The 10 best jazz tracks in Hindi cinema

A ditty that would spawn a thousand imitations, Eena meena deeka is a delightful composition from the school of C Ramachandra, the man who is credited with introducing swing and jazz music to Bollywood. But the true credit lies with Ramachandra's assistant, Chic Chocolate. A jazz trumpeter who spent his nights playing at the Taj Mahal hotel, Chocolate was India's very own Louis Armstrong. The jazz influence is clearly audible from the very first tone of the song.

Another one of Chic Chocolate's delightful works, Shola jo bhadke was a foot tapper from the moment it hit the screen. An infusion of Hawaiian, jazz, and some Indian folk ryhthms made this number a super hit on the radiowaves for a long time. Chic is often credited with some of the best jazz moments in Indian films. This one definitely makes the list!
 

There is a reason why RD Burman is rated so highly as a genius in Bollywood. Coming from a traditional Bhadralok family, RD studied and absorbed musical genres from across the world. His work shows a range of musical influences ranging from classical Indian to rock and, of course, jazz. Sample this track from the forgotten hit of 1978, Shalimar. A film set around the theft of a diamond, with Bond-esque settings, and the slow, seductive voice of Asha Bhosle enhancing the magic of it all.

The influence of Goan musicians on Indian film music is very understated. Frank Fernand is another brilliant musician whose jazz influence petered into Indian films. This number from the Shammi Kapoor thriller China Town is the perfect example of the energetic new style they brought in.

Usha Uthup's standing as India's own sari clad version of Bessie Smith is unchallenged. For the title track of 'Shaan', she combined with the genius of RD Burman to produce a track that challenged Bond numbers in its style and delivery. As title credits rolled to the moves of a sexy girl in a nomex suit, Usha Uthup became a part of India's own Bond connection.

Vishal Bhardwaj has a taste for the eclectic. In '7 Khoon Maaf', punk rock and ghazals walk hand in hand with jazz. The music, unfortunately, did not do as well as the film, but this mischevous song made it big with the audience. Usha Uthup ended up with the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer.

Among the earliest examples of jazz influence on Indian films, this song from Howrah Bridge continues to be popular. The snappy tune of the song and the lithe movements of the young dancer made it a hugely popular number. The dancer in the song, a very young Helen, would go on to become one of the biggest names in Bollywood.

From the old to the new. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest among music directors about jazz and swing music of the 50s. Many music directors have experimented with it, but few have succeeded with the elan of AR Rehman. This wonderful song from the film 'Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na is a must hear for afficianados interested in Bollywood's version of jazz.

RD Burman could do any genre. He had the elusive chutzpah that many music directors take ages to find. In Sharaabi (1984), he came up with this wonderful combination of blues jazz that creates the perfect musical pathos for a drunk, lovelorn Amitabh Bachchan. The song takes off with a beautiful riff on a blues guitar, setting the tempo for a soothing, swirling, wineglass of a song.

An irresistible Rajesh Khanna, a beautiful, doe eyed Sharmila Tagore, and the magic of RD Burman burned up the screens from 'Roop Tera Mastana' in Aradhana (1969). The teasing lilt of the saxophone soon became the sound of seduction and romance for teenagers of the 70s. The credit for that magical moment goes to Manohari Singh, a saxophonist in the famed RDB team. An allrounder who picked up the saxophone during a tour in New York, Manohari Singh's infusion of jazz in this immortal Bollywood number remains the most memorable moment for incurable Rajesh Khanna fans.