Starting off as an ordinary keyboard player to the Mozart of Madras, A. R. Rahman is one of the most celebrated music directors the world has ever seen. The music maestro has given us some evergreen songs in his marvellous journey as a music director. He is the voice that no one can replace, a voice that has been doing wonders ever since he’s joined the industry. Rahman entered the Bollywood industry in 1992 as a composer with Mani Ratnam’s 'Roja' and soon he became the wonder kid of Bollywood, who changed the whole concept of music and sounds. He has been awarded four National awards, two academy awards, two Grammy awards, a BAFTA awards, a Golden Globe, fifteen Filmfare Awards, and sixteen Filmfare Awards south.
On his 54th birthday, here are the top 10 songs of A. R. Rahman that changed the tunes of Bollywood movies:
1. Maa Tujhe Salaam
It has been 27 years since the song came out but it wonders how this song never fails to give us goosebumps. Rahman’s voice gave another charm to these lyrics of Mehboob and presented it as a masterpiece.
2. Jai Ho
Many of us don’t know that Jai Ho was initially composed for Subhash Ghai’s 2008 ‘Yuvraj’ but Ghai dropped the song saying it’s too soft for the movie which later went on to fetch Rahman a prestigious Golden Globe Award and two Oscars. Beautiful lyrics by Gulzar helped this song to make India shine globally.
3. Tere Bina
This soundtrack was the main highlight of 2007's Guru. The qawwali-influenced song holds a special place in our hearts. The perfect combination of composition and lyrics is a treat for every music lover
4. Rubaroo
Rubaroo is that one youthful song that can never be replaced. The power and magic of this song still makes the country’s youth dance on 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.
5. Chhaiyan Chhaiyan
Chhaiyan Chaiyan the song known as the train song, which still makes us tap our feet on its composition. The image of Malika Arora and Shahrukh Khan dancing on the train is still fresh in our hearts.
6. Kun Faya Kun
With heartwarming lyrics by Irshad Kamil, this magnificent composition by A.R. Rahman is undoubtedly ruling our playlists.
7. Sadda Haq
Another marvelous song from 2011 Rockstar that made Ranbir Kapoor famous among the youth. With the voice of Mohit Chauhan and the composition of A. R. Rahman this rebellious song made a straight connection with the youth.
8. Kehna Hi Kya
The sweet voice of Chitra mixed with the melodious composition of A. R. Rahman instantly made this song music lovers' favorite. 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.
9. Roja Jaaneman
Wrapped in the honeyed voice of SP Balasubrahmanyam and Sujatha this song by Rahman is one of the evergreen songs that he has delivered in his 3-decade long career. The beauty of this song lies in its simplicity. Rahman made it magical without the use of any heavy instruments.
10. 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.
