Dafli, piano, and weepy shehnai tunes: Bollywood's go-to musical instruments
In the process of creating the distinctive soundscape of Hindi Film Music, some of these musical instruments became familiar sights in our films
The jolly street performer who plays both harmonium and cupid, the heartbroken hero singing his blues away on piano, and the priceless life lessons wrapped in a melancholic violin number—musical instruments have long contributed to Bollywood’s musically-rich narrative. Here are the most popular ones we see on screen.
1. Accordion
This intricate instrument has been the mood setter of many memorable moments in Hindi cinema. Naseeb’s (1981) star-studded John Jani Janardhan, Sangam’s (1964) jubiliant Har dil jo pyaar karega, and Amar Akbar Anthony’s (1977) terrific title song are some of the frontrunners in this category.
Other memorable songs:
Khushiyaan hi khushiyaan - Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaaye (1977)
Aaj kal tere mere - Brahmachari (1968)
2. Dafli
Two words. Rishi Kapoor. The actor’s vibrant, sweater-clad, dafli-playing persona was a mainstay in his ‘80s and early ‘90s movies. Even though Raj Kapoor was one of the more eminent patrons of this percussion instrument, it’s his middle son who would become the legendary dafli waale.
Other memorable songs:
Payaliya - Deewana (1992)
Bol Radha bol - Bol Radha Bol (1992)
3. Dhol
Owing to the pervasive influence of folk music in Bollywood, terms like dhol, manjira, nagada, dholak are an intrinsic part of the HFM lexicon. It’s almost impossible to imagine a song about fun and festivity without the accompaniment of dhol or nagada, especially if it’s from a Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie.
Memorable songs:
Dhol bajne lagaa - Virasat (1997)
Dhol baaje - Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013)
4. Flute
The melodious flute has always been a trusted companion of lovers in Bollywood. A romantic duet, a stirring solo seeking one’s beloved, or a haunting standalone tune—when love is in the air, can this wonderful melody maker be far behind?
Memorable songs:
Aa jaa tujhko pukaare - Geet (1970)
Geet gaata chal - Geet Gaata Chal (1975)
5. Guitar
There is a guitar song for any occasion, be it a romantic beach side thing, a thrilling rock concert, or an upbeat club setting. The joyful Baar baar dekho, romantic Chura liya, upbeat Papa kehte hain, and thunderous Sadda haq prove that there’s also a guitar song for every generation of fans of Hindi cinema music.
Other memorable songs:
Koi roko na - Priyatama (1977)
Paani da rang - Vicky Donor (2012)
6. Harmonica
Significant in many compositions about hope, youthful love, and melancholia, the modest mouth organ was immortalised on the silver screen with Jai’s wistful theme in Sholay (1975).
Memorable songs:
Mere sapnon ki rani - Aradhana (1969)
Rahi manwa dukh ki chinta - Dosti (1964)
7. Harmonium
Shy sweethearts, an unsure duo, or sulking lovers—the witty street singers of Bollywood are well-equipped to deal with the mood swings of couples. Armed with a good ‘ol harmonium and a song on the lips, these blithe balladeers have skillfully navigated the roles of both matchmaker and peacemaker.
Memorable songs:
Deewane hain - Zanjeer (1973)
O leke pehla pehla pyaar - CID (1956)
8. Piano
The piano, though it appears in many lovely and romantic songs, is frequently connected to heartache in Hindi cinema. It ain’t a heartbreak until a forlorn lover has attacked the piano keys with all his might to produce a musical masterpiece dripping with misery and passive aggressiveness. Accusing the beloved of disloyalty, or a solemn wish about her good fortune, or a pessimistic track about the futility of life—take your pick.
Memorable songs:
Dil ke jharokhe mein - Brahmachari (1968)
Jeeta tha jiske liye - Dilwale (1994)
9. Shehnai
Synonymous with shaadis and bidaai. The pristine and evocative sounds of shehnai project the anguish of the bride leaving her parental home and her anticipation of embracing a new life. The instrument goes beyond its prop status and assumes an identity of its own in Rajendra Kumar-led Goonj Uthi Shehnai (1959), the story of an aspiring shehnai player and his doomed love life.
Other memorable songs:
Babul ki duayein - Neel Kamal (1968)
Dulhe ka sehra - Dhadkan (2000)
10. Violin
In our films, a melancholic violin piece often accompanies the deepest and most philosophical perspective on life and existence. Think of Shor’s (1972) Ek pyaar ka naghma or Raftaar’s (1975) Sansaar hai ek nadiya. But it isn’t all longing and despair for this fantastic string instrument, which received a major upgrade with Mohabbatein’s (2000) Raj Aryan. Arguably Bollywood’s most famous violinist, Aryan, harnessed the power of music and romanticism to revolutionise a no-fun Gurukul and mellow its dour principal.
Other memorable songs:
Aa bhi jaa - Sur (2002)
Dard-e-dil - Karz (1980)