I recently saw Padmaavat, the movie that caused much controversy around India, and while that is a discussion for later, one of the main characters reminded me so much of a Mr. Dilip Kumar as the Mughal Prince Salim in Mughal-E-Azam, that I couldn't help re-visit some of my favorite songs from the aforementioned movie.
This, of course, led to me spending much time listening, and singing along to some of the older Bollywood songs I adore, but what I hadn't taken enough time to look at earlier is just how visually stunning these songs are. Stunning in that old-Bollywood, obviously fake set, not-a-bit-of-subtlety, over-the-top way, that I absolutely love.
To commemorate my discovery, here is a list of songs that I think everyone should see at least once in their lives.
1. Mohe Panghat Pe -- Mughal-E-Azam
When I first saw Mughal-E-Azam, I was enchanted by Madhubala in black and white, then I saw it in color, and how does one even describe the immense emotions felt by Madhubala clad in saffron, and bejeweled. My idol.
2. Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya -- Mughal-E-Azam
Like I said earlier, the first time I saw Mughal-E-Azam, it was in black and white. Imagine the surprise on my face when all of a sudden this song appears, fully colored, in the middle of the black-and-white reel. The blue and red outfit she has on is so iconic.
3. In Aankhon Ki Masti -- Umrao Jaan
This song is in my head almost six out of the seven days of the week. RIDICULOUSLY beautiful, but seriously, what a visual treat. Those eyes, the eyebrows, and the jewels, my lord.
4. Dil Cheez Kya Hai -- Umrao Jaan
Fun fact: I’m so in love with Rekha in this movie that the lock screen of my phone is the very chromatically pleasing, red-hued, movie poster of Umrao Jaan. A film by Muzaffar Ali.
5. Kya Hua Tera Wada -- Yaadon Ki Baaraat
I don’t know what part of this song to pay attention to. The child versions of themselves showing up to call the lady out -- who are in the same outfits by the way --, the outright chest-heave crying while some guy who is obviously her date makes strange facial expressions (poor Rishi Kapoor), the lipstick imprints on her index finger from biting on it to control herself (she’s doing a horrible job)
OR the part with the flashbacks of when the singer actually took showers and wore slightly less atrocious outfits (this is highly debatable, but I think we can agree the white on white bell bottoms and jacket is less of an eyesore than that stark red and khaki ensemble he’s got going on). Sizzling '70s indeed.
6. Chura Liya -- Yaadon Ki Baaraat
7. Lag Jaa Gale -- Woh Kaun Thi
Catch me NOT singing this song. I’m obsessed with it, Lata Mangeshkar, and Sadhana. If only we could all look this beautiful when we walk around and cry. Jokes aside, she is stunning, and Lata Mangeshkar’s voice has me in tears.
8. Khilte Hain Gul Yahan -- Sharmilee
Other than just being a great song to listen and sing along to (let’s talk that crisp Kishore Kumar voice), I’m constantly drooling at the visuals. I’m not sure who is prettier, Rakhi or Shashi Kapoor. Aesthetically speaking, the color scheme in this song isn’t my favorite, but the soft blurs and the added-in sparkles around Rakhi make up for that. It’s a treat in that old-Bollywood movie way.
9. Mujhe Kuchh Kehna Hai -- Bobby
I’ll be honest, I only put a song from Bobby on this list because I think this one is just so aesthetically pleasing. I’m not a fan of Rishi Kapoor or Dimple Kapadia, but that gleaming, broken-mirror shard covered tree at 3:12, and 3:33 has my full attention. Not to mention, how can you go wrong with a ton of flowers. I’m sold.
10. Holi Ke Din -- Sholay
The colors in this song are so ridiculously vivid, I am in awe. Coat me in purple powder, and send me off to Holi heaven. Hema Malini is adorable as well.
