Rahat Fateh Ali rules Bollywood’s music scene

Pakistani singers and musicians continue to make waves, capture music scene in India.

While Bollywood films dominate local cinemas, Pakistani singers and musicians continue to make waves in India.

As Atif Aslam and Jal remained major concert attractions across the border, singers like Rahat Fateh Ali and Fuzon’s former frontman Shafqat Amanat Ali ruled Bollywood’s music charts of the year.

2010 offered a wide range of Bollywood songs. While raunchy numbers like “Munni Badnaam Hui” kept the adrenaline pumping, the Sufi track “Sajda” spelt bliss for music lovers.

The most popular songs of 2010: “Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Jee”

It was a melodious beginning to the year with the romantic number from Ishqiya. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan sang the song that instantly struck a chord with the listeners.

“Sajda”

Once again sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan along with Shankar Mahadevan and Richa Sharma, My Name Is Khan’s Sufi number tugged at one’s heartstrings. The sounds of tablas and dholaks helped the song become a chart buster and stay on top for a long time.

“Aap Ka Kya Hoga (Dhanno)”

The remix was packed into the Housefull album by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Sung by Mika Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan and Sajid Khan, it revisited Amitabh Bachchan’s popular song “Apni To Jaise Taise” from the 1981 superhit Lawaaris. It was a winner all the way and made everyone dance to its funky beat.

“Bin Tere”

The song from I Hate Luv Storys managed to bring out the hidden romantic in all of us. The simple lyrics were rendered by Shafqat Amanat Ali.

“Pee Loon”

The soft love ballad from the crime thriller Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai still occupies air time on most of the radio channels. Pritam Chakroborty’s composition and Mohit Chauhan’s voice have spelt magic for the song. Its Sufi elements add edge to the song.

“Gal Mithi Mithi”

This track is an amazing folk outing by Tochi Raina and is not like any run-of-the-mill Punjabi number. Composed by Amit Trivedi of Dev D fame for Aisha, the fast number instantly made its mark because of the unpredictable orchestration and the fun element woven together intelligently.

“Munni Badnaam Hui”

One of the most popular item numbers of the year, Dabangg’s “Munni Badnaam Hui” was an adaptation of “Larka Badnaam Hua” from an old Lollywood film Mr Charlie. The fast-paced, catchy song with a rustic flavour created sensation in India and abroad.

“Tere Mast Mast Do Nain”

Dabangg gave another hit in “Tere Mast…”. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan crooned the moderately paced romantic track with such expertise that it made people sit up and take notice.

“Zor Ka Jhatka”

Even though the film failed to take off at the box office, this song from Action Replayy flew higher and higher on popularity charts. Sung by Daler Mehndi, Richa Sharma and Master Salim, Pritam’s composition was appreciated for its quirky lyrics and unusual orchestration.

“Sheila Ki Jawaani”

As they say the best is always reserved for the last, this song from Tees Maar Khan appeared almost at the end of the year and was an instant hit thanks to its urban appeal and a raunchy feel. It’s giving competition to “Munni Badnaam Hui” for the best item number crown.

Top ten in 2010

“Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Jee” (Ishqiya)

“Sajda” (My Name is Khan)

“Aap Ka Kya Hoga” (Housefull)

“Bin Tere” (I Hate Luv Storys)

“Pee Loon” (Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai)

“Gal Mithi Mithi” (Aisha)

“Munni Badnaam Hui” (Dabangg)

“Tere Mast Mast Do Nain” (Dabangg)

“Zor Ka Jhatka” (Action Replayy)

“Sheila Ki Jawaani” (Tees Maar Khan)

SOURCE: IANS

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2011.