Few musicians can claim to have defined generations like the 'Mozart of Madras' A.R. Rahman. From the generation that came before, to the current generation of music neophiles, he remains a man who can make a million hearts flutter at will. Most of his numbers are melodious, hummable, addictive listens; as a musician, he is never one who believed in alienating his audience, or considering himself on a different plain. He is the winner of a Padma Bhushan, two Grammies, two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe and countless Filmfare awards.
Soon, the music maestro will celebrate his 25-year musical journey, paying tribute to Tamil Nadu on January 12. "The past 25 years have been truly incredible. It has been a beautiful journey and I am grateful to my fans as I look forward to perform in Chennai, my home city. The people of Tamil Nadu are always special and performing before them in my 25th year is a privilege. I'd like to say 'thank you' to all of them on this occasion," Rahman said in a statement.
On the day the national treasure turns 51, we have cited a few of his compositions which we feel define his music career, from a list as varied as Bombay, Rockstar, Jeans, Roja, Kadhalan, Taal, Alaipayuthey and Indira.
Kadhal Rojave (Roja):
S.P Balasubrahmanyam and Sujatha Mohan breathed life into this piece that captures the soul-stirring ache of a husband longing to see his wife.
Uyire Uyire (Bombay):
The very epitome of genius in simplicity, the song was elevated into global acclaim by the pristine vocals of Hariharan at the top of his game.
Aur Ho (Rockstar):
This might be a contentious choice, but the soaring vocals of Mohit Chauhan and Alma Ferovic perfectly punctuate the slow descent into madness of a love-lorn, emotionally unstable musician. Might take multiple listens for the genius to really sink in.
Dil Se Re (Dil Se):
'Nuff said.
Humma Humma (Bombay)
What makes this imminently hummable song, in one of the greatest albums ever made by A.R. Rahman, stand out is its malleability. This was recently reworked in the movie Ok Jaanu as a tap-worthy piece by rapper Badshah.
Nila Kaigirathu (Indira):
Widely hailed as one of Rahman's best, this one again features Hariharan at the vocals.
Kannodu Kanpathellam (Jeans):
The brilliance of Nityasree Mahadevan's vocals is matched only by eloquence of Vairamuthu's lyrics.
Ennavale (Kadhalan):
Another melodic masterpiece just for the lovers out there, augmented by Vairamuthu's words.
Ishq Bina (Taal):
Another fab collab featuring Sonu Nigam and Sujatha Mohan.
Snegidhane (Alaipayuthey)
The perfect earworm for the cupid-struck teens, the songs in the movie make the perfect Valentine's Day package. We dare you to find a better choice. Double dare ya!!!
