Best of A.R. Rahman Songs

A.R. Rahman, a globally celebrated artist, is rightly called the music maestro. He is a musical genius who has ruled the music industry for over three decades and continues to shine to this day. He is a man of endless creativity and boundless musical innovation, whose art resonates with people of all generations and cultures. Today, we will dive deep into the best of A. R. Rahman’s music and rediscover some of his top songs.

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The Unforgettable Musical Journey of A.R. Rahman

A.R. Rahman has gifted the music industry with many evocative and phenomenal songs, which we can’t resist playing on a loop. No Bollywood playlist is complete without the popular A.R. Rahman songs, and we are not complaining. His music range is outstanding; from composing songs perfect for peaceful train journeys to creating tunes that make us want to dance our hearts out, he has done it all. Now, let us take a look at some of the top A.R. Rahman songs!

Best A.R. Rahman Songs

1. Roja (1992): The Magical Soundtrack: This was the film that introduced the phenomenal new talent, A.R. Rahman, to the world. The music score he composed for this movie was path-breaking and astonishingly fresh. The “Roja” soundtrack was critically and commercially successful and was also listed in Time magazine’s ”10 Best Soundtracks” of all time. The soundtrack of this movie helped Rahman fetch the National Film Award for Best Music Direction, the first time ever by a debutant. Some of the most popular A.R. Rahman songs from “Roja” are: “Yeh Haseen Vadiyan Yeh Khula Aasaman,” “Kadhal Rojave,” and “Chhoti Si Aasha”.
2. Dil Se (1998): A Cinematic Musical Marvel: The legend behind one of our favourite party songs “Chaiyya Chaiyya” and other marvellous songs like “Jiya Jale,” “E Ajnabi,”‘ and “Satrangi Re” is none other than A.R. Rahman. He composed the songs for the movie “Dil Se,” while Gulzar wrote the lyrics of these evergreen songs that still hold the power to bring people to the dance floor. Rahman clinched the “Best Music Director” award for the Dil Se album, a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional talent and contribution to the music industry.
3. Luka Chuppi (Rang De Basanti 2006): A Heartfelt Melody: “Luka Chuppi” is another beautiful creation by A.R. Rahman, stirring deep emotions with every play. Collaborating with Rahman, Lata Mangeshkar delivered a soulful rendition that still resonates with listeners, leaving a lasting impression. The story behind this song adds to its charm. Despite her legendary status, Lata Mangeshkar travelled to Chennai three days before the recording session because she wanted to rehearse in Rahman’s studio, immersing herself in his creative space. Diligently practising for hours each day, she strived for perfection. The recording process itself lasted eight hours, during which she remained standing to ensure the song was recorded flawlessly. Her dedication shines through in the final masterpiece, adding to the brilliance of the “Rang De Basanti” album, which earned Rahman numerous awards and accolades.
4. Khwaja Mere Khwaja (Jodhaa Akbar, 2008): A Sufi Serenade: “Jodhaa Akbar” breathed new life into the hearts of Sufi enthusiasts, and is a quintessential example of the best of A.R. Rahman songs. A.R. Rahman left an indelible mark on the music scene with the release of “Khwaja Mere Khwaja,” a song that continues to offer unpaid therapy to listeners. What makes this composition even more remarkable is its origin: “Khwaja Mere Khwaja” wasn’t initially penned for the film “Jodhaa Akbar” or any other movie, but rather as a personal creation by Rahman, inspired by his visits to the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty. It was only upon hearing the narrative of “Jodhaa Akbar” that Rahman recognized the perfect fit of this spiritually rich piece for the film’s soundtrack, further elevating its transcendental essence.
5. Jai Ho (Slumdog Millionaire, 2008): The Rhythmic Celebration: Slumdog Millionaire is a very popular movie and was the talk of the town when it was released. The song “Jai Ho” from this movie received universally favourable reviews from music critics, who quoted it as the best song on the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack. “Jai Ho” rekindled patriotism among the citizens of India and brought people together irrespective of their age and culture. It’s a true representative of the best of A.R. Rahman music. 
   
   

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Best Latest Songs By A.R. Rahman

A.R. Rahman’s songs are loved and enjoyed by people of all ages. His intricate understanding of both Indian and Western musical styles gives him an edge over other artists, and his innate sense of music captivates listeners, making everyone fall in love with his tunes. His recent songs are as captivating and unique as his older ones, tailored for today’s teens and reflecting current trends. Here are some of his recent hits:

1. Kun Faya Kun: A Divine Journey Through Harmony: “Kun Faya Kun” is a song about surrender, quest, and faith, and it has the most serene tunes that instantly put one at ease upon hearing it. Many young adults and teens nowadays resort to songs like “Kun Faya Kun” once in a while to let go of everything else and immerse themselves in soul-stirring melodies. 
2. Kabhi Kabhi Aditi: Nostalgia in Every Strum: Rahman captures the essence of life’s uncertainties and the importance of friendships in the most serene way possible, and we still can’t help but reminisce about “the good old days” when we hear this song. 
3. Enna Sona: Capturing the Soul with Melody: Rahman took it upon himself to help all the romantics out there! “Enna Sona” is the perfect song to dedicate to your loved ones, expressing how beautiful they are and appreciating their existence! Young couples are crazy about this melodious song and are often seen slow dancing to it. 
4. Tum Ho: Strings of Passion and Romance: A.R. Rahman knows how to weave magic with his soulful melodies, and “Tum Ho” stands as a testament to it. The song quickly became a favourite among lovers, serving as a heartfelt tribute to the beauty and significance of their beloveds. With its captivating melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song effortlessly expresses admiration and gratitude for the presence of loved ones. 
5. Matargashti: A Symphony of Joyful Tunes: “Matargashti” is the perfect example of a wholesome song with joyful tunes and beautiful visuals. This song rightly captures the essence of carefree joy and spontaneity. Teens resonate with its upbeat rhythm, playful lyrics, and catchy tunes, making it a favourite choice for road trips, hangouts with friends, or uplifting their mood during leisure time. 

Check out our guitar lessons for some of the top Guitar Bollywood songs. It is super fun to play your favourite songs on the guitar! We also have a guitar cover of one of A.R. Rahman’s songs, Elay Keechan on our YouTube channel. Check out the following video to learn to play this track!

A.R. Rahman: Musical Maestro and Global Icon

A.R. Rahman has significantly influenced the contemporary music landscape in India. His journey began in the studio, where he assisted his father, a film score composer for Tamil and Malayalam films, by playing the keyboard. Learning to play the piano at the age of four marked the genesis of Rahman’s musical legacy. 

A few years later, Rahman dropped out of school to become a full-time musician and founded a rock group called Nemesis Avenue. This fueled his passion for music and forever changed the landscape of Indian music. Initially, Rahman composed scores for various documentaries and jingles for advertisements on Indian television channels, which quickly gained popularity.

Following his success in composing catchy jingles, he was approached by director Mani Ratnam in 1992 to compose the score and soundtrack for his Tamil movie, Roja. This marked the beginning of Rahman’s film career and revolutionized the fate of the Indian music industry. Soon after, he made his Bollywood debut with the film Rangeela, and subsequent successful scores and songs for Dil Se… and the percussive Taal followed. With a string of hits, he established himself and his music left an indelible mark on the world of music. 

A.R. Rahman soon became a celebrated music director and a musical phenomenon who gained worldwide recognition. He has been nominated for the Academy Award (Oscar) five times and has won two of them.

Rahman has also bagged two Grammys and a Golden Globe, and he is the only music director in India to win the National Film Award a whopping six times. This is why he is popularly known as the Mozart of Madras, having revolutionized the Indian music scene. 

Rahman’s genius lies in his dedication, endeavour, and perseverance, the biggest reasons for his success today. He has enjoyed record-breaking sales of his compositions and is often compared to musical legends like Hans Zimmer. A.R. Rahman’s fame knows no borders; he is loved in India and across the globe. His classical adaptations are performed live at prestigious venues like the London and Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestras, and his compositions have been featured in popular movies such as The Lord of War and The Accidental Husband, among others. Moreover, he has collaborated with international artists like Michael Jackson, Hans Zimmer, and Akon, making a significant impact worldwide.

Conclusion

To conclude, we can say that Rahman’s songs are more than just melodies and these songs are proof of his unparalleled talent and creativity. From his humble beginnings in Chennai to his global stardom, his journey is a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite hearts. As we continue to cherish and celebrate his timeless compositions, one thing remains clear: A.R. Rahman’s music will continue to fascinate and inspire the generations to come.

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