Top Indian Songs of the week 18th May 2025

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Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending    18th May 2025

1. Still Here 

Featuring Artist: Katya Krishnan 

Written & Performed: Dino James 

Producer: Bluish Music 

Language: Hindi/English

Genre: Hip Hop

Mood: Energetic

I loved this album 'Priceless' by Dino James as he collaborates with some fine artists, and producers and gives a relevant, engaging, and heartfelt Hip-Hop album. This genre and space is always something that is used for some poor writers, who focus on money, luxury brand names, violence, shooting, sex and inappropriate content. So I will appreciate Dino for achieving what most Hip-Hop artists have failed to do - inspire and impact with good intent. 

A few songs are so amazingly written as Dino writes and performs all the songs in the album. His words of love thinking of his mother are the ones that touched me the most. This is my favourite track from the album. Katya Krishnan is one vocalist who I adore and she gets right on the job singing 'I'm still Here' in the intro. She stuns you like the sting of a serpent and you freeze, all you can do is listen to her breathtaking voice. 

The drums and rhythms come on board and I love the use of the saxophone, not just in this track but across most of the album. Harsh Bhavsar turns on the heat playing the Sax and one must stand up in appreciation for the way Bluish Music has created this stunning sound design through his music production. Just listen to the creative, colourful yet meaningful words as Dino performs "Yeh kamzor dil ke gaane nahi hain — I’m writing for the brave. Aur chaandi ke chamach waalon se karte nahi relate. Yeh mehendi aur tattoo ka farq hai — honge nahi hum fade.

You will also know a lot about a talented artist when the rapper moves across topics, and world affairs to convey his point like this one here "Important khudko maante nahi — hum jhukne se nahi darte. Hum Sachin jaise chal dete, bhale sound na aaye nick mein". Dino continues to impress me even more as he captivates the listeners thoughts, wits and emotions with lines like " Velankanni, Durga — meri mother bohot hai. You sure you wanna fight, bro? Unka dakhal bohot hai. Pair lamba karke sote — ghar pe chaddar bohot hai. Aur main CID mein tha — sabki yahaan khabar bohot hai". 

The gospel-like harmonies, along with the Saxophone interventions and Katya singing her line are all coming along organically together in the outro. Abhishek Ghatak has quite a few elements and tracks to mix and he does that seamlessly, thanks to his mixing and mastering duties. 

@katyakrishnan @harshb.sax @bluishmusicoffiical @t._.vedant @theghatak 

2. Soz e Dil

Composed & Performed by Yawar Abdal 

Written by: Shiekh ul Alam(RA) & Yawar Abdal 

Produced by: Lakshay Sharma, Akash Gupta 

Backing Vocals: Shubhra Agnihotri 

Language: Kashmiri

Genre: Folk-Rock/Ballad

Mood: Mild Pathos

Yawar Abdal is an artist who makes everything about his music soulful. The divinity in his voice is matched by the earnestness in his composition and here we get both in generous amounts. The melody composed by Yawar does possess strains of Khamaj Thaat and possibly Raag Rageshree. Ivaan Khaan starts with his striking solo on the Sarangi, and this is an intro which demands you to start focusing on what you are about to hear. The melancholy brought about here is immense with immediate effect. Lakshay Sharma and Akash Gupta handle all the arrangements and music production. 

The guitars start flowing gently, with Lakshay playing it and there you have Yawar mollycoddling us like a mother to her child. Akash Gupta plays the percussions and drums to give the song a gentle push forward. The electric guitar intervention is by Lakshay and adds a mild rock flavour to this fusion of styles. The electric guitar in the intro is played by Om Hulawale. The verse that follows this interlude is beautifully written like most of the song, but we get Hindi lyrics here that go "Iss haal mein kab tak jiyun Mein betaab, bebas mai bechain hun Ye aalam jala dun ijaazat jo ho Ye andhar hi andhar mai kab tak jaloon". 

This verse is not just profound in writing but also seeps into our system as a very hummable progression of chords. Shubhra Agnihotri can be heard in the backing vocals performing the humming. The Rock infusion is almost complete now with Kartik Singh on bass, and as the electric guitars and drums engage. Akash and Lakshay are also involved in the programming of synths, strings, and horns. I love that Ivaan continuously plays the Sarangi in the background, freely expressing his inner fire as a musician. Towards the outro, Yawar explodes with his energy on vocals along with the drums and guitars. 

The calm after the storm arrives at the very end, but the mind cannot stop thinking of the storm. Lakshay Sharma mixed and mastered the tracks. Xulkarnain Dev did the artwork, Harry Thakur handled the animation, and Taha Firdous Shah translated the lyrics. 

@yawarabdal @akashdrums @laksh_lokfi @songbirdtunes @ivaan_khanofficial @xulkarnain @tahafirdousshah @harry_thakur @knopfeerocknroll @crukces

3. Khaula Ishq 

Singer & Composer: Vijay Prakash 

Lyricist: Irfan Siddiqui 

Music Producer: John Stewart Eduri

Language: Hindi

Genre: Sufi-Pop

Mood: Mild Pathos

Vijay Prakash is one outstanding playback singer, little did I know that he would set the stage on fire as a melody man. Vijay Prakash composes the tune for this soothing, divine song with Irfan Siddiqui writing the lyrics. Sabir Khan joins the party on the Sarangi solo, and he shines with his variations in that interlude bit. "Kaisa Dard Hai Maula" sings Vijay with sulking pain and misery floating around through his effective vocals. I loved the beautiful intervention on the Trumpet by Kishore Sodha, which almost sounds like a Duduk to me. 

Is there some Raag Shanmukhapriya in the melody? Maybe. The interlude is where Kishore goes ballistic and amps it up with the Trumpet solo. The Antara is where Vijay weaves even more magic in the chord progression. I love the lines "Aankhe nam hai, kitne ghum hai, Dil ko mere pyaar ka ye kya mila inaam hai" and then the transformation into the next movement "Roya Dil yeh Bejaan", with a fantastic vibrato on the last word and landing into the notes of the Sthayi, is all magical. PA Deepak, the Grammy award-winning producer/sound engineer co-produces the song. 

The second interlude gets voluminous with the Sarangi, the Mridangam, the Strings section and even an Erhu-like instrument. I am only excited to hear more original work from Vijay Prakash Ji in the future. The second Antara has some excellent Piano accompaniments right through. The recording engineers are Aslam Khan and Benvin Fernandes, the tracks are mixed and mastered by PA Deepak. The team in charge of Project Management has Mariam Tinwala and Aishwarya Patil with the Concept, Visualisation & Direction by Asawari Lugade.

@vijayprakashvp @irfanksiddiqui @kavyabhagvat @verun.24 @johnstewarteduri @kishoresodha @sabirsultankhan @padeepak @mariamtinwala 

4. Kaash

Written, composed and performed by Sarodi

Produced by Dwaipayan Nandi

Language: Hindi

Genre: Classical-Electronic fusion

Mood: Energetic

'kaash', all young musicians took inspiration from this young talented singer/songwriter Rahul Sarodi a.k.a. Sarodi. This musician trained in Hindustani Classical vocals since a young age creates a blistering impact with his singing, technical prowess and composition too. Is there some Raag Yaman influence? Maybe. After that intro with a classical fabric, we get a funky and dop electronic Pop twist within seconds and here we are in the chorus segment. 

Atharva creates a dazzling array of guitars and bass, but the soul is still classical as you can hear the aalap in the interlude. The production is brilliant as we get some heavy synth support thanks to Dwaipayan Nandi. There are so many things happening in the background like the mild flute, the saxophone, the Harp and the Tanpura. Tanay Kamat's flute solo along with Kaushiki Joglekar on the Harmonium and Param Haria on the Tabla inject all the classical goodness into the interlude. 

The verse that follows goes the full-on Tumri mode and this shift of mode works excellently to satisfy a few purists who love the traditional styles and genres. 

@sarodiii @dwaaaiii_music @atharvamusic @kaushiki.joglekar @paramharia @tanay_plays_flute @adityasurve15 @adityadeshpandee @rody.aep @niraj_patel_

5. How Would You Feel

Written and Performed by From The Past

Language: English

Genre: Pop

Mood: Groovy/ Mild Pathos

This Guwahati-based trio is called From The Past, and they have released a new debut EP called Rewind. I have yet to listen to the two other songs on the EP, but "How Would You Feel" feels like an instant charmer. We have musicians Katyayan Rabh, Khanindra Das working on the composition and lyrics. The intro has so much suave already with the lead guitar by Khanindra playing it smooth and we get the bassist Sandid Shakir and drummer Katyayan colluding to take us to the 1980s and 1990s pop-rock-styled music. 

You feel so dreamy with the lead vocals by Khanindra and when the words go " I realise it's too late, there's no time left to say goodbye", you kind of empathise and feel in sync with the song. The writing is relevant and heartfelt and the vocals are dipped in a drizzle of melancholy and vulnerability. If this wasn't enough the guitar solo, hits more nails in the coffin. The melody is very hummable as he sings "I think about it all the time and no no she's never coming back". The song ticks all the boxes to ensure it is loved by the music lover because nothing works like sad lyrics, dreamy vocals and pulsating live instrumentals in a concoction. 

Many a time composers and songwriters wait for the chorus segment to create the maximum drama and impact but these guys captivate you in the verses, and interludes and the chorus segment doesn't come until we approach the 3rd minute. This is interestingly done! The melody written on the lead guitar in the outro after the completion of the chorus segment is excellent and it makes you want so much more! The tracks are mixed and mastered by illip. 

@fromthepast.official 

6. Be Deshe

Vocals: Ranjit Bawa

Lyrics: Tarsem Jassar

Composer: Jaidev Kumar

Arrangements: Jaidev Kumar & Durgesh R Rajbhatt

Language: Punjabi

Genre: Folk Fusion

Mood: Inspiring

The solo violin is a sure-shot way to captivate an audience because the sound always feels intense and generates some pathos. The strings section and the rhythms follow., with all the fantastic and apt arrangements by the talented Durgest R Rajbhatt. This was my favourite song from the new Punjabi movie album "Guru Nanak Jahaz". Jaidev Kumar has composed. The melody does give off Raag Brindavan Sarangi vibes.

Ranjit Bawa blows us away with his impactful vocals and the words are penned by Tarsem Jassar. The power of a strong vocalist is when the words he/she sings come out bearing truth and it emotionally makes you experience every word uttered like you are part of the scene. That is what happens when Ranjit sings " Sada Dil Toote".

The song feels like it is lifting from the dumps, thanks to the words, singing evocative strings, keys and rhythms. Durgesh is the keyboard programmer and Love Shankar energizes the song with the rhythm programming. The string section arrangements are immaculate, and when we get to the interlude, the melody on the solo violin also is excellently written and arranged. This is one song that you can just play and feel better when you are spirits are low. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Gurjinder Guri. 

@durgesh_r_rajbhatt @tarsemjassar.page @ranjitbawa @jaidevkumar_jd @vehlijantarecords 

7. Chorabali Nayika

Singers: Javed Ali & Arpita Choudhury

Lyrics: Rakesh Dash 

Music: Somesh Satpathy 

Music Arranged and Programmed by Abhishek Panigrahi 

Language: Odia

Genre: Light Music/Pop

Mood: Romantic

This song is all about the vocalists, and instrumental arrangements. Somesh Satpathy composes the charming romantic melody but Abhishek Panigrahi delivers a stunning array of arrangements in this aptly programmed song. Javed Ali and Arpita Choudhury are the lead vocalists and they are having a ball out there. The vibrato and every bit of improvisation by both, especially Javed is addictive to hear. 

The song is from a new Odia movie "Love Story", with lyrics by Rakesh Dash. Aniket Moharana keeps intervening on the flute solo with excellent poise. The melodica is also used effectively in the interlude, played by Abhishek Panigrahi. The flute melody in the interlude is so refreshing and executed to perfection. This segment fills the heart with love and it is such a rarity these days in popular film music to have these extended interlude segments. Somesh Satpathy must be appreciated for the dreamy composition which probably has fragments of Raag Bhimplasi.

Javed and Arpita are on a tete-a-tete trying to show off their vocal skills and I love it when there is such healthy competition without excesses.

@amaramuzik @somesh_music @iamdivyadishamohanty @javedali4u @arpitachoudhury05 @aniket_flute 

8. Roothe Ho 

Singer & Composer: Zeeshan Khan 

Music: Garvit Soni

Lyrics: Sharad Tripathi & Zeeshan Khan 

Language: Hindi

Genre: Light Music

Mood: Mild Pathos

Some songs will captivate you immediately and also intensely and I am reminded why I took up this job of analysis and reviewing music. The sadness is etched with Zeeshan's vocals and the lyrics co-penned by Zeeshan and Sharad Tripathi. There is just the faint Piano and the mild acoustic guitar as he asks "Khaamosh Kyun". There are clear strains of Raag Yaman and the composition by Zeeshan fills the heart with joy.

Garvit Soni takes up arrangements and production duties and delivers aces. Feel the delight as you get the flow Flute solo and the Tabla when Zeeshan repeats the line "Tum roothe ho kyun, Baithe ho yun". The Piano starts getting louder in the verse and the combined effect of the Piano and Tabla is a magical fusion of styles. The "harkatein" by Zeeshan brings about a smile and as he sings "Gustakhiyaan..Badmaashiyaan", he keeps the listener engaged and excited right through. 

The flute interventions are continuously ringing in my ears and they are exquisitely arranged. Rani Vyas is the lead in the music video. 

@zeeshan_malang @rajabetasharad @ranivyas @garvitsoni_ @onedigitalentertainment @oceanmotionpictures 

9. Uff

Vocals: Sushant KC, Indrakala Rai

Written and composed by Sushant KC

Arranged by Sushant KC, Kobid Bazra

Language: Hindi

Genre: Dance Pop

Mood: Romantic

This is one song that made me feel jaunty thanks to the dance style rhythms and the nice live instrumental arrangements gave a reason to play it multiple times on a loop. Many times we have had Bollywood dance numbers, that only focus on getting your hearts racing with the tempo, but their melodies are downright poor. This is where this composition does way better thanks to Sushant KC writing the melody and he combines with Kobid Bazra on all the arrangements.

The Cello is played by Nishad Shrestha and we hear a set of strings section also in the background. Uski ek jhalak machthi dhadak Uff, unki kya bata karein", now that is a very hummable line. Sushant also pens the lyrics for the song. The plucked string instrument called Tungna can be heard playing in the background with Kobid on it. This adds so much depth and gives a folkish flavour to the song. The humming that follows this has a slightly different melody and that too is a rarity, not seen in Bollywood.

With Indrakala Rai, the female vocals give off a more innocent, angelic beauty. The Sarangi and Harmionum are also generously used in the song's arrangements, with Kobid playing the former. The melody is very affable, and it strikes the best chord with the music lover's heart. Bikesh Bazra is the recording engineer, and Kobid mixes and masters the tracks. 

@sushantkcofficial @swastimakhadka @indrakala.rai @kobidbazra @na._.yan @tseries.official 

10. Mudhal Variye

Composed & Produced by Aakash Rajan 

Lyrics written by Sudarshan Balu 

Sung by Anjana Padmanabhan & Aakash Rajan 

Language: Tamil

Genre: Pop

Mood: Romantic

Aakash Rajan has composed and produced this romantic pop single that beats alongside your heart. The rhythm guitars help keep the tempo upbeat, and Aakash's Bass/Baritone vocals entice the listener. The pre-chorus gets an amped-up treatment with the rhythm programming and some funky keys. Ashwin Iyer handles all the additional synths and keys. Sudharshan Balu writes these very catchy lyrics as well that are easy to memorise and hum along.

The song gets a massive elevation when Anjana Padmanabhan comes on board and sings "Padal varigalai pol midhandhu sendran ivan". The level of vocal capabilities that this singer is blessed with is immense and it is evident when she does that mild vibrato on "padarathey". The kind of improvisation she produces on the phrase "Mudhal Variye" is a knockout punch. Ashwin Iyer dominated proceedings in the interlude with all his keys and synths. 

Wow! Sudharshan does make the words quite interesting with "Mudhal Variye, Dinasariye, En Januarye." Vedant Uttarkar at Sanctuary Audio Visual (Mumbai) is the recording engineers. Rahul Rajendran mixed and mastered the tracks.  

@aakashrajan @anjanapadmanabhanofficial @ashwiniyer_ @_rahulrajendran @sudo_oo