When we hear about the 1970s, the jovial decade of vibrant colors, disco, and extravagant entertainment is what comes to mind. Bollywood, too, had an iconic 70s and left behind a memorable decade. The most noted and respected Bollywood celebrities also came from this decade, namely Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore, etc. The plethora of iconic songs gifted to us by this decade is still evergreen. We have got you covered by curating an old songs list from 1970 for you.
Popular genres in Indian music in 1970
- Bollywood music: Predominant Hindi songs from Bollywood movies ruled the Indian music scene in the 1970s and are still remembered to this day for their fusion and catchy tunes.
- Folk music: Folk music from regional parts of India like Punjab, Bengal, etc. rose to prominence with access to mainstream media.
- Classical music: Nothing beats the soul of Indian music form, tablas, and sitars which is the essence of Classical music.
- Pop music: Apart from all the trends flourishing in the Indian music industry in the 1970s, the fusion of Western elements in the Indian music space saw a prominent rise.
Key Singers of the era
- Kishore Kumar: One of the most versatile singers and actors ever to grace Bollywood who won the hearts of people with his unique songs.
Notable songs: “Khaike Pan Banaraswala” “Mere Sapno Ki Rani”
- Asha Bhosle:Â From romantic ballads to dance hits, she nailed it all and rose to prominence for her unique voice.
Notable songs:Â “Chura Liya Hai Tumne” “Dum Maro Dum”
- Lata Mangeshkar:Â Known as the Nightingale of India in the music industry, she is renowned as the greatest playback singer of India of all time.
Notable songs:Â “Lag Ja Gale” “Tere Bina Zindagi Se”
- Mohammed Rafi:Â Known for his versatility, his works were influential in the 1970s as the legendary playback singer.
Notable songs:Â “Dil Ke Jharoke Mein” “Kya Hua Tera Wada”
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Here is a list of the 21 best old songs list 1970 for you:
1. Ek Ajnabee Haseena Se
When talking about the 70s it would be a waste not to mention this evergreen classic. This is a must-mention in the old songs list 1970 sung by none other than Kishore Kumar. From the movie Ajnabee, this song is a heartthrobs’ favorite jam.
Singer: Kishore Kumar
Music Director: R.D. BurmanÂ
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Listen to this song from the old songs list 1970 here.
2. Do Lafzon Ki Hai Dil Ki Kahaani
Sung by Asha Bhosle and Amitabh Bachchan himself, this upbeat song is from the movie The Great Gambler (1979). This is of the most hit old Hindi songs you will come across. Given their captivating voices, the song talks of the beauty of life and love and surely you’ll be able to relate.
Singer: Asha Bhosle
Music Director: R.D. BurmanÂ
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3. Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge
It’s impossible that people haven’t heard this song. In the old songs list 1970, it is one of the old Hindi songs that still resonates greatly with college students and they love it. How can we forget Jay-Veeru on a bike with a sidecar, dancing away all the cares of the world? This song is an ode to friendship from the movie Sholay.
Singer: Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey
Music Director: R.D. BurmanÂ
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4. Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli
Another one of the old Hindi songs is a gift from the 70s which you understand as you grow up. From the movie Anand, this song makes you think and talks about the mysteries of life and the ever-going maze.
Singer:Â Manna Dey
Music Director: Salil Chowdhary
5. Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko
Sung by Asha Bhosle and Mohammed Rafi, this old romantic song from the movie Yaadon Ki Baaraat is still one of the most popular old Hindi songs from the 70s. People looking for romantic songs to confess among the old songs list 1970, this is the one.
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Singer:Â Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi
Music Director: R.D. BurmanÂ
6. Bahon Mein Chale Aao
From the movie Anamika, this song in the old songs list 1970, sung by the Nightingale of India, Lata Mangeshkar is still gold. This is one of those old Hindi songs which everyone must have heard once at least. The song stars Jaya Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna.
Singer: Lata MangeshkarÂ
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Music Director: R.D. BurmanÂ
7. Tere Chehre Se Nazar
This is a hopelessly flirty and romantic song in the true spirit of the 1970s. From the movie Kabhi Kabhie, this is one of the mushiest old Hindi songs by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar. It was an immediate hit when the song came out.
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
Music Director: Khaiyyaam
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8. Kya Hua Tera Vaada
Doesn’t it seem like all the old songs that we know are from the 70s? This is one of those old Hindi songs in the old songs list 1970 that we know all the lyrics to. From the movie Hum Kisise Kum Nahi, this song was sung by Mohammed Rafi and Sushma Shrestha.
Singer:Â Mohammed Rafi, Sushma Shrestha
Music Director: R.D. BurmanÂ
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9. Kahin Dur Jab Din Dhal Jaye
Another one of the gems of old Hindi songs, Kahin Dur Jab Din Dhal Jaye never fails to touch your heart. Sung by Mukesh, it is from the influential movie, Anand. This song will calm your nerves and provide you with a serene headspace.
Singer:Â Mukesh
Music Director: Salil Chowdhary
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10. Salame-Ishq Meri Jaan
One of the old Hindi songs in the old songs list 1970 starring Rekha, this song will never get old for a classical dance performance and continue to woo us for the upcoming decades. Although, no one can beat Rekha and her terrific expressions in this one!
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
Music Director: Anandji Virji Shah, Kalyanji Virji Shah
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11. Bade Acche Lagte Hai
If you are a hopeless romantic this is your song! This is one of the best old Hindi songs by Amit Kumar. The video, the lyrics, the mood, and definitely the voice, what is not to like?
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Singer:Â Amit Kumar
Music Director: R.D. Burman
Listen to this song from the old songs list 1970 here.
12. Jeena Yaha Marna Yaha
From the movie Mera Naam Joker, starring Raj Kapoor this is one of the most wholesome old Hindi songs of Bollywood in the old songs list. Though it failed the cinemas at the time of release, it went on to become one of the most acclaimed movies of Bollywood and Raj Kapoor later on.
Singer:Â Mukesh
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Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan
Listen to this song from the old songs list 1970 here.
13. Aap Yahan Aaye Kisliye
Does the duo of Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle ever disappoint? From the movie Kal Aaj Aur Kal, this is one of the most famous old Hindi songs. Probably every Indian knows this song.
Singer:Â Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar
Music Director: Shankar Jaikishan
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Listen to this song from the old songs list 1970 here.
14. Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein
Another one of the old Hindi songs by Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar serves as one of the most playful rainy-day songs. This song from the movie Ajanabee starred the legendary Rajesh Khanna so it is easy to remember too.
Singer:Â Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar
Music Director: R.D. Burman
15. Aaj Kal Paon Zameen Par
Another one of the gems by Lata Mangeshkar from the movie Ghar never fails to mesmerize us even to this day. The song from the old songs list 1970 will definitely cheer you up on a grey day and doesn’t fail to capture the ecstasy of the protagonist.
Singer:Â Lata Mangeshkar
Music Director: R.D. Burman
16. Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein
If you are one of those hopeless romantics in this era of people not catching feelings, this is the song for you! This is one of the biggest songs of Bollywood from the movie Kabhi Kabhie and is still fresh today. Sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh, this song still makes you swoon.
Singer:Â Lata Mangeshkar, Mukesh
Music Director: Khaiyyaam
17. Khaike Paan Banaras Wala
Are you even Indian if you haven’t danced your heart out to this song? One of the most whoopee and lively songs ever made in Bollywood. No one can resist this track from the movie Don, starring Amitabh Bachchan. It is a must-addition in the old songs list 1970.
Singer:Â Kishore Kumar
Music Director: Anandji Vriji Shah, Kalyanji Vriji Shah
18. Yeh Sham Mastani
This is one of those old Hindi songs in the old songs list 1970 which will automatically woo your heart and mind. This is another gem by Kishore Kumar from the movie Kati Patang starring Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh.
Singer:Â Kishore Kumar
Music Director: R.D. Burman
Listen to this song from the old songs list 1970 here.
19. O Mere Dil Ke Chain
In the voice of Kishore Kumar, this song will remind you of your beloved one and soothe your soul. It is one of the best Kishore Kumar songs.
Singer:Â Kishore Kumar
Music Director: R.D. Burman
20. Tujhse Naraz Nahi Zindagi
This evergreen song from the movie Masoom is one of the most famous songs of the decade in the voice of Anup Ghoshal. Written by Gulzar, this song has the most amazing lyrics as expected.
Singer:Â Anup Ghoshal
Music Director: R.D. Burman
21. Dum Maro Dum
This song marked the rise of hippie culture in India. Sung by Asha Bhosle, this hype song old songs list 1970 from the movie Hare Rama Hare Krishna is the perfect showstopper for our list.
Singer:Â Asha Bhosle
Music Director: R.D. Burman
Listen to this song from the old songs list 1970 here.
Impact of the 1970s on the Indian music industry
- Advancement of technology: The technological advancement in the music industry led to better compositions and recordings which improved the Indian music space for the better.
- Rise of Funk and Disco: The 1970s witnessed a real surge in dance numbers especially, funk and disco songs which changed the existing music culture a bit.
- Fusion of Indian music with modern elements:Â The fusion of the existing Indian music with modern elements from the West gave birth to fusion music which transformed the industry.
- Rise of legendary composers: The 1970s saw a trend in the rise of the greatest music composers that India has ever produced which really shook the existing music space making way for experiments.
Thus, the 1970s has been really a revolutionary year for the Indian music industry as it witnessed the rise of legendary music composers and singers backed by recording technology to support them. Hope this list of old songs list 1970 has been insightful and let us know in the comments which song you like the best.
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