Here are 10 notable Bollywood films that featured memorable Hindustani classical music-inspired background scores:
- Black (2005) – Composed by Monty Sharma, the score featured a transcendental symphony orchestra that matched the intense drama, along with strains of tanpura and soft aalaps.
- Paa (2009) – Ilaiyaraaja’s joyous and universal theme played on swirling Celtic violins showcased his mastery of the symphony orchestra.
- Barfi! (2012) – The whimsical, waltz-like score by Pritam paid homage to French composer Yann Tiersen’s work for the film Amélie.
- Madhumati (1958) – Salil Chowdhury’s melancholic soundtrack featured the haunting song “Suhana Safar Aur Yeh Mausam Haseen” set against the scenic Ghorakhal mountains.
- Lagaan (2001) – AR Rahman’s score blended Indian folk styles with Western orchestration, exemplified by the rousing “Chale Chalo” number.
- Devdas (2002) – Ismail Darbar’s score for this tragic romance was steeped in Hindustani classical elements, especially in songs like “Silsila Ye Chahat Ka”.
- Jodha Akbar (2008) – Ashutosh Gowariker’s historical epic featured a grand, symphonic score by AR Rahman that incorporated Rajasthani folk music.
- Guzaarish (2010) – Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s score for his own film was a grand, operatic affair that showcased his musical vision.
- Rockstar (2011) – AR Rahman’s soundtrack blended Sufi and Kashmiri folk influences with rock, as heard in the title track.
- Parineeta (2005) – Shantanu Moitra’s score for this period romance was inspired by the music of the 1940s-50s era, with songs like “Piyu Bole” evoking the golden age of Hindi film music.
