Celebrating Rahman: 5 unforgettable songs you must hear on his birthday

A R Rahman is widely regarded as one of India’s most influential and enigmatic music composers. Far more than just a brand, Rahman, also known as ‘Isai Puyal’ (the musical storm) and the ‘Mozart of Madras,’ has earned a legendary status in the world of music. His accolades include six National Film Awards, two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and the prestigious Padma Bhushan. Rahman’s rise to fame began with the iconic Mani Ratnam film ‘Roja,’ and from there, he went on to compose timeless melodies for numerous Tamil and Hindi films. As we celebrate his birthday, let’s revisit some of his most unforgettable songs.

Yeh Hassen Vaadiyaan from ‘Roja’
While every track in Roja deserves praise, ‘Yeh Haseen Vaadiyaan’ stands out as the most iconic. This romantic ballad, sung by S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and K.S. Chitra, remains an all-time favorite. Set against the breathtaking landscapes of snow-capped valleys, it’s beautifully picturized on Madhoo and Arvind Swamy. The track captures the essence of love and longing, making it one of Rahman’s most memorable compositions.

Tera Bina from ‘Guru’
The soulful, sufi-inspired ‘Tera Bina’ continues to resonate with listeners, thanks to its evocative music and poignant lyrics by Gulzar. The song was sung by Murtuza Khan, Quadir Khan, Chinmayi, and Rahman himself. Rahman has openly shared that ‘Tera Bina’ was inspired by the iconic ‘Sajna Tera Bina’ by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a track he often listened to while composing for Guru. What’s interesting is that the original composition of ‘Tera Bina’ was an epic 25 minutes long. Although Rahman was initially hesitant to sing it himself, he eventually gave in after Mani Ratnam insisted, adding his own magic to the track.

Chaiya Chaiya from 'Dil Se'
One of the most energetic and unforgettable songs in Rahman’s career, ‘Chaiya Chaiya’ from Dil Se is known for its upbeat rhythm and its iconic train-top choreography featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Malaika Arora. The song was sung by Sukhwinder Singh and Sapna Awasthi, and the sheer energy of the track, coupled with the striking visuals, made it a sensation. To this day, it remains a favorite on dance floors across the globe.

Taal Se Taal Mila from 'Taal'
While the entire soundtrack of Taal became an instant hit, ‘Taal Se Taal Mila’ stands out for its unique blend of traditional and modern sounds. The powerful vocals by Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan brought Rahman’s composition to life, creating a timeless piece that continues to be celebrated by music lovers everywhere. This song's infectious melody and vibrant instrumentation have cemented its place as a classic.

Tu Hi Re from 'Bombay'
Perhaps one of the most soulful and deeply emotional songs Rahman has ever composed, ‘Tu Hi Re’ from Bombay remains etched in the hearts of music lovers. The heartfelt voices of Hariharan and Kavita Krishnamurthy perfectly complement the song’s themes of love and separation. 'Bombay,' a masterpiece directed by Mani Ratnam, is considered one of Rahman’s finest works, and ‘Tu Hi Re’ stands as a poignant reminder of his musical brilliance.