10 fun getaway songs

With temperatures soaring, many people would be planning picnics or weekend getaways. The Mumbai crowd will head to Lonavla or Alibag. From Delhi, people may think of Shimla or Nainital. The Bangalore brigade will vouch for Ooty or Kodaikanal.

Whether you’re travelling by car or mini-bus, there’s plenty of music to pep up your mood. We choose 10 such songs, in a sequence that matches your journey from departure to check-in and party. They are a mix of travel songs, weather songs or simply fun songs to brighten you up, even if the weather refuses to improve.

1 Ina Mina Dika – Aasha (1957)

A good song to start the picnic, its main challenge would be to remember the gibberish-filled fun lyrics. Of course some senior member of the group will volunteer. The song was in two versions by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle, with music by C. Ramchandra and lyrics by Rajendra Krishan. Kishore, Vyjayanthimala and Minoo Mumtaz were in the cast.

2 Chala Jaata Hoon – Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972)

A great song for the journey, this was sung by Kishore, whose yodelling was the highlight. Passengers can try emulating him. R.D. Burman composed the tune, and Majrooh Sultanpuri wrote, “Chala jaata hoon, kisi ki dhun mein, dhadkte dil ke taraane liye; Milan ki masti bhari aankhon mein, hazaaron sapne, suhaane liye”. The song was filmed on Rajesh Khanna and Tanuja.

3 Suhana Safar – Madhumati (1958)

Mukesh sang this gem filmed on Dilip Kumar. Music was by Salil Chowdhury and Shailendra wrote, “Suhana safar aur yeh mausam haseen, hamein dar hai hum kho na jaaye kahin”. Though the song featured a lonely person in the film, it can make a good group song on an outing, with happier facial expressions ideally.

4 Yun Hi Kat Jaayega – Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993)

Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla appeared on this song along with three children. Sameer’s lines were simple, “Yun hi kat jaayega safar saath chalne se, ke manzil nazar aayegi saath chalne se”. Sung by Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik, it was composed by Nadeem-Shravan. The kids can join you, if they aren’t singing their own version of ‘Lakdi Ki Kaathi’.

5 Masti Bhara Hai Sama – Parvarish (1958)

This one’s for the couples in the group. Filmed on Raj Kapoor and Mala Sinha, the song was sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey. Music was by Dattaram, with Hasrat Jaipuri writing, “Masti bhara hai sama, hum tum hain dono yahaan, aankhon mein aa ja, dil mein samaa ja, jhoome zameen aasman”. 

6 Yeh Shaam Mastani – Kati Patang (1971)

An evergreen song that can pep up any picnic evening, it was sung fabulously by Kishore. Filmed on Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh, it was composed by R.D. Burman. Anand Bakshi’s words were, “Yeh shaam mastani, madhosh kiye jaaye, mujhe dor koi kheenche, teri aur leeye jaaye”. This tune always works wonders.

7 Sama Hai Suhana – Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (1970)

This song was actually picturised in a picnic setting, with Jalal Agha, Rakesh Roshan and Bharathi in the lead. Sung by Kishore, it was composed by Kalyanji-Anandji. Hasrat Jaipuri wrote, “Sama Hai suhana suhana, nashe mein jahaan hai, kisi ko kisi ki khabar hi kahaan hai, har dil mein dekho, mohabbat jawaan hai”. Perfect for getaways. Just remember the tune of the hummed chorus.

8 Kahe Jhoom Jhoom – Love Marriage (1959)

The right blend of melody, romance and nostalgia make this perfect for the occasion. Picturised on Mala Sinha and Dev Anand, it was sung by Lata and composed by Shankar-Jaikishen. Shailendra wrote, “Kahe jhoom jhoom raat yeh suhani, zara hole se chhedo dobara, wohi kal ki raseeli kahani”. 

9 Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo – Howrah Bridge (1958)

It’s just one of those songs that can get you into party mode. Filmed on Helen and a group of dancers, it was a big hit for Geeta Dutt. O.P. Nayyar used a rock n’ roll flavour, and Qamar Jalalabadi wrote, “Mera naam Chin Chin Choo, Chin Chin Choo Baba Chin Chin Choo, raat chandni main aur tu, hello mister how do you do?” The lines don’t make much sense but are easy to remember and sing to.

10 Rang Jamaake Jaayenge – Naseeb (1981)

An ideal song for the dinner party, this had Anand Bakshi’s lines, “Rang jamaake jaayenge, chakkar chalaake jaayenge, jhoomke, bhai ghoomke, sabko ghoomake jaayenge”. Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed the music. Amitabh Bachchan played a matador, Rishi Kapoor a Chaplinesque character and Shatrughan Sinha a Cossack dancer, with Hema Malini, Reena Roy and Kim joining them. The singers were Mohammed Rafi, Kishore, Asha, Usha Mangeshkar and Shailendra Singh. As long as the ‘chakkar’ doesn’t land you in trouble, sing this happily.

So there you go. One can always add one’s own favourites. Just enjoy a well-deserved break. Cheers.