Enough of NaMo and RaGa – Here's a music playlist that'll motivate you to vote this Election

Are you ready for the elections? If not, here’s our selection of songs to stir you into action to cast that vote for the 17^th Lok Sabha elections.

Election 2019 fever is running high and we’ll soon know, on May 23, who will be leading the country for the next five years. While chants of NaMo and RaGa are surely doing the rounds, we’re sure many of you are wondering whether or not to make the effort to cast your vote. Feeling a bit low on energy? Listen to this curated playlist of inspiring songs to rouse your spirit towards action!

1. Dhakka Laga Bukka – Yuva

Mani Ratnam’s film Yuva challenges the youth of India to change the system they’re in instead of just complaining about it, a theme that has surfaced in many Indian films ever since. Pump up the volume as AR Rahman weaves magic and sets the theme just right for political agency with Dhakka Laga Bukka.

2. Khalbali – Rang De Basanti

Rang De Basanti started a rage when it was released in 2006. “Corruption became the subject of fierce debate in India after the major success of this film among youngsters,” commented Dutch filmmaker Cyrus Frisch once. Listen to Khalbali, a song sung by A R Rahman, Mohammed Aslam and Nacim, and written by the very talented Prasoon Joshi, to feel the revolutionary spirit in the film that never ceases to generate goosebumps.

3. Azadi – Gully Boy

The word ‘Azadi’ courted much controversy during the recent student uprising that took Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi by storm. But the film Gully Boy reclaims the word into a powerful song with singers DIVINE and Dub Sharma rapping at full throttle. Azadi is a cry for freedom sung by the layman who is tired of partisan politics and poverty. It’s a song that can motivate anybody to powerfully put word to their grievances.

4. Bandeh – Black Friday

https://youtu.be/MjaWIyoRTP8

Although the film Black Friday was banned in many states of India upon its release in 2017, the song by Indian Ocean spread like wildfire in no time. The song’s stirring lyrics comment on the human atrocities committed in the name of caste, creed and religion. A stirring song to listen to at any time in history, and perhaps especially during such times as the elections!

5. Duniya – Dev D

The track Duniya from Anurag Kashyap’s quirky film DevD is a satirical take on the ‘unreliability’ of people. Written by Amitabh Bhattacharya and sung by Amit Trivedi, the song is a reminder to the voter to be alert to how politicians often do not hold on to their promises and take the common man for granted. A wise and fitting warning to heed right before the elections, perhaps!

6. Tum Chalo to Hindustan Chale – Indie Song

With its inspiring tune and video, Tum Chalo to Hindustan Chale calls out to the power of every individual to fuel change and take initiative. Penned by one of the most prolific writers of our time, Gulzar Saab, this song was created as an anthem for the ‘Lead India’ initiative of Times of India. The song’s powerful lyrics are combined with Mahadevan’s soulful voice and woven into an uplifting composition by the award-winning trio of Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy.

7. SaddaHaq – Rockstar

Sadda Haq initially sounds like a head-banging rock metal number but soon takes on a revolutionary tone. The song continuously questions freedom, urging people to break their shackles of conformism and blossom into their original selves. Written by Irshaad Kamil, composed by AR Rahman and sung by artist Mohit Chauhan, it’s considered by many to be one of AR Rahman’s best songs.

8. Bande Mein Tha Dum Vande Mataram – Lage Raho Munna Bhai

This song from multiple-award winning film Lage Raho Munnabhai is the best antidote for a cynical mind. Written by Swanand Kirkire and composed by Shantanu Moitra, the song reminds us of how much we need a leader like Mahatma Gandhi in today’s times. In a very beautiful way, the song nudges listeners to be positive and proactive. Kirkire won the 2007 National Award for Best Lyrics for this song.

Casting your vote is the ultimate expression of freedom. We hope this playlist helps invigorate you as you go out to make a choice. Remember, every vote counts!