On the special occasion of the musical genius’s birthday, we thought we should take you through the celebrated musician’s journey. Check out the 14 best albums of his career…
AR Rahman, the Mozart of Madras, turned 48 today. Here’s wishing the Oscar winning musician more and more success. And because it’s 2014, we have picked up the top 14 albums of his, to pay tribute to the musical genius.
Raanjhanaa-2013
Shot across the lanes of the historic city of Varanasi, the songs helped majnus from every nook and corner to woo their lailas. The voices of Jaswinder Singh and Shiraz Uppal gave that added touch to the romantic composition. Songs like Tum tak and Raanjhanaa hua main tera are some of the best romantic songs ever.
Jab Tak Hai Jaan-2012
Shot from London to Kashmir, this movie was his first association with Yash Chopra. The voices of Harshdeep Kaur and Rabbi Shergill stirred the souls from deep within. Songs like Challa and Heer are still ripe on people’s ears.
Rockstar-2011
A story about a rock star could not have been translated into music by anyone else but AR Rahman. This album includes some of his most memorable and numbers like Sadda haq and Naadan Parindey. The album still features on the ipods of most youngsters and can be heard at various rock concerts. Mohit Chauhan’s voice was the brownie point of this album.
Slumdog Millionaire-2008
Jai Ho, the song that won India it’s first Oscar, was one of the most heard over songs across the globe. It won Rahman the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score and two Oscars for Best Original Music Score and Best Original Song.
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na-2008
The tracks of this bubbly romantic movie made everyone go back to college days. AR Rahman won the Best Music Director award for this movie. Songs like Pappu can’t dance saala and the sad male version of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na title track were some of the best numbers of the album.
Jodhaa Akbar-2008
This was one of the most widely appreciated albums of AR Rahman. The soothing soundtrack and the background score gave a distinct sufi feel and also took people back to the golden era of Mughals. Songs like Kehne ko jashne bahara hai and In Lamho ke daaman mein still come to your mind when you think of romance. Along with him, it was Javed Ali’s melodious voice that added the extra touch to this album.
Rang De Basanti-2006
The speciality of this album was the amalgamation of regional tracks to high end club songs. On one hand songs like Paathshala, Robaroo and Khalbali became the mike for the youth to voice it’s feelings, songs like Luka chupi and Tu bin bataye became a hit with soft music lovers.
Swades-2004
Ashutosh Gowariker’s take on an NRI coming to India and living through the troubles of the rural areas was well complimented by Rahman’s background score and songs. Yeh jo des hai tera plays even today during national integration events.
Yuva-2004
Mani Ratnam’s take on three different categories of the Indian youth was perfectly brought forward with tracks like Khuda Hafiz and Fanaa. Even today, these songs can be heard at various disqs.
Lagaan-2001
The movie that got India it’s first Oscar nomination was well applauded because of its music as well. Songs like O Re Chori and Sun mitwa were widely appreciated.
Taal-1999
This album of AR Rahman remains one of the best classical-based albums till date. Songs like Taal se Taal mila and Ishq bina were the highlights of the album. The movie was based on the journey of a classical singer and Rahman’s added magic to Subhash Ghai’s story.
Dil Se-1998
Possibly one of the most popular songs back then and even today, Chaiyya Chaiyya gave us one of the best singers of Indian music industry – Sukhwinder Singh. Other songs like Dil se re and Ae ajnabee were all over the music charts.
Rangeela-1995
The album had all local street dance numbers and was hugely appreciated by the masses. Songs like Rangeela re, Yaaro sunlo zara and Kya karein kya na kare were hugely famous and made Rahman the musician of the masses and not just the classes.
Roja-1992
AR Rahman’s first album made him a star overnight. The album which won him his first National award was hugely appreciated. This album began Rahman’s journey to become the Mozart of Madras. Songs like Dil hai chhota sa and Roja jaanemann still give you the freshness of Rahman. The song Bharat humko jaan se pyaara hai is still sung on Independence day and Republic day.
Here’s wishing the Mozhart of Madras many more years of happiness. May he continue to mesmerize us with his music for years to come.
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A R Rehman