Hindi dance songs

Hindi dance songs are now widely heard around the world. They first became popular among overseas Indians and were eventually discovered by others.

The filmi music and dances in Bollywood films are a synthesis of formal and folk Indian traditional music and dance traditions, in fusion with Middle Eastern techniques. The dances in older Hindi movies represented supposed dances of the common people, although they involved original choreography. Bollywood dances have evolved as a unique and energetic style. Since they are group dances, they are often used as joyful exercise music.



The choreography of Bollywood dances takes inspiration from Indian folk dances, classical dances (like kathak) as well as disco and from earlier Hindi filmi dances.

Hindi film choreographers
Some of the notable choreographers of past years were
 * B. Sohanlal ( Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Jewel Thief, Chaudhvin ka Chand)
 * Lachhu Maharaj (Mahal, Pakeezah, Mughal-e-Azam)
 * Chiman Seth (Mother India)
 * Krishna Kumar (Awaara, Madhosh, Andaz)

Among the modern choreographers the notable are:
 * Shiamak Davar (Taal, Bunty aur Babli, Dil To Pagal Hai)
 * Saroj Khan (Baazigar, Soldier, Veer-Zaara)
 * Ahmed Khan (Rangeela, Pardes, Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai)
 * Raju Khan (Lagaan, Krrish)
 * Vaibhavi Merchant (Dhoom, Swades, Rang de Basanti)
 * Remo (Jo Bole So Nihal, Pyaar Ke Side Effects, Waqt)
 * Farah Khan (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..., Monsoon Wedding, Dil Chahta Hai)

Tu kahe agar Andaz (1949)
The dancer dances in a combination of the Indian and Middle eastern styles, while the hero plays a piano.

If you will ask, if you will ask, If you will ask, all my life, I will keep singing I will keep playing my instrument (video search)

Holi Ayi Re Kanhai Mother India (1957)
A blend of classical and folk music and dancing, celebrating the Holi festival of colors. The villages gether in a village square in front of a Shiva shrine.

Holi has come, Kanhai (affectionate for Krishna) Holi has come, Kanhai, color is splashed Play us some flute (video search)

Inhi Logon Ne, Pakeezah (1956-1971)
The lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri are in an old form of Hindi, which had become archaic by the time the film was completed. The chaste courtesan Sahibjaan dances in the neighborhood of tawaifs (prostitutes), in the north Indian Kathak style that was preserved by tawaifs.

These people snatched my dupatta, Dear lord (husband), if you don't trust me, ask the cloth merchant, who sold the dupatta for a gold coin a yard. Video searchVideo 1956 version

Chaiyya Chaiyya from Dil Se.. (1998)
The Chaiyya Chaiyya song serves as the opening and close of the recent Hollywood movie Inside Man. The song is known for the A.R. Rahman's music, the words are somewhat mysterious (video search, direct link).

Whose head is in the shade of love, heaven is under his feet. Walk in the shade, remain in the shade, in the shade, in the shade.

Like the songs of Mirabai or works of several sufi poets, this song is dvayashraya kavya, it can be interpreted in two ways; as a worldly love song, or a song for the beloved lord. Note that in India, the sun is often very hot, and thus shade provides comforting shelter.

Nimbooda from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
Lime! lime! lime! Get some tart little limes. Go to the farm and get some green limes. (video search)

The limes are usually called lemons in Indian English. Rajasthani dialect is used for some of the words. The song is supposed to be a dialog between village girls and boys. Limes are often used to ward off evil eye in India.

You Are My Soniya from Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham (2001)
Since when I saw you, I see only you, there is no one better, there is no one more lovely, Please say, please say, you are mine, Sonia!(video search)

teri mohabbat mein yh dil deewana hai isme hai meri kya khata

haan yeh dil churane ka achha bahan hai mujhko hai pehle se pata

milne ko humko kitne barso lage hai yaara aisi khushi ke pal to phir na ayeein dobara

keh do na keh do na you are my soniya

Dola Re Dola from Devdas (2002)
O bridegroom! .. O briegroom, my heart is shaking, my mind is shaking, Let my glance hit you, let lightning strike you.(video search)

"Dola" uses shlesha alamkara, initially it means bridegroom (in Rajasthani), and then as a verb "shook".

Maahi Ve from Kal Ho Na Ho (2003)
O dear, O dear, Pendant on your forehead sparkles, Earrings in your ears shine, (video search)

Maahi Ve is a Punjabi expression, also used in other songs such as in Kaante (2002). It is also the tile of a TV reality show Maahi Ve.

Sharara from Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai (2002)
Lehraake Balkhaake Lehraake Balkhaake Balkhaake Balkhaake Aag Laga Ke Dilo Ko Jala Ke Karoon Main Ishaara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Main Hoon Ek Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Main Hoon Ek Sharara

Shola Hai Yeh Tan Mera Are Dehko Tum Paas Na Aana Shama Ke Jo Pass Aaya Are Jalta Hai WohiParwana Oh Mere Deewano Baat Ko Samjho Door Se Dekho Mera Yeh Nazara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Main Hoon Ek Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Main Hoon Ek Sharara

Bijli Banke Girti Hoon Main Nagin Banke Dasti Hoon Cheene Hosh Jo Sab Ke Main Hi To Aisi Masti Hoon Rang Jalka Doon Saas Mehka Doon Pal Mein Zadka Doon Main Yeh Dil Tumhara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Main Hoon Ek Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Main Hoon Ek Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Main Hoon Ek Sharara

Lehraake Balkhaake Lehraake Balkhaake Balkhaake Balkhaake Aag Laga Ke Dilo Ko Jala Ke Karoon Main Ishaara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Main Hoon Ek Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Sharara Main Hoon Ek Sharara