What’s the best quality time you can get? Time with amma abba. What’s the best beverage in the world? Chai. What if you combine the two of them? Does that not sound like the best time ever? Growing up, for me, we used to sit down as a family and listen to music. We still do. Going from Lahore to Islamabad by road, our biggest attraction is our father’s CD collection that we play for as long as we possibly can. From Iqbal Bano to Mehdi Hassan to Farida Khanum and Noor Jehan. From Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan sahab to Ghulam Ali, Begum Akhtar and Tina Sani. These names aren’t alien to anyone who grew up in Pakistan. And even if they are, I guarantee that you’ll be falling in love by the end of the article, and will most definitely be wanting more. So the next time you sit with your parents for chai, play these songs and ghazals and watch them have the time of their lives with you.
1. Raat Yun Dil Mein Teri Khoyi Hui Yaad Aayi – Nayyara Noor
2. Mere Dil Mere Musafir – Tina Sani
3. Chupke Chupke Raat Din – Ghulam Ali
4. Rafta Rafta Woh Meri Hasti Ka Samaan Ho Gaye – Mehdi Hassan
5. Mera Gham Aur Meri Har Khushi Tum Se Hai – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
6. Woh Ishq Jo Humse Rooth Gaya – Farida Khanum
7. Daagh-e-Dil Hum Ko Yaad Aaney Luge – Iqbal Bano
8. Mujhse Pehli Si Muhabbat Mere Mehboob Na Maang – Noor Jahan
9. Meda Ishq Vi Tu Meri Jaan Vi Tu – Pathaney Khan
10. Dasht-e-Tanhai – Iqbal Bano
11. Ranjish Hi Sahi – Mehdi Hassan
12. Yaar Ko Hum Ne Ja Ba Ja Dekha – Abida Parveen
13. Kabhi Yaad Mein Tera Saath – Tina Sani
14. Muddat Hui Hai Yaar Ko Mehmaan Kiye Hue – Iqbal Bano
15. Kahan Ho Tum Chale Aao Muhabbat Ka Taqaza Hai – Nayyara Noor
16. Kithay Nain Na JoriN – Reshma
17. Na Dil Dendi Bedardi Nu – Reshma
18. Har Qadam Per Nit Naye Saanche Main Dhal Jaate Hain Log – Noor Jahan
19. Guloun Mein Rang Bhare – Mehdi Hassan
20. Muhabbat Karne Wale – Farida Khanum
21. Woh Jo Hum’me Tum’me Qaraar Tha – Begum Akhtar
22. Zindagi Mein To Sub Hi Pyaar Kiya Kerte Hain – Mehdi Hassan
23. Ulfat Ki Nayi Manzil Ko Chala – Iqbal Bano
What songs would you like to listen to while chilling with yo’ fam’?
Cover image via tapaltea.com / YouTube