AR Rahman turns 52 today. (Express Archive)AR Rahman is not just a music maestro but also a gift to the Indian music industry. To say that Rahman is one of the best things that happened to the international music scene won’t be wrong. Bringing newness to his tunes everytime, Rahman 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.
Not just composing, the musician has shown his caliber as a singer too. Rahman is an example of how music knows no boundary. Apart from being hailed in the Indian music industry, he even has renditions like Slumdog Millionaire’s “Jai Ho” which have made him a popular artiste all over the world.
Among his various accolades are 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. Today, on his 52nd birthday, here’s a list of songs to celebrate his work.
Ishq Bina – Taal
Starring the ever-gorgeous Aishwarya Rai alongside Akshaye Khanna, the track from Subhash Ghai directorial Taal, was composed by AR Rahman. While the album is a gem of its own for Bollywood, “Ishq Bina” is a number that has stayed as a memory for Rahman fans. The lyrics for the song were penned by Anand Bakshi.
Tu Bin Bataaye – Rang De Basanti
The album of Rang De Basanti is yet another example of why AR Rahman is the best in the music industry of India. The entire album resonates with different generations, especially the youngsters. However, “Tu Bin Bataye” and “Lukka Chuppi” have to be crowned as the best from the film.
Kahin Toh Hogi Wo – Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
Giving jazz feels to a romantic number is not an easy task but for AR Rahman, nothing falls under the category of impossible. This track, for the long time, remained as a go-to-track whenever heartbreaks knocked people down.
Rehna Tu – Delhi 6
This beautiful track from Delhi 6 is sung by Rahman, Benny Dayal and Tanvi and composed by Rahman himself. Penned by Prasoon Joshi, the song features the quintessential Rahman quirkiness which distinguishes all his work from that of his contemporaries.
Nadaan Parindey – Rockstar
“Nadaan Parindey” featured in Imtiaz Ali’s musical drama Rockstar. Rockstar is full of soulful tracks that are popular among audiences even today, but this one especially stands out. It has been beautifully penned by Irshad Kamil, sung by Mohit Chauhan and composed by Rahman.
O Hum Dum Suniyo Re – Saathiya
A classic of its own accord, “O Hum Dum Suniyo Re” from Saathiya sees the beautiful collaboration between two industry mavericks, Gulzar and AR Rahman. Released in 2002, the song was a breakthrough from the kind of music that was being made at that time.
OK Jaanu title track – OK Jaanu
Another one of the amazing collaborations between Gulzar and AR Rahman, the title track from Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor’s OK Jaanu, this track makes you want to let yourself loose and seize life like never before. Rahman has even lent his voice for this one.
Dil Se Re – Dil Se..
Gulzar and AR Rahman weave magic together every time they come together. Sung by Rahman, “Dil Se Re” is another one of such classics.
Tere Bina – Guru
Sung by Rahman, Chinmaye, Murtuza Khan and Qadir Khan, this romantic track from Mani Ratnam’s Guru is one of the best and most meaningful love songs ever made in the Hindi music industry. There is one section in the song where Rahman delivers a traditional classical piece and it is very pleasing to the ears.
Nazar Laaye – Raanjhanaa
This underrated song from Raanjhanaa is another one of Rahman’s magical creations. Sung by Rashid Ali and Neeti Mohan, this soft track has meaningful lyrics by Irshad Kamil and has a very positive feel to it.
Agar Tum Saath Ho – Tamasha
Sung by Alka Yagnik and Arijit Singh, this AR Rahman composition is one of the best songs of recent times. Picturised on Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, the track even wonderfully captures the emotions of the couple in the film.
Patakha Guddi – Highway
“Patakha Guddi” from Alia Bhatt’s Highway is sung by the Nooran sisters and composed by Rahman. It has the perfect folk lyrics and beats but it also has a modern touch to it.
Tu Hi Re – Bombay
One of the best AR Rahman songs so far, “Tu Hi Re” from the film Bombay is such an evergreen romantic rendition that tugs the strings of our hearts even today.
Here’s to celebrating Rahman’s 52nd birthday listening to his soulful tracks!
