Hawai Hawai by Monali Thakur

When Monali Thakur recorded Hawai Hawai, something special happened in the studio — and listeners have felt it ever since. Credit goes to Jeet Gannguli for a score that understands exactly what the song needs and nothing more.

The voice of Monali Thakur carries Hawai Hawai effortlessly, which is the highest compliment a song can give its singer. The connection between a talented ensemble cast and this song is part of what makes it resonate beyond the film itself.

By the end of 2017, Hawai Hawai had moved well beyond its original audience and into everyday playlists. The song rewards full attention but also works as company in the background — a flexibility that most tracks never achieve.

Running to 3:27, the song is exactly as long as it needs to be, which is the hardest length for a songwriter to find. The song continues to find new listeners, which is the surest sign that it was made with something genuine at its core.