Music as Therapy: The Universal Language of Emotion
Music is therapy. From joyful highs to introspective lows, its rhythms and beats cater to every mood, every hour, and every season. As a deeply personal yet universally resonant form of self-expression, music—especially when paired with poignant lyrics or pulsating beats—can become a cultural force. When it comes to stirring hearts and moving feet, Indian cinema has gifted the world an endless stream of unforgettable anthems. These songs don’t just entertain; they transcend language and geography.
On World Music Day, we spotlight five Indian film numbers that have not only struck a chord in the Indian subcontinent but also captivated audiences across the globe.
Jai Ho (Slumdog Millionaire) (2008)
Composed by the legendary A.R. Rahman and performed alongside Sukhwinder Singh, Tanvi, Mahalakshmi Iyer, and Vijay Prakash, "Jai Ho" is a genre-defying anthem that fuses traditional Indian melodies with Western orchestral, pop, and electronic elements. Serving as the heartbeat of Slumdog Millionaire, directed by Danny Boyle, its soaring spirit of triumph and resilience resonated far beyond the film.
The score of Slumdog Millionaire earned Rahman two Academy Awards and a Grammy, cementing its status as a global cultural touchstone. With its infectious energy and uplifting mood, "Jai Ho" inspired remixes and covers worldwide. In 2009, American girl group The Pussycat Dolls released an English version featuring Nicole Scherzinger, introducing the song to pop charts across the globe.
Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja (Disco Dancer) (1982)
Composed by Bappi Lahiri and sung by Parvati Khan, "Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja" is a disco classic from Disco Dancer, starring Mithun Chakraborty. This track became a massive hit far beyond Indian borders, especially in the USSR, China, and parts of Africa. With its synth-heavy beat, catchy hook, and simple repetitive lyrics, the song soared to cult status, transcending linguistic barriers to become a global singalong.
Mithun’s sequined costumes and magnetic stage persona cemented his status as a cross-border style icon, particularly for international fans who viewed Bollywood as a window into India’s burgeoning pop culture. In a poignant twist, the song resurfaced in 2022 when Chinese social media repurposed it as "Jie Mi" (Give Me Rice) to protest food shortages during COVID-19 lockdowns, showcasing the song’s enduring legacy and universal appeal.
Urvasi Urvasi Kaadhalan (1994)
A.R. Rahman’s electrifying Tamil-language anthem "Urvasi Urvasi" from Kaadhalan, directed by S. Shankar, is an instant party starter. Featuring vocals by Rahman, Suresh Peters, and Shahul Hameed, the song became a cultural pulse point for an entire generation. With its carefree vibe, youthful defiance, and fusion of Indian rhythms, reggae basslines, and Western electronic elements, it captured the free-spirited rebellion of ‘90s youth in Chennai.
The iconic bus-top choreography, playful and kinetic, elevated the song to a pop culture sensation, turning it into one of Tamil cinema’s most unforgettable visual moments. Its cross-genre swagger inspired global remixes, most notably will.i.am’s 2014 hit "It’s My Birthday," featuring Cody Wise. The track’s global legacy was further underscored when it appeared in the Oscar-nominated film Lion (2016), proving that "Urvasi" continues to move across borders and decades with ease.
Naatu Naatu (RRR) (2022)
An explosion of energy, folk percussion, and electrifying choreography, "Naatu Naatu" catapulted into global consciousness with the roaring success of RRR. Composed by M.M. Keeravani, penned by Chandrabose, and sung by Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava, this Telugu track became a symbol of pan-Indian swagger and unbridled celebration.
Picturized on NTR Jr. and Ram Charan in a high-voltage dance-off, the song’s infectious energy and joyous defiance against colonial arrogance struck a cultural nerve worldwide. Its meteoric popularity culminated in a historic Oscar win for Best Original Song in 2023, marking a first for an Indian production.
Kala Chashma (Baar Baar Dekho) (2016)
A remix that turned tradition on its head, "Kala Chashma" is a reimagined Punjabi classic infused with bhangra energy and sleek EDM flair. Picturized on Katrina Kaif and Sidharth Malhotra, its looped rhythm, high-gloss production, and irresistible hook made it an instant favorite on party playlists and dance floors worldwide.
The star power, vibrant choreography, and eye-catching visuals were tailor-made for the age of YouTube and Instagram, propelling it into the annals of pop culture. From wedding dance groups to viral K-Pop covers, "Kala Chashma" continues to sparkle across borders, proving that rhythm speaks louder than language.
