top 10 teacher’s day songs for your playlist (and performances!) 🎶
By Spardha Learnings |Â
September 5 isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a chance to pause and say thank you to the people who shaped who we are today. In India, we celebrate Teacher’s Day on the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, our second President, who himself was a teacher first. When his students wanted to celebrate his birthday, he humbly suggested: “Instead of celebrating me, celebrate all teachers.” Since 1962, we’ve honored that wish.
So, if you’re planning a school assembly act, a college cultural performance, or even just a fun Instagram reel dedicated to your favorite sir or ma’am, this handpicked Teacher’s Day playlist will give you the perfect mix of nostalgia, energy, and heartfelt moments.
1) Ruk Jana Nahi – Imtihaan (1974)
This golden classic is more than a song; it’s a life lesson. Picturised on Vinod Khanna playing a professor who refuses to give up on his students, “Ruk Jana Nahi” captures the essence of what every good teacher stands for: resilience and faith. With Kishore Kumar’s evergreen voice, Laxmikant–Pyarelal’s stirring composition, and Majrooh Sultanpuri’s inspiring lyrics, the song feels like a gentle push to keep moving forward, no matter what.
👉 A great pick for a group performance in school or college. Add a simple clap-beat rhythm and let everyone sing along; it becomes both motivational and communal.
2) Kholo Kholo – Taare Zameen Par (2007)
In Taare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan, as the art teacher, gives little Ishaan a second chance at life. “Kholo Kholo,” sung with innocence by Raman Mahadevan, composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, and penned by Prasoon Joshi, is like an open invitation to explore creativity without fear. It’s a reminder that the best teachers don’t box you in; they open doors.
👉 If you know guitar or ukulele, this one is a gem to strum. Call a few friends to hum along or harmonize softly; it creates a warm, unplugged tribute atmosphere.
3) Bum Bum Bole – Taare Zameen Par (2007)
Also from Taare Zameen Par, “Bum Bum Bole” is the anthem of a joyful classroom. With Shaan’s playful singing and SEL’s catchy rhythm, this track shows how a teacher can make even the dullest subjects fun when they connect with students. It’s literally the musical version of a stress-free class period.
👉 Perfect for a dance performance. Keep the choreography simple and fun, think follow-the-leader steps or props like colorful placards where each student writes a thank-you message to teachers.
4) Aashayein (Har Taraf) – Iqbal (2005)
In Iqbal, a young boy with a dream(Shreyas Talpade) and his mentor (Naseeruddin Shah) prove that belief can move mountains. “Aashayein,” sung beautifully by KK, with Salim–Sulaiman’s uplifting music, is about hope and faith, the two gifts a teacher gives their students every day.
👉 This one is perfect as a solo performance. Start soft, then build intensity as the chorus comes in. If you play keyboard, it adds a light extra emotional touch.
5) Chak De! India (Title Track) – Chak De! India (2007)
Teachers aren’t always in classrooms; sometimes they’re on sports fields, in studios, or wherever they push us to be our best. In Chak De! India, Shah Rukh Khan’s coach character shows exactly that. With Sukhwinder Singh’s booming voice, Salim–Sulaiman’s high-energy music, and Jaideep Sahni’s powerful lyrics, the track is all about teamwork and inspiration.
👉 This works brilliantly as a group dance. Use a guitar to bring the energy of a sports rally to your Teacher’s Day stage.
6) Khol De Par – Hichki (2018)
In Hichki, Rani Mukerji’s teacher character doesn’t just help her students overcome difficulties; she teaches them to spread their wings. “Khol De Par,” composed by Jasleen Royal and sung with emotion by Monali Thakur, captures that exact transformation. It’s a soft yet powerful tribute to teachers who let us fly free.
👉 Try a contemporary dance routine with this one. Or, if you want something more unique, mix spoken word lines from students (“My teacher taught me to believe in myself”) with the song playing in the background.
7) Give Me Some Sunshine – 3 Idiots (2009)
A song every student has sung under their breath at least once. “Give Me Some Sunshine,” sung by Suraj Jagan and Sharman Joshi, with music by Shantanu Moitra and lyrics by Swanand Kirkire, is not just about exams; it’s about the need for classrooms that allow curiosity, creativity, and freedom.
👉 Set up an acoustic duo: one singer and one guitarist. End the song by thanking teachers who break the mould and encourage individuality.
8) Dangal (Title Track) – Dangal (2016)
Teachers also come in the form of tough mentors who prepare us for life. “Dangal,” sung with raw energy by Daler Mehndi, composed by Pritam, and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, is a salute to discipline, grit, and guidance. It’s the perfect ode to sports teachers, trainers, or even strict mentors who push us hard for our own growth.
👉 Create a fitness-themed performance: skipping ropes, shadow boxing, or choreographed sports drills set to this track. It’s a unique way to thank your PE teacher.
9) Zinda – Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
“Zinda,” from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, is about pain, struggle, and eventually, victory. Sung by Siddharth Mahadevan, with music by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy and lyrics by Prasoon Joshi, it’s the kind of song that reminds us how teachers help us endure challenges until we find our strength.
👉 This is a great option for a band performance. With electric guitar riffs, it’ll fire up the stage and can be dedicated to that one teacher who always believed in you.
10) Guru Vandana (Guru Brahma…) – Traditional
No Teacher’s Day is complete without invoking the age-old tradition of Guru Vandana. The Sanskrit shloka “Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu…” honours the guru as the divine guide. There are multiple versions available, from Shankar Mahadevan’s soulful concert renditions to simple harmonium-tanpura recordings. It’s the ultimate closing track for a Teacher’s Day celebration.
👉 Arrange it as a choral performance: one lead singer and the rest of the group joining in for the refrain. Light diyas or hold flowers in hand for added effect; it creates a spiritual and heartfelt end to the event.
Quick Ideas to Level-Up Your Tribute
- For singers: Pick one high-energy and one soft number to balance your performance. Practice breath control and pronunciation; teachers always notice the details.
- For instrumentalists: Try creating a short medley, open with Ruk Jana Nahi and seamlessly transition into Kholo Kholo.
- For dancers: Mix styles. Imagine blending a folk step with a freestyle move while holding notebooks or chalk as props; it keeps it school-themed and fun.
- For social media reels: Use 15–20 seconds of Chak De! India or Bum Bum Bole, add a text overlay like “To the teacher who changed my life 💙”, and you’ve got the perfect tribute reel.
Final Thought 🎤✍️
Teacher’s Day is not about flawless performances; it’s about showing gratitude in the most heartfelt way possible. Whether you sing, dance, play an instrument, or simply share a note, remember,it’s the effort and the sincerity that matter most. Pick one song, pour your heart into it, and dedicate it to the teacher who made the biggest difference in your life. That’s the real celebration. And to learn more book a free trial class now!