Post RD Burman, the Indian movie industry has had a worthy successor in the form of AR Rehman. Self-admittedly inspired by RD Burman and southern genius Illayaraja, Rehman has gone on to scale new frontiers
with his innovative and experimental approach and undeniable talent. I would restrict myself in this compilation to his original Hindi soundtracks (which means omitting gems like Roja and Bombay) but then they can always form part of another list. Most of the songs I am choosing are complemented with beautiful matching visuals which add to the entire experience of the songs. In no particular order, my favorite Rehman numbers to date would include:
1. Hai Rama (Rangeela): From Rehman’s debut hindi movie, this song is one of the best fusion works I have heard in recent times. Hariharan’s silken voice blends beautifully with Swarnalatha’s to create an imagery, sensual in experience. The mood of the song varies from slow and languid veena stringing to zestful pulsating dholak beats matching the cat and mouse mating fantasy picturized on screen. Truly a treat for the senses.
2. Satrangi Re (Dil se): Another fantasy sojourn. This number brings out the junoon (obsession) in the male protagonist’s voice and would rank amongst Sonu’s best songs so far. The passionate singing coupled with matching lyrics and an out of the world picturization make this one an ethereal experience.
3. Chaiyya Chaiyya (Dil Se): Probably one of Rehman’s most popular songs (and the number which won Andrew Lloyd Webber over too), Chaiyya Chaiyya stands out on account of it’s sheer energy and zest. The rhythmic pulsating train beats topped with Sukhwinder’s sky high notes make this one a tonic for those low days.
4. Ruth aa gayi re (1947- Earth): Sukhwinder Singh is probably Rehman’s best gift to the music industry. In this beautiful number from Earth, he demonstrates his vocal prowess, as he navigates the bouncy springtime feel tune
composed by Rehman. Javed Akhtar’s lovely lyrics complete the mustard field imagery created in this song.
5. Kahin Aag Lage (Taal): While the other numbers from Taal score in pure melody, this one uses the same combination of Asha-Aditya used previously in Rangeela, to a strikingly different effect. For added measure, you have tribal sounds thrown in with the folksy voice of Richa Sharma to make up this eclectic mix. A fitting song to introduce a singing star in the movie, a breathtaking Ash did full justice to the visuals.
6. Rang de (Thakshak): Arguably Asha’s best effort with Rehman so far, this number stands out on two counts. The intricate orchestration and Asha scaling multiple octaves. An operatic experience.
7. O Paalanhare (Lagaan): Composing Bhajan’s for a hindi movie must be every music directors nightmare for the plain and simple reason that unless done perfectly, the sincerity of the Bhajan gets diluted in the cliched storylines and hindi filmi stereotypes. This is one Bhajan which stands out (in the league of ’Tu Pyaar Ka Saagar Hai’ from Seema) in it’s simplicity and sincerity. Lata and Udit pour their soul into this musical masterpiece by Rehman. The only other Bhajan in recent times which comes close is Rehman’s Ek tu hi Bharosa from Pukar.
8. So gaye hain (Zubeida): There’s something about period dramas that brings out the best in Rehman. This background number from Zubeida, sung by Lata again, has a swaying aura about it, and an underlying note of pathos in the tune. Blends so beautifully into the biographical saga of Zubeida.
9. Sunta hai mera Khuda (Pukar): Arabic melody meets bollywood. This hauntingly sensuous number from Pukar has been masterly sung by Udit Narayan with caressing vocals. The orchestration provides the perfect foil. Ideal for a lazy afternoon in the hammock with your lover.
10. Ghannan ghannan (Lagaan): Used perfectly for the first teaser trailers of the movie, this semiclassical number conveys the mood of the situation it was supposed to, in the movie - that of anticipation. The rising crescendo of the vocals starting with low rumblings and gradually rising create the imagery of an impending cloudburst. The diverse voices used in this song beautifully complement each other to convey a genuine population effort. One of the best rain songs for sure. Unbridled ecstasy.
I definitely feel guilty when I remember so many exquisite Rehman numbers I have omitted from this list. But then compilations never ever do justice to geniuses. Do they?