The Top 30 Best Classic Bollywood Soundtracks of All Time

The best music albums from classic Bollywood have been chosen. Which songs made the list of Bollywood’s top 30 greatest?

Introduction

Welcome to the greatest music of classic Bollywood! We at Mr. and Mrs. 55 – Classic Bollywood Revisited! have compiled our ultimate list of the top 30 best classic Bollywood film soundtracks of all-time. Music is the very soul of classic Bollywood, a legacy of beauty and style that once lit the world. These soundtracks showcase the most talented artists of Bollywood and are as diverse and transformative as the films to which they lent their magic. Long after the cinema lights fade, this music remains in the air, haunting us with desire, sustaining us through tragedy, and enchanting our daily experiences in the world.

Soundtracks of all Hindi films released between the years of 1945 to 1985 were considered and ranked based on the merit of lyrics, musical composition and complexity, historical and cultural value, vocal performance, and accomplishments of the soundtrack elements as an ensemble. Topping our list are composers Sachin Dev Burman, Rahul Dev Burman, Naushad, and the duo Shankarsingh Raghuwanshi and Jaikishan Dayabhai Panchal (often credited as Shankar-Jaikishen) whose works both defined and reinvented Bollywood. Like our enormously popular list of the Top 30 Greatest Classic Bollywood Films of All Time, these soundtracks embrace the unexpected.

The advent of music in Bollywood binds the stormy history of a shackled India emerging from depression and war with the golden age of Hollywood musical film. Many believe that films with de rigeur musical numbers is a unique hallmark of Hindi cinema. However, the early “talkie” pictures of India such as Alam Ara (1931) were heavily influenced by the popular western films like The Jazz Singer (1927) and Showboat (1929) in which the new sound technology instantly propelled musical film as the most profitable genre. Hollywood directors like Busby Berkeley whose signature spectacle was the mass ornament and nimble-footed singer-dancers like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers helped contribute to the hundreds and hundreds of musical films cherished by the western world during the 1930s-1950s. The then universal convention of five to seven musical numbers peppering a film was easily embraced and adapted by Hindi movie directors who introduced Hindustani musical traditions to their work. Playback singers such as Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, and Asha Bhonsle were as celebrated as the actors for whom they lent their voices. Often before a film was released, a Bollywood movie’s soundtrack was played repeatedly on the radio, reaching the hearts of millions across the country who may not have afforded the luxury to see the actual film in theatres.

While Hollywood eventually diverged from the musical film genre by the late 1960s, India was awakening to its own golden era of film in which music dominated the sensory milieu. Perhaps it was the escapism of music with its perfect harmonies and piercing poetry that touched the newly freed country still finding its identity. From solemn hymns of the countryside to feverish cabarets of city nightlife, from extravagant orchestras to solitary sitar solos, and from singers whose voices seem to descend from heaven, these soundtracks unleashed new eras of possibility and romance. The music of classic Bollywood will change you forever. For a few fleeting minutes, the ideals you dreamed of are made real.

Take this journey with us through the best music albums of yesteryear Hindi cinema. This music the way is was meant to be. This is classic Bollywood.

The Top 30 Best Classic Bollywood Soundtracks of All Time:

1. Pakeezah

Ghulam Mohammed and Naushad, 1971

Chalte Chalte – Lata Mangeshkar

Taare Rahiyo – Lata Mangeshkar

Teer-e Nazar – Lata Mangeshkar

Chalo Dildar Chalo – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi

Inhi Logon Ne – Lata Mangeshkar

Mausam Hai Aashiqana – Lata Mangeshkar

Title Music/Alap – Lata Mangeshkar

2. Guide

S.D. Burman, 1965

Din Dhal Jaaye – Mohammed Rafi

Aaj Phir Jeene Ki – Lata Mangeshkar

Piya Tose – Lata Mangeshkar

Tere Mere Sapne – Mohammed Rafi

Gaata Rahe Mera Dil – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi

Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya – Mohammed Rafi

Saiyan Beiman – Lata Mangeshkar

3. Mughal-e-Azam

Naushad, 1960

Teri Mehfil Mein Qismat – Lata Mangeshkar and Shamshad Begum

Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya – Lata Mangeshkar

Mohe Pangat Pe – Lata Mangeshkar

Mohabbat Ki Jhooti Kahani – Lata Mangeshkar

Aye Mohabbat Zindabad – Mohammed Rafi

Prem Jogan Ban Ke – Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan

Yeh Dil Ki Lagi – Lata Mangeshkar

Title Music

4. Nagin

Hemant Kumar, 1954

Man Dole Mera – Lata Mangeshkar

Jadugar Saiyan – Lata Mangeshkar

Tere Dwar Khada Ek Jogi – Hemant Kumar

Mera Dil Yeh Pukare Aaja – Lata Mangeshkar

Sun Ri Sakhi – Lata Mangeshkar

Yaad Rakhna Pyar Ki Nishani – Asha Bhonsle and Hemant Kumar

5. Aradhana

S.D. Burman, 1969

Roop Tera Mastana – Kishore Kumar

Mere Sapnon Ki Rani – Kishore Kumar

Kora Kaagaz Tha – Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar

Gunguna Rahe Hai Bhanware – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi

Baghon Mein Bahar Hai – Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

Saphal Hogi Teri Aradhana – S.D. Burman

6. Teesri Manzil

R.D. Burman, 1966

Aaja Aaja – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi

Deewana Mujhsa Nahin – Mohammed Rafi

O Haseena Zulfonwali – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi

O Mere Sona Re – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi

Tumne Mujhe Dekha – Mohammed Rafi

7. Barsaat

Shankarsingh Raghuwanshi and Jaikishan Dayabhai Panchal, 1949

Hawa Mein Udta Jaye – Lata Mangeshkar

Chhod Gaye Balam – Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh

Jiya Beqarar Hai – Lata Mangeshkar

Mujhe Kisise Pyar – Lata Mangeshkar

Patli Kamar Hai – Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh

8. Anarkali

C. Ramachandra, 1953

Yeh Zindagi Usiki Hai – Lata Mangeshkar

O Zindagi Ke Denewale – Hemant Kumar

O Aasmanwale – Lata Mangeshkar

Jaag Dard-e-Ishq – Lata Mangeshkar and Hemant Kumar

Mohabbat Aisi Dhadhkan Hai – Lata Mangeshkar

Mujhse Mat Pooch – Lata Mangeshkar

Aaja Ab To Aaja – Lata Mangeshkar

9. Kati Patang

R.D. Burman, 1970

Jis Gali Mein – Mukesh

Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai – Kishore Kumar

Na Koi Umang Hai – Lata Mangeshkar

Yeh Shaam Mastani – Kishore Kumar

Pyaar Diwanaa Hota Hai – Kishore Kumar

Aaj Na Chhodenge – Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar

10. Chori Chori

Shankarsingh Raghuwanshi and Jaikishan Dayabhai Panchal, 1956

Panchi Banoon Udti – Lata Mangeshkar

Aaja Sanam – Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey

Jahan Main Jaati Hoon – Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey

Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi – Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey

Rasik Balma – Lata Mangeshkar

Man Bhavan Ke Ghar – Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle

11. Taj Mahal

Roshan, 1963

Jo Wada Kiya Woh – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi

Jo Baat Tujh Mein Hai – Mohammed Rafi

Jurm-e Ulfat Pe – Lata Mangeshkar

Paaon Choo Lene Do – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi

Chandi Ka Badan – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi

12. Hum Dono

Jaidev, 1961

Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi

Allah Tero Naam – Lata Mangeshkar

Kabhi Khud Pe – Mohammed Rafi

Main Zindagi Ka Saath – Mohammed Rafi

Prabhu Tero Naam – Lata Mangeshkar

13. Jewel Thief

S.D. Burman, 1967

Honton Pe Aisi Baat – Lata Mangeshkar

Aasman Ke Neeche – Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar

Dil Pukare – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi

Rulake Gaya Sapna – Lata Mangeshkar

Yeh Dil Na Hota – Kishore Kumar

Title Music

14. Caravan

R.D. Burman, 1971

Piya Tu Ab To – Asha Bhonsle

Chadti Jawani – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi

Kitna Pyara Wada – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi

Goriya Kahan – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi

Ab Jo Mile Hai – Asha Bhonsle

15. Bobby

Laxmikant Shantaram Kudalkar and Pyarelal Ramprasad Sharma, 1973

Main Shayar To Nahin – Shailendra Singh

Bahar Se Koi Andhar – Lata Mangeshkar and Shailendra Singh

Jhoot Bole Kauwa Kate – Lata Mangeshkar and Shailendra Singh

Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai – Lata Mangeshkar and Shailendra Singh

Na Mangoon Sona Chandi – Manna Dey and Shailendra Singh

16. Pyaasa

S.D. Burman, 1957

Jaane Woh Kaise – Hemant Kumar

Aaj Sajan Mohe – Geeta Dutt

Hum Aap Ki Ankhon Mein – Geeta Dutt and Mohammed Rafi

Jane Kya Tune Kahi – Asha Bhonsle

Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaaye – Mohammed Rafi

17. Abhiman

S.D. Burman, 1973

Tere Mere Milan – Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar

Nadiya Kinare – Lata Mangeshkar

Tere Bindiya Re – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi

Piya Bina – Lata Mangeshkar

Ab To Hai Tumse – Lata Mangeshkar

18. Anand

Salil Choudhury, 1971

Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli – Manna Dey

Kahin Door Jab Din – Mukesh

Maine Tere Liye Hi – Mukesh

Na Jiya Lage Na – Lata Mangeshkar

19. Kabhi Kabhi

Mohammed Zayur Khayyam, 1976

Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein – Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh

Pyar Kar Liya To – Kishore Kumar

Main Pal Do Pal Ka – Mukesh

Mere Ghar Aayi Ek – Lata Mangeshkar

Tere Chehre Se – Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar

20. Baiju Bawra

Naushad, 1952

O Duniya Ke Rakhwale – Mohammed Rafi

Man Tarpat Hari Dar – Mohammed Rafi

Mohe Bhool Gaye Sanwariya – Lata Mangeshkar

Jhoole Mein Pawan Ke – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi

Tu Ganga Ki Mauj – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi

21. Mother India

Naushad, 1957

Duniya Mein Hum Aaye Hain – Lata Mangeshkar, Usha Mangeshkar, and Meena Mangeshkar

Ghunghat Nahin Kholungi – Lata Mangeshkar

Nagari Nagari Dware Dware – Lata Mangeshkar

O Janewalo Jao Na – Lata Mangeshkar

O Gadiwale – Shamshad Begum and Mohammed Rafi

22. Madhumati

Salil Choudhury, 1958

Aaja Re Pardesi – Lata Mangeshkar

Dil Tadap Tadap – Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh

Suhana Safar – Mukesh

Ghadi Ghadi Mora Dil – Lata Mangeshkar

Chadh Gayo Papi Bichua – Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey

23. Basant Bahar

Shankarsingh Raghuwanshi and Jaikishan Dayabhai Panchal, 1956

Duniya Na Bhaye Mohammed Rafi

Bhaye Bhanjana – Manna Dey

Ja Ja Re Ja – Lata Mangeshkar

Main Piya Teri – Lata Mangeshkar

Nain Mile Chain Kahan – Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey

24. Aar Paar

O.P. Nayyar, 1954

Babuji Dheere Chalna – Geeta Dutt

Sun Sun Sun Zalima – Geeta Dutt and Mohammed Rafi

Kabhi Aar Kabhi Par – Shamshad Begum

Yeh Lo Main Haari Piya – Geeta Dutt

Hoon Abhi Main Jawan – Geeta Dutt

25. Kashmir Ki Kali

O.P. Nayyar, 1964

Deewana Hua Badal – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi

Isharon Isharon – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi

Subhan Allah Haseen – Mohammed Rafi

Kisi Na Kisi Se – Mohammed Rafi

Meri Jaan Balle Balle – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi

26. Bandini

S.D. Burman, 1963

Ab Ke Baras Bhej – Asha Bhonsle

O Re Mahji – S.D. Burman

Mora Gora Ang Laile – Lata Mangeshkar

Jogi Jab Se Tu Aaya – Lata Mangeshkar

O Janewale Ho Sake – Mukesh

27. Sangam

Shankarsingh Raghuwanshi and Jaikishan Dayabhai Panchal, 1964

Yeh Mera Prem Patra – Mohammed Rafi

Bol Radha Bol – Mukesh

Dost Dost Na Raha – Mukesh

O Mehbooba – Mukesh

Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega – Lata Mangeshkar

28. Yaadon Ki Baraat

R.D. Burman, 1973

Chura Liya Hai – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi

Aapke Kamre Mein – Asha Bhonsle and Kishore Kumar

Lekar Hum Deewana Dil – Asha Bhonsle and Kishore Kumar

Meri Soni Meri Tamana – Asha Bhonsle and Kishore Kumar

Yaadon Ki Baraat – Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar

29. Amar Prem

R.D. Burman, 1972

Chingari Koi Bhadke – Kishore Kumar

Raina Beeti Jaaye – Lata Mangeshkar

Kuch To Log Kahenge – Kishore Kumar

Yeh Kya Hua – Kishore Kumar

Bada Natkhat Hai Yeh – Lata Mangeshkar

30. Umrao Jaan

Mohammed Zayur Khayyam, 1981

In Ankhon Ki Masti – Asha Bhonsle

Dil Cheez Kya Hai – Asha Bhonsle

Justuju Jiski Hai – Asha Bhonsle

Yeh Kya Jagah Hai – Asha Bhonsle

Jab Bhi Milti Hai – Asha Bhonsle

Find out more about these and other classic Bollywood soundtracks on our song pages! Which soundtracks do you consider among classic Bollywood’s all-time best and why? Leave us a comment and let us know!