Retro Bollywood Quiz

June 29, 2020

It’s time for a throwback to one of the most vibrant eras of Indian cinema: retro! With its disco balls, rainbow-y pops of color, and black-and-white scenes, the music of yesteryear—filled with iconic moments and tunes—has managed to woo listeners across countries to this day.

Spotify’s rich and robust retro music catalogue, accompanied by over 60 playlists (such as Chai & Classics, 80’s Romance Hits, All Out 90s Tamil, and Punjabi Legacy) is bringing listeners from India, as well as the U.S., Canada, Poland, Ireland, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and beyond, to indulge in a bit of nostalgia from the ’50s through the ’90s.

The beloved retro Bollywood tracks have also spilled over into current global pop culture and music. Consider yourself a fan? Put your knowledge to the test with this quiz. (Psst . . . You can keep guessing until you get the answer right!) 

1. Which popular American R&B song from the early 2000s is inspired by the retro Bollywood track “Thoda Resham Lagta Hai?”
2. How many times does “Yahoo” appear in actor Shammi Kapoor’s evergreen track “Yahoo, Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe?”
3. The Black Eyed Peas have frequently used Indian film music in their songs. Their pop hit “Don’t Phunk With My Heart” features this epic Bollywood track.
4. Here’s to cross-country love! Which country, outside of India, has a huge fan base for late actor Raj Kapoor?
5. “What’s Happenin” by Method Man feat. Busta Rhymes features the sound of which iconic (and unforgettable) Bollywood song?
6. This singer was a huge boxing fan and met up with ultimate boxing champ Mohammed Ali while on a tour to Chicago in the late ’70s. (Hint: In an iconic picture, this singer is seen “punching” Ali!)
7. Is 7 your lucky number? Which Bollywood film was a remake of Seven Brides For Seven Brothers?
8. The catchy track “It’s My Birthday” by will.i.am and Cody Wise was inspired by which superhit Tamil song by A.R. Rahman?
9. Ah, it’s lucky number 7 again. Akira Kurosawa's 7 Samurais inspired The Magnificent Seven and which iconic Bollywood film?
10. Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar are two legendary singers from India. True or false: Mohammed Rafi has actually been a playback singer for Kishore Kumar.