Kate’s Travel Playlist – Track 8: “Chaiyya Chaiyya” (Music)

This week my song comes from the Bollywood movie:

Dil Se

There is something special about this catchy tune supplemented by all that crazy choreography atop a moving train!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_2gW3zwMMQ&w=420&h=315]

And I’m not the only one to think Chaiyya Chaiyya is special. The song was voted the 9th most popular song in the world by an international BBC World Service poll.

Dil Se, the Bollywood movie, came out in 1998 -so its an oldie but goodie.  And if you are not yet familiar with Bollywood, it is a great introduction.

I have to say, now that I am turning my attention toward Indian culture, I am not only intrigued, I’m becoming infatuated with the music, dance and cultural traditions. It is making me want to board a plane and go shoot some great video there.  Soon!

Oh, and you may be wondering, what is this song about? Well, love, of course. Chaiyya Chaiyya was based on poetry in an old folk song by Bulleh Shah.  The chorus is roughly:

“He whose head is in the shade of love will have heaven beneath his feet. Whose head is in the shade of love walk in the shade, walk in heaven, walk in shade.”

Find Chaiyya Chaiyya and other songs by its composer A.R. Rahman on iTunes

Related Articles:

Kate’s Travel Playlist – Track 1 , Track 2, Track 3, Track 4, Track 5, Track 6 and Track 7