Mind-blowing bangers you never knew were based on ancient Indian ragas.
You know the beat drop. You know the hook. But the secret sauce behind some of Bollywood's biggest party anthems isn't just a sick beat—it's centuries-old classical music theory in disguise.
This 90s banger is powered by Raga Bhimpalasi. The raga’s usually sweet, calming vibe was supercharged into a high-energy dance track that defined an era.
Based on Raga Shivranjani, a melody of deep sorrow and separation. The song flips the script, turning the pain of longing into the racing heartbeat of pure passion.
The 'Queen of Ragas,' Bhairavi, is known for its sacred, morning feel. Here, it’s stripped down and rebuilt around a killer electronic beat, proving its timeless versatility.
This track's raw energy comes from a rustic folk melody, which itself channels the majestic monsoon raga, Megh. It's an unconscious, brilliant use of a classical form.
Built on the folk form Kajari, which draws from ragas like Pilu and Bhairavi. The song repackages this semi-classical vibe with a modern qawwali beat to create an iconic hit.
A.R. Rahman infused the powerful Sufi-folk rhythm with the melodic flavor of Raga Jog. This adds a layer of intricate, poignant beauty to one of the greatest dance tracks ever made.
A remake of the Marathi folk-pop song 'Kombadi Palali'. Its melody carries the high-octane, rustic energy of regional folk tunes, which are often the grassroots origin of many ragas.
Possibly the biggest surprise. This wild, comedic anthem uses phrases from Darbari Kanada—one of the most serious, profound, and majestic ragas in classical music. A genius contradiction.
No single pure raga here, but its raw, rustic composition embodies the untamed spirit of North Indian folk music, the very source from which many classical ragas evolved.
This recent viral hit uses the bright, uplifting phrases of Raga Yaman for its core romantic hook, proving the raga's magnetic appeal works perfectly in a modern pop structure.
An 80s disco-pop anthem that gets its catchy, party-starting melody from the light, folk-based structure of Raga Pilu. Perfect for its carefree, celebratory vibe.
Raga Poorvi, a serious sunset raga, is used to create a sensuous, atmospheric track. Its inherent gravity is masterfully transformed into seductive tension.
A complex A.R. Rahman masterpiece. It blends Raga Bhairavi in its verses with powerful folk rhythms and a Malayalam chorus, creating a unique pop-fusion banger.
Raga Pilu's natural flirtatiousness is dialed up to 100 in this classic. With a fast tempo and sassy vibe, it became one of the earliest forms of the 'item' song.
Raga Ahir Bhairav is typically used for deep, devotional moods. This song uses its structure for a playful track about teenage love—a complete and brilliant departure.
The melody of this mischievous, teasing song is based on the lively and assertive Raga Adana, perfectly matching the playful lyrics.
A seductive cabaret number that's surprisingly based on Raga Kafi. The gentle, almost devotional raga is cleverly disguised to create a sultry mood.
A mind-bending use of Raga Malkauns, one of the deepest and most serious night ragas. C. Ramchandra turned it into a light, playful, and incredibly catchy romantic duet.
Raga Bhupali's simple, sweet pentatonic scale is so universal that it was used to create this iconic, faux-Japanese pop song. A testament to its cross-cultural adaptability.
This song took a traditional classical bandish in Raga Ahir Bhairav and gave it a grand, cinematic treatment, transforming it into a massive, celebratory anthem.
The playful, folk-inspired melody of Raga Pilu is the heart of this song. R.D. Burman gave it a cool Western pop-rock arrangement, creating a timeless classic.
Another track using the sorrowful Raga Shivranjani. But instead of grief, it channels the raga's intense yearning into a deeply romantic and passionate duet.
This classic Mujra functions as a pop song in the film. It uses the serene elegance of Raga Bhupali to create a mesmerizing and seductive performance.
The perfect cool-down track. It uses the deep, emotional pull of Raga Kirwani for a philosophical pop song about time, making a profound idea feel incredibly accessible and beautiful.
So, next time you're vibing to a Bollywood hit, listen closer. The beats might be new, but the soul could be ancient. It's a tradition of genius hiding in plain sight.