Bollywood best songs of 2025 – Beyond Bollywood

Sonu Nigam and Arijit Singh led the baton, while Jubin Nautiyal, Jonita Gandhi, and Darshan Raval grew in stature. Himesh Reshammiya returned to form, and Krishnakali Saha with Faheem Abdullah emerged as the rising voices.

By Mayur Lookhar

Hit or miss, 2025 was largely a year where Bollywood returned to its roots, i.e. telling romantic stories. Often such tales provide scope for quality music. This didn’t imply composers switched back completely to music of the yore. In the case of Bollywood music, it’s often a blend of contemporary plus classic that caters to pan-India taste. Without good poetry though, compositions feel hollow.

The best Hindi playback music that appealed to us charmed us with its poetic words. The Irshad Kamils and Amitabh Bhattacharyas are always there, but Gurpreet Saini, an unheralded lyricist, made his mark with a couple of fine songs. Similarly, Sonu Nigam and Arijit Singh led the baton, but the likes of Jubin Nautiyal, Jonita Gandhi, Zahrah S Khan and Darshan Raval grew in stature. Himesh Reshammiya, the old fox and maverick, returned to form, and Krishnakali Saha with Faheem Abdullah emerged as the rising voices.

Without further ado, we bring you the best Bollywood songs of the year.

13 Hookstep Hookah Bar – Badass Ravikumar

Himesh Reshammiya’s Badass Ravikumar is an underrated gem, perhaps even underplayed by its own creators. A tribute to the glorious 80s, both the film and its music get you hooked instantly. Back in 2012, Reshammiya composed and crooned the chartbuster Hookah Bar from Khiladi 786. 13 years later, he adds a ‘hookstep’ to his Hookah Bar, creating a delightful, peppy dance number for his home production Badass Ravikumar.

The opening manjira (cymbal) quickly gives way to energetic beats, yet the traditional devotional instrument remains the pulse of this brilliant composition – a blend of desi and Western tunes that define Himesh Reshammiya’s unforgettable melodies. Sung in his signature style, Sunidhi Chauhan brings her sensual tone to the mix, with sex symbol Sunny Leone lip-syncing and grooving to some badass moves. Prabhu Deva, the dancing villain, adds his finesse, but don’t miss Reshammiya’s trademark swag – that iconic collar pull. This is desi entertainment all the way.

12 Mann Chala Manwa – Tanvi

Academy Award-winner M. M. Keeravani perhaps felt compelled to compose for Tanvi the Great. The music isn’t extraordinary, but it doesn’t need to be, it flows naturally with the film’s moods and moments. Among the album, Mann Chala Manwa stands out the most. True to our fondness for Hindustani melodies, this song strikes a deep emotional chord. Lyricist Kausar Munir even weaves in an English antara, which blends effortlessly, elevated by Gomathi Iyer’s melodious tone and Baby Sanvi’s tender closing that leaves the song echoing softly in the heart.

11 Saiyaara Title Track

Many would call this the best Hindi film song of the year. It’s certainly the most popular, but popular doesn’t always mean best. Singer-composer Faheem Abdullah burst onto the scene with Saiyaara – a refreshing new voice that has sparked both admiration and curiosity, with some suggesting that, like the music, it’s vocally arranged. Let the connoisseurs debate that, but there’s no denying the title track has become a love anthem.

A huge nod to Irshad Kamil’s beautifully penned, poetic lyrics that serve as the soul of this Tanishk Bagchi, Abdullah, and Arslani Nizami composition. The rock ballad reaches its finest in the final minutes – the last antara simmers, then swells into a stunning crescendo. That Abdullah “oh ho oo,” melting into the blaze of electric guitar, leaves you breathless. And when it’s over, you let out a long sigh. That’s the magic of music. The magic of Saiyaara.

10 Humsafar – Saiyaara

Sachet–Parampara, when they compose and croon, it’s always straight from the heart. Saiyaara’s music feels unimaginable without their touch. And who better to create Humsafar than this real-life couple? They are made for ballads, especially the hard-rock kind. With Irshad Kamil’s poetry as the foundation, the duo weave pure magic. Sachet brings the fire, Parampara the ice, yet this composition burns with fiery passion throughout.

9 Yaad – Metro… In Dino

Each time you hear his voice, you wonder why we hear so little of Papon in Bollywood. Momin Khan Momin’s simple lyrics and Pritam’s soulful composition pierce the heart, carried by Papon’s majestic, deep tone. You may be unsure about your beloved, but this beautiful track will forever stay with us.

8 Preet Re – Dhadak 2

College romances are aplenty, but few capture the soundscape of campus life. The opening beats of Preet Re-echo the rhythm of palms on wooden desks , raw, spontaneous, and nostalgic. A clap-like pulse carries the heartbeat of this riveting love song. Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tripti Dimri’s chemistry reflects the innocence of first love, while Rochak Kohli’s delightful score gives it its true dhadak (heartbeat). Darshan Raval’s youthful tone, and his crooning of Preet as Pareet, lend it a local (MP) flavour. Raval’s voice brims with joy throughout the song, a feeling shared by listeners too. Jonita Gandhi joins in from the antara, elevating this blissful number even further.  Let’s not forget Gurpreet Saini’s lyrics that act like veins that thump and pump through this heartfelt number. Maybe that’s why it’s called Preet Re.

7 Rehna Kol – Loveyapa

A Tanishk Bagchi original – don’t be too harsh on the remix master. He’s delivered some fine original compositions too. Rehna Kol from Loveyapa is a joyful romantic number that celebrates young love. Gurpreet Saini’s simple lyrics are instantly relatable and hummable. The closing antara with Punjabi lines adds a warm regional touch – mind you, the song title itself is in Punjabi. Language is immaterial; good music always pierces the heart.

Bagchi’s composition grips you right from the first tune. Tune kheecha teri aur (you drew me close) – like the lyrics, the music keeps drawing you closer. The violin that follows Mellow D’s rap is simply mesmerising, and the closing flute makes it feel like a meditative experience. Traditional, western, folksy, rap, classic, contemporary Bollywood pop – the music blends all so beautifully.

Finally, this joyful number had to belong to Jubin Nautiyal, with Zahrah S Khan complementing him perfectly. If not the film, Rehna Kol stays close to your heart forever.

6 Nazara – Aankhon Ki Gusthakiyaan

Though popular, your writer isn’t much of a fan of Vishal Mishra. Technology is unavoidable, but barring Kaise Hua and Pehle Bhi Main, Mishra had begun to sound monotonous. Then comes Nazara from Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan, and you’re waxing lyrical about him.

Music doesn’t need eyes – a feeling the film’s blind and blindfolded protagonists know best. Ironically, the song is called Nazara (spectacle), yet the real beauty lies in its music. From composition to lyrics to singing, it’s a Vishal Mishra encore all the way, a fine poem on first love, backed by a soulful score.

The opening guitar strain, the touch of piano, and the intro lyrics playing over a gentle strum set the stage for a soulful romantic number. Largely a western composition, the track moves with its own natural ebbs and flows. Amidst the rousing music, Mishra drops in a tiny dew-like beat that lasts less than a second – a testament to his creative precision. The electric guitar in the antara takes you back to the glorious days of pop rock.

Nazara is a carefully crafted composition, and Mishra weaves magic with his vocals, emoting every word in perfect sync with the tune. Close your eyes, and this song will transport you to a picturesque hill station. The most memorable line from the antara, “Log mere jaise tujhe khuda kehke poojte hain (People like me worship you) – lingers long after. Not quite worship, perhaps, but we surely take our hats off to Vishal for giving us this beautiful Nazara.

5 Duniya Alag – Dhadak 2

Ah, this is where Arijit Singh steps in, and as always, leaves you floored. Siddharth–Garima offer a nazm that defines Dhadak 2’s protagonists, two souls from different strata of society, yet destined to be one.

Arijit often shines brightest when the music is minimal, it’s just the guitar and his voice carrying the emotion. Shreyas Puranik is the architect of this melody, while Singh gives it a soul with his tone. The closing vocal, fading into the gentle dying guitar strum, simply melts your heart. Enough said, just sit back and feel Duniya Alag.

4 Qayde Se – Metro… In Dino

Ah, what is love? After thousands of years, there’s still no definite answer. Poets have only made it more complicated. Director Anurag Basu’s Metro… In Dino is a musical built on the belief that the secret to a lasting marriage/relationship lies in falling in love all over again. It’s only when you drift apart that you realise what you had was truly special. After all the heartaches, Basu and his characters discover Qayde se mohabbat – love by rule, if such a thing exists.

Amitabh Bhattacharya’s words capture this beautifully. Not as poetic perhaps, but Akshat Verma and Ram Sampath’s I Hate You Like I Love You once evoked a similar feeling. Bhattacharya’s Qayde Se isn’t a niche song; it connects with everyone. Kya bataun dard leke, kitni rahat hui hai mujhe  (pain brings relief). Ah, isn’t that universal?

You’re so drawn into the lyrics that the song demands a loop listen to truly absorb Arijit Singh’s tour de force, embodying the sweet joy of pain. Pritam’s score heightens the bittersweet emotion, while Arshad Khan’s esraj adds a cultural resonance to it all.

3 Pardesiya – Param Sundari

Last year, he gave us the masterpiece Mere Dholna 3.0 from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2024).  Selective but the master often picks the finest tracks. The title track of Param Sundari naturally built great hype around the film, which was cheered even by the leading actors.  While the film was disappointing, the vibrant music was a hit with the title track leaving a lasting impression.

Tak Dum Tak Dum Tana Dana Na Na Re, Tak Dum Tak Dum Tana Dana Na Na Re.  The opening rhythmic syllables cast an instant spell, followed quickly by the soothing tone of Sonu Nigam. “Pardesiyaaa” – that thairaav – is a Nigam speciality. The simplicity of Amitabh Bhattacharya’s lyrics makes the track effortlessly hummable.

The composition, a romantic ballad in a contemporary Indian music style, is a melodic blend of Indian classical and modern pop influences – inarguably Sachin–Jigar’s finest. The music has its natural ebbs and flows, but Nigam and his co-singer Krishnakali Saha move with their own graceful pace.

Sonu Nigam is, of course, the master, but Krishnakali Saha announces herself on the big stage. Like Nigam, she, too, stuns you with her thairaav. Comparisons with Kavita Krishnamurthy are unnecessary; instead, let’s celebrate the emerging talent of Saha and the evergreen brilliance of Nigam, who together deliver a beautiful romantic number.

2 Ul Jalool Ishq – Gustaakh Ishq

When your film is titled Gutaakh Ishk, its music ought to celebrate all the silly, nonsensical things one does in love. The beauty of Urdu is that it can make even these absurdities sound beautiful, and “Ul Jalool” is the perfect word for it — who better than Gulzar to pen the Ul Jalool Ishq song? Beyond “Ul Jalool,” there’s no need to overthink the rest of the lyrics: Do dilon ke court mein muqadma hai ishq, then gol gappe hain gaalon mein — uff, only Gulzar saab can create lines this delicious. His protégé Vishal Bharadwaj weaves magic with the simplest musical arrangement, the guitar flowing like the stillest of rivers. Minimal music reveals the true character of vocalists, and here Papon and Shilpa Rao surrender themselves to the Ul Jalool of Gulzar and Bharadwaj’s melody. In that opening note, you can almost visualise Papon first mocking (nikaama, befizul) and then perhaps biting his lip as he croons magar phir bhi qubool, declaring how he’s willing to submit to love despite all the Ul Jalool that comes with it. Papon’s tone is magnetic, and Shilpa Rao’s voice ebbs and flows with the gentle tide of Ul Jalool Ishq. This is a duet that fills your heart with immense joy. The official YouTube link is just around three minutes, but the track is best enjoyed in its extended version on music apps. You can also tune into this link.

1 Barbaad – Saiyaara

For long, Jubin Nautiyal has remained in the shadow of Arijit Singh. His silky tone, though soothing, is delicate – and for such singers, more than tone, it’s about staying in rhythm. Let’s be honest: Nautiyal has had his struggles with consistency and has often faced the usual barbs about a voice possibly enhanced by tech, but everyone goes through such scrutiny. So, what separates Barbaad from his other tracks? The answer is simple: he is in complete rhythm here, where even his imperfections sound effortlessly melodic. Any good art is about stirring emotion, and from start to finish, you feel that in Nautiyal’s tone. The opening notes are like a gentle flame, and moments later, it’s as if someone has added wind to the sail – Nautiyal subtly lifts the tempo, and you surrender yourself to Barbaad.  Jeez, being barbaad (in love) has never felt this good. The closing lines of the first antara – “Tujhe keh doon yeh, rehne doon paas mere…” along with Nautiyal’s heartfelt tone, strike a deep chord, reflecting true passion. Female backing vocals by Harjot Kaur add depth and a gentle harmony to the singing.

Phew! Nautiyal takes you on such a soulful vocal journey that we haven’t even begun to appreciate Rishabh Kant (aka The Rish) and his majestic composition. The music is warm and authentic, blending soft rock and melodic pop with delicate Indian classical touches like the sarangi, while a mix of live guitars and synthesizers creates a rich, layered sound that feels both modern and deeply emotional. That electric guitar in the opening melody simmers beautifully over Nautiyal’s vocals, followed by the sarangi blending seamlessly with synthesized sounds, bridging the traditional and the contemporary. Crescendos, usually reserved for the end, arrive here after the antara alaap – perhaps a combination of electric saaz and guitar – and it’s simply mesmerizing. Then comes the second crescendo in the final 30 seconds, where the sarangi rests gently over Nautiyal’s tone, like a flame that has burned brightly and now seeks peace, leaving you in pure euphoria. This makes Barbaad our best Bollywood song of 2025. In the film, Krish (Ahaan Panday) laments how most music today barely lasts for four months, but we’re certain that Barbaad will linger in people’s minds and hearts for years to come.

Special Mention

Songs of Paradise

Though technically a Bollywood film, the music is Kashmiri, which makes it difficult for a simple Hindi-music lover to comprehend Songs of Paradise, but just listen, especially to Dil Tsooran,and you understand why director Danish Renzu named this biopic of the unsung Kashmiri folk legend Begum Noor as Songs of Paradise. The legend is no more, but composer Virender Mohan and vocalist Masrat Un Nissa honour her by reviving and reshaping the lost songs of Kashmir’s first acclaimed female folk singer, making Songs of Paradise truly deserving of a special mention.