Alvin M. Keeling 
Hope songs are always good but get even better and more relevant in difficult times. Perhaps now is a good time to remember some of the greatest hopeful songs in Hindi cinema. These became extremely popular when they were released and are still remembered and hummed by huge numbers of people.
Nirbal se ladai balwan ki, ye kahani hai diye ki aur toofan ki — As the first line of this song indicates, it is in the form of a parable of an earthen lamp showing light to people but attacked by a violent storm that leans on turning off the lamp. Despite numerous storm attacks, the lamp manages to protect its glow. The parable symbolizes the struggles of the very weak against the great aggressors. This song from the film Diya Aur Toofan written by the poet Bharat Vyas was sung with great soul by the great Manna Dey, to music by Vasant Desai.
Wo Subah Kabhi in Aayegi — This gem of a song by Sahir Ludhianvi says in several evocative ways that whatever the obstacles and no matter how overwhelming the forces of darkness are, the dawn will surely come soon enough and we are alive. in the hope of that. It is Phir Subah Hogi, a memorable film directed in 1958 by Ramesh Sehgal, based on Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky, with music by Khayyam. This song is portrayed on Raj Kapoor and Mala Sinha when the characters they play are in a very sad state of mind. This song gives them hope, and since then has given hope to millions of people. Very well sung by Mukesh and Asha.
Jhoomti Chali Hawa, Yaad Aa Gaya Koi — What a beautiful song came from Shailendra’s pen, with equally awesome music by SN Tripathi and very well portrayed on Bharat Bhushan in the 1962 film Sangeet Samrat Tansen. This song evokes very difficult times in various stanzas, then the last line of the stanza conveys a feeling or message of hope. A fine example of the use of “classical” music in movies and the great song of Mukesh.
Aa Ab Laut Chalein — This is one of the most memorable songs from Shankar Jaikishan’s team and used to great effect in Raj Kapoor’s Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai. Shot on Raj Kapoor, Padmini and a bunch of dacoits, the song shows the scene where the dacoits motivated by the message of peace move in a large group to surrender and an armed police force arrives on the other side. The resulting tensions, the clash between uncertainty and hope, are captured well in the scenes and the song conveys a message of returning to a life of peace. It was sung with great soul by Lata and Mukesh, with great use of the chorus.
Aa Chal Ke Tujhe, Main Le Ke Chalun, Ik Aise Gagan Ke Tale — This song remains an excellent example of the multifaceted genius of Kishore Kumar. He wrote the lyrics, composed the music, sang the song, the song is filmed about him and a child in a movie directed by him, Door Gagan Ki Chaon Mein! In the song Kishore tells about a child in distress, I want to take you to a world where there are no tears, only a lot of love. The child plays the flute and they walk in a path of flowers, birds, springs.
Mere Nazeem, Mere Humsafar Udaas Naa Ho — In this memorable song from the pen of Sahir, we have a woman telling her beloved not to be overwhelmed by the great difficulties and obstacles they face. Very talented singer Sudha Malhotra is able to bring the right feelings into her voice to convey the blend of love, emotion, motivation and determination. This great song from the movie Bhai Behan has music by N. Dutta.
Kisi ki Muskrahato Pe ho Nisar — This is a very popular and great song from the movie Anari. Photographed on Raj Kapoor, playing an unemployed youth who always manages to be cheerful in his own way, this song says that the way to live is not to allow yourself to be overwhelmed by difficulties but to retain the ability to be kind to others and to experience the small joys of life while helping others. Sung in a delightful way by Mukesh and written by Shailendra.
Chota Sa Ghar Hoga Badalon ki Chaon Mein — This delicious song by Naukri once again has Kishore Kumar at his best, with music by Salil Chaudhry. In the song, which is also featured on Kishore, we see him exchanging loving, brotherly teases with his younger sister, while painting a rosy picture of a better life for the family. He is full of little and sweet hopes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X0e5AS7EPw
Jaago Mohan Pyare — This is a very popular and awesome devotional song from a great movie, Jagte Raho, sung in good humor as a background song by Lata Mangeshkar with music by Salil Chaudhary. Raj Kapoor playing the role of a migrant worker was severely beaten. Just as a child helps her get up, this song begins in the background. He was thirsty all night. As he walks towards a temple, a woman (played by Nargis) has just finished her worship and gets up to offer him water.
Ae malik tere Bande hum — This devotional song has become very popular and is frequently used as a morning prayer in many schools. This song by Do Ankhen Barah Haath, a prison reform film, calls on the Almighty to give strength to face hardships and maintain the nobility of his goals amidst many adversities.
Madhu and Bharat Dogra work together on songs of social significance
