A.R Rahman! The name personifies melody and magic! Over the years, A R Rahman has given us some wonderful songs which have inspired us, made us love music in a way we never did. The following list is my tribute to one of the greatest music directors of all time!! I have tried to include the 10 best songs. But the definition of “best” may vary for each and every one of us. Feel free to add your list in the comments section. Also, make sure as you go through the list you actually listen to these songs(Links provided). Believe me, you would love this!

10) Dil se re
Singers- A R Rahman
Film- Dil Se

NDTV poll voted this song as the best A R Rahman song ever! Well, here this song has successfully made it to the top ten list. Wonderfully shot, beautifully written and superbly sung by A R Rahman himself, this song has achieved a cult status over the years!

Link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwfCMvo19s8

9) Arziyaan
Singers- Javed Ali and Kailash Kher
Film-Jodha Akbar

A R Rahman returned after a short hiatus with this movie and with a BANG! This was vintage A R Rahman! Dil gira daffatan, massakali, rehna tu and Genda phool and other songs impressed everyone but the song that has found its place in this list is Arziyaan by Javed Ali! It was an ode to the quawwali lovers of Delhi! Beautiful resonance of harmonium and table along with Prasoon Joshi’s lyrics make this song a memorable one!

Best lines- sar utha kar maine itni khwahishein kit hi, kitne khwab dekhke te, kitni koshishe kit hi..

Link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA09HEGTzCU

8) Tauba Tauba
Singers- Hariharan
Film- Jeans

The film wore out but the music stayed, especially this song! With Hariharan’s magical voice and aesthetic locations where this movie was shot, this is an unforgettable song. Hats off to P K Mishra because it is really difficult to dub a song with good lyrics! Excellent use of instruments and chorus, a song which all of us ought to have in our playlist!

Link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3CmOO8UA7E

7) Khoon chala
Singers- Mohit Chauhan
Film- Rang de Basanti

Khoon chala is a finely crafted rendition by the maestro! Mohit Chauhan was at his best here and Prasoon Joshi made it a delight by his soulful words! Rahman’s touch of grandeur here is so much visible and this takes this top to the 7th position in this list! The timing of this song is unbelievable! Some really top notch music and filmmaking!

Link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG3jL0o5oco

6) Nahin Saamne
Singers- Hariharan
Film- Taal

Subhash Ghai + A R Rahman, and what we get here is an album made in heaven. This song, Nahi Saamne, is inarguably, the best song of the album. While there are feet tapping numbers in this movie, this song takes you to a different axis with its soulful music and unbelievable singing by Hariharan! Subhash Ghai himself announced this to be his favourite song in the album!
Link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gpa7W9oOK8

5) Tu Hi Re
Singers- Hariharan and Kavita Krishnamurthy
Film- Bombay

Hariharan it is again! Bombay was the movie and this song caught everyone’s attention. This was the time when Bollywood was ruled by the likes of Anand Milinds, Nadeem shravans and ANu Maliks. But A R Rahman brought about that difference with Roja and Bombay. One more song which deserves a mention here is Kehna hi kya. Definitely one of the best albums of Bollywood ever!
Link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VdjCp27KEM

4) Khwaja mere Khwaja
Singers- A R Rahman
Fim- Jodha Akbar

A R Rahman is at his best in this Sufi symphony. Penned by Kashif, this song has a riveting impact on your souls and senses which lingers for a long time. My favourite Sufi song!

Link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaI18sMcnsE

3) Yeh haseen vaadiyan
Singers- S P Balasubhramanyam and Chitra
Movie- Roja

Roja is the best movie album of A R Rahman. Period! Nothing more can be said about it which has won so many awards everywhere. This song is my personal favourite from the album. Perfect arrangement of music with worthy instruments creates a wonderful symphony. Words really cannot describe the magic of this song! Here’s the link!
Link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZERCevrKuiY

2) Lukaa chuppi
Singers- Lata Mangeshkar and A R Rahman
Movie- Rang De Basanti

A perfect 10/10 for this most creative piece by the Mozart! Flawless singing by Lata Mangeshkar and beautifully arranged table and guitar. A R Rahman’s vocals add magic to this combination. Prasoon Joshi’s words added soul to this beautiful song. Rang de Basanti is up there with Roja as his best albums!

Link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5qhBM3KJY8

2)Yeh joh desh hai tera
Singer- A R Rahman
Movie- Swades

Another gem from A R Rahman. This song is all about emotions. Patriotism at its best, this song resonated with every Indian’s heart. Most beautiful use of Shehenai along with Rahman’s singing takes this song to number 2 position, along with Lukaa chuppi!
Link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tiVPuLbbHg

1) Maa Tujhe Salaam-Vande Mataram
Singer- A R Rahman
Album- Vande Mataram(1997)

This was the best way of celebrating 50 glorious years of India’s Independence! A R Rahman’s rendition was received with much praise and was simultaneously released in 28 countries. Perfectly orchestrated symphony and well sung by Rahman himself, this is rightfully the best tribute to India and his best song ever. If you don’t believe me, here is the link!
Link – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWeIBEKY3S4&feature;=kp

Guys, feel free to give your suggestions and additions to this list! To see the complete list – www.tejasnimbargi.blogspot.in