AR Rahman, the living musical prodigy! Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman celebrates his 56th birthday with over 250 soundtracks for global films.
Rahman began his journey with directors Mani Ratnam, S. Shankar and Bharathiraaja among others, in the early 1990s. He has scored over 170 films to date, with many more currently in production.
Rahman has provided music scores for many Hollywood films like 127 Hours and Lord Of War.
On this particular occasion, let us look at some of his most memorable songs from all three decades to cherish and enjoy.
Yeh Haseen Waadiya (Roja, 1992)
Indian Film music changed forever as Rahman interwove various musical traditions to great effect. Rahman’s composition Yeh Haseen Waadiya by P. K. Mishra and performed by singers S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra is the most memorable song from Roja. It celebrates, the passionate love between the couple played by Madhu and Arvind Swamy.
Maa Tujhe Salaam (1997)
This powerful patriotic song from Rahman’s studio Album, Vande Mataram, is the one Indians associate the most with. It was released on the eve of India’s 50th year of independence. The title track, Maa Tujhe Salaam was performed by Rahman himself.
Chaiyya Chaiyya from (Dil Se – 1998)
Be it the music or picturisation that had Shah Rukh Khan and Malaika Arora dancing atop a train, ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ from ‘Dil Se’ is simply iconic! In 2002, the BBC World Service had conducted an international poll to decide the ten most popular songs of all time. Of 7000 songs, which were selected from across the world, people from about 155 countries voted for ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya.’
Tu Hi Re, (Bombay – 1995)
The popular 1995 track Tu Hi Re from the film Bombay is sung by Hariharan, Kavita Krishnamurthy and Humming. The music is given by AR Rahman. Bombay was directed by Mani Ratnam, and stars Arvind Swamy and Manisha Koirala in lead roles.
Tere Bina –Guru (2007)
Tere Bina is the melodious track from the film Guru. It features Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Tere Bina is another beautiful composition by Rahman. Performed by Rahman, Murtuza Khan, Quadir Khan and Chinmayi, it is dedicated to the memory of Pakistani qawwali singer Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Luka Chuppi -Rang De Basanti (2006)
Emotional song Luka Chuppi is from the 2006 film Rang De Basanti. The song has been composed by AR Rahman and sung by Lata Mangeshkar. The song was considered for an Academy Award for Best Original Song nomination. The film featured Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Atul Kulkarni, Soha Ali Khan, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor and British actress Alice Patten in the lead roles.
Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera (Swades, 2004)
Ye Jo Des Hai Tera also instilled patriotic sentiments in the listener, especially as rendered through Rahman’s deeply evocative vocals. The film was not very successful during its initial release, but the songs composed by Rahman were warmly received. Javed Akhtar wrote the lyrics.
Khwaja Mere Khwaja – (Jodha Akbar 2008)
The vocal and songwriting talents of AR Rahman are prominently displayed in this song. The song represnts the class and sincerity of the Composer. Undoubtedly the best Sufiana song in Bollywood, it fills our hearts with Divine wonder. A R Rehman’s voice adds to the feeling of reverence.
Kun Faya Kun from Rockstar, 2011
‘Kun Faya Kun’ is a phrase from Surah Yasin a chapter in the Quran which means ‘Be and it is. ‘Kun Faya Kun’ is a Qawwali from Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Rockstar’ featuring Ranbir Kapoor and was sung by AR Rahman, Javed Ali and Mohit Chauhan.
Agar Tum Saath Ho – Tamasha (2015)
Anguish and true heartbreak is the perfect summary to describe this tear-jerking Rahman track. Along with Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone’s masterful scene, what’s not to love about this song?
Rehna Tu from Delhi 6, 2009
” Rehna Tu” from the ‘Delhi-6’ featuring Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor is a beautiful rendition by the copmoser. The song is sung by A R Rahman, Benny Dayal, Tanvi, and the music is composed by A.R. Rahman. The lyrics are written by Prasoon Joshi.
Maahi Ve from Highway, 2014
The music maestro A.R Rahman is back with his timeless composition “Maahi Ve” from movie Highway whose lyrics are penned by Irshad Kamil and the sound is being designed by Resul Pookutty.
Saathiya title track from Saathiya, 2002
Happiness is when you realize you are in love and AR. Rahman made sure we fall in love with his beautiful composition Saathiya sung by another legendary singer Sonu Nigam.
Jai Ho: Slumdog Millionaire, 2008
One of the most iconic songs of AR Rahman, Jai Ho brought Rahman global appreciation and critical acclaim. The song from the movie Slumdog Millionaire won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
