New Delhi: The buzz of US President Barack Obama gracing the National Republic Day ceremony in the country is on.
And just to add a bit of fervour in the buzz, we present you the ever-so-patriotic songs from Bollywood.
National festivals like Independence Day and Republic Day have always got a special association with Bollywood films. From the rich cultural diversity existing in our nation to the paradigms of brotherhood and patriotism, Bollywood films have time and again carved these emotions on screen with much flare and enthusiasm.
Indian cinema is believed to be a mirror of Indian society and while each one of us get our share of content, love, disappointment with various offerings that Bollywood has got in its kitty, one thing that mutually bind us is ‘being Indian.'
On Republic Day, Independence Day or any other day of national importance, a flame of patriotism is raised amongst us and we feel nostalgic and complementing such silent emotions of loyalty with the country are our Bollywood patriotic songs.
These songs are the ones that have defined the gamut of sentiments we feel whenever we see our proud ‘Tri-colour' flying high or when we all stand up together in respect of our national anthem.
‘Bharat maa' is the anointment we have given to our country and these Bollywood songs have always been touching our wit and soul by shaping various thoughts engraved within us.
Here follows Bollywood's top ten patriotic songs. Listen to them and feel proud to be an Indian!
Vande Mataram (Anand Math, 1952)
A patriotic movie based on Bankim Chandra Cahtterjee's novel 'Anandamath' it had many attractions including the lead cast of Prithviraj Kapoor and Geeta Bali. But what is still fresh in our minds is its song Vande Matram that we've been listening to every Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations since our school days.
Music was composed by Hemant Kumar and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and Lata Mangeshkar, Hemant Kumar gave voice to Jayadeva's lyrics.
Ye desh hai veer jawanon kaa (Naya Daur, 1957)
How can we ever forget this iconic song of Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala starrer film ‘Naya Daur'. Many of you would've danced on this great song on National Festival programs. Sahir Ludhiyanvi penned down the lyrics, O.P.Nayyar composed the music and Md. Rafi, Balbeer brought it alive with their voices.
Aye mere pyare watan (Kabuliwala, 1961)
Based on the story Kabuliwala written by Rabindranath Tagore, the film starred Balraj Sahni in the leading role. One of the most powerful patriotic songs of Bollywood, the song could literally bring tears to your eyes. Composed by Salil Chowdhury, lyrics by Prem Dhawan, it was sung by Manna Dey.
Ab tumhare hawale watan sathiyon (Haqeeqat, 1964)
Based on the events of Sino-Indian war of 1962 the film starred Balraj Sahni and Dharmendra in leading roles. The soundtracks of the film were highly appreciated but the one that tops the list is ‘Ab tumhare hawale watan sathiyon' in Rafi Saab's voice. Lyrics were written by Kaifi Azmi and music was composed by Madan Mohan.
Apni azadi ko hum (Leader, 1964)
The song, written by Shakeel Badayuni, composed by Naushad, and sung by Mohammed Rafi, is a patriotic song about freedom and the independence. It has been sung by various other singers since then. The film Leader starred Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala in lead roles.
