Best Ever Qawwalis of Bollywood

Qawwali is a form of music that reached its zenith in South Asia, resulting from a fusion of traditional Indian classic music and Persian-Islamic music brought to India by the Islamic dynasties during the second half of the last millennium. Although, its origin is old and it did prosper during medieval ages, its real peak have been seen more recently, when it began to prosper as a popular music form among all classes of people in erstwhile undivided India and after its division, in both India and Pakistan.

Here are ten great gems of Bollywood - the ten best ever qawwali songs.

A modern qawwali that highlights the secular character of music and its unlimited reach among the masses, this qawwali is also a showpiece of the genius called A R Rahman, the only Bollywood composer to have been awarded with both Oscars and Grammies.

In the movie Jodha Akbar, the context of the song is provided by marriage of Akbar with the daughter of Hindu king Man Singh of Amber. She was allowed to retain her religion even after her marriage to the Mughal Emperor. The marriage cemented the Mughal Empire and laid the foundation of its secular character, which was important in making it the largest and the most prosperous empire of all times. Akbar himself started a sect called Din-E Elahi which advocated equality of all human being and respected all religions.

One of the sweetest and most hummable qawwali one can ever come across. This great Bollywood number from the movie Rustam Sohrab is a creation of music composer Sajjad Hussain, and reflects the singing genius of Mohammed Rafi and Manna Dey - the two greatest singers of Qawwalis in the history of Bollywood, joined by Sadat Khan, while the lyrics are by Qamar Jalalabadi.

A scintillating qawwali from the Bollywood blockbuster, Mughal-e-Azam. It is great not only for listeners but also a treat to watch. The great rendition of Lata Mangeshkar, the great music of Naushad and the spell binding lyrics of Shakeel Badayuni, all combine to make it a sensational song. The final icing on the cake is its choreography with Madhubala, Dilip Kumar and Nigar Sultana and the scintillating glass art work of Sheesh Mahal and some great dancing.

Recorded in 1958, this must be a great contestant for being the first really great qawwali of Bollywood. This only song in the movie Al Hilal was rendered by Ismail Azad Qawwal & party. In many ways, it is the usual non filmi qawwali that has always existed as a music genre of its own, attracting and entertaining millions in Indian subcontinent and abroad. Music credit is given to Bulo C Rani, while lyricist was Shevan Rizvi.

This is probably the best ever qawwali in the history of Bollywood, so rich is its content in terms of classical music, innovation, creativity, beats, lyrics, singing talent and variety. A unique amalgam of all these from many greats who worked together to create a master piece. The melodramatic filming of the song adds to the flavor by bringing in the gorgeous Madhubala. Singers are Mohammad Rafi, Manna Dey, Asha Bhonsle, Sudha Malhotra and S D Batish. Music is by great Roshan and lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi.

Another great rendition within the great qawwali tradition that prospered and reached its zenith during the 1960s, thanks to some great music composers and equally talented singers, with finesse of classical artistes and the innovation and creativity of modern era. This number from Taj Mahal is one of the many famous qawwalis that represented contests between male and female teams.

Singers are Mohammed Rafi, Manna Dey, Asha Bhonsle and Meena Kapoor. Music was composed by Roshan while lyrics written by Sahir Ludhianvi.

Another contestant for the tag of being the first great qawwali of Bollywood, this one is great because of many reasons, the most important of which is the infectious careless enjoyment that is depicted in this number. Contrary to the serious mood of the movie that focused the plight of women caught in not so honorable trades, the qawwali takes viewers to another plane ... where only music reigns and and everything else gets subordinated to it.

Singers are Mohammad Rafi and Balbir, music is composed by N Dutta and lyrics are by Sahir Ludhianwi.

A great and very famous qawwali from the late seventies. It is not just a musical number but also displays the power of love and the way love has consistently remained the central theme of entertainment in the subcontinent, especially in Bollywood. It also highlights the progressive and secular character of evolving Indian societies. Another evidence of great talent of Mohammad Rafi. Music composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal and lyrics are by Anand Bakhshi.

Another great qawwali from Barsat ki Raat, which was a great musical of 1960s, with three extraordinary qawwalis - another milestone indicative of the rising popularity of qawwalis in Bollywood. This one is also in the form of a musical contest - which was a central theme in the movie. Singers are Asha Bhonsle, Sudha Malhotra, Balbir and Bande Hasan. Music is composed by Roshan and lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi.

Another truly great qawwali where A R Rahman has contributed not as a composer but as a singer along with Srinivas. Music is by Anu Malik and lyrics by another legend - Gulzar. This song which comes on the backdrop of the story of a mother whose son has taken to terrorism, is not just a reflection of Indian music, but also its age old civilization that rises above religious stresses and makes room for everyone in the end. Who ever may be in power, humanity survives!