If there’s a musical era that remains unmatchable to this day, it’s the one from the late 90s and early 2000s when Indian artists began experimenting with pop beats and dropped bangers one after the another. This was a time when song remakes and remixes were actually good, music videos had stories, and auto-tune wasn’t as much of a thing.
Some of the songs released at the time were immortalised by Indian weddings. Others rest in our hearts as nostalgia cushioned with a truckload of memories. Here are some of our favourites:
1. Dil Luteya by Jazzy B
Jazzy B, a.k.a. Jaswinder Singh Bains, was the ultimate Punjabi pop icon back in the day. That ‘O ho‘ still holds much power to drive us crazy.
You can listen the song here.
2. Kaanta Laga by DJ Doll
Back when DVD players were a thing, I had a CD of renowned pop songs, and ‘Kaanta Laga‘ was the first one. For me, this song was like an introduction to the then-popular music genre that remains unforgettable to this day.
You can listen to the song here.
3. Main Deewana by Ganesh Hegde
Of course, a masterpiece by the multi-talented singer, rapper, dancer and director, Ganesh Hegde.
You can listen to the song here.
4. Aaja Mahi by RDB
The moment you hear this song, you wanna dance. It’s like a reflex. And no amount of remakes can beat this!
You can listen to the song here.
5. Nachange Sari Raat by Stereo Station
Ah! You’ve heard this, you’ve grooved on this!
You can listen to the song here.
6. Pardesiya Yeh Sach Hai Piya Remix by DJ Hot
Rakhi Sawant really stole the show in this song. On a side note, this is my first memory of hers, and it is timeless.
You can listen to the song here.
7. Aye Hip Hopper by ishQ Bector ft. Sunidhi Chauhan
This song was weird. This song was unique. At one point, it was our definition of cool!
You can listen to the song here
8. Ishq Tera Tadpave by Sukhbir
Of course, the one that no desi wedding is complete without! If you’ve not shouted ‘Oh ho ho ho‘ with all your emotions, are you even real?
You can listen to the song here.
9. Made In India by Alisha Chinai
Who can forget Milind Soman’s introduction to the world? The vibrant and catchy feel of this song remains unforgettable to this day.
You can listen to the song here.
10. Tu Tu Hai Wahi Dilne Jise Apna Kaha Remix
You can listen to the song here.
11. Let The Music Play by Shamur
The heart-thumping beats of this track automatically set your feet in motion, and there’s nothing you can do about it.
You can listen to the song here.
12. Chadti Jawani Remix
The idea to infuse life into mannequins was probably the most out-of-the-box idea I had ever seen at the time.
You can play the music here.
It’s days like this when we wish time travel was a thing!
