Top 25 Bollywood songs of the decade of 2000s (2000-2009)

Most recently I published two articles – Top 25 Bollywood songs of the new millennium (2000-2019) as well as Top 150 Bollywood songs of the past two decades. Now let me try to find, 20 of the best songs of the last decade (2010-2019). No doubt the decade of 2000s delivered some of the finest Bollywood songs, and was a mix of good melodies and fast tracks. It was not an easy task for me to pick 25 of the best songs of the decade; I just randomly picked a few of my favourites.

Decade of 2000s means new century and new millennium. What surprises were offered in this decade? Many budding talents established their careers, while a few new artists also got aattached to film music. No doubt among male playback singers Sonu Nigam fully dominated the decade, while the first half of 2000s belong to Alka Yagnik and second half belongs to Shreya Ghosal. Here are some of the finest Bollywood songs of 2000s. Also have a look of top 10 songs of 2010s.   

Top 25 melodious Bollywood tracks of 2000s

1. Haye Mera Dil from Josh (2000) – Music: Anu Malik, Lyrics: Sameer, Playback: Udit Narayan & Alka Yagnik

Definitely 2000 is one among the golden years of new generation Bollywood music. Let us begin with one of the finest romantic tracks of the year featuring Aishwaya Rai and Chandrachur Singh. Alka received a Filmfare nomination for its rendering, and Anu Malik too received a nomination. The song has drawn inspirations from Gypsy Kings’ Djobi Djoba and Brian Hyland’s ‘Sealed with a kiss’, though Anu Malik has made the song his own. Haare Haare Haare, Apun Bola and Mere Khayalon Ki Mallika etc are other memorable tracks of the album.

2. Aashique Banaya Aapne from Aashique Banaya Aapne (2005) – Music: Himesh Reshammiya, Lyrics: Sameer, Playback: Himesh Reshammiya & Shreya Ghoshal/ Himesh Reshammiya

This sizzling romantic number made Himesh overnight sensation, and marked his singing debut. He bagged Filmfare award for best male playback singer for its duet version, a very rare feat achieved by any music composer at award nights. He sang its popular remixed version too. Bollywood’s hottest song ever was pictured on Emraan Hashmi and debutante Tanushree Dutta. Since then he sang numerous chartbuster songs for Emraan, both soft and remixed versions. Aap Ki Kasish is yet another popular track from the album.

3. Har Khadi of Kal Ho Na Ho (2003) – Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Lyrics: Javed Akhtar, Playback: Sonu Nigam

With the change of millennium Sonu Nigam established as the leading male playback voice. While Udit Narayan kept on going, Kumar Sanu took a break from active singing and concentrated on politics. This particular song has a rare feat – It received three National film awards – for best music album, best lyricist and best male playback voice. The song also received respective Filmfare awards. Alka Yagnik also received a nomination at Filmfare for the sad rendition solo. No doubt Har Khadi Badal Rahi Hai filmed on SRK, Preity Zinta and Saif Ali Khan is one among the top 5 songs of the decade. Pretty Women, Kuch To Hua Hai, Mahi Ve and It’s The Time To Disco together comprised the top album of the year.

4. Khamoshiyan Gungunane from One 2 Ka 4 (2001) – Music: A. R. Rahman, Lyrics: Mehboob, Playback: Sonu Nigam & Lata Mangeshkar

It’s a dream sequence featuring Juhi Chawla and Shah Rukh Khan. Though the movie was a flop, it included some of the finest compositions of Rahman; one of the underrated works of the composer. Sona Nahi Na Sahi & Dil Ki Baazi are my favourites too.

5. Mohabbat Ho Na Jaaye from Kasoor (2001) – Music: Nadeem Shravan, Lyrics: Sameer, Playback: Kumar Sanu & Alka Yagnik

This extremely romantic song was filmed on debutante Lisa Ray and Aftab Shivdasani, and it shows how beautiful the whole world is, when love is in the year. Nadeem Shravan remained the most loved music composer duo in the previous decade, who gave emphasis to melody than anything else. Kitne Bechein Hoke and Jo Mere Rooh Ko are other popular tracks.

6. Saathiya from Saathiya (2002) – Music: A. R. Rahman, Lyrics: Gulzar, Playback: Sonu Nigam

The song became a huge rage across the nation when it got released. The song and the album garnered almost all music awards at different award sections, and gave Sonu Nigam his first Filmfare award alongside many other honours. After the huge success of this song, Sonu officially became the no: 1 male playback voice of Bollywood. Its original Tamil version was sung by Hariharan. The song featuring Vivek Oberoi and Rani Mukerji expressed different colours of love, which was a new concept. Actors also used costumes and accessories matching the colours, and the same idea was used in the original Tamil version filmed on Madhavan and Shalini.

7. Chupke Se from Saathiya (2002) – Music: A. R. Rahman, Lyrics: Gulzar, Playback: Sadhana Sargam, Murtuza Khan & Qadir Khan

“Snehithane” – Tamil version filmed on Madhavan and Shalini definitely has an upper hand over Hindi version. Yet Sadhana Sargam beautiful sang both these versions. In fact Snehithane was the most popular track of Tamil album when it got released. Hindi version was filmed on Vivek Oberoi and Rani Mukerji. Chalka Chalka Re, E Udi Udi and O Humdum Suniyo Re too were huge chartbusters. Saathiya was the top album of the year.

8. Tum Se Hi from Jab We Met (2007) – Music: Pritam, Lyrics: Irshad Kamil, Playback: Mohit Chauhan

The song filmed on Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor is one among my personal favourites always. Rain moments filmed on both are too lovely. Yeh Ishq Hai, Aoge Jab Tum, Mauja Hi Mauja, Hum Jo Chalne Lage, Nagada Nagada etc are other tracks.

9. Suraj Hua Maddham from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) – Music: Jatin Lalit, Lyrics: Anil Pandey, Playback: Sonu Nigam & Alka Yagnik

Suraj Hua Maddham was the first romantic song filmed on the adorable screen Jodi of 1990s – SRK & Kajol, after Kajol’s marriage with Devgan. The movie was one of the early experiments of assembling three or more music composers for a single album with good budget and A-list actors and crew, and this strategy is still followed in Bollywood music. You Are My Soniya, Title track and Bole Chudiyaan are other popular tracks.

10. O Re Chori from Lagaan (2001) – Music: A. R. Rahman, Lyrics: Javed Akhtar, Playback: Udit Narayan & Alka Yagnik

A. R. Rahman and Javed Akhtar earned many accolades including Filmfare and National film awards. “O Rey Chhori” is the single romantic track of the album and Alka Yagnik won Filmfare award for this song, while Udit Narayan received it for Mitwa song. Lagaan swept all music awards of the year. The song was filmed on Aamir Khan and newcomers – Gracy Singh and Rachel Shelley.

11. Madhuban from Lagaan (2001) – Music: A. R. Rahman, Lyrics: Javed Akhtar, Playback: Asha Bhosle, Udit Narayan & Vaishali Samant

Yet another neatly choreographed song from the album, Raju Khan won National award for best choreography. This song also featured all the three lead stars who formed a love triangle. Gracy Singh appears in the role of a jealous lover while Aamir Khan tries to pacify her. Javed Akhtar earned his National award for penning the lyrics of both Madhuban and Ghanan Ghanan. The tracks – Mitwa and Ghanan Ghanan too are extra-ordinary.

12. Kasam Ki Kasam from Mein Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (2003) – Music: Anu Malik, Lyrics: Dev Kohli, Playback: Shaan & K. S. Chithra

Anu Malik composed a string of songs for Kareena Kapoor right from her debut flick, Refugee. This soft song filmed on Kareena, Hrithik & Abhishek is definitely one of the finest tracks of the decade, and its lyrics penned by Dev Kohli lifted the song to a new level. Bani Bani sung by Chithra too became extremely popular.

13. Kabhi Shyam Dale from Sur: The Melody of Love (2002) – Music: M. M. Keeravani, Lyrics: Nida Fazli, Playback: Mahalakshmi Iyer

The song filmed on Gauri Karnik appears at the movie climax where she appears as a performer on stage. Lucky Ali and supporting cast also appear in the song. The movie included some of the finest tracks sung by Lucky Ali – Aa Bhi Jaa, Jaane Kya Doondta etc to mention a few.

14. Agar Tum Mil Jao from Zeher (2005) – Music: Anu Malik, Lyrics: Sayeed Quadri, Playback: Shreya Ghoshal/Udit Narayan

The song had two solo versions recorded in Shreya and Udit Narayan’s voices, and female version filmed on Emraan Hashmi, Shamita Shetty and Udita Goswami was most popular. Anu Malik composed this extremely popular song which is actually a copied version of Agar Tum Mil Jao Zamana Chod of Pakistani film, Imandar released in 1974 and sung by Tasawar Khanum. Its lines too – is a direct lift with a few modifications done by Sayeed Quadri and Shakeel Azmi. Woh Lamhe and Jaane Jaa became equally popular.

15. Kyon Chalti Hai from Kaho Na Pyar Hai (2000) – Music: Rajesh Roshan, Lyrics: Sameer, Playback: Lucky Ali

The song is more or less a dream sequence filmed on Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel. Rajesh Roshan earned his second Filmfare award for best music for the album. It was the most loved album of the year, and each and every track was a chartbuster. It was a difficult task for me to pick Kyon Chalti Hai or Ik Pal Ka Jeena, both sung by Lucky Ali. In fact Lucky Ali earned his first Filmfare award for the song, Kyon Chalti Hai. The title track, Sitaron Ki Mehfil, Chand Sitare and Pyar Ke Kasti etc are a few more melodious tracks.

16. Nazar Aa Raha from Aitraaz (2004) – Music: Himesh Reshammiya, Lyrics: Sameer, Playback: Udit Narayan & Alka Yagnik

The melodious track brought back the magic of melodies of 1990s. However this song was not used in the movie. Almost every track of Aitraaz was a chartbuster, either it’s Gila Gila or Aankhein Band Karke. However I got drawn towards this melodious track, which brought the missing elements of 90’s melodies back again.

17. Rabba Mere Rabba from Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai (2001) – Music: Anu Malik, Lyrics: Sameer, Playback: Sonu Nigam

One of my top favourite Sonu Nigam tracks ever, it depicts how a youngster is hesitated in expressing his love, and how his heart beats with every expression of hers. The song was filmed on Kareena Kapoor and debutante Tushar Kapoor, and the movie gave first hit to the careers of both. The song is so pleasing to ears, and appears as heart strings if you are in love with someone. The title track, Jab Se Dekha Hai and Dupatta Mera are other memorable tracks.

18. Bol Na Halke from Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007) – Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Lyrics: Gulzar, Playback: Rahet Fateh Ali Khan & Mahalakshmi Iyer

After the debut song ‘Lagan Lagi Tumse Dil Ki Lagan’, Bol Na Halke was the biggest hit of Rahet Fateh Ali Khan, which established his career in Bollywood. There was no turning back after that, and he went on to become one of the most sought male voices of Bollywood. However Mahalakshmi Iyer was not much benefited with the success of this song. The song was lovely filmed on Abhishek Bachchan and Preity Zinta with lovely backdrop of Taj Mahal, Railway station etc.

19. Dil Ne Yeh Kaha from Dhadkan (2000) – Music: Nadeem Shravan, Lyrics: Sameer, Playback: Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu & Alka Yagnik/Sonu Nigam & Alka Yagnik

The song featured all the three lead actors of the movie. Udit Narayan became the ghost voice of Akshay Kumar and Kumar Sanu’s voice was used for Suniel Shetty. Shilpa Shetty gets sandwiched between two men, who love her dearly, and she is in a dilemma to choose who. Alka Yagnik received Filmfare award for best female playback. The song also had a sizzling version filmed on the trio with voices of Sonu Nigam & Alka Yagnik, and was filmed as an illusion of Suniel Shetty.

20. Tum Dil Ki Dhadkan from Dhadkan (2000) – Music: Nadeem Shravan, Lyrics: Sameer, Playback: Abhijeet Bhatacharya & Alka Yagnik/Kumar Sanu

This intense love song was filmed on Suniel Shetty and Shilpa Shetty who played love birds in the movie. Nadeem Shravan received Filmfare nomination for best music. The song also had a sad version sung by Kumar Sanu. Yet my vote goes to the duet version. Dulha Ka Sehra and Aksar Is Duniya Mein are other tracks.

21. Mere Humsafar from Refugee (2000) – Music: Anu Malik, Lyrics: Javed Akhtar, Playback: Sonu Nigam & Alka Yagnik

The romantic song was filmed on debutants Kareena Kapoor & Abhishek Bachchan. Anu Malik went on to win his single National film award for best music composer. After that he remained at his career peek till mid-2000s after which his career deteriorated. Sadly Bollywood’s soft melodies faced a slow death after that. Yes, we can’t enjoy Bollywood songs now, how we did one decade back. Refugee was one of the early chartbuster works of Sonu Nigam-Alka Yagnik combo. Panchi Nadiyan, Raat Ki Hateli, Taal Se Jab and Aisa Lagta Hai too are finest compositions.

22. Kismat Se Tum from Pukar (2000) – Music: A. R. Rahman, Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Playback: Sonu Nigam & Anuradha Paudwal

The song featuring Madhuri Dixit and Anil Kapoor was lovely filmed on glaciers of Alaska Mountains at minus 20 degree temperature. It’s one among the best romantic songs sung by Sonu Nigam, and a rare duet with Anuradha Paudwal too, and it was one of the last songs penned by legendary lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri. Key Zara and Sunta Hai Mera Khuda are other popular tracks.

23. Tu Jaane Naa from Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009) – Music:  Pritam, Lyrics:  Irshad Kamil, Playback: Atif Aslam

One of the finest songs of the decade, the composer used drums for its recording. The song was filmed on Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif who later dated for a few years. The duet, Tere Hone Laga was equally popular.

24. Zara Zara from Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001) – Music: Harris Jayaraj, Lyrics: Sameer, Playback: Bombay Jayashree

Harris Jayaraj reused his tune he composed for Minnale starring Madhavan and Reema Sen, the move which was later remade as RHTDM. Needless to say Hindi version filmed on Diya Mirza and Madhavan was equally popular. Sach Keh Raha Hai, Dil Ko Tumse Pyar Hua, Kaise Mein Kahoo Tujhse and Kehna Kehna Tujhse etc were fresh tunes, targeting youth.

25. Title track of Tera Jaadu Chal Gaya (2000) – Music: Ismail Darbar, Lyrics: Sameer, Playback: Sonu Nigam & K. S. Chithra

Tera Jaadu Chal Gaya was one of the early hits of Sonu Nigam’s career which cemented his position as the new lead singer of Bollywood. All the soft tracks like E Chand Teri, Jhoota Hi Sahi & Qayamat have not lost their charm yet. The title song was filmed on Keerthi Reddy and Abhishek Bachchan who joined an array of actors who marked their Bollywood screen debut in year 2000. Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Ameesha Patel and Arjun Rampal are among those.

Conclusion: The decade of 2000s was one of the finest eras of good music. Now visuals and beats are given preference than melody. But a decade back, it was not the case. Different ingredients were mixed in right proportions. Comparing the decade of 2000s, the quality of music has definitely deteriorated. Before I conclude let me mention a few movies with beautiful songs, but not featured in the list.

It was a golden era of Rahman songs. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Anu Malik, Vishal Shekhar, Pritam etc too composed some finest tunes. Fiza, Kahi Pyar Na Ho Jaaye, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Raaz, Raaz: The Mystery Continues, Zubeidaa, Jodha Akbar, Dil Chahta Hai, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Fanaa, Lakeer, Jungle, Ghajini, Dhoom, Hum Tum, Ajnabee, Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai, Yuvraj, Delhi-6, Asoka, Aaja Nachle, Love Aaj Kal, Om Shanti Om, Mein Hoon Na, Veer Zaara, Swades, Tashan, Kurban, Wake Up Sid, Chal Mere Bhai, Bunty Aur Babli, Kalyug, Lucky, Guru, Cheeni Kum, Tere Naam, Devdas, Kambakkht Ishq etc are best remembered for its strong compositions as well.

Please have a detailed look of a bunch of good songs in the past two decades.