AR Rahman birthday special: From 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' to 'Chaka Chak' — his best Bollywood songs

Happy Birthday to the Mozart of Madras! A. R. Rahman has transformed Indian music with his unmatched melodies, innovative rhythms, and seamless blend of classical sounds with modern electronic beats. His compositions not only touch the heart but also make listeners move to the rhythm. Let’s take a journey through A. R. Rahman’s magical musical world and revisit some of his finest Bollywood songs.

Composed by A. R. Rahman for 'Dil Se', this iconic track is sung by Sukhwinder Singh and Sapna Awasthi. Featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Malaika Arora dancing atop a moving train, the song’s rhythm mirrors galloping wheels, powered by heavy percussion and earthy tones. Its infectious energy remains unmatched in Indian cinema.

This ethereal romantic number from 'Taal' is sung by Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan. Shot in the rain with Aishwarya Rai and Akshaye Khanna, the song creatively incorporates the sound of splashing water into its rhythm. Fresh, crisp, and melodic, it continues to be a favourite among music lovers.

The energetic title track from 'Rang De Basanti' is sung by Daler Mehndi and Chitra. Starring Aamir Khan, Siddharth, and Sharman Joshi, the song blends Punjabi folk with modern rock influences. Driven by powerful dhol beats, it captures the rebellious spirit and patriotic fire of Indian youth.

A spiritual anthem from 'Rockstar', this soul-stirring track is sung by A. R. Rahman, Javed Ali, and Mohit Chauhan. Featuring Ranbir Kapoor inside a Sufi shrine, the song begins with a gentle harmonium and gradually builds into a divine crescendo. Exploring themes of creation and devotion, it stands as a masterpiece of Sufi music.

From the film 'Tamasha', this emotional ballad is sung by Alka Yagnik and Arijit Singh. Featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, the song uses minimal instrumentation—soft guitar and gentle beats—to highlight the raw pain and complexity of love. Its haunting melody lingers long after the song ends.

A modern reinterpretation of Rahman’s original classic, this version appears in 'OK Jaanu'. Sung by Jubin Nautiyal, Shashaa Tirupati, and Badshah, the song stars Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor. With deeper bass and a sultrier tempo, it bridges generations and rules the contemporary dance floor.

This breezy, feel-good track from 'Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na' is sung by Rashid Ali. Featuring Imran Khan and Genelia D’Souza, the song’s acoustic guitar-driven melody and comforting lyrics feel like a sunny day on a college campus—simple, relatable, and evergreen.

An elegant romantic number from 'Jodhaa Akbar', this song is sung with remarkable grace by Javed Ali. Showcasing the royal chemistry of Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, Rahman’s use of soft strings and haunting flute creates a blooming, poetic soundscape. It remains a masterclass in refined composition.

From 'Atrangi Re', this vibrant and playful track is sung by Shreya Ghoshal. Featuring Sara Ali Khan and Dhanush, the song draws from traditional South Indian folk rhythms and delivers fast-paced energy perfect for celebrations. Colourful, lively, and infectious, it once again proves Rahman’s versatility.