10 motivational songs

Over the years, many songs have inspired us to think positively and overcome difficult situations. These motivational songs can be in the form of prayer, about moving on in life or about being courageous.

Here, we choose 10 such motivational songs. The cut-off point is the 1980s, though later on too, there were good lsongs in the films Roja, Lagaan, Iqbal, Swades, Chak De and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, among others. The order is chronological.

1 Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja – Samadhi (1950)

The regimental quick march of Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army, it was banned during British rule. Originally it was written by Vanshidhar Shukla and composed by Ram Singh Thakuri. The ban was lifted after Independence, and besides having patriotic value, it was also sung as a motivational song, because of its inspiring lyrics. One version was set to tune and sung by C. Ramchandra in the 1950 film Samadhi, with some fresh lines by Rajendra Krishan. In 2004, A.R. Rahman composed a new version in the film Bose: The Forgotten Hero

2 Ae Malik Tere Bande Hum – Do Ankhen Barah Haath (1957)

This song has been sung as a prayer in many schools, health centres and prisons, to bring about positivity. Composed by Vasant Desai and written by Bharat Vyas, it was sung immaculately by Lata Mangeshkar. The opening lines were, “Ae malik tere bande hum, aise ho hamare kadam, neki par chaley, aur badee se taley, taaki haste hue nikley dum”. The film starred V. Shantaram and Sandhya.

3 Kisike Muskurahaton – Anari (1959)

The combination of Mukesh’s voice and Raj Kapoor’s screen presence created magic once again, in this song picturised on a street. Shankar-Jaikishen composed the feel-good tune, with Shailendra beginning, “Kisiki muskurahaton pe ho nisaar, kisika dard mil sake to le udhaar, kisike vaaste ho tere dil mein pyaar”. The line “Jeena isi ka naam hai” summed up the reality one faces in life.

4 Main Zindagi Ka Saath – Hum Dono (1960)

Mohammed Rafi sang this gem composed by Jaidev and penned by Sahir Ludhianvi. It was filmed on Dev Anand with a cameo by Sadhna. The song talked of forgetting worries and accepting life on life’s terms. The opening lines were, “Main zindagi ka saath nibhaata chala gaya, har fikr ko dhuen mein udaata chala gaya”. A highlight was Kersi Lord’s use of the rare instrument glockenspiel.

5 Hum Ko Man Ki Shakti Dena – Guddi (1971)

Another prayer composed by Vasant Desai, it was sung by Vani Jairam and written by Gulzar. The song was filmed on Jaya Bhaduri, Lalita Kumari and school students in assembly, and there was a funny situation because Jaya arrived late. The words were, “Hum ko man ki shakti dena, man vijay kare, doosron ki jai se pehle khud ko jai kare”. The song was composed in raag Kedar.

6 Ruk Jaana Nahin – Imtihaan (1974)

An evergreen number that talked of never giving up, this became a rage among Kishore Kumar fans. It was filmed on a bespectacled Vinod Khanna, playing a professor, and Tanuja. Music was by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, with Majrooh Sultanpuri writing, “Ruk jaana nahin tu kahin haarke, kaanto pe chalke milenge saaye bahaar ke, O raahi, O raahi…”

7 Fakira Chal Chala Chal – Fakira (1976)

This was another song that talked of never losing hope. The male version was sung by Mahendra Kapoor and the female version by Hemlata. Ravindra Jain composed and wrote lyrics which went, “Sunke teri pukaar, sang chalne ko tere koi ho na ho taiyyar, himmat na haar, chal chala chal, akela chal chala chal, fakira chal chala chal”. Danny Denzongpa made a fabulous appearance in the male version.

8 Aanewala Pal – Gol Maal (1979)

Kishore was in his element in this song composed by R.D. Burman and written by Gulzar. It was picturised on Amol Palekar and Bindiya Goswami. The words were about making the best of the current moment. The opening line was, “Aanewala pal, jaanewala hai, ho sakey toh is mein, zindagi beeta do, pal toh yeh jaanewala hai”.

9 Ae Zindagi Gale Laga Le – Sadma (1983)

Composed by the great Ilaiyaraaja and written by Gulzar, this song talked of embracing life despite difficult situations. Suresh Wadkar sang it beautifully, with Kamal Haasan and Sridevi appearing on screen. The words were, “Ae zindagi gale laga le, humne bhi tere har ek gham ko galey se lagaaya hai na”.

10 Itni Shakti Hamein Dena Daata – Ankush (1986)

This extremely powerful and inspiring prayer was sung by Sushma Shrestha and Pushpa Paghdhare. Kuldeep Singh composed the music, and Abhilash wrote, “Itni shakti hamein dena daata, man ka vishwas kamzor na hona, ham chalein nek raste pe hamse, bhoolkar bhi koi bhool ho na”. The chorus at the end was amazing. The cast included Nana Patekar, Nisha Singh and Ashalata.

The best thing about these songs is that they cut across age groups, and are motivating enough for everyone. They lift one’s spirits, and have lyrics simple enough to sing along with. In sum, they touch a chord.