As the world prepares to watch the most talked about wedding in recent times…..The Royal Wedding….my thoughts turn to just how many Bollywood films are either about weddings or at the very least feature a wedding-themed song.

Just like the British, Bollywood loves a good wedding! I sat down and started writing a list of Bollywood songs that had a wedding theme and I was able to fill a page in no time at all.

 So, in the spirit of the day, here are some suggestions of some Bollywood wedding songs to take you through a typical Indian wedding….ensuring it was a Jhooming success!

Some of my favourites

Tenu Leke from Salaam-e-Ishq

Colourful, vibrant song with Salman Khan entering our screens on horseback, as a bridegroom vowing to take his bride back with him!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDcdhCZlGLI

Jis Din from Toh Baat Pakki!

I love the exuberance of this song – with the excitement and enthusiasm that Sharman Joshi has for the day that he will get married. The title of the film itself alludes to marriage “Toh Baat Pakki!” (Then It’s Settled!) being a phrase used between families when agreeing the marriage of their sons and daughters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGSwjVcMhmw

Ainvayi Ainvayi from Band Baaja Baarat

This blockbuster hit film by Yash Raj Films is set around the world of wedding planning. Just Jhoom! is really pleased that on our first Dance-Fitness DVD we feature this funky, energetic song – both as part of the workout and also as a performance. The DVD comes out in early June.

http://www.youtube.com/user/yrf#p/u/60/-Rnfls0OqtE

Mahi Ve from Kal Ho Na Ho

An engagement party – the Punjabi way to party!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhLm_IZpnP0

Saajan Ke Ghar from Lajja

Fab song from the film Lajja – describing how the bride is ready to go to the home of her loved one…sentimental stuff!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YRrtuoz0_M&feature=fvsr

Kehta Hai Baabul – Baabul

Indian weddings are very emotional affairs. Not least when after all the ceremonies and celebrations are over it is time for the bride to leave her parental home and start a new life with her husband. This is know as Bidaai. Hence this sad, sombre song makes the list!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5eYlXjHTaE

Some classics

Mere Hathon Mein and Main Sasural Nahin Jaoongi from Chandni

Whenever I think of weddings I think of these two songs from this classic film. Sridevi dances with charisma, grace and a natural freedom that few Bollywood actresses – both past and present – are able to match.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o78U65F9hG4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLR26uiYz2w

Joote Dedo Paise Lelo from Hum Aapke Hain Kaun…!

One of the most successful films of its time. Fantastic scenes and songs depicting Indian wedding ceremonies. One of the traditions at a wedding is when the bride’s sisters and friends steal the groom’s shoes and hold them to ransom – this is shown in this song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U8fE2ZPp3c

Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

A list such as this would never be complete without this song from this mega blockbuster hit film! The man tells the woman to put henna on her hands and prepare to be taken away as a bride, whilst the woman tells the man to arrive as a groom – she will be there!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NhoeyoR_XA&feature=fvsr

Some more suggestions from recent films:

Gal Meethi Meethi Bol from Aisha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBWMTpWa9yI

Saadi Gali from Tanu Weds Manu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRUxZQo6UY8&feature=related

O Jiji from Vivah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNdLM1qXNHE

Soniye Ve from Kismat Konnection

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taX2G1X038c

Strictly Not Bollywood

Although not Bollywood productions the following songs do deserve mention.

Balle Balle from Bride and Prejudice

Perhaps the best thing about this rather mediocre film was this song which highlights the fun and entertainment that surrounds an Indian wedding.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2Qw7D23pnU

Chunari Chunari from Monsoon Wedding

Taken from a Bollywood film, this song was then used in Monsoon Wedding to show a performance at an engagement party. A wonderful film which depicts the lives of friends and family involved in a traditional Punjabi wedding inDelhi.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKsH1cPNhDw&playnext=1&list=PL57D410BCB1C4C00E

This is by no means an exhaustive list. I could spend days researching and detailing more wedding songs – but hopefully this is a good start for you to ensure you have a Jhooming! wedding day….