8 Best Film Soundtracks Composed By AR Rahman

On the occasion of the birthday of the Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer, we are going to put our headphones on and immerse ourselves in some of his most classic albums.

It’s safe to say that ever since making his debut as a music composer for Roja, AR Rahman has earned his place at the top of the global music industry with his command of melodies, tonal textures, and pulsating rhythms. Long dubbed the “Mozart of Madras,” this musician’s career has only continued to soar as he has demonstrated his command of not only Carnatic music but also Western Hindustani classical music and Qawwali. Rahman has changed how the world perceives Indian film and its music with his many accolades and awards, including two Oscars, four National Awards, two Grammys, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a Padma Bhushan. In honor of his 55th birthday, we sifted through his discography and chose (very) selectively some of his finest Hindi music albums.

Roja (1992)

A staple of ’90s Bollywood music, Roja’s songs remain as popular today as they were when they were first released 30 years ago. The songs have endured the test of time and are still fondly hummed today, from the youthful exuberance of “Chhoti Si Asha” and the yearning of “Yeh Haseen Vaadiyan” to the romantic ballad “Roja Janeman” and the spirited “Bhaarat Humko Jaan Se Pyaara Hain.”

Rangeela (1995)

Rangeela’s title track, “Rangeela,” became a hit long before the advent of the internet, as it could be heard at nearly every ’90s party, dance, and school/college annual show. Songs like Swarnalatha’s sensual slow-burner “Hai Rama,” “Kya Kare Kya Na Kare,” and “Yaaron Sun Lo Zara” showcased the album’s versatility and wit, while “Kya Kare Kya Na Kare” and “Kya Kare Kya Na Kare” showcased the confusion of the endearing Munna.

Bombay (1995)

Even if you’re not usually one to get down on the dance floor, you can’t help but move to the infectious beat of “Humma Humma,” the original synth-pop anthem that has stood the test of time. The songs “Kehna Hi Kya” and “Tu Hi Re” make you feel like your heart is going to burst with love, but the intense “Bombay Theme” stands out as one of the first (and very few) instrumental pieces in a Bollywood movie. Bombay’s score was perfectly suited to the film’s dramatic and romantic tone.

Dil Se (1998)

Many have tried and failed to replicate the groundbreaking work of Rahman, Mani Ratnam, and Gulzar, the triumvirate responsible for one of the greatest albums in the history of Indian music. Outstanding pieces include the drum-heavy “Chhaiya Chhaiya,” the sweetly seductive “Jiya Jale,” the melancholy “Ae Ajnabee,” and the rock anthem “Dil Se Re,” for which Rahman also sang the chorus.

Taal (1999)

Taal, one of Bollywood’s grandest movies to date, featured a musical spectrum that did justice to the film’s spectacle, provided by director Subhash Ghai, and the combined star power of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Anil Kapoor. The Western version of “Taal Se Taal,” performed by Sukhwinder Singh, is a testament to Rahman’s ability to rework the same song for different tempos, as the song went from sounding sublimely rustic to larger than life. The composer’s ability to switch gears is on full display in songs like “Beat of Passion,” “Ni Main Samajh Gayi,” and “Ramta Jogi;” then, when your heart is racing from all the upbeat music, “Nahin Saamne” arrives to calm your nerves.

Lagaan (2001)

Without a single radio-friendly dance number, the album of the epic period drama still became one of the most memorable soundtracks to come out of the Indian film industry. The upbeat “Chale Chalo” and “Mitwa” are backed by equally rousing percussion. Rahman’s mastery of Indian tones was on display in songs like “O Palan Haare” and “Radha Kaise Na Jale,” and “O Re Chhori’s” gorgeous jugalbandi of rustic and Eastern strains is unforgettable.

Saathiya (2002)

Groovy bass from “O Humdum Suniyo Re,” jazzy fun from “Aye Udi Udi Udi,” and the joyous flavor of the South in “Chhalka Chhalka Re” made Saathiya’s playlist feel like a breath of fresh air in the early 2000s. With just one listen to Sonu Nigam’s voice on the album’s title track, you’ll be whisked away to a land of unicorns and fairies. Saathiya’s songs are among Rahman’s finest work, and the album as a whole is worthy of a spot next to his best.

Rang De Basanti (2005)

Rang De Basanti’s score begins with Harshdeep Kaur’s calming prayer chant “Ik Onkar,” before taking listeners on an emotional roller coaster as they watch a ragtag group of friends find their life’s purpose. With tracks like the heartfelt ballad “Lukka Chupi,” the electronic anthem “Masti Ki Paathshala,” the hazy “Tu Bin Bataye,” and the revolutionary “Khoon Chala,” the album has something to offer listeners of all tastes. Even though the film jumps between the 1920s and the 2000s, Rahman’s score remains constant throughout.

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