Different strokes for different folks

Bollywood’s rich musical landscape has often drawn from the diverse cultural tapestry of India. It’s best presented as folk fusion that resonate with audiences across generations. So, we bring five standout instances where Bollywood music composers masterfully blended traditional folk elements with contemporary sounds.

Diamond Ni by Sachin-Jigar

Sachin-Jigar, the versatile duo known for their eclectic compositions, brought a fresh and vibrant folk fusion to Bollywood with Diamond Ni. The song, steeped in the sounds of Gujarati folk music, beautifully blends traditional instrumentation with modern beats, creating a track that is both culturally rooted and universally appealing.

Arjan Vailly by Manan Bhardwaj

Manan Bhardwaj, known for his soulful melodies, brought a unique folk fusion to Bollywood with Arjan Vailly. The song, which draws heavily from Punjabi folk traditions, is a stirring blend of rustic folk elements with contemporary arrangements. This high sonic song captures the essence of Punjab’s rich musical heritage while appealing to modern sensibilities.

Dholida by Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, a master of grand, operatic musical compositions, delivered a powerful folk fusion with Dholida from Gangubai Kathiawadi. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Garba rhythms of Gujarat, Dholida is a high-energy track that fuses traditional folk music with contemporary cinematic elements.

Dhindhora Baje Re by Pritam

Pritam, a composer known for his ability to fuse diverse musical styles, crafted an alluring folk fusion with Dhindhora Baje Re. The song, which features in a vibrant Bollywood dance number, incorporates traditional Indian percussion instruments like the dhol and nagada, blending them with modern orchestration to create a high-energy track.

Pasoori by Shae Gill & Ali Sethi

Though not a Bollywood production, Pasoori by Shae Gill and Ali Sethi has gained immense popularity in India. The song, which is part of the popular Pakistani music series Coke Studio, is a stunning blend of classical South Asian music and contemporary sounds. It draws from traditional folk themes while incorporating electronic and modern musical elements, creating a cross-border hit that has resonated with the masses in Pakistan and India. It was also recreated for Satyaprem Ki Katha and sung by Arijit Singh.