The Top 100 Bollywood albums series came to a close last week. I thank everyone who followed the countdown and shared their thoughts on the various entries – this project has been a thoroughly enriching experience as much for the work that went into creating the list, as it has been for the discussions that ensued as a result of it. And as a final closing act, I present an honorary list of 10 from the many albums that I would have very much loved to be part of the 100 but could not feature. Just a list this time, in its chronological order, and a choice of favourite song from each. No writeups, and no ranking.
1. Shree 420 (1955)
Music: Shankar-Jaikishan
Lyrics: Shailendra, Hasrat Jaipuri
Director: Raj Kapoor
Best Song: Pyaar Hua Iqraar Hua
2. Kagaz Ke Phool (1959)
Music: SD Burman
Lyrics: Kaifi Azmi, Shailendra
Director: Guru Dutt
Best Song: Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam
3. Mera Saaya (1966)
Music: Madan Mohan
Lyrics: Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
Director: Raj Khosla
Best Song: Naino Mein Badra Chhaaye
4. Mamta (1966)
Music: Roshan
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Director: Asit Sen
Best Song: Chhupa Lo Dil Mein
5. Ghar (1978)
Music: RD Burman
Lyrics: Gulzar
Director: Manik Chatterjee
Best Song: Phir Wohi Raat Hai
6. Bazaar (1982)
Music: Khayyam
Lyrics: Makhdoom Mohiuddin, Bashar Nawaz, Mir Taqi Mir, Mirza Shauq
Director: Sagar Sarhadi
Best Song: Phir Chhidi Raat
7. Swades (2004)
Music: AR Rahman
Lyrics: Javed Akthar
Director: Ashutosh Gowarikar
Best Song:Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera
8. Kaminey (2009)
Music: Vishal Bhardwaj
Lyrics: Gulzar
Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
Best Song: Kaminey
9. Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012)
Music: Sneha Khanwalkar, Piyush Mishra
Lyrics: Varun Grover, Vedesh Solokoo, Piyush Mishra, Traditional
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Best Song: Keh Ke Loonga
10. Mirzya (2016)
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Daler Mehndi
Lyrics: Gulzar
Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Best Song: Aave Re Hichki