1. Mohammed Rafi, "Jaan Pehechan Ho"
Mohammed Rafi's Hindi tune from the 1965 movie Gumnaam has never lost its "Gumnaam Style." By now, many have seen the frenetic Bollywood dance choreographed to the song. I admit, I've tried some of the moves in my private moments. I'll sing this one at the top of my lungs whenever I hear it, even in mixed company, no privacy required.
The song and its dance scene resurfaced and found a new audience in 2001's Ghost World, and then again in a 2011 Heineken beer TV ad. It's totally cool with me if they wanna keep trotting it out in various forms every decade or so. Can't wait to see how it's used again in 2021.
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Jesse’s been writing for the Houston Press since 2013. His work has appeared elsewhere, notably on the desk of the English teacher of his high school girlfriend, Tish. The teacher recognized Jesse’s writing and gave Tish a failing grade for the essay. Tish and Jesse celebrated their 33rd anniversary as a couple in October.