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AR Rahman: Unforgettable songs by the maestro

Last updated on - Jan 6, 2019, 15:42 IST

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AR Rahman: Unforgettable songs by the maestro

Winner of multiple awards including two Academy Awards and four National Film Awards, AR Rahman, fondly known as the Mozart of Madras, has given us some evergreen songs through his glorious journey as a music composer. Call him just an ace musician and you are understating him. He is a living legend of music and one of the few musicians our nation is proud to have. From oldies to the young generation to small kids, Rahman’s music has found space in everyone’s heart. The composer hits 52 today and on this special occasion, we list some of his greatest hit numbers.

Click here to listen to some of the most popular songs by AR Rahman

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'Sadda haq' from Rockstar

This high-voltage song picturised on Ranbir Kapoor got so popular among the youth that it went on to earn the status of an anthem. Crooned by Mohit Chauhan, the song’s rebellious lyrics instantly connected with the music lovers. It is rumored that Imtiaz Ali, the director of 'Rockstar' was initially not so pleased with Rahman’s tunes and asked him to rework on them. We have no idea about what actually happened behind the curtains. All we know is that the music we finally got from Rahman will stay with us for many years to come.

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'Pataka guddi' from Highway

'Pataka guddi,' sung by Sultana Nooran and Jyoti Nooran, comes across as a very unusual tune which does not connect instantly. Having a heavy Punjabi influence, the song slowly grows on to listeners. With poignant lyrics penned by Irshad Kamil, this is one of the most soulful tracks Rahman has ever gifted to his listeners. There is something about 'Pataka guddi' that makes this song addictive.

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'Jai ho' from Slumdog Millionaire

'Jai ho' was initially composed for Subhash Ghai’s 2008 film 'Yuvvraaj' starring Salman Khan. But Ghai turned down the song saying that it was ‘too subtle and soft’ to be included in the film, which later went on to fetch Rahman a prestigious Golden Globe Award and two Oscars. No one would have thought that this song from the Danny Boyle-directional would make India shine globally.

5/10

'Dilli-6' from Delhi-6

The lyrics of this song, penned by Prasoon Joshi come as a fresh breath of air to those who know what Delhi, the city is all about. Rahman’s catchy tune sets up your mood in seconds and you realize why his listeners have so much respect for the composer. Primarily sung by rap artist Blaaze, the song became a sort of Delhi anthem as soon as it released.

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'Rubaroo' from Rang De Basanti

'Rubaroo' is one of the most remembered youthful songs of Hindi cinema. Even after years of its release, the country’s youth fondly croons the number and loves moving to its beat. The song was voiced by Rahman himself along with Naresh Iyer. Anguish-ridden characters of 'Rang De Basanti' on whom the song was picturised could not have asked for more.

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'Chhaiyan chhaiyan' from Dil Se

If you were to name only one train song from Bollywood movies, 'Chhaiyaan chhaiyan' will be the first one to strike your mind. The images of Malaika Arora Khan shaking legs with Shah Rukh Khan are still fresh in our minds. So is Rahman’s unrelentingly catchy composition which set the entire nation tapping its feet. The robust song was passionately sung by Sukhwinder Singh.

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'Kehna hi kya' from Bombay

Chitra’s utterly sweet voice dipped in Rahman’s melodious composition made 'Kehna hi kya' a magical song and instantly likeable among music lovers. While the song was much appreciated at the time of its release, it earned the tag of being one of the unforgettable Hindi love songs of all times. This is where Rahman distinguishes from his fellow composers. The magic of his tunes does not fade away with time.

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'Roja jaaneman' from Roja

Packed with the soft voices of SP Balasubrahmanyam and Sujatha, 'Roja jaaneman' is an evergreen song by Rahman. The beauty of this song lies in its simplicity. Without using any heavy instruments, Rahman pays attention to the composition and yields magic through it. This is one of those few songs which can be enjoyed by three different generations under the same roof.

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'Kabhi kabhi aditi' from Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na

The kind of success 'Kabhi kabhi aditi' enjoyed cannot be explained in words. The youthful song was innocently sung by Rashid Ali establishing him as a promising playback singer in the Indian film industry. There is no denying the fact that the lovely song was one of the main reasons behind the success of Imran Khan’s debut film. It is astonishing how being associated with a legend like Rahman can decide one’s fate.

Top Comment

Santosh

2698 days ago

Worst music composer. Melody killer trend-setter

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AR Rahman: Unforgettable songs by the maestro