10 Songs That Define AR Rahman’s Genius

Happy birthday to AR Rahman, the globally acclaimed composer who needs no introduction. Having enriched Indian cinema with timeless music across languages, he went on to achieve international acclaim with the Oscar-winning song Jai Ho. Fondly known as the “Mozart of Madras,” Rahman has remained a beloved and influential figure for over three decades.

He announced his arrival with Mani Ratnam’s Roja in 1992, delivering a debut album that signalled the emergence of a remarkable talent. Over the years, Rahman has composed and sung an extraordinary body of work that captures love, loss, devotion, camaraderie and patriotism, leaving an enduring impact on audiences worldwide.

Here’s a look at the top 10 evergreen songs of AR Rahman:

From Roja: "Yeh Haseen Vadiyan Yeh Khula Aasman," "Chhoti Si Aasha"

From Bombay: "Tu Hi Re," "Kehna Hi Kya," "Bombay Theme"

From Rangeela: "Tanha Tanha," "Rangeela Re," "Hai Rama," "Yaaron Sun Lo Zara"

From Dil Se: "Jiya Jale," "Dil Se Re," "Chaiyya Chaiyya"

From Taal: "Taal Se Taal," "Ishq Bina," "Ramta Jogi"

From Lagaan: "Chale Chalo," "Ghanan Ghanan"

From Swades: "Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera," "Yun Hi Chala Chal"

From Rang De Basanti: "Patakha Guddi," "Roobaroo," "Khalbali"

From Rockstar: "Kun Faya Kun," "Nadaan Parinde," "Saadda Haq"

From Tamasha: "Agar Tum Saath Ho"

From Dil Bechara: "Dil Bechara," "Khulke Jeene Ka"

From Mimi: "Param Sundari," "Rait Zara Si"