Bollywood has incorporated, combined, and masterfully reinterpreted music from all around the world over the years. Arabic music has been one of its most notable musical connections. Some of Bollywood's most memorable songs have been influenced by Arabic music, ranging from bass-heavy rap and desert-inspired sounds to mesmerising folk refrains and ethereal Sufi overtones.
FA9LA, featuring Bahraini artist Flipperachi and combining Middle Eastern rap with vast cinematic grandeur, is the most daring Arabic crossover in recent Bollywood. Owing in large part to Akshaye Khanna's eerie gangster persona opposite Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar, the song went viral on social media.
Bobby Deol's eerie yet enticing presence in Animal helped this captivating folk-inspired song become a worldwide phenomenon. With roots in Arabic folklore, Jamal Kudu exuded an age-old, pure vitality that matched the ferocity of his personality.
Kaho Na Kaho , which was adapted from an Arabic original by Egyptian singer Amr Diab, first exposed mainstream Bollywood fans to a straightforward Arabic tune. Amir Jamal's rendition of the song nicely complemented the gloomy, romantic tone of Murder while maintaining its Middle Eastern aura.
Can't forget Mayya Mayya, which was one of the most memorable parts of the film Guru. Chinmayi Sripada and Egyptian vocalist Maryem Toller sang the song, which was composed by A.R. Rahman and featured Mallika Sherawat.
Beneath its Hindi melody, this lovely romance song has a subtle Arabic accompaniment. The song demonstrated the sensitive side of Arabic influence in Bollywood music against the romantic backdrop of Airlift.
Mashallah, which was shot against vast desert landscapes, was a breathtaking blend of Arabic rhythm and romance. Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s stunning chemistry provided star power to the amazing tunes.
Afghan Jalebi introduced Arabic traditional roots into a modern Bollywood context with his catchy and instantly identifiable song. Sung by Asrar, it became a party anthem throughout India due to its catchy beat and Middle Eastern instruments.
Ya Ali is one of the few Bollywood songs with the same ethereal appeal. The song's Sufi overtones and Arabic-inspired melody gave it a profoundly spiritual and emotional resonance.
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