Music In The Mountains: Seemaen Bulaaen Tujhe Chal Raahi

When I started working on the current theme, I knew that the majority of songs appearing here would have romance as the common thread. I also expected many songs that would talk about the Nature or seasons or beauty of the hills. While it is true that a large number of memorable songs belong to these categories, I would like to look out for songs that express other emotions. They will give more dimensions to this theme and make it more complete.

The number being featured today is from "LOC Kargil" (2003). It highlights the sacrifice of families who stay behind and send their loved ones to protect the borders of our country from the enemy. Javed Akhtar's words fill your heart with pride for our brave soldiers, making your eyes moist at the same time for those who wait for them at home.

Singer: Alka Yagnik
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Music: Anu Malik

Costume Drama: Odh Li Chunariya

Presenting a duet from "Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya" (1998) today. This is a romantic comedy written and directed by Sohail Khan. His brothers Salman Khan and Arbaaz Khan starred in it along with Kajol and Dharmendra.

Singers: Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu
Lyrics: Sudhakar Sharma
Music: Himesh Reshammiya

Costume Drama: Ghoonghat Ki Aad Se Dilbar Ka

Presenting a duet from "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke" (1993) today. Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla starred in this family entertainer. The film won Filmfare Awards for Best Film, Best Actress (Juhi Chawla) and Best Lyricist (Sameer, for this song). It was also the recipient of National Film Special Jury Award for director Mahesh Bhatt and National Film Award in the Best Female Playback Singer category for Alka Yagnik, again for this song.

One of the three child actors in the film is Kunal Khemu. He is married to Soha Ali Khan.

Singers: Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu
Lyrics: Sameer
Music: Nadeem Shravan

Costume Drama: Laal Dupatta Ud Gaya Re

Presenting a song from "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi" (2004), a romantic comedy directed by David Dhawan. Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra are in the lead roles. This film is inspired by the Hollywood film, Anger Management.

The selection of this number has a special significance as it happens to be Priyanka Chopra's birthday today.

Singers: Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan
Lyrics: Arun Bhairav
Music: Sajid Wajid

Costume Drama: Choli Ke Peechhe Kya Hai

It was sensuous, suggestive and sizzling. Yes, the cult song from "Khalnayak" (1993) that I am presenting today. The song created quite a stir and controversy. At first listeners were taken aback by its opening words, but soon the song itself came up with an innocent answer to the bold query and then there was nothing to stop them from enjoying this number. If you were not just listening, but watching it too; then Madhuri Dixit's stunning steps mesmerized you. Adding pizzazz to the proceedings was the rebellious Neena Gupta and her band of charming dancers who turned this piece into a visual extravaganza.

Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun won the Filmfare Award in the Best Female Playback Singer category while Saroj Khan won the same for Best Choreography.

Singers: Alka Yagnik, Ila Arun
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saawan Songs: Saawan Ke Baadalon Ki

After a sequence of several solos in this space, here is a duet from "Paappi Devataa" (1995) today. Yes, that is how the title of the film is spelt in its posters! It starred Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Madhuri Dixit and Jayaprada.

Singers: Mohammed Aziz, Alka Yagnik
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Garden Of Five Senses: Phoolon Mein Khushboo Hai

Presenting the title song from "Hum Saath Saath Hain" (1999). This film told the story of a joint family and had a huge star cast. Produced by Rajshri, it was received well by family audiences.

Singers: Kavita Krishnamurthy, Anuradha Paudwal, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu and Hariharan
Lyrics: Kiran R
Music: Raamlaxman

Adornments: Bole Choodiyaan Bole Kangana

Today's song is from a different era, when many things in the world of Hindi films had begun to change. Films started featuring a galaxy of stars. They were produced keeping the non-resident Indians in mind, with a part of the story taking place in some foreign land. They got released in several cities across the world, ensuring a wider reach amongst their audiences. "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham"(2001) belonged to this new era. Popularly known as K3G, this was a commercially successful film. Enjoy a peppy dance number from this film.

Singers: Kavita Krishnamurthy, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, Sonu Nigam, Amit Kumar
Lyrics: Sameer
Music: Jatin Lalit

Rain Songs: Taal Se Taal Mila

Beautiful location, Aishwarya Rai, a melodious song, lovely dance in the rain...these were the ingredients of a solo from "Guru" posted some time earlier in this series. They remain more or less the same for today's song, the only difference being that it is a duet. Enjoy this one from "Taal" (1999).

Singers: Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: A. R. Rahman

Rain Songs: Ghanan Ghanan

"Lagaan" (2001) was a film in which rains--rather the absence of rains--formed the crux of the story. A very popular song from that film today. The whole village has gathered in anticipation of rain showers. Celebrations have already begun. But a hush descends as the clouds decide to give the village a miss and start receding.

Singers: Sukhwinder Singh, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, Shaan, Shankar Mahadevan
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Music: A. R. Rahman