Something to sing a song about...

Ae mere watan ke logon: It was ranked as the most popular patriotic song on NDTV's survey of the best of 60 years of Independence. Says Lata Mangeshkar, "I never expected it to be such a big hit.

Both poet Pradeepji and C Ramachandraji insisted that I do the song though I was unwell. After its first performance in Delhi, the newspapers next morning were filled with the story of how the song made Panditx Nehru cry."

Mera joota hai japani: Considered as the ultimate pop anthem, Mukesh's rendition added a poignant yet comic shade to Raj Kapoor's character of a nationalistic nomad in Shri 420. Shailendra's lyrics were a great boost.

Kar chale hum fida jaan-o-tan saathiyon: Rafi poured his soul into this paean to patriotism, penned by Kaifi Azmi, for Chetan Anand's Haqeeqat. Strong on sentiments, this song moves listeners to tears every time.

Vande mataram: Lata Mangeshakar's rendering of the immortal lines for Hemant Kumar in the 1952 film Anand Math, remains a classic. Says Lata, "Today, with MP3 players and iPods, aisa passion kahan. I love my India, watan mera India….ha!"

Jahan daal-daal par sone ki chidiya karti hai basera: Giddy-headed utopian view of a newly independent India from the film Sikandar-e-Azam, brought to life by Mohammed Rafi.

Mere Desh ki dharti: This number from Manoj Kumar's Upkar ranks among the most celebrated patriotic songs. Manoj and Mahendra Kapoor's combo came up with some great patriotic songs.

Remember Mora rang de basanti chola from Shaheed? Kalyanji-Anandji composition Dulhan chali ho behan chali teen rang ki choli from Purab Aur Paschim? Laxmikant-Pyarelal's composition Ab ke baras tujhe dharti rani kar denege from Kranti?

Ae mere pyare watan: Penned by Gulzar and composed by Salil Chowdhary, this is one soul-stirring song rendered by Manna Dey.

Ae watan tere liye: Subhash Ghai's Karma boasts of an unthinkable feat — Laxmikant-Pyarelal composition without any singing greats like Lata, Rafi, Mukesh, or Asha. It was rendered by Mohd Aziz and Kavita Krishnamurthy and is still remembered.

Mere dushman mere bhai: J P Dutta's post-glasnost song of Indo-Pak unity, Javed Akhtar's lyrics set to music composed by Annu Malik and sung by Hariharan, is replete with affection and anguish.

Says Dutta, "This song pleaded for sanity and amity between the two countries at a time when politicians were baying for blood."

Suno jaane wale laut ke aana: Penned by Javed Akhtar and composed by Anu Malik, this song from J P Dutta's LOC, rendered by Alka Yagnik is a poignant plea to the soldiers to return to their homes.

Maa tujhe salaam: A R Rahman's passionate number is one of the greatest tribute to our motherland since Ae mere watan ke logon.