You can't love Bollywood music and not be a fan of AR Rahman.
Dubbed ‘Mozart of Madras’, he is known for his fusion of Indian classical music with world music which makes his renditions a beautiful mix of traditional orchestral arrangements and electronic beats. He even has versions like Slumdog Millionaire’s ‘Jai Ho’ which have made him a popular artiste all over the world.
Calling him an ace musician is a massive understatement. Rahman has four National Film Awards, two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, 15 Filmfare Awards and 16 Filmfare Awards in South in his kitty and is a veritable powerhouse of music.
From the soulful music of Roja to the quirkiness in the songs Tamasha, the Oscar-winning music director has won us all over with his music. As Rahman celebrates his 51st birthday, here are 10 of his best Hindi compositions that you totally need in your playlist:
Roja Janeman, Roja
The one that gives me goosebumps is S P Balasubramanium’s stirring rendition of Roja Janeman conveying the isolation and yearning of the hero against Sujatha Mohan’s haunting trill.
Kehna Hi Kya, Bombay
Rahman hits out of the ballpark with his alaap that elevates Kehna hi kya to another level.
Aye Ajnabi, Dil Se
Rahman’s ‘less is more’ treatment to this ethereal, ‘doodh dhuli’ composition from Dil Se.. renders it pristine, pensive and poetic.
Lukka Chuppi, Rang De Basanti
This song performed by a 70-something Lata Mangeshkar and Rahman will never leave you without getting teary-eyed or a lump in the throat.
Khuda Hafiz, Yuva
The concoction is a surreal, showy and quirky offering from the eclectic Yuva album.
Tere Bina, Guru
The song has the sort of joie de vivre that makes music the food of love.
Rehna Tu, Delhi 6
The song features the quintessential Rahman quirkiness which distinguishes all his work from that of his contemporaries.
Tum Ho, Rockstar
Rockstar is full of soulful tracks that are popular among audiences even today, but this one especially stands out.
Agar Tum Saath Ho, Tamasha
Featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, the track even wonderfully captures the emotions of the couple in the film.
Enna Sona, OK Jaanu
This track makes you want to let yourself loose and seize life like never before.
