This is the last post of 2025 and I am writing on a different topic – classical music. I have not learned classical music or the shastra (science) and rules it is based on. But I do have an ear for it! Today’s post is about Hindi film songs based on raga Shivaranjani. All songs are from films released in 1990s and beyond. This raga is normally associated with the karuna ras (pathos/compassion), romance (in separation), and devotion. Over the years, film music has made great and effective use of this raga. Its presentation leaves a lasting impact on the listener.

Hindi film music has made use of different ragas, making it more charming and wholesome. Film music or light music is not required to strictly follow the established “rules” of the raga. It can be presented in a diluted or mixture form; but the raga retains its identity, enough for the listener to identify it. That too in the limited duration of a few minutes when you consider a film song. Our music directors have been able to achieve this balance perfectly, demonstrating their mastery.

Though less common than previous decades, popular and not so popular ragas do keep popping up in film compositions even today. I believe raga Shivaranjani saw a resurgence after Tere mere beech mein from Ek Duje Ke Liye (1981) became famous, and the trend continued till the 1990s.

In Hindi movies, Shivaranjani makes it’s presence felt in romantic songs (Baharon phool barsaao, Maan mera ehsaan, Rimjhim ke geet sawan, Mera pyaar bhi tu hai, Aa mere humjoli aa and Tere mere beech mein). But is more effective in “sad” songs where the hero’s or heroine’s condition, be it longing, separation, pathos etc is beautifully captured in these compositions (Bahut din beete, Laage na mora jiya, Jaane kahan gaye woh din, Mere naina saawan bhaado, O saathi re, Awaaz deke humein tum bulaao).

So, over to today’s list of Shivaranjani songs, all post 1990s and from different music directors of that era. Which are your favorite songs? – do add in the comments!

---

1) Song: Priyatama O Meri Priyatama
Film: Prem Qaidi (1991)
Credits: Sameer | Anand-Milind | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Sadhana Sargam

We start with an Anand Milind composition. Prem Qaidi was Karisma Kapoor’s debut film and was paired with Harish (Telugu actor making his debut in Hindi cinema). The film and its music did well.

This is a romantic song picturised on the fresh young leads. The tune and melodious singing bring out the beauty of Shivaranjani. Anand Milind have used Shivaranjani in many songs, the most famous are possibly Dhak dhak karne laga (Beta) and O Priya Priya (Dil) (both inspired from south Indian songs!).

---

2) Song: Ilu Ilu
Film: Saudagar (1991)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Manhar Udhas, Sukhwinder Singh, Udit Narayan and Kavita Krishnamurthy

Laxmikant Pyarelal have made use of this raga since the 60s in songs with different shades like Bahut din beete (Sant Gyaneshwar), Humein to ho gaya hai pyar (Mere Humdum Mere Dost), Haye re haye (Humjoli) and Aa mere humjoli aa (Jeene Ki Raah), and continued using it till the 90s. Such is the charm of this raga.

Ilu Ilu was a very popular song and presented the raga in a lighter mood. It showcased the blossoming of romance between the actors (Vivek Mushran and Manisha Koirala, both making their debuts). Anand Bakshi makes clever use of the phrase “I love you” by shortening it to Ilu. The accompanying catchy tune ensures the message is well received in this long song.

---

3) Song: Tune Preet Jo Mujhse Jodi
Film: Meera Ka Mohan (1992)
Credits: Indeevar | Arun Paudwal | Suresh Wadkar and Anuradha Paudwal

Meera Ka Mohan was a film produced by Gulshan Kumar of T-Series and had some great tracks similar to his other offerings. The movie didn’t do well but its songs were popular at that time. Unfortunately, Arun Paudwal had passed away before the film’s release.

This is a romantic song starring Avinash Wadhwan & Ashwini Bhave and would be played on the small screen frequently. The picturization and presentation is typical 90s and Shivaranjani is the winner.

---

4) Song: Dil Ek Mandir Pyar Hai Pooja
Film: Jeena Marna Tere Sang (1992)
Credits: Ibrahim Ashq | Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen | Anuradha Paudwal

The film starred Sanjay Dutt and Raveena Tandon as lovers, who are forced to separate. This song plays in the background. We see the lovers separated, tortured and in general going through the agony of separation. Needless to say, the raga brings out the required emotions effectively. Dilip Sen and Sameer Sen gave many hit songs in the 1990s and this was one of their initial movies with good music.

---

5) Song: Jeeta Tha Jiske Liye
Film: Dilwale (1994)
Credits: Sameer | Nadeem Shravan | Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik

Nadeem Shravan truly arrived with the breakthrough Aashiqui (1990) and all its songs were successful. Known for their melodious music, they used Shivaranjani in many songs like Kya karte the sajana (Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka), Aaj hum tum o sanam (Saathi), Tere dard se dil abaad raha (Deewana) and Kitna pyaara tujhe (Raja Hindustani).

This song has 2 versions. One in happier times between the leads (Ajay Devgan and Raveena Tandon) and this as a sad version. Ajay Devgan plays the piano and sings his heart out and Raveena can’t control herself and is compelled to join him. I feel the sad version is more impactful because of the mood of Shivaranjani, which suits the situation perfectly.

---

6) Song: Jaanu Jaanu Jaanu
Film: Criminal (1994)
Credits: Indeewar | M M Kreem | Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik

M M Kreem (or M. M. Keeravani) is a south Indian music director, now more famous for the Oscar winning Naatu Naatu (RRR). Criminal was shot simultaneously in Telugu and Hindi. This is a fast, romantic number with an infectious tune, thanks to Shivaranjani. The song has a strong South Indian influence and sounds “different.” For some reason, even the singers sound different! We see Nagarjuna dancing with Ramya and Manisha Koirala. I would prefer the tune to the picturization.

---

7) Song: Kinna Sona Tujhe Rab Ne Banaya
Film: Aisi Bhi Kya Jaldi Hai (1996)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | Gaurishankar Sharma | Sonu Nigam

Kinna sona was originally a non-film song by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Set in Shivaranjani, it became famous and was used multiple times in Hindi films including Bewafa Sanam (1994), Raja Hindustani (1996) and recent Marjaavaan (2019). The catchy Shivaranjani based tune caught the fancy of music directors and the audience.

This is a comparatively weaker version from a lesser known film. The picturization could have been better. If I remember correctly, this was meant to be a “made for TV” film by Sachin but had a theatre release too. The song has Vivek Mushran wooing a reluctant Srishti Behl. A light number, this was also one of Sonu Nigam’s initial songs.

---

8) Song: Hata Saawan Ki Ghata
Film: Hello Brother (1999)
Credits: Faiz Anwar | Sajid-Wajid | Babul Supriyo and Jaspinder Narula

This was Sajid Wajid’s first major film as a composer duo. Shivarajkanai is presented in perhaps its most peppy form here leaving you surprised. Salman Khan and Rani Mukherjee perform this fun number. The singing is energetic. The composition feels fresh and appealing after so many years, maybe because of the raga based tune?

---

9) Song: Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai
Film: Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai (2001)
Credits: Sameer | Anu Malik | KK

In a filmy situation, Tushar Kapoor is desperately searching for Kareena Kapoor. He notices her and tries to chase her but fails to reach her. What follows is this song venting his frustration. KK sings the high pitch song in his inimitable style. The tuneful song leaves its impression.

---

10) Song: Kyon Ki Itna Pyaar
Film: Kyon Ki… (2005)
Credits: Sameer | Himesh Reshammiya | Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik

This is a Himesh Reshammiya composition but you are reminded of Nadeem Shravan songs from the 1990s. This song also appears in two versions. The first has Salman Khan and Rimi Sen in happier times. The other version is sung by Kareena Kapoor (a doctor) for Salman Khan who plays a mental patient. This is one of the typical Shivaranjani tunes that gets you hooked. The beauty of the raga doesn’t wane, indeed!