Qawwali, a form of music bears resemblance to traditional qawwali, which is the devotional music of the Sufis. Various music directors have incorporated this sub genre of film music in Bollywood movies. Some musicians compose filmi qawwalis but still retain the style of traditional qawwali while some have infused it with modern and western music instruments and with techno beats and are called Techno-qawwali. Techno qawwalis with dance oriented tracks are also in vogue now-a-days and are called Club qawwali.
Today we share the various forms of Qawwalis that are seen in our Bollywood Movies.
Here’s our list of Top Bollywood Qawwali Songs of all time.
- Kajra Re (Bunty aur Bubli) : Often described it as “the reinvention of the qawwali by Shankar-Ehsaan-Roy and Gulzar, this new age qwaalli became extremely popular with the masses and was hugely successful on Indian music charts.
- Arziyan (Delhi 6) : This one is my absolute favourite. One can’t help but swoon at the ethereal words of this song. The song has all stars coming together to give their best. Yes, it’s collaboration of AR Rahman, Kailash Kher and Prasoon Joshi.
- Khwaja Mere Khwaja (Jodhaa Akbar) : This brilliant song is not only a great composition by AR Rahman but also has soulful lyrics and technical genius.
- Kun Faya Kun (Rockstar) : Kun Faaya Kun, the qawwali melody shot at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi is a sufi-esque song and has the lilting music by AR Rahman that soothes the senses.
- Aaya Tere Dar Par Deewana (Veer Zaara) : A beautiful qawwali sung by Ahmed Hussain, Mohammad Hussain and Mohammad Vakil.
- Bhar Do Jholi Meri (Bajrangi Bhaijaan) : This song has been sung by Adnan Sami at Ashmuqam Dargah of Kashmir. The meaningful lyrics will touch your heart.
- Piya Haji Ali (Fiza) : A song that will re-energise the soul. Another gem by AR Rahman.
- Pardah Hai Pardah (Amar Akbar Anthony) : A fun qawwali sung by Mohammed Rafi and performed with energy and passion by Rishi Kapoor makes this one as an evergreen qawwali.
- Sharma Ke Agar Yun Pardanasheen (Chaudhvin Ka Chand) : Gurudutt sings in praise of Waheeda Rahman’s beauty
- Teri Mehfil Mein Kismat (Mughal-E-Azam) : Lata Mangeshkar and Shamshad Begum engage in a war of words and wit over the pleasure and pain of falling in love against Naushad’s brilliant music for K Asif’s timeless epic, Mughal-e-Azam.
- Hai Agar Dushman Zamana (Hum Kisise Kum Naheen) : A spectacular qawwali composed by RD Burman with vocals by Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle and picturised on Rishi Kapoor.
- Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen (Waqt) : Another evergreen qawwali which is sung by Manna Dey, composed by Ravi and enacted by Balraj Sahni. And you will love Balraj Sahni’s dance too.
- Na Toh Caravan Ki Talash Hai (Barsaat Ki Raat) : Another timeless electrifying, extravagant and almost 13-minute long qawwali is performed by Mohammad Rafi, Manna Dey, Asha Bhosle and Sudha Malhotra. It is rich is its content in terms of classical music, innovation, creativity, beats, lyrics, singing talent and variety too.
- Humein To Loot Liya (Al Hilal) : This is one extremely lively and catchy song sung by Ismail Azad Qawwal.
And there are some more Bollywood Qawwali Songs…
- Yaari Hai Imaan Mera Yaar Meri Zindagi (Zanjeer) :This beautiful song sung by Manna Dey from the 1973 movie was an anthem for best friends then. became an anthem for best buddies back then.
- Nigahen Milane Ko Jee (Dil Hi Toh Hai) : Written by Sahir Ludhianvi and sung by Asha Bhosle, this qawwali centers around a woman’s desire to exchange glances with her beloved.
- Zalim Meri Sharaab Mein (Reshma Aur Shera) : The qawwali is yet another example of Manna Dey’s awe-inspiring singing skills.
- Jhoom Barabar Jhoom Sharaabi (5 Rifles) : Though this movie sank without a trace, this qawwali performed by qawwal Aziz Nazan was pretty popular!
Which is your favourite Bollywood Qawwali Song? Do share with us!
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