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On the 63rd anniversary of India’s Independence Day, on August 15th, let’s have a look at some of the most memorable desh bhakti (patriotic) songs that the Indian film industry has given us. After all, there is no better way for Independence Day greetings that humming and sharing the best patriotic numbers!
Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo
This Kishore Kumar – Lata Mangeshkar compostition, Kavi Pradeep’s lyrics and Lata Mangeshkar’s voice could melt hearts with the touching ode to martyrs of the Sino-Indian War. Known to have moved Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to tears, the royalty of the song was donated to the War Widows Fund.
Aao Bachchon Tumhe Dikhaye
Pradeep’s song from the 1954 film Jagriti, was addressed more towards children giving them a gist about the freedom struggle and patriotism. This Hemant Kumar song is still a favourite among kids and adults alike.
Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawanon Ka
O. P. Nayyar and Rafi’s energetic song is known for its energetic song was from the film Naya Daur that released in 1957. The black and white setting did nothing to deter the Punjabi feel from this song.
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Nanha Munna Rahi Hun
This song from the 1962 film “Son Of India” brings forth love for the country through a child. Crooned by Shanti Mathur, the simple and endearing composition was made by Naushad Ali.
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Apni azadi ko hum
Unlike other songs of love and devotion to the country, this song from Leader, was more about sacrifice and the lengths Indians were willing to go. With Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi behind the mike, the song was bound to strum the heartstrings.
Mera Rang De Basanti Chola
Prem Dhawan’s song for the film Shaheed was for the freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. Rafi and Mahendra Kapoor created magic once again.
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Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara Hai
Hariharan’s soft vocals gave a perfect background to the film Roja. A. R. Rahman’s song for the movie on terrorism gave you goose bumps as the music turned edgier.
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Yeh Jo Desh Hai Tera
A. R. Rahman made his mark without any of the chest-thumping usually seen in a patriotic song. His high-pitched song in Swades reminded you of the essence of India, the scents, the feel and how you could take the man out of the country, but not the country out of the man. The same magic musician also gave us ‘Vande ‘Mataram’, the beautiful track from his album with the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
