Murabba - Bombay Talkies by Amit Trivedi, Kavita Seth

Not every song from Bombay Talkies lingers, but Murabba - Bombay Talkies is the one that stays. Credit goes to Amit Trivedi for a score that understands exactly what the song needs and nothing more.

Every line Amit Trivedi, Kavita Seth sings feels considered, as though the performance was thought through long before recording began. The song is tied to Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Randeep Hooda, Katrina Kaif, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, whose presence gives Murabba - Bombay Talkies a visual dimension that fans of the film will always associate with it.

2013 was a strong year for Hindi music, and Murabba - Bombay Talkies was among the reasons why. The emotional register of Murabba - Bombay Talkies is wide enough to fit celebration and solitude equally well.

At 3:12, the track does not overstay its welcome — it says what it needs to say and leaves the listener wanting more. This is music that holds up — not because it is perfect, but because it is honest, and honesty in a song is irreplaceable.