India and the Middle East have traded with each other since ancient civilisations. And looks like Bollywood is still upholding the tradition when it comes to music and culture. A tonne of music in Bollywood has a touch of Arabic music to it. Check out some of the hit tracks that boast of the Middle Eastern beats
‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’, Sholay (1975)
Composed and sung by RD Burman, this song was an instant hit with the audience. Helen’s mind-blowing dance is still etched in the minds of those who watched her sway with gusto and grace.
‘Dil Cheez Tujhe Dedi’, Airlift (2016)
A film based out of the story in Kuwait won’t miss out on the Arabian beats. The song starts with quintessential Arab tunes. Akshay Kumar tries to groove to the beat of the belly dancers while Nimrat Kaur who plays his wife watches on.
‘Kaho Na Kaho’, Murder (2004)
‘Kaho na Kaho’ is inspired by the Arabic song ‘Tamally Maak’ by Amr Diab. The song stars Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat. Murder’s album by Anu Malik was very well received by the audience.
‘Mayya Mayya’, Guru (2007)
The song composed by AR Rahman and picturised on Mallika Sherawat has many elements of Arab music to it, especially the instrumental notes of belly dancing songs. ‘Mayya Mayya’ is sung by Chinmayi for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan starrer – Guru.
‘Le Le Mazaa Le’, Wanted (2009)
The song composed by Sajid-Wajid is unique as it combines Spanish and Hindi lyrics with Arab beats. The perfect blend of music along with Salman Khan’s carefree dance adds to the song’s glory.
‘Afghan Jalebi’, Phantom (2015)
Pritam’s ‘Afghan Jalebi’ is catchy and groovy. Katrina Kaif and Saif Ali Khan can be seen fighting in the backdrop of the song that adds a dash of adrenaline.
‘Dil Dooba’, Khakee (2016)
‘Dil Dooba’ voiced by Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal is catchy and upbeat. The music video gets even better with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Akshay Kumar’s smashing performance.
‘Bure Bure’, Bluffmaster! (2005)
‘Bure Bure’ begins with Persian lyrics by Iranian-Swedish singer – Arash. The song is a Hindi version of his ‘Boro Boro’. The song stars Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh and Arash himself.
‘Ya Ali’, Gangster (2006)
‘Ya Ali’ composed by Pritam and sung by Zubeen Garg was a popular number on the radio back in 2006. Gangster stars Kangana Ranaut, Emraan Hashmi, and Shiney Ahuja in lead roles.
‘Mashallah’, Ek Tha Tiger (2016)
Sajid-Wajid made yet another Arab inspired song with ‘Mashallah’. Mashallah’s music video sees Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan swaying with grace to the song’s melodic tunes.
Tell us about your favourite Hindi-Arab fusion music!
(Contributed by Deblina Munshi)