"Jai Ho" by A. R. Rahman

"Jai Ho" is a Hindi song composed by A. R. Rahman, written by Gulzar, and performed by Sukhwinder Singh and Rahman, for the end credits of the film Slumdog Millionaire (2008), where it accompanies a choreographed dance sequence. The song also features vocals by Tanvi Shah, Mahalakshmi Iyer and Vijay Prakash.

"Jai Ho" was originally composed for the 2008 film Yuvvraaj, but was turned down by director Subhash Ghai who thought the song was not suitable for actor Zayed Khan to perform onscreen. After his Oscar win, A. R. Rahman revealed in an interview that it was Ghai who had asked him to use words Jai Ho in a song. After its inclusion in Slumdog Millionaire, it was later nominated for best song at the 2008 Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards, the 2008 Satellite Awards and at the 2008 Houston Film Critics Society Awards. In 2009, it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, beating out WALL-E's "Down to Earth" by Peter Gabriel, and "O... Saya", also of Slumdog Millionaire and by A. R. Rahman.

In translation, the title means "Victory". It can also mean "Praise", "Hail" or "Hallelujah". When translated directly into hindi, "jai" means "prayer" or "pray." "Jai ho" is usually said collectively during and at the end of prayers. The lyrics are mostly in Hindi, interspersed with some Spanish lyrics. Rahman, who performed "Jai Ho" live on The Oprah Winfrey Show on February 23, 2009 with the rest of the original performers, was asked by Winfrey what the song title means. A.R. Rahman then stated "Jai Ho" means "May Victory be Yours".

In March 2009, Super Cassettes Industries (T-Series), the music company which holds the song's copyright, received nearly $200,000 from the governing Indian National Congress party for its use in its national campaign in the upcoming 2009 Indian General Elections. This version will feature altered lyrics sung by Sukhwinder Singh, who performed on the original song. A new video has also already been shot for this version, and it is slated to hit the airwaves soon.

The Lyrics:

(lyrics are written by GULZAR)

Jai Ho Jai Ho Jai Ho Jai Ho
Aaja Aaja Jind Shamiyane Ke Tale
Aaja Jariwale Nile Aasman Ke Tale
Jai Ho Jai Ho

Aaja Aaja Jind Shamiyane Ke Tale
Aaja Jariwale Nile Aasman Ke Tale
Jai Ho Jai Ho
Jai Ho Jai Ho
Jai Ho Jai Ho

Ratti Ratti Sachi Maine Jaan Gavayi Hai
Nach Nach Koylo Pe Raat Bitayi Hai
Akhiyon Ki Neend Maine Phoonko Se Uda Di
Neele Neele Tare Maine Ungli Jalayi Hai
Aaja Aaja Jind Shamiyane Ke Tale
Aaja Jariwale Nile Aasman Ke Tale
Jai Ho Jai Ho
Jai Ho Jai Ho Jai Ho
Baila Baila
Ahora, conmigo, tu baila para hoy, porque es la dia
de volvidas, las problemas -- lo que sean
¡salud! baila baila

Jai Ho Jai Ho
Jai Ho Jai Ho
Chakh Le Ho Chakh Le Ye Raat Shahad Hai Chakh Le
Rakh Le Haan Dil Hai Dil Aakhri Had Hai Rakh Le
Kala Kala Kajal Tera Koi Kala Jadoo Hai Na

Kala Kala Kajal Tera Koi Kala Jadoo Hai Na
Aaja Aaja Jind Shamiyane Ke Tale
Aaja Jariwale Nile Aasman Ke Tale, Jai Ho, Jai Ho
Jai Ho Jai Ho
Jai Ho Jai Ho
Jai Ho Jai Ho
Jai Ho Jai Ho
Jai Ho Jai Ho
Jai Ho Jai Ho ....
Kab Se Ha Kab Se Jo Lab Pe Ruki Hai Keh De
Keh De Ha Keh De Ab Aankh Jhuki Hai.. Keh De

Aisi Aisi Roshan Aankhe Roshan Do Do dheelay Hai Kya
Aaja Aaja Jind Shamiyane Ke Tale
Aaja Jariwale Nile Aasman Ke Tale
Jai Ho Jai Ho
Jai Ho Jai Ho
Jai Ho Jai Ho
Jai Ho Jai Ho