5 regional songs that became world famous

There are so many songs, released everyday or created everyday. There are some which reach the right people and then get featured in top bollywood or hollywood movies and there are others that become limited to a certain region. Songs that are usually written by the women of the families to pass time or to commemorate an occasion (wedding or welcoming someone) are usually only sung by a certain group of people, for they are composed in a language not known to many. But, there is another type of folk music that although emerges in the small towns and villages but later becomes a household name for it got the right attention.
Here we list 5 regional or folk songs that are a pleasure to listen to because they made it big through cinema and other platforms.

Originating from the culturally rich state of Rajasthan, ‘Chaudhary’ is a folk song that celebrates the spirit of love and admiration. Listening to Mame Khan’s voice along with the beautiful instruments that play in the background are a treat to the ears. The song has a calm and soul-soothing melody with the right notes and beautiful lyrics that will leave you mesmerized (if you do understand them). The song shows love, admiration and affection between two lovers as the girl addresses the man as ‘Chaudhary’. The folk song from a small Rajasthani village has now received an international audience. It is one of the most streamed on Coke studio and the singer, Mame Khan has performed it in many events.

(Image: MameKhan/X)

A folk song from the state of Maharashtra, ‘Wajle ki Bara’ translates to ‘It's about to be or it is now 12 o’ clock’. The regional song which was made world famous by Ajay-Atul, the most dynamic duo of Marathi industry, is a vibrant, enthusiastic and smooth sailing song where the woman is asking her lover to let her go for the clock is about to strike 12 AM. The lively beats and energetic rhythm show the joy and wonders of Marathi life and culture and the energy of the singers, dancers and the background artists (music and dancers) are one of the reasons why the song is famous all over India, especially in the Hindi speaking belts.

Another gem from the Marathi industry is ‘Navrai Maajhi’ which translates to ‘My new bride’. The song is beautiful, lyrical, slow and has a feeling of warmth to it. Usually sung by the bride’s side of the family (mother, father, sister and the likes), the song describes the beauty, grace and nature of the girl who is about to become a bride. The song is a bride's emotions and her journey towards marital bliss. The singer of the song tells everyone how their girl who is about to be a new bride is blessed, beautiful and almost like an apsara (angel) to them. The song gained immense popularity worldwide owing to its feature in the movie ‘English Vinglish’ with Late actress Sridevi dancing to the lyrics.

A song which has its roots in the state of Chhatisgarh, Sasural Genda Phool is a bride’s description of how her in-laws and extended family are treating her while the husband is away. The bride explains how when the husband treats her nicely, her sister-in-law teases her and how she does not like how her mother-in-law treats her at times. The song blends in the essence of family, bonds and cultural richness. Its catchy tune and relatable lyrics formed its place in mainstream media and was a very popular song for quite some time. Owing to its feature in the movie Delhi-6, Sasural Genda Phool is one of a kind.

Another hit song from Rajasthan is ‘Kesariya Balam’ that is a depiction of wives calling and welcoming their husbands and lovers after war. The song shows love and longing, expressing the yearning of a woman for her beloved who has gone to fight for the people. The lyrics are calm, peaceful and have a peculiar kind of pain and sorrow in them that only a few can feel. The lyrics and music have been capturing the attention of audiences all over India and people have genuine respect and admiration for its meaning and message.