A.R. Rahman needs no introduction. A composer per excellence, A.R. Rahman has enchanted people from all over the world with his music. The maestro has won every prestigious award there is, be it an Oscar, a Grammy or a National Award and deservingly so. But it’s not just his music that can stir up a whirlwind of emotions in music lovers. A.R. Rahman has lent his voice to many a song he himself composed and the songs prove that no one could have done justice to them the way he did. Here are 5 instances when songs sung by A.R. Rahman became instant chartbusters that are considered to be classics even today.
Urvasi Urvasi (1994)
This song from the Tamil movie Kadhalan (which was also dubbed in Hindi and named “Humse Hai Muqabla”) captured the fancy of the entire nation with its peppy beats, catchy tune and energetic singing. By the time this song came out, Rahman was already a household name having delivered a winning soundtrack in the film Roja. The song was based on Prabhu Deva and did complete justice to his madcap dance moves. Even after two decades, it is still the go-to song for many a party-goer.
Maa Tujhe Salam (1997)
This song was a part of the album Vande Mataram that came out to commemorate the 50th anniversary of India’s independence. The track has been declared as the second most popular song in the world, courtesy in no small amount to the A.R. Rahman’s beautiful singing. The song offered a contemporary take on Vande Mataram and had become sort of a patriotic anthem for all Indians.
Dil Se Re (1998)
A.R. Rahman and Mani Ratnam have always had very successful creative collaborations over the years and the 1998 film Dil Se was not an exception either. Rahman lent his unique voice to the titular song of the soundtrack and made it come alive with the feeling of seething and poignant romance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwfCMvo19s8
Luka Chuppi (2006)
This heart-wrenching song from the iconic film Rang De Basanti brings tears to everyone’s eyes even today. In a song to which Lata Mangeshkar also lent her voice, Rahman left his inimitable mark with his heartbreaking and moving singing.
Khwaja Mere Khwaja (2008)
The 2008 film “Jodhaa Akbar” boasts of a marvellous soundtrack, and this Sufi gem really stands out from the lot. The distinctive music and beautifully serene setting of the song set the mood while A.R. Rahman’s layered and soulful rendition made it one for the ages.
