10 Bollywood Songs From 2020 Which Embrace & Celebrate Life

“Life is unpredictable” has always been a popular saying. As humans, we never realise the fragility of life until something catastrophic or extremely negative occurs.

With the coronavirus outbreak, it’s made us realise that life isn’t always about what we want but what we need. It’s been an awakening.

As the pandemic had a domino effect on several industries, the Hindi music industry seems to have shared a common theme of celebrating life.

Filme Shilmy has compiled a list of 10 Bollywood songs from 2020 that will motivate or make you smile as we try to survive the pandemic.

Title Track – Malang: Ved Sharma

Holidays have been a slight myth this year due to the pandemic, but Malang, as a film and soundtrack offer thrill, adventure and excitement.

But the title track (male version sung by Ved Sharma, while female version crooned by Asees Kaur) really emphasises the sentiment of ‘living life from one high to another’.

As Kunaal Vermaa, Harsh Limbachiya’s lyrics convey: “Kaafira Toh Chal Diya Iss Safar Ke Sang, Manzilein Na Dor Koyi Leke Apna Rang. Rahun Main Malang, Malang, Malang.”

These words promote the idea of living like a carefree spirit – that wanders and adapts to life as one goes along, allowing the destination to be a surprise!

Maskhari/Khulke Jeene Ka – Dil Bechara: AR Rahman

We’ve lost several celebrated actors this year and losing Sushant Singh Rajput has been incredibly difficult and seems so unreal. But while leaving, he has taught us the art of living.

Dil Bechara, being an adaptation of The Fault In Our Stars is itself a major lesson in living and so is the stellar soundtrack.

The musical tones of Maskhari and Khulke Jeene Ka are different but both share the commonality of laughing and embracing one’s circumstances.

Amitabh Bhattacharya’s poignant lyrics combined with the vocals of Arijit Singh, Shashaa Tirupati and Sunidhi Chauhan, Hriday Gattani, from respective tracks only enhance the warm and uplifting vibes.

Ek Zindagi – Angrezi Medium: Sachin-Jigar

Prior to the trailer launch of Angrezi Medium, the Ek Zindagi instrumental was used when Irrfan Khan delivered his heartwarming message to us. It was definitely an emotional moment.

His demise has been a major loss for the industry, leaving a major emptiness. But if anything, this uplifting number teaches us to go and live life to the brim.

Jigar Saraiya’s lyrics: “Ke Ek Zindgi Meri, Sau Khwaishaan. Ek Zindagi Meri, 100 Khwaishaan. Main Poori, Main Poori, Main Poori Karaan” enhances the spirit of fulfilling one’s wishes/dreams.

Furthermore, Tanishkaa Sanghvi and Sachin-Jigar’s vocals during the ‘oh oh oh oh’ part adds to the upbeat tone of the track.

Haan Main Galat – Love Aaj Kal: Pritam

Love Aaj Kal, as a film may not have been 2020’s best but the soundtrack has nonetheless been quite special and memorable.

Recreating the ‘Twist’ song from the original 2009 film of the same name, Pritam adds a funky and peppy spin to the chartbuster also making this one a loved number.

Sang by Arijit Singh and Shashwat Singh, the track is also about doing what one desires and to keep daring.

As such, Irshad Kamil’s words: “Dil mein jo Aaye… Aaj ho jaaye. Aa stage Laga hai, badi jagah hai
Do it with a twist”, conveys the idea of grooving and enjoying what one loves in life.

Title Track – Panga: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

 

Ashwini Iyer Tiwari’s Panga is all about second chances and fulfilling incomplete dreams. The film itself an uplifting watch.

Living up to the spirit of the film’s narrative, Panga‘s title track is rhythmic, melodious and chant-like. With Harshdeep Kaur and Siddharth Mahadevan’s energetic vocals, it is fearless in spirit.

Javed Akhtar’s soul-stirring words: “Jeena unhi ka Jeena hai jo hote hai nidar. Parwah Na Kar Duniya ki jo Karna hai woh kar” conveys the idea of living without any concerns or fears.

Even the lyrics: “Mann ki jo sune hai wo hi change, Hai woh hi changa,” suggest the idea that listening to the gut instincts are always the best thing in life.

Khulne Do – Chhapaak: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

Meghna Gulzar’s Chhapaak is a hard-hitting film which also pays a tribute to the spirit of human grit. It depicts the story of an acid attack survivor and how she rises above a grim incident in life.

One of the most underrated songs from the album is Khulne Do. Crooned by Arijit Singh, it’s a soft melody predominantly with a guitar in the background.

Even though it’s short, Gulzar Saab’s poetic lyrics convey the idea of moving on. For instance: “Maili Maili Si Subah Dhulne Lagi Hai… Girah Lagi Thi Saans Mein, Khulne Lagi Hai, Khulne Lagi Hai.”

These vivid lines offer a sense of hope and proceeding from a dark time. If anything, it is very relatable to all of us as we’ve all been through a very tumultuous year.

Aasman Di Pari – Gunjan Saxena: Amit Trivedi

There’s something about flying. It symbolises breaking-free from all restrictions, being independent as one soars the skies.

The foot-tapping and catchy number is sung by the powerful Jyoti Nooran and captures the spirit of Gunjan Saxena, one of India’s first Indian female air-force pilots in combat.

To top it up, Kausar Munir’s lyrics also highlight the virtue of discovering strength in one’s self… As heard in the words:

“Khudi ko kar buland itna Ke har taqdeer se Pehle, Khuda bande se khud poochhe Bata Teri Raza kya hai”. Even the words “Ud Ja, Ud Ja” provides a strength to seize the day and achieve what one seeks.

Pass Nahi Toh Fail Nahi – Shakuntala Devi: Sachin-Jigar

Prior to lockdown, everything seemed like a massive rush, where enjoyment was more luxury more than a necessity. It was like all of us was caught up in this undue rat race of life.

Even in education, there was an onus, a pressure of passing with high marks, bracketing us to that only. However, Paas Nahi Toh Fail Nahi says that it’s okay to be okay.

Vayu’s endearing and uplifting lyrics: “Pass nahi toh fail nahi, Yeh class hai koi jail nahi. Tu pass nahi toh fail nahi, Tu tension mat le yaar. To Darna kya mere yaar.”

With Sunidhi Chauhan’s energetic vocals, it enforces the idea that life is meant to be lived, celebrated and is not a form of suppression.

Bezubaan Kab Se – Street Dancer 3D: Sachin-Jigar

It is often said that “silence is golden”, but in whatever case and contrary to popular belief, it certainly is not a weakness.

The most poignant aspect about the ‘Bezubaan’ songs from the ABCD franchise is that it’s the dancers’ freedom of expression. In a way, being gung-ho about their passion in life and owning up to that.

Street Dancer 3D’s adaptation of this euphonious track only takes the previous versions notches higher – thanks to the electro beats, razor-sharp raps and more.

Jigar Saraiya’s natural imagery in the words: “Junoon Meraaa Hai Ek Dariyaa, Dariya Ye Roke Se Rukna Nahi. Toofaan Ke Aage Jhukna Nahi. Cheer Ke Toofan Ke Paar Le Jaane Do.”

As humans, we all have a drive for something in life. Sometimes we’ve got to introspect and discover that passion… And during times of struggle, we have Bezubaan Kab Se to motivate us!

Gabru – Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan: Yo Yo Honey Singh, Tanishk Bagchi

Sure, remixes of popular Punjabi have become too common in Bollywood and at times it becomes exhausting to see this repetition.

However, the way Tanishk Bagchi has customised Honey Singh’s ‘Pyaar Tenu Karda Gabru’ is nothing less of revolutionary, progressive and amiable.

For the first time, we see a homosexual couple expressing their love for each other in mainstream Bollywood, without adhering to stereotypes or caricatures.

Even the strong words: “Teri meri Jodi ko namumkin todna, Jag chhoot jaave Maine hath ni chhodna” exhibits a solid love and acceptance of one another. It’s a fantastic number which does not make us only shake a leg, but makes us realise that love is love.

Overall, the year 2020 has of course been extremely tough and heart-breaking for the world. It has turned many of our lives upside-down, catapulting us to unprecedented circumstances.

But thankfully, we have music to give us energy and positivity to keep going. It’s ironic and enlightening how even during a rather grim year, Bollywood has provided with some optimistic and hopeful numbers.

So as we enter a new year, do stream the aforementioned songs and you’ll realise that you’re a lot stronger than you think!