Today, January 6, is Allah Rakha Rahman, also known as AR Rahman’s birthday. He is among the most well-known and significant musicians in the world, both in India and elsewhere. In addition to winning multiple accolades, such as six National Film Awards, two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and many more, he has composed music for more than 100 films in a variety of languages and genres.
Because of his musical brilliance and adaptability, Time magazine1 has dubbed him the Mozart of Madras. Through his songs, the multi-talented 57-year-old artist has won millions of hearts. His music has a distinct sound and appeal and combines elements of Western, folk, Indian classical, and world music. His songs are inspiring and meaningful in addition to being catchy and melodic. He has penned some of the most enduring and recognizable songs in Hindi cinema history, which have profoundly impacted us.
Best of A R Rahman:
10. Taal Se Taal Mila, (Taal, 1999):
This song is the ideal illustration of Rahman’s ability to blend modern and classical music. Anand Bakshi wrote the lyrics and Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan provided the vocals.
9. Chaiyya Chaiyya (Dil Se, 1998):
One of Rahman’s most well-known and iconic songs, it has lyrics by Gulzar and vocals by Sukhwinder Singh and Sapna Awasthi. With a catchy and lively tune, the song is based on the Sufi folk song “Thaiyya Thaiyya.” Malaika Arora looked sizzling dancing on a train in this song.
8. Jai Ho (Slumdog Millionaire, 2008):
One of Rahman’s most popular and well-received songs, it has lyrics by Gulzar and vocals by Sukhwinder Singh, Mahalakshmi Iyer, Vijay Prakash, and Tanvi Shah.
7. Kun Faya Kun (Rockstar, 2011):
This song, which has lyrics by Irshad Kamil and vocals by Rahman, Javed Ali, and Mohit Chauhan, is among his most spiritual and soulful compositions. The song is a Sufi devotional with a calming, entrancing vibe.
6. Tum Tak (Raanjhanaa, 2013):
One of Rahman’s most beautiful and romantic songs, it has lyrics by Irshad Kamil and vocals by Javed Ali, Keerthi Sagathia, and Pooja AV.
5. Maa Tujhe Salaam (Vande Mataram, 1997):
Rahman recorded the song for his non-film album Vande Mataram, which was released in honour of India’s 50th anniversary of independence. The song was an enormous hit and went on to become the world’s best-selling Indian non-film album7.
4. Dil Se Re (Dil Se, 1998):
This song, which has lyrics by Gulzar and vocals by Rahman, Anuradha Sriram, Anupama, and Febi Mani, is among his most passionate and emotional compositions.
3. Roja Janeman (Roja, 1992):
One of Rahman’s most exquisite and timeless compositions, it has lyrics by P. K. Mishra and vocals by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam.
2. Masakali (Delhi-6, 2009):
With vocals by Mohit Chauhan and lyrics by Prasoon Joshi, this is one of Rahman’s most lively and eccentric songs.
1. Patakha Guddi (Highway, 2014):
Featuring the vocals of the Nooran Sisters and lyrics by Irshad Kamil, this song is among Rahman’s most lively and upbeat compositions. Folk in style, the song exudes a lively and rustic vibe.
