In Lucknow’s old, time-endured alleys, in its mehfils, in the lilt of its Urdu and the effortless grace of its tehzeeb, there is always a choreography at play. This is a city that converses in couplets and carries centuries of culture with ease. It is only natural, then, that cinema and music have repeatedly returned to Lucknow for inspiration. Some songs revel in its cuisine, others in its culture, its street-side wit or its modern swagger. Together, they create a musical tale of a distinct personality. Here are 9 music tracks about Lucknow that have beautifully captured the city.
Ye Lucknow Ki Sar Zameen is a celebrated Hindi song from the 1960 film Chaudhvin Ka Chand, sung by Mohammed Rafi, composed by Ravi and written by Shakeel Badayuni. The opening lines portray the city as a place of beauty and cultural richness. The lyrics go on to celebrate Lucknow’s heritage, describing it as a home of art, poetry and refined culture (“shabaab-o-sher ka ye ghar, ye ahl-e-ilm ka nagar”). Owing to its lyrical focus on the city and its evocative imagery, Ye Lucknow Ki Sar Zameen remains one of the most iconic musical tributes to Lucknow in Indian cinema.
Lucknow is an instrumental track composed by A.R. Rahman for the Hollywood sports drama Million Dollar Arm (2014), released by Walt Disney Records. Although the piece contains no lyrics, its title directly references Lucknow. In Million Dollar Arm, Rahman’s music underscores moments of cross-cultural exchange and emotion. Through its layered melody and orchestral texture, the song musically evokes the spirit of a historic Indian city, echoing the richness associated with Lucknow’s cultural identity.
“Aye Shehar-e-Lucknow” is a classic Hindi song from the 1967 Bollywood film Palki, sung by Mohammed Rafi, composed by Naushad Ali and written by Shakeel Badayuni. The song’s recurring line “Ae shehar-e-Lucknow tujhe mera salam hai” literally means “O city of Lucknow, my salute to you.” The lyrics paint Lucknow as a place synonymous with beauty and cultural refinement.
“Lucknow Chalo Ab Rani” is a light-hearted song from the 1951 Hindi film Sansar, performed by G. M. Durrani and Geeta Ghosh Roy Chowdhuri. The music was composed by B. S. Kalla, Emani Sankara Sastry and M. D. Parthasarathy, with lyrics by Pandit Indra Chandra. The track uses Lucknow in its chorus as a invitation “Lucknow chalo ab rani.” The refrain turns the city’s name into a lively, mischievous call to travel.
Daawat-e-Ishq is the title song from the 2014 Bollywood film Daawat-e-Ishq, with music composed by Sajid–Wajid and lyrics by Kausar Munir. It is sung by Javed Ali and Sunidhi Chauhan. The track beautifully encapsulates the city’s food culture and culinary warmth.
The film centres on a Lakhnawi cook trying to woo his love interest through the richness of his cuisine. One of the most memorable lines that connects the song to this idea is, “Dil ne dastarkhwaan bichhaaya, daawat-e-ishq hai.”
Inhi Logon Ne from the 1972 film Pakeezah, sung by Lata Mangeshkar with lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri and music by Ghulam Mohammed, remains one of Hindi cinema’s celebrated thumris. The singer sighs, “Inhin logon ne le leena dupatta mera,” accusing the very onlookers gathered around her. Its Lucknowi character lies in songs detail. The song evokes the old Sarafa Bazaar, with its narrow lanes and many itar shops. References to the sipahiya, the nearby police post and rangrajva entrusted with dyeing the dupatta conjure a portrait of daily market life.
In Aankhon Ki Masti Ke is a song from the 1981 film Umrao Jaan, sung by Asha Bhosle, composed by Mohammed Zahur Khayyam and penned by Urdu poet Shahryar. The song is set in the world of Umrao Jaan, the courtesan-poet of 19th-century Lucknow whose life the film brings to the screen. The song reflects the poetic, sophisticated and expressive spirit of Lucknow’s culture.
Panwaran Hoon Main Lucknow Ki is a spirited Hindi song from the 1972 film Baazigar, sung by Asha Bhosle, with music composed by Jagmohan Bakshi and Sapan Sengupta, and lyrics by Naqsh Lyallpuri. From the opening line, “Panwaran hoon main Lucknow ki,” the song roots itself in the city, with the singer playfully referring to herself as a paan seller from Lucknow. The imagery draws on the cultural significance of paan in Lucknow’s social life.
Ab Apni Baari Hai is the official theme song of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL. Released in March 2022, the track was written, composed and performed by rapper Badshah. When Badshah raps, “Change hua scene, it’s new Lucknow”, he presents the city as ambitious and ready for its moment. It highlights the team’s arrival in IPL and reflects the spirit of a modern Lucknow that is moving forward while still carrying its legacy.
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