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...)

ShahRukh Khan - King Of Smoking

A humble public letter to Shakrukh Khan, famous and popular Indian Bollywood film star, and the king of smokers:

Bollywood is a Big show Business that goes beyond the boundary of India. Every year thousands of Indian films are released and watched by millions in the world. Bollywood stars are famous and popular around the world. Their fanbase has no limit: from young babies, young children, teenagers, young people to adults and old people. These include non Indian speakers too.

Many fans watch the films of their favorite stars over and over again and wait desperately to watch their new releases. They will pay the price and travel to any destination and will talk about the film for months. They will even memorise the lyrics of the songs and the line of the dialogues delivered by the actor. Among the most popular film stars is Shahrukh Khan.

Shahrukh Khan loves films, work, children, people, his wife, his children, his films, his performance and his family. He also loves smoking. Heavy smoking. He loves every one except himself, his health and the young children who are his fans.

The popularity of Shahrukh khan is unlimited of course, due to his dedication and his work, his commitments and his gift of God. He can make people laugh, smile, cry, be happy, but he can also make them be ill and kill. Shahrukh khan is very well spoken, very mature, and a very understanding person. He is well educated and he can speak the dialogue in one take. He can can read anything written in English, that is apart form the warning on cigarette packages.

Government Health department officials fully agree with all the research and evidence provided by health expertise, and around the world every cigarette packet has a warning about the risk and effects of smoking. Government bodies around the world spend fortunes for public health on advertisements of warnings against smoking, yet the message has not reached to Shahrukh khan.

In many films the government has restricted smoking. No matter how important your character in the film, showing smoking cigarettes is prohibited, in public places smoking is prohibited and selling cigarettes to children under the age of sixteen has been very much prohibited.

We Asians, love Bollywood. We spend many hours watching Indian television channels such as Star Plus, Star News, Colors, Sony TV, IPL cricket, film star interviews, the making of films, day with the film stars and many more programmes on television, played in the weekends and evenings, and our children watch these with us too.

My young grandson is 10 years of age and he is fan of Shahrukh Khan. He watch all of those programmes related to or focused on Shahrukh Khan. He also acts out the dialogue he speaks, and, like many young children in the world, he watches him smoke. When then see Shahrukh Khan, their idol, smoking publicly... what do you expect them to do? Do you give warnings that these images will harm your body and your health? Do you have any answers as to why you are smoking? How would you justify your actions?

You can smoke millions of cigarettes a day. I don't care. You can do to yourself whatever you want to do. You can avoid all those warnings if you want, but if you care for the children of other people, and if you want to be the super hero, then stop the smoking engine. Whenever you talk, the exhaust from your mouth damages the environment and other children's health. So please do my children a favour and stop smoking in public places. Your job is to entertain children, not to kill them.

I love your title of King of Bollywood... but your smoking in public places...? You are more like the King of Smokers.

Some of my thoughts would doubtless upset Shahrukh Khan, but I would be happy to see him upset over smoking, rather than seeing him ill. Sorry Mr King of Smoking Khan Entertainment: "Ke liye itana to karega" (stop it for the sake of entertainment please).

Ra One Gone, Ra 1 to Go

A lot was expected from Mani Ratnam's colossal film Raavan starring real life couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai in the lead. This was a much hyped movie which did not click well. Something Bollywood is quite well acquainted with. Colossal much hyped movies failing at the box office. But the failure of Raavan leaves a lot of intriguing question unanswered.

We know that we have SRK's Ra.1 releasing early next year. Now how do the filmmakers go about the movie? Do they create the same amount of hype and publicity which Mani Ratnam's Raavan had created or do they go for some alternative publicity. Shahrukh Khan's Ra.1 will face the problem of a bad name which has already has a dire reputation amongst the people. The masses have declined Abhishek Bachchan's Raavan and now they have another thing coming there way which spells the same affect on them. After watching Raavan, a lot of people have lost hope on bigwigs and hype Bollywood creates before the movies release. They feel betrayed and cheated after they have watched the movie. Owing to this, they develop a hatred for the forthcoming flicks which promises to deliver the goods. And SRK's Ra.1 is no different. It's at the receiving end here.

But the matter of the fact is Shahrukh Khan's Ra.1 has no resemblance with Mani Ratnam's Raavan, not even the spelling. The only thing that binds the two is the way you pronounce the name of the movie. Where Mani Ratnam's Raavan is an adaptation of Ramayana,(one of the greatest epic ever told) set up in the present world, SRK's Ra.1 is a Bollywood science fiction superhero film. Shahrukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor will be seen pairing opposite each other after a long time. The last movie they were seen together opposite each other was in Asoka. Apart from that, Arjun Rampal will be seen playing the villain in Ra.1.

The movie is produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Anubhav Sinha. This one has left no stones unturned as the movie has a foreign writer, the special effects team is being hired from Hollywood, American rapper Akon would be seen crooning in the movie etc. Now that's a hell lot of dose for any movie to do a good business.

The latest buzz is that SRK will be seen driving the fastest car in the world i.e the Volkswagen Bugatti. But that's not just it, to add to the beauty of it, the technicians from 'The Pirates of the Caribbean' will teach Shahrukh to drive. The movie may be the most expensive movie made in Bollywood leaving behind the likes of Blue. Kareena will be seen in Milenge Milenge which is set for the release. It will be a treat to watch SRK and Kareena pair up one more time on the silver screen. Hope this Ra.1 does a better job than the former. Rest assures one thing is confirmed that time is the best healer and by the time Ra.1 releases people will not recall the Raavan they detested.