Every four years or so — there’s a moment where college a capella group Penn Masala’s musical arrangements coalesce perfectly. For me, that moment came when I watched American Desi in 2001 and heard their performance of “Aap Jaisa Koi.” It was everything my little church-choir heart wanted and more. It came again in 2007, with the release of Pehchaan, featuring the Bollywood playback-singer worthy vocals of Tushar Vashisht.
In the last few years, my die-hard love for Penn Masala took a few detours. Spring showcases became less showcases and more an opportunity to test the stage performances of the freshman in the group. But there’s always enough creativity in the group that fans still celebrate high-quality videos like “Fix You/Ishq Bina.”
And now there’s this. “Evolution of Bollywood Music.” It’s inspired by a capella chart-toppers Pentatonix (winners of the 2011 season of The Sing Off) and their “Evolution of Music” video, which released last April. First watch that.
And then this. WITH COSTUME CHANGES. I die. If you identify 90 percent of these songs, consider yourself a well-educated Bollyphile. [Check yourself against my full list, below.] Gentleman, you do the Penn Masala legacy proud.
Want to hear some of the songs featured in their compilation? Check out the playlist I compiled.
Full confession: I was making this for myself ANYWAY because I just *had* to and out of the goodness of my heart, decided to share with y’all. You’re welcome.
1. Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki (Dulari, 1949)
2. Mera Joota Hai Japani (Shree 420, 1955)
3. Eana Meena Deeka (Aasha, 1957)
4. Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh (Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai, 1960)
5. Roop Tera Mastana (Roop Tera Mastana, 1972)
6. Hum Tum Ek Kamre Mein Band Ho (Bobby, 1973)
7. Yeh Dosti (Sholay, 1975)
8. Bachna Ae Haseeno Lo Main Aa Gaya (Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahin, 2002)
9. Khaike Paan Bana (Don 2006)
10. Inteha Ho Gai Intezar Ki (Shaarabi 1984)
11. Pehla Nasha (Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander 1992)
12. Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, 2005)
13. Muqabala, Muqabala (Kadhalan, 1993)
14. Dil to Pagal Hai, (Dil to Pagal Hai, 1997)
15. Chaiyya Chaiyya (Dil Se, 1998)
16. Meri Mehbooba (Pardes, 1997)
17. Koi Mil Gaya (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, 1998)
18. Tunak Tunak Tun (1998)
19. Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje song (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, 1999)
20. Es Tutte Dil Ki Peedh Sahyehi Na Jayeh (Taal, 1999)
21. Na Tum Jaano Na Hum (Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai, 2000)
22. Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe (Dil Chahta Hai, 2001)
23. You Are My Sonia, (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…, 2001)
24. Mitwa (Lagaan, 2001)
25. Pretty Woman (Kal Ho Naa Ho, 2003)
26. Kajra Re (Bunty Aur Babli, 2005)
27. Dhoom Machale (Dhoom, 2004)
28. Where’s The Party Tonight (Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, 2006)
29. Mauja Hi Mauja (Jab We Met, 2007)
30. Jai Ho (Slumdog Millionaire, 2008)
31. Deewangi Deewangi (Om Shanti Om, 2007)
32. Munni Badnam Hui (Dabangg, 2010)
33. Sheila Ki Jawani (Tees Maar Khan, 2010)
34. Jiya Re (Jab Tak Hai Jaan, 2012)
35. Dilliwaali Girlfriend (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, 2013)
Kishwer Vikaas is a co-founder and editor of The Aerogram. Follow her on Twitter at @phillygrrl or email her at editors@theaerogram.com.
