The first three films of Dharma Productions, “Dostana” (1980), “Duniya” (1984), and “Muqaddar Ka Faisla,” (1987), had music composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal, R. D. Burman, and Bappi Lahiri. Among these, the music of the film “Dostana” has been quite popular.
Ace filmmaker Karan Johar, known for his cult film, Kuch Kuch Hota Hain. From 1998 to till date, Karan Johar has created numerous films across various genres. Through his consistency, he has pushed the boundaries of Bollywood, also known as Hindi Film Industry. Everyone recognizes Karan as a good director, actor, and successful producer. However, very few people realize that the songs in all his films resonate with audiences across various genres. Regardless of the genre—be it romance, action, drama, or horror—every film of Dharma Production’s features melodious songs. For instance, the song “Abhi Mujhme Kahin” from Agneepath or “Ishq Bulawa” from Hasee Toh Phasee. Such melodious songs in every film shows excellent teamwork and great leadership.
After Yash Raj Films, Dharma Productions remains the only banner whose films consistently feature chart-topping soundtracks, regardless of the genre. Before the release of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dharma Productions had already produced films with good music, such as Dostana (1980) and Agneepath (1989). However, the 1998 release of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai established Dharma Productions as a banner known for romantic musical films. The music of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai topped the charts of its time. Even today, households play the songs from this film.
Even though “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” tied Dharma Productions to the musical genre, Karan Johar continued to create films in various genres, each featuring melodious songs.
Genre-Bending Songs
One of the key factors behind Dharma Productions films song success is maintaining a consistent level of musical excellence. For instance, the romantic comedy *Hasi to phansi* (2014) featured the chart-topping “Ishq Bulawa,” while the action drama “Brothers” (2014) boasted the powerful “Ye go Ye, Ye Maina.” This versatility has proven time and again to cater to a broad audience, ensuring that their films appeal to diverse tastes and ears.
Collaborations, Innovations and Approval Genius
Karan Johar’s collaborations with various directors and musicians lead to brainstorming sessions about the kind of music they want to create for a particular film. Additionally, their willingness to experiment with existing singers like Sonu Nigam and new talents like Shipra Goyal and Sanam Puri has resulted in some truly iconic soundtracks.
The company’s devotion to quality and innovation has raised the bar for Bollywood music as a whole, inspiring competitors to follow suit. In a year, more than 200 films are produced in the Hindi film industry. Out of these, three to four films are released by Dharma Productions. In these four films, if there are ten songs, seven of them are chartbusters.
This clearly shows that amidst the large number of over 200 films, only a select few have truly outstanding music. It is evident that Karan Johar’s films are committed to excellent music. After listening to many tunes during music sittings, the songs we see and hear on screen are nothing short of a reflection of Karan Johar’s genius approval. We hope that Dharma Productions continues this musical journey and inspires and encourages future generations.
List of Soulful Songs from Karan Johar Films
- Tujhe yaad na meri aayi – Kuch Kuch Hota Hai ( 1998)
- Kathhayi Aakho Wali Ek Ladki (1998)
- Suraj Hua Madhham – Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001)
- Har Ghari Badal Rahi hain- Kal Ho Na Ho (2003)
- Kuch to hua hain – Kal ho na ho ( 2003)
- Tumko bhi hain khabar- Kabhi elvira na kehne ( 2006)
- Tumhi Dekho na – Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna ( 2006)
- Tu Hi Meri Zindagi – Kaal ( 2005)
- Kis Taraf Hain Aasman – Dostana (2009)
- Kuch Kam Roshan Hain Roshni – Dostana ( 2009 )
- Tuh Hain To Tedhe Medhe Raaste – Dostana (2009)
- Nazron Se Nazarein Mili To – Shukrunullah – Kurbaan (2009)
- Kaisa Ha Junoon – Ali Maula – Kurbaan (2009)
- Gunja Sa Koi Iktara – Wake Up Sid (2009)
- Ajnabi Mod Hai – Noor E Khuda – My Name Is Khan (2010)
- Rom Rom Tera Naam Pukare – Sajda- My Name Is Khan (2010)
- Abhi Mujhme Kahi – Agneepath ( 2012)
- Ishq Wala Love – Student Of The Year 1 (2012)
- Shaame Surang Si – Ilahi – Yeh Jawani Hain Deewani (2013)
- Ek Din Kabhi Jo Khud Ko Taraashe – Subhanallah – Yeh Jawani Hain Deewani (2013)
- Main Tenu Samjhawan Ki – Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya (2014)
- Ishq Bulawa – Hasi To Phansi (2014)
- Tujhe Chaahu Betahaasha Zehnaseeb – Hasi To Phansi (2014)
- Manchala Chala Mann Chala Teri Aur – Hasi To Phansi (2014)
- Ishq Ki Dhooni Roz Jalaye – 2 States (2014)
- Auliya Mere Raasta Dikha – Ungli (2014)
- Bol Na – Kapoors and Sons (2015)
- Sapna Jaha Haqikat Lage – Brothers (2015)
- Tu Safar Mera – Ae Dil Hain Mushkil (2016)
- Tu Hi Hai – Dear Zindagi (2016)
- Tu Haan Tu – Dear Zindagi (2016)
- Sun Mere Humsafar – Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya (2017)
- Roke Na Ruke Naina – Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya (2017)
- Jo Meri Manzilo Ko Jaati Hain – Dhadak (2018)
- Mahi Main Tere Peeche Peeche Chaliya – Kesari (2019)
- Dil Na jaaneya – Good Newwz (2019)
- Yeh Mann Ki Dori – Gunjan Saxena (2020)
- Mere Yaara – Sooryavanshi (2021)
- Raata Lambiyaan – Shershaah (2021)
- Kabhi Tumhe Yaad Aaye Meri – Shershaah (2021)
