The Ultimate AR Rahman Playlist: Top 50 Songs by the Maestro!

The Music Legend — Allah Rakha Rahman

AR Rahman is one of the most celebrated music directors the world has ever seen. He has been nominated for the Academy Award (Oscar) five times and has won two of them. Rahman has also bagged two Grammys and a Golden Globe, and has become the only music director in India to win the National Film Award a whopping six times. That is probably why Rahman is popularly known by monikers like the music maestro, Mozart of Madras and the man who reshaped the contemporary music scene in India.

Rahman Shaking hands with singer Alicia Keys and actor Zac Efron after accepting his Oscar for Original Background Score at the 81st Academy Awards. Image Courtesey — zimbio.com

If awards are a testament to his talent, his popular appeal is evident in the record breaking sales of his compositions. Rahman is one of the best-selling recording artists with estimate sales of about 200 million units, and is often compared to musical legends like Hans Zimmer and John Williams. Rahman has scored music for over 100 film soundtracks and albums in 12+ languages. Some of his legendary works include Roja, Taal, 127 Hours, and Slumdog Millionaire.

On the event of India completing 50 years of Independence in 1997, Rahman was signed by Sony Music to create the album Vande Mataram. The song Maa Tujhe Salaam became a phenomenal hit. Composed and sung by Rahman himself, the powerfully patriotic song can still be heard every year during the Independence Day celebrations and it never fails to rekindle patriotism in our Indians.

AR Rahman’s fame knows no borders.

Rahman performing with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. Image Courtesy — Outlook India

He is one of the very few prominent artists whose classical adaptations are performed live at the London and Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. Rahman has collaborated with various international artists including Michael Jackson, Hans Zimmer, Akon, Pussycat Dolls and many more. His compositions have been featured in big movies including The Lord of War, The Accidental Husband, Couples Retreat, The Golden Age etc.

For nearly three decades, Rahman has treated us to his serene yet evocative music. Let’s take a trip to the memory lane to re-discover his best works till date.

Top 50 AR Rahman Songs

1. Kaadhal Rojave (Roja)
2. Tu Hi Re (Bombay)
3. Nahin Saamne Tu (Taal)
4. Ae Ajnabi (Dil Se)
5. Maa Tujhe Salaam (Vande Mataram)
6. Jai Ho (Slumdog Millionaire)
7. Rehna Tu (Delhi 6)
8. Kun Faaya Kun (Rockstar)
9. Urvashi Urvashi (Kaadhalan)
10. Nadaan Parindey (Rockstar)
11. Dil Se Re (Dil Se)
12. Tum Tak (Raanjhanaa)
13. Jashn-E-Bahaaraa (Jodhaa Akbar)
14. Mitwa (Lagaan)
15. Masakali (Delhi 6)
16. Ishq Bina (Taal)
17. Ghanan Ghanan (Lagaan)
18. Raanjhanaa (Title Track)
19. Mukkala Mukkabla (Kadhalan)
20. Chaiyya Chaiyya (Dil Se)
21. Phir Se Ud Chala (Rockstar)
22. Satrangi Re (Dil Se)
23. Taal Se Taal (Taal)
24. Yun Hi Chala Chal (Swades)
25. Mayya (Guru)
26. Barso Re (Guru)
27. Tere Bina (Guru)
28. Enakke. Enakkaa (Jeans)
29. Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera (Swades)
30. Mastam Mastam (Yuvvraaj)
31. O Sona Tere Liye (MOM)
32. Des Mere Des (The Legend Of Bhagat Singh)
33. O Humdum Suniyo Re (Saathiya)
34. Naina Miley (Robot)
35. Endhira Logathu Sundariye (2.0 — Tamil)
36. Arima Arima (Enthiran)
37. Enna Sona (OK Jaanu)
38. The Humma Song (OK Jaanu)
39. Maacho (Mersal)
40. Kahin To (Jaane Tu.. Ya Jaane Na)
41. Matargashti (Tamasha)
42. Jiya Jale (Dil Se)
43. Kay Sera Sera (Pukar
44. Pagal Anukan (Robot)
45. Kilimanjaro (Enthiran)
46. Aye Udi Udi Udi (Saathiya)
47. Yeh Haseen Vadiyan Yeh Khula Aasman (Roja)
48. Thalli Pogathey (Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada)
49. Patakha Guddi (Highway)
50. Challa (Jab Tak Hai Jaan)