Poll: Most Romantic Bollywood Song Ever - RESULT!

Yes, our month long journey to find out the most romantic track ever produced in Bollywood has come to an end. The journey was as exciting one considering as many people reacted positively to the poll; You have got no idea, even Shahid mentioned about our poll on twitter!!

Also, the complaints were minimal over the selection of the songs. We have started the poll with 20 songs and later we added 5 more songs to the list.

Bollywood has been known for romance; right from very start, as if Indians could never live without romance in their lives. From black and white to modern era we have seen many talented musicians, directors and actors bring the essence of romance in a 5 minutes long song. Sometimes it was about passion, sometimes about the purity of emotion, sometimes about dreams and some other times about poignancy.

We thank all those who have voted for the songs on the list, and we also thank our critic friends(Bobby Singh, Smitha, Nisha, Sourabh & Aravind)  who have helped us to compile the critics top 10.

We have two lists, one critic list and other popular list, both having top 10 songs. Let's see critic's top 10 first, and then we'll see popular top 10.

CRITICS TOP 10

10) Do Dil Mil Rahe Hai: Pardes [1997]

Credits(Music: Nadeem-Shravan, Lyrics: Anand Bakshi, Singer: Kumar Sanu)

Subhash Ghai films always had great music, right from start and Pardes is truly a great musical. Irony is that despite being a romantic hero Shahrukh Khan doesn't get romantically involved with Ganga, the central character played by Mahima Choudhari. He comes to her house with his friend's proposal for her. Of course, finally he gets the girl (which is obvious, isn't it?) but there doesn't have much of a romantic angle.

So, how come this song featured on this list? Well, the music and lyrics are extremely romantic. Shahrukh sings in the background with a guitar in his hand, while Mahima Choudhari and Apoorva Agnihotri look into each other's eyes.

This slow paced romantic number can definitely move your heart.

9) Abhi na jao chhod kar: Hum Dono [1961]

Credits(Music: Jaidev Verma, Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi, Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi)

"Hum Dono" is a 1961 Hindi film produced by Dev Anand and Navketan films. Written by Vijay Anand, the film is directed by Amarjeet. The film stars Dev Anand in a double role, and also has Nanda, Sadhana and Leela Chitnis. The film has a super hit song "Main Zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya" by Mohd Rafi......

Legendary singers Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhonsle are at their romantic best in this song. The song is conceived like a conversation between the hero and heroine, and hero says

Abhi na jaayo chhodh kar (Please don't leave yet)
ke dil abhi bhara nahi ('cause my heart isn't isn't satiated yet)

Andshe replies

Agar main ruk gayi abhi (If I stay back now)
to jaa naa paoungi kabhi(I shall never be able to go)
yahi kahoge tum sada('Cause you will always say)
ke dil abhi nahi bhara("My heart is not statiated yet.")
jo khatam ho kisi jageh(This is not a matter)
yeh aisa silsila nahi(That will end so easily,)

Do I need to say more to prove how beautiful this song is?

8. Ahsaan tera hoga mujh par: Junglee [1961]

(Music: Shankar-Jai Kishan, Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri, Singers: Mohammad Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar)

"Junglee" is a 1961 Indian movie produced and directed by Subodh Mukherjee. Junglee means "Wild" or "ill mannered" in Urdu & Hindi. The film stars Shammi Kapoor, Lalita Pawar, Shashikala and Asit Sen. Saira Banu, in her debut film, earned a Filmfare nomination as Best Actress and became a star.

Ehsaan tera hoga mujh par(You would be doing me a great favor)
Dil chahta hai woh kehne do(If you let me tell you what my heart desires)
Mujhe tumse mohabbat ho gayi(I have fallen in love with you)
Mujhe palkon ki chaaon mein rehne do( Please let me dwell in the shelter of your eyes)
Ehsaan tera hoga mujh par...( You would be doing me a great favor...)

I must say one of the very well written romantic song, excellent poetry.

7. Main Yahaan Hoon: Veer Zaara [2004]

Credit(Music: Madan Mohan, Lyrics: Javed Akhtar, Singer: Udit Narayan)

This is the only song in the whole world which could send chills down my spine when I listen to it. There is something extremely mysterious and passionate about this song.

The song starts with Udit Naayan whispering Jaanam Dekh Lo... Much like the heroine Preity Zinta, we look around for Shahrukh Khan singing these lines with so much passion in his eyes "Main Yahaan Hoon Yahaan.."

I would say one of the most magical love songs ever. There is magic, there is mystery, there is passion, there is assurance and there is love.

I especially love that Punjabi folklore song "Mera Long Ga Vaacha" instrumental portion comes right after mukhda, which immensely enhances the beauty of the song.

I would say Udit Narayan's best rendition ever. Can anybody else match the way he pronounces Jaanam?

6. Tum Paas Aaye: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai [1998]

Credit (Music: Jatin-Lalit, Lyrics: Sameer, Singers: Udit Narayan & Alka Yagnik)

Probably Jatin-Lalit is the most repeated music director on this list; it says how much their music represented romance. When the golden pair Shahrukh Khan and Kajol is associated with this movie the music has to be irresistibly romantic and Jatin-Lalit-Sameer team delivered just that.

Alka Yagnik is in top form throughout this album; undoubtedly her voice was best used in this album.

Kya Karoon Haye Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai, yes what else to do, these lines left an entire generation helplessly romantic.

5. Kuchh Na Kaho: 1942 A Love Story [1994]

Credits (Music: R.D Burman,  Lyrics: Javed Akhtar, Singer: Lata Mangeshka and, Kumar Sanu)

R.D Burman is undoubtedly Bollywood's most cherished composer. He once said that he created the tune of Kuchch Naa Kaho for a bhajan, and later used it for the film. Is that what attributed to the purity of the song? Quality of the lyrics is tremendous; Javed Akhtar has always been a great poet and lyricist besides being a great script-writer. 1942 A Love Story was a period film set in pre-independent era. Anil Kapoor and Manisha Koirala added the poise required for such a song.

The film was highly acclaimed for its music, songs, picturization, cinematography and lyrics. Rahul Dev Burman got posthumous-best music director filmfare award for this film.

4. Tere mere sapne: Guide [1965]

Credits(Music: SD. Burman, Lyrics: Shailendra , Singer: Mohammad Rafi) 

Guide is a landmark film in the history of Bollywood films. It has achieved the classic title over the years. Musically, this film is considered to be one of the best albums ever produced in Bollywood as industry insiders (singers, lyricists, music directors etc) voted this movie as musically the best Hindi movie of all times.

In this song the hero assures his undying love for the heroine. The hero and heroine are not exactly in a position to enjoy the lighter moments of love as both are bound by hardships. Therefore, this song is more about hope.

Shailendra expressed all these complexities in simple yet powerful words. "Din dhal jaaye haaye raat na jaaye" is another great romantic track from the same movie. No matter what, Guide will remain one of the biggest musical accomplishments of all time.

3. Pehla Nasha: Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar [1992]

Credit(Music: Jatin-Lalit, Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Singers: Udit Narayan & Sadhana Sargam)

Well, for years I've been fascinated by the imagery of Aamir Khan jumping off a rock in slow motion singing Pehla Nasha Pehla Kumar..... The heroine as well sings and dances in slow motion as if she's on top of the world. Yeah, I love that 'top of the world' thing about this song.

A handsome Aamir Khan and Ayesha Jhulka made this song immensely watchable. Udit Narayan, one of the most romantic male voices and Sadhana Sargam, a hugely talented but sidelined singer take this song into an immense joy.

There is happiness and zeal all over it; you too want to dance in slow motion. Yes, Pehla Nasha could be so sweet.

2. Chaudhvin ka chand: Chaudhvin ka chand [1960]

Credits(Music: Ravi, Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni, Singer: Mohammad Rafi)

This Guru Dutt song remains as one of the greatest romantic track ever. Guru Dutt is Bollywood's most cherished and respected film makers. Lyrics written by Shakeel have ingenious poetic touch. Look at the opening lines.

Chaudhvin ka chand ho, ya aaftaab ho (Whether it is the moon that comes every fourteen days (full moon) or the sun) Jo bhi ho tum Khuda ki kasam, laajawab ho(Whatever you are, I swear to God, you are beyond compare!)

A beautiful Waheeda Rahman sleeps before Guru Dutt and he compares her pristine face with the moon. This could be Mohamad Rafi's most romantic track ever; he's romantic and expressive by default, and here he's superlative form.

Poets have always described the female beauty; they have used all sorts of imagery to describe the unfathomable beauty of female form. In Bollywood, this song remains the master of all such songs. After all which woman wouldn't want to be compared to Chaudhvin ka chand?

1. Kabhi Kabhie Mere: Kabhi Kabhie [1976]

Credits(Music: Khayyam, Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi, Singers: Mukesh& Lata Mangeshkar)

Yash Chopra could sell romance like no other; he was this man who knew everything about human heart and its dilemmas. In the film, a beautiful Rakhi sings Kabhi Kabhie in her first night. The music was magical, so was the lyrics. For the same reason both got filmfare awards. Mukesh too got best male playback singer filmfare award.

There is this heartfelt love and the pain of losing your love in this song.

"Ki jaise bajti hain shehnaaiyaan si raahon mein..." and the Shenaayi bit following right after this line is heart wrenching.

Everyone associated with this song is immortalized, it lives in our hearts, forever.

POPULAR TOP 10

10) Kuchh Na Kaho: 1942 A Love Story [1994]

Kuchch Naa Kaho has already been featured on our 'critics top 10' list. See #5.

9) Pehli Nazar Main: Race [2008] (#25 on critics list)

Credits (Music: Pritam, Lyrics: Sameer, Singer: Atif Aslam)

Race wasn't a milestone romantic film, but this song really generated huge buzz. I would give most of the credit to Atif Aslam, after the era of Sonu Nigam & Udit Narayan, Atif Aslam and Mohit Chouhan took the music industry by storm when it comes to romantic numbers. Both sing from heart and it never fails to touch you; as both specialize in romantic numbers. Baby I Love You.... bit in the song is extremely pleasing to the senses. Pritam might be getting flak for copying a Korean song here, but I would say, nice job done, excellent rework.

8 ) Tumhi Dekho Naa: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna [2006] (#13 on critics list)

Credits(Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Lyrics: Javed Akhtar, Singer: Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik)

I would say the most tender love song for a long time. There is hardly any singing; Sonu and Alka rather whisper the words. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is the most happening composers at the moment, and their ability to mix Indian classical music with western elements is impeccable.

King of Romance Shahrukh Khan and Rani Mukherjee sing this love duet in the beautiful locales of Newyork city. I wouldn't say Karan Johar shot the song justifying the beauty of the song, nevertheless the best love ballad you can hear when you are all alone.

I especially love the flute bit before the second antara(versa), you could melt forever listening to that; a true classic touch.

7) Kabhi Kabhie Mere: Kabhie Kabhie [1976]

Kabhi Kabhie Mere has already been featured on our 'critics top 10' list. See #1.

6) Na tum jano na hum: kaho na pyar hai [2000] (#17 on critics list)

Credits (Music: Rajesh Roshan, Lyrics: Ibrahim Ashk , Singers: Lucky Ali, Ramya)

Hrithik Roshan entered Bollywood like a storm. Kaho Naa Pyar Hai was the biggest hit of that year, and a dream debut in every sense.  He became a superstar with just one movie.

Rakesh Roshan's movies always had great music, Kaho Naa Pyar Hai was no different since Hrithik's uncle Rajesh Roshan came up with some of the best tunes for Hrithik. Naa Tum Jaano Na hum has a breezy quality about it. There is something dreamy and western about the whole arrangement of the song. Lucky Ali may not be known as a best singer around, but his ability to sing romantic numbers is highly appreciated.

This song would have sounded lot different and less impactful if a regular voice had sung it. That different tone adds to the charm of this irresistibly romantic number.

5)Pehla Nasha: Jo Jeeta Wohi Sinkandar [1992]

Pehla Nasha has already been featured on our 'critics top 10' list. See #3.

4) Tum Paas Aaye: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai [1998]

Tum Paas Aaye has already been featured on our 'critics top 10' list. See #6.

3) Main Yahaan Hoon: Veer Zaara [2004]

Main Yahaan has already been featured on our 'critics top 10' list. See #7.

2) Tujhe Dekha To Ye: Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge [1995] (#16 on critics list)

Credit(Music: Jatin-Lalit, Lyrics: Anand Bakshi, Singers: Lata Mangeshkar & Kumar Sanu)

This is the quintessential love song which no Bollywood fan requires an introduction. Shahrukh Khan and Kajol became a golden pair with Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge which ran for years setting so many box office records. The image of Raj and Simran in a close embrace became the symbol of love. They redefined the chemistry shared by two lovers.

Jatin-Lalit, once again on this list; probably making them the most romantic composers :),  and Anand Bakshi, a Yash Chopra regular wrote the beautiful lyrics and he rightfully won the best lyricist filmfare award that year.

1) Tum Se Hi: Jab We Met [2007] (#11 on critics list)

Credits(Music: Pritam, Lyrics: Irshad Kamil, Singer: Mohit Chouhan)

Jab We Met could be the modern day Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, as Imtiaz Ali incorporated the changing urban lifestyles in a love story otherwise deeply rooted in Yash Chopra, Karan Johar mould. Interestingly, Hero falls in love with the heroines towards the interval portion; but the heroine took time till climax to realize that she's in love too.

So, this song comes before interval where hero realizes his love for her. He sees that she changed his life forever, and he sees her in everything he does. I would say beautiful lyrics.

baaton mein baatein, teri... (even my talks are full of you...)
raatein saugaatein, teri... (my nights seem to be a gift from you...)
kyun tera sab ye, ho gaya... (why has my everything turned yours...)
hua kya... (don't know what happened...)