When you think of lavish sets in Bollywood you are almost always transported to period epics, to opulent Sanjay Leela Bhansali productions, to culturally contextual Ashutosh Gowarikar backgrounds, to palatial houses in Barjatya movies, and ultimately to quaint and elegant house parties in Yash Raj Films. While these are obvious choices for this list, and make quite the mark, there are also some songs on the list that evoke wondrous Mughal architecture, feature, possibly the first dream sequence in Indian cinema, a bright eyed Nargis and a charismatic Raj Kapoor; songs that have modern cirque du soleil-esque layers, and cabaret numbers that feature retro bars!
These songs are evocative, not just in their music and lyrics, but in the manner with which you become awestruck while watching them. Frame by frame, there is majestic beauty on both fore and background. These 20 songs in the list exhibit the art and creativity that goes in transporting viewers to something entirely surreal.
1. Ghar Aaya Mera Pardesi
2. Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu
3. Thare Rahiyo
4. Didi Tera Devar Deewana
5. Dola Re Dola
6. Bole Chudiyan
7. Jalta Hai Badan
8. Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo
9. Baawre
10. Inteha Ho Gayi
11. Kehne Ko Jashne Bahara
12. Tere Bina
13. Dholi Taro
14. Ghar More Pardesiya
15. Cutie Pie
16. Hothon Pe Aisi Baat
17. Bala
18. Ghoomar
19. Kaisi Paheli
20. Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja