There is something enigmatic about AR Rahman’s voice. Though it neither has the body of a Jagjit Singh nor the soul of a Mohammed Rafi, ARR’s voice carries an inscrutable charm that entices you. And the South Indian twang just adds to its likability.
I’ve never been a big fan of Maa Tujhe Salaam, AR Rahman’s popular song from Vande Matram, a non-film album released back in 1997, when Rahman had just begun to bowl over most of India with his inimitable sound and soundtrack.
But Rahman has lent his voice to several exceptional Hindi songs composed by himself, 10 of which I list out here as my favourites.
1. Dil Se Re...
The title track from Mani Ratnam’s 1998 film Dil Se.. set to tune on Gulzar’s lyrics is still a winner. Rahman’s voice, Ratnam’s shot taking, Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala’s chemistry make this an evergreen number.
2. Rehna Tu...
With beautiful lyrics by Prasoon Joshi, Rehna Tu, could have been a passionate love ballad as shown in the film’s teaser. But in the film Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra uses it as an ode to the city of Delhi. Didn’t quite work for me, but the song still remains awesome.
3. Yeh Jo Hai Des Hai Tera...
Bismillah Khan’s shehnai haunts you and Rahman’s rendition of the song pulls at your heart strings. Goosebumps galore, especially for NRIs!
4. Luka Chuppi...
Lata Mangeshkar and AR Rahman in a duet for the first time, what more could you ask for? The track is composed like a jugalbandi between a mother and son, leaving a lump in your throat each time you hear it.
5. Gurus of Peace...
AR Rahman chose to collaborate with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan for this song from the album Vande Mataram. He went to Pakistan to record the track and its lines continue to resonate the emotions of the aam janata in India and Pakistan.
“Kheenchi hai lakeerein iss zameen par na kheencho dekho,
Beech mein do dilon ke yeh deewarein.”
6. Tere Bina...
Composed for Mani Ratnam’s Guru, this song was AR Rahman’s tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. A duet with Chinmayee, its easily one of Rahman’s best romantic numbers.
7. Kun Faya Kun...
Rahman specifically composed this song keeping in mind that it would be shot at the Nizamuddin dargah in Delhi. Listen to it with your eyes closed and you might just transcend to a higher level like Ranbir does in Rockstar.
8. Maahi Ve...
No one but Rahman could have done justice to this breezy number from Highway. It’s the ideal track to be blaring from your speakers while you are on a long drive.
9. Mangta Hai Kya...
The first Hindi song recorded by Rahman as both composer and singer was this song from Rangeela. The track is zany and full of energy, shot on Aamir Khan and Urmila Matondkar. If only Ram Gopal Varma had picturised it better.
10. Vellai Pookal...
I had to add this one Tamil song to the list, just so that those of you haven’t heard Vellai Pookal yet, do give it a listen. Originally composed for Mani Ratnam’s Kannathil Muthamittal, Rahman’s soothing voice and Vairamuthu’s profound lyrics make this song nothing less than divine. Check out the English subtitles of the song in small print on the video.
(You can follow Suresh Mathew on Twitter: @Suresh_Mathew_)
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