The lovely tones of the flute provided us with a plethora of timeless and charming songs. To make attractive use of the flute, Golden Era music composers employed their creativity, inspiration, and arrangement expertise.
Flute seemed to be favored by legends like Naushad, S D Burman, and Roshan, who employed it extensively in some of their compositions. In many of his songs, S D Burman employed the flute to provide a breezy and light touch to the vocals he composed in his own style.
The flute is used extensively in his melancholy song Jaayen to Jaayen kahaan (Taxi Driver). The flute and Talat’s voice create an unforgettable melancholy.
Remember the songs Tu mera chaand main teri chaandni (Mela) and Gaye jaa geet milan ke (Mela)? (Dillagi) Naushad makes such lovely and wide use of the flute.
As a result, we have flute solos in songs that we enjoy and wish to hear again because of their compositional brilliance.
1. Chingari Koi Bhadke
Amar Prem’s timeless song, brilliantly written by Aanand Bakshi and features the one and only Kishore Da on vocals.
The track hit every part of your spirit and made you feel warm, with emotive and metaphor-heavy lyrics set to an equally raw, flute-heavy instrumental.
2. Husna
When you listen to Husna, you realize how underappreciated Piyush Mishra is as a lyricist and composer.
The entire idea of two lovers divided by a wall is melancholy in and of itself, but this sensation is amplified when Para Nath’s soul-stirring flute solo arrives.
Piyush Mishra no longer composes music for Bollywood films, which is a shame.
3. Jag Ja
Jagg Jaa from Omkara is a beautiful song penned by Gulzar Saab and composed by Vishal Bhardwaj.
This song is written as if someone is delicately trying to wake up their significant other from a nap, and the instrumental reflects this sensitivity.
The song’s structure is evocative of a calming lullaby that you play on repeat before going to bed.
4. Bombay Theme
It’s the second time AR Rahman has been on this list, and it won’t be the last.
This melodious title tune from the Mani Ratnam classic portrays the themes of religious unity and hope for the country’s better and peaceful future.
5. Moh Moh Ke Dhaage
This superhit from the underappreciated Dum Laga Ke Haisha soundtrack usually leaves you feeling energized. Whether it’s the instrumental, Papon’s calming singing, or Varun Grover’s superb lyrics, this song has it all.
The flute solo that appears as a bridge in the song is the instrumental highlight, and it gives a charm to the piece that no other instrument can.
6. Chali Kahaani
The soundtrack to Tamasha is, in our opinion, one of the best Bollywood albums of the last decade, and Chali Kahani is unquestionably one of the album’s top three songs.
The tune begins with a high-octane first half featuring Sukhwinder Singh’s vocals, and then seamlessly changes into a tranquil and soothing interlude featuring Haricharan and Haripriya that soothes the mood.
This song’s storyline reminds us of Bismil, a similarly beautiful piece from the Haider album.
7. Aaoge Jab Tum
Rashid Khan’s melodic voice, him taking alaaps, and gorgeous flute chops strewed around like culinary garnish. Aaoge Jab Tum is a musical representation of nostalgia.
It’s raining outside, and you’re inside eating chai pakoras while listening to Aaoge Jab Tum on the radio…what more could you want in life?
8. Hai Rama
What can you say about A R Rahman that hasn’t already been said? Rahman creates a soundscape influenced by Hindustan classical traditions in one of his earlier compositions, Hai Rama.
The flute section is a perfect complement to the rest of the song, and it makes you want to nod your head along with it.
9. Zara Zara
We’re sure that at one point or another, everyone had the Zara Zara instrumental as a ringtone on their keypad phones.
The song starts with one of the most lyrical flute melodies you’ll hear in Indian music, and it immediately transports you to another world. Not to mention Bombay Jayashri’s mesmerizing vocals, which perform wonders.
