1. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
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Songs:
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Jai Ho – A.R. Rahman (won Academy Award for Best Original Song)
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O… Saya – A.R. Rahman & M.I.A.
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Why it matters:
While it’s a British production, it won multiple Oscars and brought Indian music to the global stage.
🎬 2. The Millionaire Tour (2012)
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Song: Chaiyya Chaiyya – Sukhwinder Singh, Sapna Awasthi
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Why it matters:
Originally from Dil Se (1998), this song has appeared in multiple Hollywood contexts due to its energy and rhythm.
🎬 3. Inside Man (2006)
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Song: Chaiyya Chaiyya (Hindi version) – plays during the opening and closing credits
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Director: Spike Lee
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Why it matters:
This was one of the most unexpected yet iconic uses of a Bollywood track in a thriller.
🎬 4. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
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Songs:
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Title Music from Satyajit Ray’s films
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Charu’s Theme – Satyajit Ray
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Bollywood songs like Typewriter Tip Tip
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Why it matters:
Wes Anderson used a full Indian musical atmosphere to complement the film’s Indian journey.
🎬 5. Lion (2016)
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Songs:
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Urvasi Urvasi – A.R. Rahman (from Kadhalan)
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Why it matters:
A poignant story of an Indian boy adopted by Australians, the soundtrack reflects his roots.
🎬 6. Deadpool (2016)
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Song: Mera Joota Hai Japani – Mukesh (from Shree 420)
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Why it matters:
A fun nod to Indian culture in a modern superhero flick, heard briefly in the background.
🎬 7. The Accidental Husband (2008)
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Songs:
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Mitwa – Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy (from Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna)
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Why it matters:
A romantic comedy with an Indian twist, starring Uma Thurman and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
🎬 8. Eat Pray Love (2010)
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Songs:
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Kaliyugavaradana – Bombay Jayashri
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Sujana Sujana – G.S. Sachdev
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Why it matters:
The India segment features traditional and devotional Indian music.
🎬 9. The Guru (2002)
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Songs:
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Kya Mil Gaya – From Sasural
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Chori Chori Gori Se – From Mela
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Why it matters:
A comedy built around Indian-American crossover culture.
🎬 10. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
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Songs:
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Features several traditional and Bollywood-inspired tracks
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Why it matters:
Set in India, it’s a celebration of Indian visuals, music, and vibes.
Several Hollywood films have incorporated Indian songs and musical themes. Notable examples include “Moulin Rouge” featuring “Chamma Chamma,” “Inside Man” with “Chaiyya Chaiyya,” and “Deadpool” with “Mera Joota Hai Japani”. Additionally, “The Dictator” used “Mundian Tu Bach Ke” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” featured “Mera Man Tera Pyasa” and “Tere Sang Pyar Main Nahin Todna”.
Here’s a more detailed look at some of these instances:
Moulin Rouge (2001): Featured the Bollywood song “Chamma Chamma” in a key scene, according to Filmfare.
Inside Man (2007): Incorporated the song “Chaiyya Chaiyya” (Dil Se) in the opening credits, as reported by The Indian Express.
Deadpool (2016): Used the song “Mera Joota Hai Japani” in a scene while Deadpool is on the phone, as reported by Zee News.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004): Used three Bollywood songs (“Mera Man Tera Pyasa,” “Tere Sang Pyar Main Nahin Todna,” and “Wada Na Tod”) during a scene where the characters are getting to know each other, according to Wikipedia.
The Dictator (2012): Featured “Mundian Tu Bach Ke” in the trailer.
Ghost World (2001): Used the song “Jaan Pehchaan Ho” in the movie, according to Quora.
The Accidental Husband (2008): Included several Hindi songs like “Swasame Swasame” and “Chalka Chalka Re”.
