It certainly is more of a party song, but a sing-a-long with your friends while on the road can make it a semi-party too.
Probably the wackiest and off-beat (not literally) song on the list, the context of the song in the movie too brings out the adventurous and daring spirit in you. One can never think of Hindi songs about travel without this tune popping up at any time. This cultural icon of a song and the image of the guy traveling on and on alone along beaten down paths has become a signature image of a ‘Musafir’. The two primary lines of this song are probably the most sung compared to all others on this list. Sung by the melodious Papon, Kyon is a calm song with innocent lyrics about traveling on carefree. If soul-heavy and party songs aren’t your things while traveling, Barfi’s quaint soundtrack can accompany you with soothing and light-hearted songs. Solo travels away from home can be overwhelming and while this song might not provide comfort, it certainly empowers you. Just like Tanha Dil, this song too will make you feel a strange mix of liberating emotions like it has been for two decades. Even if the lyrics suggest otherwise, it is a great song to play on solo adventures and indulges you in discovering yourself on the trip. Tanha Dil Tanha Safarīack in time, Shaan’s voice did a number on the listeners and took them on journeys in their own minds. This song gives a calm feeling, mainly owing to Shaan’s vocals, and a sense of togetherness especially when traveling with friends. Once the excitement has settled, what better than a soothing tune to groove to. Especially for late-night drives, this song is meant for playing out loud. Sure, Masti Ki Paathshala was the most popular song from the movie, but the strangely elevated tune of Roobaro is something that strikes the most when you’re on the move.
Just like this movie’s entire soundtrack, this song too will never get too old. Probably the most rebellious song from this movie, Farhan Akhtar really reaches for the soul with his strong vocals and brings out the adventurous spirit in you. Another AR Rahman composition on this list, the song is grounded with the home country in its lyrics and a cool fusion with the music. Long drives can become too long at some point, but with good a playlist and clear roads, everything around you, like this song suggests, can become beautiful. What better to heighten your spirits and embrace the positive vibes. The words to this song suggest themselves be played on a ‘Safar’ and advice you to enjoy every moment as it comes. You will find yourself humming to the tune and the words after listening to it, even if you’re traveling alone.
Ye Dil Na Hota Bechara, Jewel ThiefĪnother evergreen classic was sung by Kishore Kumar to Dev Anand’s mesmerizing bachelor. One example out of many where the movie comes nowhere near as good as the soundtrack, Sooraj Dooba Hai is a staple for, well, when the sunsets.
Lying on the intersection of party songs and groovy songs for car rides, this song has found a place on both of these playlists as an absolute essential. The context of the movie it comes from, where a girl finds liberation on a journey after being abducted, itself is liberating during travels and so is the song’s video. Other than the words, AR Rahman’s groovy score and Nooran Sister’s commanding vocals are enough for anyone to enjoy this song. The jolly tone of the song and the lively fun-filled voice of Kishore Kumar are perfect for a ride on a sunny day among the hills. Chala Jaata Hoon, Mere Jeevan SaathiĪ retro song is a surprise being so high on the list, but there’s a reason such songs are called evergreen. This cheerful song, backed with vocals by Arjit Singh, is a relaxing one to groove to on your way to places like Manali maybe. Ilahi, Ye Jawani Hai DeewaniĪrguably the Dil Chahta Hai for a generation that came next, Ye Jawani Hai Deewani and its entire soundtrack has found a place in the heart and minds of everyone who dreams of traveling and pursuing their dream-like Ranbir Kapoor’s character does. This soothing track will have you lost in the clouds and the landscape in your journey, and it is completely understandable if you feel like playing it again right after it finishes. Rarely have we encountered both soulful and liberating song like this one, and coming from a movie like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, it seems even more fitting to be on the list for journey songs.