Today marks a special occasion for fans of film music across the globe as Academy Award-winning music composer, record producer, singer and songwriter AR Rahman celebrates his birthday on January 6th. Known for his versatile compositions and soul-stirring melodies, Rahman’s extensive career since the 1980s has given birth to a musical legacy that resonates with a diverse range of emotions and narratives.
With a tapestry of tunes that capture the essence of human experiences, Rahman’s oeuvre offers a song for every moment and mood, turning ordinary life into cinematic experiences. In honor of his artistic journey, we present a selection of Rahman’s tracks that are essential to any discerning music enthusiast’s playlist.
The conversation about Rahman’s work would be incomplete without the mention of “Chotti Si Aasha” from the cinematic masterpiece “Roja.” This tune introduced actress Madhoo in Mani Ratnam’s film and instantly captured hearts worldwide with its simple lyrics and gentle, lilting beats. The song’s vocalist, Minmini, lent her endearing voice to the track, making it a perfect companion for those precious moments when we relish the joys of life. This song’s charm and appeal were further solidified as it led Rahman to win the National Award for Best Music Direction.
Continuing the celebration of Rahman’s musical brilliance, “Chaiyya Chaiyya” from the film “Dil Se” stands as an emblem of India’s rich cultural mosaic. This iconic track features the kinetic energy of Shah Rukh Khan and Malaika Arora dancing atop a moving train, imprinting the song in the annals of film history. Such is the global appeal of “Chaiyya Chaiyya” that in 2002, the BBC World Service conducted an international poll that enlisted the track among the top ten most popular songs of all time, based on votes from people across an astounding 155 countries.
Reflecting the spiritual depth of Rahman’s artistry is “Kun Faya Kun” from the film “Rockstar.” This Qawwali invokes a powerful phrase from the Quran, “Be, and it is,” creating an immersive auditory experience. The film, directed by Imtiaz Ali and starring Ranbir Kapoor, features this track in a poignant sequence that showcases Rahman’s own voice, alongside those of singers Javed Ali and Mohit Chauhan, encapsulating the divine act of creation through music.
No playlist would be complete without a track that touches the soul, and “Luka Chhupi” from “Rang De Basanti” does just that. Sung by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar, this somber song conveys the heart-wrenching emotions of a mother grieving the loss of her son. It is a musical embrace for anyone who has experienced loss, evoking tears and memories with its poignant lyrics and stirring melody.
Lastly, “Tu Hi Re” from the film “Bombay” is a love ballad for the ages. The voices of Hariharan and Kavita Krishnamurthy bring to life the yearning and passion felt by the on-screen couple, portrayed by Arvind Swamy and Manisha Koirala. Rahman’s exceptional talent for crafting romantic melodies is evident in this track, with its mesmerizing music and evocative lyrics that linger long after the last note fades.
As we celebrate AR Rahman’s birthday and reminisce on his invaluable contributions to the world of music, one can’t help but look forward with eager anticipation to the new compositions he will gift listeners in the year 2024. Though this list merely scratches the surface of his extensive repertoire, these five songs serve as a reminder of why Rahman continues to be a towering figure in the music industry. May the maestro’s forthcoming creations bring more melody, more rhythm, and more moments to cherish in our lives.
