AR Rahman has arguably been one of India’s most influential figures in the music industry. His songs take listeners into the depths of emotions, thanks to the philosophical aura naturally built into his rhythms. From ‘Chhoti Si Aasha’ to ‘Chale Chalo’, Rahman has a special knack for crafting absolute earworms.
Rahman has won two Academy Awards, two Grammys, one BAFTA, one Golden Globe, and six National Film Awards of India in a career spanning over 3 decades. Without further ado, let’s lend our ears to this legend. We have rounded up 10 of his best songs. As usual, you can drop your thoughts in the comments below:
Chaiya Chaiya from Dil Se (1998)
One of the most popular melodies in Indian pop culture, Chaiya Chaiya is a song that you can’t stop playing on loop. Voiced by Sukhwinder Singh and Sapna Awasthi, the iconic piece has found a place in the list of golden hits of Bollywood.
The song has got highs and lows with an inspiration for love-seekers. Though it’s not official, many consider it to be one of India’s best dance tracks.
Mukkabala from Kadhalan (1994)
Over the years, Mukkabala has become a sports anthem in India. The song has a different vibe to it that’s embossed by a mix of unorthodox tunes. If you have an ear for good music, this one’s surely going to win your heart.
Mukkabala is the first power song created by AR Rahman. Many more followed but none has been able to replace it in the gyms.
Chotti Si Asha from Roja (1992)
Many consider Chhoti Si Asha to be AR Rahman’s best song to date. This simple melody encapsulates a feel-good vibe with an essential message on living life to the fullest.
The main chorus of the piece that goes, “Dil hai chhota sa chhoti si asha, masti bhare mann ki chhoti si asha / Chand taron ko choone ki asha, asmanon mein udne ki asha” stands for “This little heart of mine and it’s little hopes, a playful mind’s innocent desires / a desire to reach out to stars and moon. A desire to fly in the skies.”
The song has been widely used in promotional campaigns for women’s rights.
Uyire Uyire from Bombay (1995)
This romantic hit defines AR Rahman’s incredible versatility as a music composer. The song follows a simple tune that grips your romantic imagination till the last second.
Once you hear Uyire Uyire, it’s going to have a permanent spot in your playlist. What makes the song stand out is the emotion you can feel oozing off the voice and intense tunes.
Roobaroo from Rang De Basanti (2006)
This number is for when you’re feeling all your shackles have come loose, and you’re ready to take charge of your life. Roobaroo is more than just a feel-good song, it’s a musical representation of the phase when you realize what you’re meant to do.
It’s a must-listen if you can understand Hindi. If not, the beats are groovy enough to make you want to jiggle, so maybe you should give it a shot anyway.
Yun Hi Chala Chal from Swades (2004)
You can consider this track as the Indian version of ‘It’s a Wonderful World’ by Louis Armstrong. Don’t get us wrong. Of course, the beats are very different, but the messages in both tracks are strikingly similar.
The world is full of wonders, you just carry on moving, and good things await you. Yun Hi Chala Chal has got awesome beats and a sunshine vibe to it with a fusion of classical Indian form.
Hosanna from Ek Deewana Tha (2012)
This romantic track will knock at your heart. Rahman adorned the lyrics with a magnificent mix of tunes and sound effects. Your attention is hooked the moment the number starts.
It’s an addictive earworm that you will most definitely keep coming back to.
Kun Faya Kun from Rockstar (2011)
This Sufi hit became everyone’s favourite upon release. The lines this track contains are deeper than the oceans. One of the segments in the song goes, “Tune mujhko banaya, main to jag ko na bhaaya. Tune gale se lagaya, Haq tu hi hai khudaya, sach tu hi hai khudaya.” The line stands for “You created me but the world didn’t like me. Only you took me in your embrace. Only you’re the truth, it’s true only you’re the truth.”
The song makes you forget where you exist and takes you on a trip to your conscience. Hence, a must-listen.
Chale Chalo from Lagaan (2001)
This one’s also a sports anthem. The title of the track stands for “Keep on going.” One thing that Rahman does very well is creating engagement with easygoing, simple beats. This song is the perfect example of that. Chale Chalo doesn’t feature extraordinary beats or structure, but still, it’s captivating.
Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Jai Ho puts Rahman’s unparalleled finesse as a music artist on display. The track is ageless thanks to its unique composition and that special roaring feel that it offers. The song became the talk of the town in almost every part of the world upon release. The song was written by Gulzar, one of Bollywood’s most successful songwriters, in Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi. The lyrics also contain a bit of Spanish. Jai Ho roughly means ‘let the victory prevail’ and yes, it allows you to feel that.
There we have it, our list of 10 best songs by AR Rahman. What do you think about our picks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below: