When beggars made a livelihood with Hindi film songs

The power of cinema has brightened even the dark reality of poverty in our nation. While begging is illegal, singing to buy your next meal isn't. Here's a list of Hindi film songs that have been embraced by the less-privileged to make a living. You may have heard these on crowded local trains, railway stations, platforms or busy streets in urban India.

1 De De Khuda Ke Naam Pe Pyaare — Alam Ara (1931)

In the very first Hindi film with sound, Alam Ara, Wazir Mohammad Khan did not play a beggar but sang a song which went on to become popular with the beggars. Cries of 'De de allah ke naam pe de' have their roots in this song.

2 Allah Tero Naam — Hum Dono (1961)

A devotional song, this one is apt to melt the hearts of the generous. Sahir Ludhianvi penned 'Allah Tero Naam' which went on to become a prayer of the poor seeking alms.

3 Shirdiwale Sai Baba — Amar Akbar Anthony (1997)

A poor, blind Bharati (Nirupa Roy) is being chased by the bad guys Ranjeet and Jeevan. Akbar (Rishi Kapoor) is indulging in national integration by singing at the famous Sai Shirdi temple. By the time the song is over, god miraculously restores Bharati’s vision. This one is quite popular with beggars sitting outside mosques and temples.

4 Tum To Thehre Pardesi (1999)

Altaf Raja found fame through this song. The title track of his maiden album 'Tum To Thehre Pardesi' earned anthem status in the late 90s. People of every class consumed the song differently. It toppled 'De De Allah Ke Naam Pe De' from its number one position in the beggars' playlist.

5 Garibo Ki Sunoh — Dus Lakh (1966)

The 1966 film saw Gokulchand (Om Prakash) inheriting Rs10 lakh, but denying his son Kishore (Sanjay Khan) and his love interest Rita (Babita) even a penny. Homeless Kishore and Rita take to the streets singing the poor man’s melody. 'Garibo Ki Sunoh' remains a timeless for the poor, especially the visually-challenged couple often seen by commuters in Mumbai local trains.

6 Pardesi Pardesi — Raja Hindustani (1996)

The film defied all odds to win popular awards that year. Aamir Khan himself was stunned that some of his good work went unrewarded, but he bagged his maiden Filmfare Best Actor award for Raja Hindustani. What clicked for Raja Hindustan was the classic Nadeem-Shravan music. It struck a chord with the masses. 'Pardesi Pardesi' sung with a nasal twang for added effect became a hit with the impoverished.

7 Dekha Hai Pelhli Baar — Saajan (1991)

Another Nadeem-Shravan gem from the 90s that found its way to the heart and empty bellies of the vagrant. This Saajan track was a hit amongst the male beggars.