How Arabic Music Shaped Bollywood’s Biggest Hits Through the Decades

Bollywood has long been a cultural blender, especially in music. Over the years, Hindi cinema has embraced global sounds, and one of its strongest musical bonds is with Arabic music. From mystical Sufi flavours to punchy rap beats, this influence has shaped many unforgettable songs.

From retro gems to recent viral sensations, Arabic music has carved a unique space in Bollywood’s ever-evolving soundscape.

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Here’s a journey across the tracks that defined this fusion.

‘FA9LA’ – Dhurandhar (2025)

This is one of Bollywood’s strongest Arabic crossovers in recent years. Featuring Bahraini rapper Flipperachi, ‘FA9LA’ combines Arabic hip-hop with a grand cinematic tone. Akshaye Khanna’s menacing presence and the film’s gritty visuals helped the track explode across social media, marking a rare moment where Arabic rap led a mainstream Bollywood soundtrack.

‘Jamal Kudu’ – Animal (2023)

Rooted in Arabic folk tradition, this haunting track became a phenomenon. Bobby Deol’s chilling glass-balancing sequence added iconic value, making the song trend everywhere. Its raw, ancient vibe proved how Arabic folk rhythms can elevate modern storytelling.

‘Afghan Jalebi’ – Phantom (2015)

Katrina Kaif’s electrifying performance and the song’s fast Middle Eastern beats made ‘Afghan Jalebi’ a global chartbuster. The track blended festive Arabic energy with Bollywood glamour, turning it into a staple at weddings, clubs, and dance stages worldwide.

‘Mashallah’ – Ek Tha Tiger (2012)

Shot in sweeping desert locations, ‘Mashallah’ offered a beautiful mix of Arabic rhythm and Bollywood romance. Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s chemistry, paired with hypnotic beats, turned this into one of the most visually striking songs of the decade.

‘Dil Cheez Tujhe Dedi’ – Airlift (2016)

Unlike high-energy Arabic tracks, this one uses delicate Middle Eastern instrumentation under a soothing Hindi melody. Akshay Kumar and Nimrat Kaur’s subtle chemistry enhanced the emotional warmth of the song, showing that Arabic influences can also be gentle and soulful.

‘Mayya Mayya’ – Guru (2007)

A.R. Rahman created magic with this sensual Arabic-inspired track featuring Mallika Sherawat. Sung by Chinmayi Sripada and Egyptian artist Maryem Toller—whom Rahman personally coached—the song blended global sounds with seductive energy, becoming an instant standout in Guru.

‘Ya Ali’ – Gangster (2006)

Known for its spiritual pull, ‘Ya Ali’ carries Arabic melodic influences mixed with Sufi depth. The track added emotional power to Emraan Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut’s intense on-screen chemistry. Even years later, it remains one of Bollywood’s most loved romantic ballads.

‘Kaho Na Kaho’ – Murder (2004)

This was Bollywood’s first major introduction to a direct Arabic melody. Adapted from an original by Egyptian star Amr Diab, the song preserved Middle Eastern flavours while fitting perfectly into the film’s dark, romantic tone. It became an instant classic featuring Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat.

‘Mehbooba’ – Sholay (1975)

Long before Arabic fusion became popular, R.D. Burman infused Middle Eastern rhythms into this iconic track. Helen’s unforgettable cabaret performance elevated its exotic appeal, making it one of Hindi cinema’s earliest and most legendary Arabic-influenced songs.

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