10 A.R. Rahman non-film tunes you must listen to now
Ever since he began composing in the 90s, A.R.Rahman’s music albums are the most-awaited ones. Be it the period films like Zubeidaa, Lagaan,Water or movies appealing to the youth like Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, Yuva, Rang de Basanti, Delhi 6 or evergreen classics like Rangeela, Dil Se.., Taal, his authentic stamp is all over his compositions.
He attained international acclaim composing for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Bombay Dreams much before Slumdog Millionaire’s Jai Ho grabbed international attention. Two Oscars and a Grammy award later, his music is rightly popular among the non-Indians as well.
He has an impressive discography of film albums but that doesn’t stop him from composing outside films. Be it a single, non-film albums, collaborations, he is open to all… as long as good music is involved. As the music maestro A.R.Rahman turns 49 today, we list 10 tunes the genius created beyond films in his signature style that we loved!
1. Maa Tujhe Salaam (Vande Mataram)
With AR Rahman on vocals, Maa Tujhe Salaam from the 1997 album Vande Mataram instilled a sense of patriotism among Indians globally. The album was meant to commemorate fifty years of India‘s independence. The Tamil version of the track Thai Mannai Vanakkam is equally priceless. The video by Bharat Bala showed different ethnicities in India and is one of the most popular songs of all time.
2. The Bharti Airtel theme song
This magical composition by Rahman caught the nation by storm and still sounds refreshing. The music genius, who began his music career as a session-musician with Illairaja, tried his hand at jingles on a colleague’s suggestion and ended up composing around 300 jingles in five years. He created memorable jingles for brands like Worldspace Radio, MRF Tyres, Titan, Toyota and more.
3. Jana Gana Mana
A project bringing together 35 top Indian artists, comprising the best of vocalists and instrumentalists, Jana Gana Mana was a historic video released in 2000 to mark the 50th year of India’s Republic Day. It is impossible to listen to this modern rendition of the National Anthem without getting goosebumps.
4. Shaka Laka Baby - Bombay Dreams
It was in 2001 that Andrew Lloyd Webber, man behind musicals like Phantom of the Opera and Jesus Christ Superstar invited Rahman to compose for his musical, Bombay Dreams. This was a rare honour for an Indian composer to get an international recognition and Rahman churned out Shaka Laka Baby and 15 other tracks that swept the masses.
5. Jiya Se Jiya
Part of Rahman’s 2009 compilation album Connections, Jiya Se Jiya was the only fresh track on the album. With Rahman’s companion Sivamani on drums, the song and the video concept of Free Hugs appealed to the Indian youth. The video was shot across the major cities of India with real people.
6. Airtel advertisement (Street Dancer)
Rahman got together with Airtel to compose its new signature ringtone in 2010. The video featured Orrisa-based Harihar Das of India’s Got Talent fame.
7. Jai Ho (You are my Destiny)
Jai Ho from Danny Boyle’s 2008 release Slumdog Millionaire became a global sensation after the song won two Academy Awards and a Grammy. The film song was then adapted by American girl group the Pussycat Dolls titled Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)
8. India Bula Liya
Rahman was at the receiving end of much criticism when the theme song for the Commonwealth Games, India Bula Liya was released. Fans expressed disappointment and unanimously agreed that the song had fallen short of expectations. The song was then pepped up with more beats to sound like an anthem.
9. Zariya
AR Rahman roped in Jordanian singer Farah Siraj along with Nepalese Buddhist Nun Ani Choying for this world music track Zariya from Coke Studio @MTV. With Sivamani on percussions and remarkable background vocals, this song wove together diverse genres.
10. Jagao Mere Des Ko
Be it Vande Mataram or Swades’ Yeh Jo Des Hai Mera, Rahman gives us a dose of patriotism in regular intervals. For Coke Studio, the composer blended contrasting styles to create this classical influenced song. Together with Suchi and Blaaze, Rahman hits the high notes in Jaago… with great ease.
- by Anitaiyer
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