Punjabi by Hans Raj Hans

Hans Raj Hans has delivered memorable performances before, but Punjabi sits comfortably among the very best. The music, composed by Charanjit Ahuja, carries the song forward with a confidence that matches the performance.

Hans Raj Hans brings a warmth to Punjabi that no production choice could manufacture — it has to be felt, and here it is. The story told by a talented ensemble cast in Punjabi finds its musical expression here — Punjabi is where the film's heart beats loudest.

2000 marked the release of Punjabi, and Punjabi was the track that ensured the album would be remembered. Punjabi is the song for the end of a long day when you want music that understands something without being asked to explain it.

The concision of Punjabi — just 6:28 — is part of what makes it work. There is nothing here that should not be. The song continues to find new listeners, which is the surest sign that it was made with something genuine at its core.