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In The Composers’ Voice – 7: A.R. Rahman
We all know that A.R. Rehman is a master musician. Infact, we can comfortably call him a modern day magician when it comes to music. But today we are going to talk about the magic that he spreads using his vocals. Apart from being a versatile music director he is a gifted vocalist. His sense of singing and choice of songs differentiates him completely from his peers.
It took him a while to warm up to lending his voice for the hindi songs. But when he did the audience not only welcomed him as a singer but also embraced him wholeheartedly. His voice had a different quality, a unique style which was like a breath of fresh air for the listeners and everybody made an instant connection with him. Not only is he versatile but he has the vocal strength and command over the entire octave; Vande Mataram being the shining example.
Including all his filmy and non-filmy songs in this list would be impossible. So we have shortlisted only a few of them (from the ‘Hindi’ films). Well, you can always add to the list in the comments section.
1. Mustafaa Mustafaa – Duniya Dilwalon Ki (1996)
One of the finest hits of its time Mustafaa became a super hit among the masses and became a Friendship anthem. The song featured in Bollywood Movie Duniya Dilwalon Ki Directed by Kathir & Produced by K T Kunjumon. The video features Abaas and Vineeth. The song is composed and sung by the maestro A.R. Rehman himself. The lyrics are penned by P.K Mishra & Nitin Raikwar. The song was sung by A.R. Rehman during his early days in Bollywood.
2. Dil Se Re – Dil Se (1998)
The powerful ballad from war-drama thriller Dil Se established A.R. Rehman’s vocal as a defining voice that is used to showcase a particular theme in a very simple yet powerful manner. The high pitched song is also composed by A R Rahman while singing along with Anuradha and Anupama for harmony and background vocals. The lyrics are written by Gulzar. The Mani Ratnam Super hit film featired Shahrukh Khan and Manisha Koirala.
3. Luka Chuppi – Rang De Basanti (2006)
This masterpiece composition by A.R. Rahman can be considered one of the best compositions of all time. The song is very very high on emotions and churns a hurricane of emotions among the listeners. Sung by A.R. Rahman and Lata Mangeshkar this song takes us into a mother’s life who has lost her only son and the fabulous heart touching lyrics by Prasoon Joshi tells the tale of innocent relationship of a mother and her son and gives a nostalgic feeling. The song features Aamir Khan, Waheeda Rehman, R. Madhavan, Soha Ali Khan in an ensemble cast.
4. Rehna Tu – Delhi-6 (2009)
The more you listen to this song the more you fall in love with it. It is difficult to categorise any of the Rahman songs due to its sheer simplicity. Beautifully sung presenting the Rehna Tu from the Bollywood movie ‘Delhi-6’ featuring Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor. The song is sung by A R Rahman, Benny Dayal, Tanvi, and the music is composed by A.R. Rahman. The lyrics are written by Prasoon Joshi.
5. Ye Jo Des Hai Tera – Swades (2004)
This song remains the best patriotic song in HIndi cinema, a very tearjerking song that guarantees goosebumps. It pumps up the heart and drives ones soul towards the country. High on emotional energy, the vocals by A.R. Rahman does all the justice to the song. Written by Javed Akhtar and compsed by A.R. Rahman the video features Shahrukh Khan and Gayatri Joshi.
6. Khalbali – Rang De Basanti (2006)
Khalbali is a modern day fun fuilled track showcasing a group of friends comprising Aamir Khan, Siddharth Narayan, Sharman Joshi, Atul kulkarni, Kunal Kapoor and Soha Ali Khan having fun. Rang De Basanti anew-age patriotic drama, directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has three tracks sung by A. R. Rahman including this one. Sung with Mohammed Aslam & Nacim the song is written by Prasoon Joshi & Nacim.
7. Tere Bina – Guru (2006)
A beautiful melodious track in the voice of A.R. Rahman ,Murtaza Khan and Quadir Khan, the song is written by Gulzar and features the real life couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai. The song features in Guru – Indian romantic drama film directed and co-written by Mani Ratnam.
8. Mangta Hai Kya – Rangeela (1995)
The debut of A.R. Rahman as a vocalist in the experimental soundtrack of movie Rangeela that went on to gain cult status and break most records for outstanding soundtrack. The amazing track is composed by A.R. Rahman, written by Mehboob and sung by Shweta Shetty and A. R. Rahman. The Ram Gopal Varma directorial film featured Aamir Khan and Urmila Matondkar.
9. Piya Haji Ali – Fiza (2000)
Piya Haji Ali is a hindi song from the 2000 movie Fiza. The song has set new standards fro devotional songs in Indian Cinema. The rogressive track is beyond religion. Experience the feeling of inner happiness and peace with this beautiful composition by A. R. Rahman featuring Hrithik Roshan & Jaya Bachchan. Sung by Kadar Gulam M., Murtujha Gulam M., A. R. Rahman & Shrinivas, while lyrics penned by Miyan Shaukat Ali.
10. Khwaja Mere Khwaja – Jodhaa Akbar (2000)
Khwaja Mere Khwaja is a hindi song from the 2008 movie Jodhaa Akbar. Sung by A.R. Rahman, Khwaja Mere Khwaja is written by Kashif Iqbal. Composed by A.R. Rahman, Khwaja Mere Khwaja features Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
11. Tu Bole Main Boloon – Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na (2008)
Tu Bole Main Boloon is a hindi song from the 2008 movie Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na. Sung and composed by A.R. Rahman, the track is written by Abbas Tyrewala. The video features Imran Khan and Genelia D’Souza.
