Contents
- 1 The Era of Walkmans, Channel V, and Timeless Tunes
- 2 1. Made in India – Alisha Chinai
- 3 2. Dooba Dooba – Silk Route
- 4 3. Tera Chehra – Adnan Sami
- 5 4. Pari Hoon Main – Suneeta Rao
- 6 5. Yaaron – KK
- 7 6. Leja Leja Re – Shreya Ghoshal & Ustad Sultan Khan
- 8 7. Tanha Dil – Shaan
- 9 8. Deewana – Sonu Nigam
- 10 9. Purani Jeans – Ali Haider
- 11 10. Sa Ni Dha Pa – Colonial Cousins
- 12 11. O Sanam – Lucky Ali
- 13 The Nostalgia Never Ends
- 14 Why These Songs Still Resonate Today
- 15 Where to Stream Them Today
- 16 The Revival of IndiePop
- 17 FAQs
The Era of Walkmans, Channel V, and Timeless Tunes
If you grew up in the 90s, your playlist was incomplete without those catchy, emotional, or feel-good IndiPop songs that weren’t from Bollywood but had the same star power. These tracks were the real heartbeats of a generation—played on TV music countdowns, shared on cassettes, and performed by artists who became icons overnight.
1. Made in India – Alisha Chinai
A song that redefined IndiPop and female pop icons, Made in India became a cultural reset in 1995. With Milind Soman in the video and Alisha’s fierce vocals, it celebrated everything desi in the coolest way possible.
2. Dooba Dooba – Silk Route
Before Mohit Chauhan sang for films, his band Silk Route gave us this absolute gem. Dooba Dooba from the album Boondein felt like a dream sequence. The acoustic guitar, the underwater music video, and those heartfelt lyrics still feel fresh.
3. Tera Chehra – Adnan Sami
The piano intro alone could bring tears to your eyes. With soulful lyrics and Adnan Sami’s unmatched vocals, Tera Chehra made waves as one of the most romantic tracks of the decade. It had the glamour of Rani Mukerji and the soul of a classic ballad.
4. Pari Hoon Main – Suneeta Rao
The upbeat tempo, the empowering lyrics, and Suneeta Rao’s lively stage presence made this an anthem for every little girl who believed she was magical. Pari Hoon Main still brings a smile with its infectious energy.
5. Yaaron – KK
Released in the late 90s, Yaaron was a heartfelt ode to friendship. KK’s voice became the sound of emotions that were otherwise hard to express. This track became a farewell staple, a background to hostel nights, and pure nostalgia.
6. Leja Leja Re – Shreya Ghoshal & Ustad Sultan Khan
This fusion of traditional Indian classical and modern beats was a hit not only for its melody but also for its visually striking music video featuring Nina Sarkar. Years later, the song still finds its way to playlists.
7. Tanha Dil – Shaan
Long before he became the voice behind Bollywood’s hit numbers, Shaan gave us Tanha Dil. It was about longing, loneliness, and finding your own way—something every 90s teen could relate to in one way or another.
8. Deewana – Sonu Nigam
From his debut album Deewana, this title track made Sonu Nigam a star in the independent music world. Emotional depth, stunning vocals, and a charming video made it unforgettable.
9. Purani Jeans – Ali Haider
A song that plays like a time machine. Purani Jeans is the sound of school memories, first crushes, and carefree days. Pakistani singer Ali Haider struck the perfect chord with desi youth on both sides of the border.
10. Sa Ni Dha Pa – Colonial Cousins
When Hariharan and Leslie Lewis came together as Colonial Cousins, the result was genre-defining. Sa Ni Dha Pa blended Indian classical with pop, making it unlike anything heard before. It was experimental, brilliant, and unforgettable.
11. O Sanam – Lucky Ali
No list is complete without O Sanam. With his rustic voice and poetic lyrics, Lucky Ali crafted something that has stood the test of time. The Morocco-shot video was ahead of its time and the melody still haunts us in the best way possible.
The Nostalgia Never Ends
These songs are more than just music—they are a reminder of the time when MTV and Channel V ruled our screens and we’d wait for the Top 10 countdown every weekend. The 90s IndiePop wave was about expression, freedom, and a generation finding its own sound outside of Bollywood.
Why These Songs Still Resonate Today
It was a time of originality. From their lyrics to their video concepts, everything felt authentic. Unlike today’s remixes, these tracks were created to tell a story—whether it was love, heartbreak, or the magic of growing up. The raw production value, simple visuals, and honest vocals made these songs relatable even decades later.
Where to Stream Them Today
Thanks to platforms like YouTube Music, Spotify, and JioSaavn, these golden tracks are easily accessible today. You can find full albums, curated nostalgia playlists, and remastered versions that sound as good as ever.
The Revival of IndiePop
In recent years, there’s been a beautiful comeback of indie pop, with artists releasing original non-film tracks again. But the 90s hits continue to remain at the top of every nostalgia-driven playlist because they captured something rare: simplicity and soul.
FAQs
Q1. What is IndiPop music?
IndiPop refers to Indian pop music that emerged outside the mainstream film industry, often sung by solo artists or bands in the 90s.
Q2. Who started the IndiPop movement in India?
Artists like Alisha Chinai, Baba Sehgal, and Colonial Cousins played major roles in kick-starting the IndiPop scene.
Q3. Where can I find a playlist of 90s IndiPop songs?
You can find curated playlists on Spotify, YouTube, and JioSaavn.
Q4. Why was 90s IndiPop so popular?
It was refreshing, different from Bollywood music, and gave independent artists a platform. The music videos were also creative and appealing to the youth.
Q5. Are any 90s IndiPop artists still active?
Yes, artists like Shaan, Lucky Ali, and Sonu Nigam continue to perform and release music today.
Q6. Was Lucky Ali a part of Bollywood too?
Yes, although known for his indie work, Lucky Ali has sung for several Bollywood films and gained mainstream success.
Q7. Which was the most popular IndiPop song of the 90s?
While opinions vary, Made in India by Alisha Chinai is widely considered a landmark track that defined the genre.
