah Khan used to the songs of Hum Kisise Kum Naheen in the background. That’s the best part of Hum Kisise Kum Naheen album, it’s an evergreen album that can be played throughout the years and people will not get sick of it. To the classic Kya Hua Tera Vaada, to the romantic Chand Mera Dil, to the energetic Tum Kya Jaano, to the brilliant title track, to the lively Mil Gaya, to the dazzling Bachna Ae Haseeno, to the wonderful Yeh Ladki Haye Allah, and the above average Humko To Yaari, RD Burman music is pure brilliance. It definitely was amongst the top selling album of the 70s.

Ranking (by period)

• 40s 2 50s 7 60s 14 70s 8 80s 15 90s 17 2000s 12