I went to the Jaipur Literature Festival in London today — and what an incredible experience it turned out to be. The lineup of talks was stellar, but ironically, we missed the very session that drew us there: Dr. Shashi Tharoor. Blame it on a broken Tube door! By the end of the day, though, what truly lingered with me was a powerful reflection on top Indian songs and cultural identity — how music carries memory, belonging, and emotion across generations.

Who would’ve thought the most anticipated event could slip away due to TFL’s less-than-reliable maintenance? By the time we arrived, the venue was full. Slightly dejected, we wandered into another session that didn’t quite spark excitement — but then, things shifted.

What followed were panels that were, quite simply, out of this world.

We attended a talk by Hanif Kureishi. I’ll be honest — I wasn’t familiar with his work. But I had two reasons for going: first, his story. He’s now paralysed from the neck down, and the session was about how his life — and writing — changed after the accident. Second, I was eyeing good seats for the next panel featuring Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Bhashti — fresh off their International Booker win.

Both talks were brilliant — laced with humour, deep reflections on life, and insights into how literary minds think. That was followed by an equally enriching, and unexpectedly hilarious, conversation with Malvika Singh.

But what stood out most was the final session we attended: East in West — Journeys in Music, featuring the phenomenal Reeta Loi, chef-activist Asma Khan, and broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake. Each of them was asked to share their top three Indian songs — and as they spoke about the memories those songs evoked, something stirred in me.

I started wondering: What are mine?

And just like that, it turned into one of the most introspective moments of the day — not just about music, but about identity, belonging, and the soundtracks of our lives.

As they shared, I found myself spiralling into nostalgia. Their choices weren’t just musical — they were emotional, cultural, deeply personal. It made me pause and reflect on how Indian songs and cultural identity are so often intertwined, shaping the stories we carry.

What would my top five songs be?

Here’s where my heart lands:

Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana – Of course, it’s Kishore Kumar. But it’s also poetic — an anthem of joy with a bittersweet edge. I’ve always loved songs for their lyrics, and this one reminds me that life, with all its unpredictability, is still a beautiful journey.

Rimjhim Gire Sawan – Another Kishore classic. This one takes me straight to the Indian monsoons — to romance in the rain. It’s soaked in nostalgia, beautifully rendered in Raag Pilu, a nod to our classical roots.

Phoolon Ka Taron Ka – This one brings tears to my eyes. My late sister and I used to sing it to each other growing up. I can’t listen to it now without feeling a sharp tug at my heart. Sometimes I even turn it off mid-way. And yet, it remains in my top three — for the emotional weight it carries.

Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi – Sung by the inimitable Jagjit Singh. It’s hauntingly romantic — poetic, soft, filled with longing. I sometimes imagine someone singing it for me, with the kind of love that makes the world pause.

Aise Na Mujhe Tum Dekho – Sensual, soulful, unforgettable. Another Kishore gem. There’s something deliciously romantic and unabashedly sexy about this one. It gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.

Other favourites from the region include the qawwalis of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan:
Tumhein Dillagi Bhool Jani Padegi, Yeh Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hai, Mere Rashke Qamar, and Afreen Afreen — each one layered with devotion and desire.

Some devotional songs also lift me — Aigiri Nandini to charge up my day, and the Hanuman Chalisa, which I often listen to first thing in the morning. It’s not a song, really — more of a tonic to centre and strengthen me.

Outside the Indian sphere, a few songs speak to me just as deeply.

Counting Stars by OneRepublic is one of them. I love it not only for its music, but for its message — a meditation on ambition, materialism, and the search for a more meaningful life.

“Lately I been, I been losing sleep / Dreaming about the things that we could be.”
It captures that inner tension — between chasing money and chasing purpose.
“No more counting dollars / We’ll be counting stars.”
A song that hits the soul.

And then there’s Believer by Imagine Dragons. My all-time favourite — across cultures, languages, and genres.

The first time I heard it was at a Tony Robbins event called Unleash the Power Within. Every time I play it, I’m transported back to that charged atmosphere. It’s my go-to when I feel low or need a jolt of raw affirmation.

“My life, my love, my drive — it came from… pain!”

To me, Believer is about turning pain into power. About owning your scars and forging something beautiful out of them. It’s thunderous, defiant, and healing — all at once.

So, tell me —
What are your top five songs?
Which ones bring you back to yourself, and what do they say about your own journey with Indian songs and cultural identity?