Music has always brought peace in my life and has helped me put my feelings into words. But I get so angry whenever I listen to those misogynistic songs which somehow become immensely popular. This must happen to you as well, right? To restore the peace in your lives, here are 20 songs from Indian cinema you need to listen to which will uplift you and make you feel happy about being a woman.
Also read: 10 Feminist Songs To Listen To When The Patriarchy Has Got You Down
1. Patakha Guddi (Highway)
Patakha Guddi means ‘firebrand kite’ in Punjabi. Sung by the Nooran Sisters, this power-packed song is about freedom, asking women to be young and carefree.
2. Girls Like To Swing (Dil Dhadakne Do)
This song features the glamorous Anushka Sharma swing dancing to the powerful voice of Sunidhi Chauhan. It fits perfectly for an occasion when you and your girls want to ‘swing’.
3. Hungama (Queen)
Hungama is a remixed version of the original song sung by Asha Bhosle. The recently broken-up and a very drunk Kangana Ranaut dances to this track in a club enjoying her freedom. You cannot resist dancing to this upbeat track.
5. Banno (Tanu Weds Manu Returns)
The song features the to-be bride Kangana Ranaut with her ‘sexy swagger’. This lively song will bring you on the dance floor with its addictive punjabi beats.
5. Evada Unna Petha (Tamizh Padam 2)
Evada Unna Petha means ‘who gave birth to you’ in Tamil. It is a parody of very popular but misogynist songs in Tamil. The women in the song question our patriarchal society for making women conform to the stereotypical gender roles.
6. Here We Go (2 Penkuttikal)
This song is from the Malayalam movie 2 Penkuttikal (2 girls). It talks about what are the dos and don’ts for a girl that society tells. Girls don’t waste your life on listening to them and do whatever you feel like!
7. London Thumakda (Queen)
This is another gem from Queen which makes it irresistible to not dance to its quirky lyrics and perky beats. It features Kangana Ranaut at her Sangeet. Dance to this and you will surely see the whole London dancing with you!
8. Dhaakad (Dangal)
This song should totally be the new female anthem. Everything about this song screams of women empowerment. Be the ‘cyclone’ in every person’s life who ever doubted your worth!
9. Dangal (Dangal)
The song shows the younger versions of the world champions in wrestling training hard and winning competitions despite their whole village doubting their ability. With some very powerful lyrics, this song is perfect to motivate yourself to achieve your goals.
10. Ek Hockey Doongi Rakh Ke (Chak De India)
Chal zara zara sa bachke (Walk a little carefully) as no one can mess with us women!
11. Ziddi Dil (Mary Kom)
Want to be the best sport person in the world? Want to take down patriarchy single-handedly? Want to change the whole world? This song tells you, yes you can! You are allowed to dream big and conquer your fears.
12. Rupaiya (Satyamev Jayata)
Challenge patriarchy with this song sung by none other than Sona Mahapatra. The song is about how women are as independent and capable of sustaining a family as men are.
“Patwar banungi, lehron se ladungi
Arre mujhe kya bechega Rupaiya?”
I will be the rudder to my own boat, I will fight the waves
How can money ever sell me?
13. Jugni (Queen)
Listening to this song makes me relive the whole journey of independence and liberation Kangana Ranaut’s character went through in Queen. It is such a pleasant song to listen to.
14. Khaabon Ke Parindey (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara)
The lyrics of the song say it all.
“Hawa mein beh rahi hai zindagi
yeh hum se keh rahi hai zindagi
Oho, ab toh, jo bhi ho so ho.”
Life is flowing in the air,
it is saying,
Whatever happens, let it happen.
15. Vijanathayil Pathi Vazhi Thedunnu (How Old Are You)
This beautifully sung track by Shreya Ghoshal is from a Malayalam movie which features the comeback performance of actress Manju Warrier. It is about the journey of a woman realising that she has the capability of becoming more than what she thinks of herself.
16. Love You Zindagi (Dear Zindagi)
With Jasleen Royal’s unique voice, the song shows a happy Alia Bhatt figuring out her life. It is about embracing life with a smile and saying ‘bye’ to the toxicity in life.
17. Daru Desi (Cocktail)
This is one of those songs you can dedicate to your bestie. Sung by Shalmali Kholgade, the song shows three friends having fun together and enjoying life.
18. Rasathi (36 Vayadhinile)
This Tamil song asks women to let go of the roles forced on them and build a life for themselves; women can achieve their goals when they let go of the ‘special status’ the society assigns them.
19. Masakali (Delhi 6)
Masakali is the white pigeon shown in the song. The white pigeon is a symbol of innocence, peace and liberation. This is reflected in Sonam Kapoor’s character who is dancing with the same zest for life.
20. Gilehriyaan (Dangal)
This song beautifully captures when a girl experiences freedom for the first time. It’s an absolute delight to listen to.
This is by no means an exhaustive or representative list. Suggestions to add to this list are welcome in the comments section.
Should also include ‘ CHILLANE ‘ song from movie ’22 FEMALE KOTTAYAM’ .