Every year, since we were children, the emotion-filled sounds of patriotic songs jolted us awake from a deep slumber, reminding us that it was the 15th of August, India’s Independence Day. No matter who we are or how much we’ve grown, where we are, or what we do, the memory of our motherland and how it struggled to free itself from the chains of colonial rule never leaves our minds. Most of us have spent our childhood days at cultural events either in our respective buildings or at schools or colleges, evoking a sense of pride in us for our nation and for its people.
A myriad of movies have been made about this, and an array of independence day songs – whether independently or as a part of these films – have also been written flawlessly. They all carry a certain nostalgic flair and always manage to make us shed a tear. So, no matter how many great songs or movies are made in Bollywood, the ones closest to our hearts will always be those that pay homage to our roots through strong narratives.
This year, as India celebrates its 75th Independence Day, immerse yourself in media that also celebrates its freedom struggle. Remind yourselves of how we got here – and join musical geniuses in doing the same by listening to a tailored playlist on loop, or a particular patriotic song on repeat. There’s nothing like music to heal, inspire, motivate, and move along with providing entertainment!
In addition to saluting the Tiranga, below are the Hindi Patriotic Songs that will make you teary-eyed and brimming with respect the second they start blaring through your speakers. Go ahead and listen to them. And if you happen to have them on your playlist already, hit the ‘play’ button as you read along.
What song is a patriotic song?
Many of us think that a Desh bhakti song in Hindi means a country’s national anthem – and that is simply not true. It can be anything that instils a feeling of pride in one’s country, whether it’s an upbeat track or a mellow tune. For years, lyrical masterminds have been penning down some of the most memorable songs, and the vocalists & composers bring them to life, thus making them immortal.
Etched in the nation’s history, these songs are one of a kind. Their tribute to our country is as magnificent as it gets, and that’s why they shall always remain evergreen. You will surely know the story even if you don’t know the voice.
What are the most popular songs from Bollywood Hindi Patriotic Songs?
If you’re keen to know which Hindi Patriotic Songs for independence day have made it to the top of the charts with their standout lyrics and music, here they are! Let these melodious tunes fill your room and heart, from tracks that talk about old-world India to songs that simply appreciate all it has to offer.
1. Jahan Daal Daal Par Sone Ke Chidiya
Movie: Sikandar E Azam
Year: 1965
Singer: Mohd. Rafi
As this song in the melodious and soulful voice of Mohd. Rafi starts playing, each one of us is reminded about India’s riches and traditions that the world admired from afar. Known as sone ki chidiya, which translates to golden bird, India’s past is beautifully traced in this song. You are sure to be engulfed by love and pride for India’s diverse culture, geography and grounded traditions after you hear this masterpiece by one of the greatest names in music.
2. Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani
Movie: Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani
Year: 2000
Singer: Udit Narayan
This one will always remain a classic! No, it’s not because it stars SRK, but it’s because this song reminds you of your roots. It reminds you that you’re an Indian first, no matter who you are and where you end up. Our nation will forever be our pride and no one can take away our nationality from us! One of the easy-to-hum Hindi Patriotic Songs, it is a part of a Bollywood satirical film of the same name. Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani is sure to get hooked into your head every time you listen to it!
3. Mere Desh Ki Dharti
Movie: Upkar
Year: 1967
Singer: Mahendra Kapoor
While we’re still on the concept of how India was known as a golden bird by the rest of the world, here’s another oldie that serves as proof. Mere Desh Ki Dharti opens with Mahendra Kapoor singing about how India is home to the riches of the world. While the Britishers may have taken all they could, they couldn’t take away our spirit – which we would say is still pretty bountiful! This, in addition to nature’s several gifts, ensures that there shall never be another nation like ours.
4. Nanha Munna Rahi Hun
Movie: Son Of India
Year: 1962
Singer: Shanti Mathur
The idea of serving our country is always one that fills us with a sense of patriotism that is rarely achieved from any other medium. Since childhood, schools do a great job of imbibing this feeling within us and this song successfully and adorably captures the same. Encapsulating the spirit of being in the army as a sipahi, Hindi Patriotic Songs are a positive affirmation for the youth and the toddlers. It makes you dream bigger, do better and stay motivated. Besides, it contributes to a really cheery listening, so add it to your playlist!
5. I Love My India
Movie: Pardes
Year: 1997
Singer: Kavita Krishnamurthy
Not like we need a reminder of our love for our beloved country, but here’s one regardless! Shouting it off from the rooftop might just be a little too extra, but singing it out loud this Independence Day (even if you don’t sound half as great as Kavita Krishnamurthy) might just be it. I Love My India, just like all the other songs on our list, will hold you captive and is most probably on a Hindi Patriotic Songs list that you already know! A big part of cultural college or school fests, when the mood is patriotic, this is the song you want to play.
6. Sandese Aate Hain
Movie: Border
Year: 1997
Singers: Sonu Nigam & Roop Kumar Rathod
Among a slew of Hindi Patriotic Songs that sing India’s praises and tell the world the nation’s narrative, this one gets into the headspace of a soldier. It lets you in on his longing when he is posted on the borders away from home and their families. All they had at the time this song was written were letters to send or receive and a truckload of memories. The thought that kept them going, and still keeps them going, is meeting their loved ones at the end of it all. It also tells you about their immense sacrifice and fills you with instant respect and admiration for the real heroes of our country.
Bollywood Hindi Patriotic Songs: Modern Tryst With Patriotism
Millennials and Gen-Z, here’s a list curated just for you! While evergreen Hindi patriotic songs will never leave our hearts, these ones ensure that you’re not just listening around 15th August, or as a part of your republic day songs list. A modern take on our motherland’s spirit, you’ll find yourself playing these on loop and actually connecting with the composition and lyrics!
1. Teri Mitti
Movie: Kesari
Year: 2020
Singer: B Praak
Starring Akshay Kumar and Parineeti Chopra, Kesari is a must-watch for a lot of reasons. It’s a tale of the battle of Saragarhi, which took place in 1897. It traces the many challenges of British Indian army soldier Havildar Ishar Singh, who led 21 Sikh soldiers in a fight against 10,000 Pashtun invaders. The war is regarded as one of the greatest last stand battles of all time. Teri Mitti, in B Praak’s voice, is one of those Hindi Patriotic Songs that will bring tears to your eyes without a doubt. Its powerful narrative and painful yet proud undertone will give you goosebumps and make you picture every moment of the war in your head.
2. Challa
Movie: Uri: The Surgical Strike
Year: 2019
Singers: Shashwat S, ROMY, Vivek
A patriotic song disguised as Bhangra Pop, Challa is a true-bred war song that is extremely energetic and gives you a glimpse of the spirit of the Indian army. The upbeat track in the movie urges the army men to keep fighting and hold their ground till the enemy is finished or rendered helpless. The soldiers only care about the safety of their motherland, and even if it means they will come face to face with death for it, they’re willing to give it all up! Challa, one of our favorites on any Desh bhakti songs list, is nothing less than a war cry.
3. Chak De
Movie: Chak De! India
Year: 2007
Singer: Sukhwinder Singh
It’s not just stories of the war that instil a sense of patriotism in us all, but sports also play a huge role in this. That’s why Chak De! India was such a hit and remains timeless to date. Starring Shah Rukh Khan in the role of a hockey coach, it follows the women’s hockey team on their path to worldly success. Chak De is a song that will give you goosebumps every time you listen to it, and there is Sukhwinder Singh’s powerful voice to vouch for this.
4. Ae Watan
Movie: Raazi
Year: 2018
Singer: Sunidhi Chauhan
Raazi is undoubtedly a commendable film! Based on the novel by Harinder Sikka, it is about a woman who crossed borders as an undercover spy – got married into a Pakistani army family just to save her country. Absolutely fearless, she stepped into the eye of the storm to uncover what the rival country was planning, that would end up destroying her own. Ae Watan is among the Hindi Patriotic Songs that remind us there is nothing above one’s motherland and each of us should be ready to go to war if we have to if it means we’ll be saving our people in turn.
5. Tu Bhoola Jise
Movie: Airlift
Year: 2016
Singers: Amaal Malik & KK
More often than not, the youth of today needs a reminder of what their country has done for them, even if they have abandoned it. From the Akshay Kumar starrer, Airlift, the song sheds light on the fact that there is nothing more important in the world than your identity and your country, and nothing should take precedence over it. Tune into this glorious song every chance you get; you’re gonna love it!
6. Shaabaashiyan
Movie: Mission Mangal
Year: 2019
Singers: Abhijeet Shrivastava, Anand Bhaskar, and Shilpa Rao
Last but not the least, this one is an ode to all the scientists of our country that often go unnoticed! A nation is made up of its people and it progresses with its greatest minds, which simply means our scientists and inventors deserve more credit than they receive. Working towards something that brings worldwide recognition to your country is in itself one of the best feelings in the world, and bigger than any accolade.
Now that you’ve got a whole playlist of Hindi Patriotic Songs, it’s time to plug in your earphones or turn on your speakers to these unparalleled tunes.
