Prasoon Joshi’s most memorable songs

Poet, writer, lyricist and CBFC Chief, Prasoon Joshi dons many hats. As the prolific lyricist turns 47 today, we bring some of his most memorable songs. These tracks have resonated with Bollywood’s music fans. As the writer says, “I believe in journeys not destinations. Possibilities are exciting not conclusions.” These songs are a reflection of his journey as an acclaimed artiste and writer. Here’s a list of his most thought provoking numbers.
Maa – Taare Zameen Par:
This song could easily be one of the most emotional tracks in the last two decades. It captures the mother-son bond so beautifully and strikes a chord with every child. The words describe thoughts that come to a boy’s mind when he misses his mother. Prasoon Joshi also draws a parallel where the child is afraid of the dark but doesn’t express it and similarly how he misses his mother and loves her dearly but can’t express that either.
Kholo Kholo – Taare Zameen Par :
All the tracks from TZP were extremely popular, but this one song has managed to motivate many people and is considered as one of the best songs of Prasoon Joshi. It urges the protagonist and listeners to realise their hidden potential and go out and conquer the world despite anything and everything that may look like an obstacle.
Roobaroo – Rang De Basanti :
Composed by AR Rahman, ‘Roobaroo’ is the song that can make you reminisce your college days. The song was a huge hit amongst college student along with ‘Khabali’ from the same film.
Tu Bin Bataye – Rang De Basanti :
The quintessential romantic song, ‘Tu bin Bataye’ had lyrics and music that could make anyone feel misty and fuzzy. In fact, it’s a song that features some really soulful lyrics. Talking about composing meaningful songs like ‘Tu Bin Bataye’, Prasoon Joshi says, “We need a tougher-to-please audience for artistes to push themselves and their craft.”
Zinda – Bhaag Milkha Bhaag :
This energetic and inspirational number from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is the kind of track that you can motivate you to get up and change the world. Not only does the track feature a stunning physical feat by Farhan Akhtar, Prasoon’s words create an exhilarating atmosphere.
Arziyan (Maula Maula) – Delhi 6 :
This number from Delhi 6 is what we call food for the soul. The way it simply transports you to another world with its meaningful lyrics and soulful composition is unmatched. It almost like the words romanticise your prayers to the Almighty in a way few other songs have been able to.
Gehra Ishq – Neerja :
Another gem from Prasoon Joshi, a painfully romantic track that has the ability to give you goosebumps. The movie itself received great appreciation from the critics and audiences alike and the song remains one of the most loved tracks among the music aficionados.
O Rangrez – Bhaag Milkha Bhaag :
O Rangrez mere is one of the best songs of not just Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, but it’s one of the best compositions of Shankar Ehsaan Loy’s career. The raag-based, slow paced song sung by Javed Bashir and Shreya Ghoshal is a conversational one and surely is the one of those songs which can be heard in a romantic atmosphere.
Talking about his special day and his ability to convey complex emotions in his lyrics with ease Prasoon says, “I am not necessarily a specific date oriented or birthday driven person, I believe in celebrating life’s moments spontaneously.”