Happy Independence Day: Top 10 Patriotic Songs

In its 100 years of existence, Indian cinema has celebrated the spirit of freedom in its films and songs. Patriotism is a theme that touches hearts across the country. It's a rare Indian who cannot sing along to Lata Mangeshkar's Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon, a song of epic proportion and near-anthem status - and one that we have not included on this list for its sheer ubiquity. Everybody knows Ae Mere Watan Ki Logon - here are some songs you may not have heard. Of these, some celebrate soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country, while others celebrate the prosperity and unity in diversity in our country.

As we celebrate 69 years of independence, here is our list of the top 10 patriotic songs.

Kar Chale Hum Fida: The song picturised on Dharmendra and Priya Rajvansh from the film Haqeeqat (1964) depicted the anguish of a soldier against the backdrop of the Sino-Indian war.

Maa Tujhe Salaam: A R Rahman's contemporary patriotic track captured hearts across the country when it was released. It's been voted second favourite.

Aae Watan Aae Watan: Shaheed (1965) was one of the earliest biopics of Bhagat Singh, and the first of actor Manoj Kumar's many patriotic roles. The song makes it to third spot.

Mere Desh Ki Dharti: This song from Manoj Kumar's Upkaar (1967) became a part of national consciousness. It gave impetus to then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri's popular slogan, 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan'.

Mera Rang De Basanti Chola: The song from the film, The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002) starring Ajay Devgn playing the eponymous hero, is one version of a much reinvented song.

Aaye Mere Pyaare Watan: This song from the film Kabuliwallah (1961), an adaptation of a short story by Rabindranath Tagore, was voted number six.

Vande Mataram: Singer Lata Mangeshkar's mesmerising rendition of the national song from the film Anandmath is a classic and brings out the true spirit of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's great words.

Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawano Ka: Naya Daur, starring Dilip Kumar and Vyjanthimala, dealt with the effects of industrialization in independent India. The 1957 film was colourised and re-released in 2007. This song from the movie makes it to eighth place.

Jahaan Daal Daal Pe Sone Ki: The song is from the 1965) movie Sikandar-E-Azam, starring Dara Singh, Prithviraj Kapoor and Helen, which tells a semi-fictionalised story of Alexander The Great's conquest of the Indus Valley and his eventual friendship with King Porus.

Apni Azaadi Ko Hum: This song makes the final ten. It was featured in the 1964 film Leader starring Dilip Kumar who plays an educated but mischievous law graduate who becomes implicated in the murder of a leading politician.