AR Rahman turns 56: Revisiting some iconic songs by the 'Mozart of Madras'

Music maestro AR Rahman, known for his soulful music, and winner of a plethora of awards and honours for film and stage, and for his unmatchable range as a composer, turns a year older today. The 'Mozart of Madras' has been an inspiration to many and his work is a window to his roller-coaster journey. On his 56th birthday, we take a look at some of the iconic songs of the legendary composer.

Chotti Si Aasha: 'Roja' is one of Rahman's early career hits that cemented his popularity in the world of music. The unique style and sound captured the aspiration of India's new music audience. Credit: Instagram/@arrahman

Jashn-E-Bahaaraa: Crooned by Javed Ali, one of the most melodious Bollywood songs from the 2008 romantic historical drama 'Jodhaa Akbar' featured actors Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Credit: PTI Photo

Minsaara Kanavu Songs: Songs from Minsaara Kanavu is a music lover's delight. This whole album has songs varying from classical to romantic ballads and is truly enchanting. Credit: Instagram/@arrahman

Maa Tujhe Salaam: Crooned by AR Rahman himself, the song is from a 1997 patriotic album 'Vande Mataram' and is one of India’s most popular songs of all time. Credit: Arun Titan Studio

Chaiyya Chaiyya & Dil Se: These two songs from the movie Dil Se (1998) are immensely popular. While 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' is a joyous and fun song, 'Dil Se Re' is a song by an infatuated lover-boy and is as haunting as its visuals. Credit: Instagram/@arrahman

Rang De Basanti Songs: From 'Khalbali', 'Ek Onkar, to 'Roobaroo', the movie had mind-blowing songs. This album created massive waves at the time of its release and to date remains immensely popular. Credit: Instagram/@arrahman

Tere Bina: The melodious hit song is from the 2007 Bollywood film 'Guru' filmed on the lead actors Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. It was composed by Rahman, performed by Rahman, Murtuza Khan, Quadir Khan and Chinmayi and written by Gulzar. Credit: Arun Titan Studio

Jai Ho: This song from the movie 'Slumdog Millionaire' was the toast of the town in almost every part of the world. The song received global love from music lovers, and also bagged an Academy Award for Best Original Song, and a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture in 2009. Credit: DH Pool Photo

Kun Faaya Kun: The soulful qawwali, composed by Rahman is dedicated to Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya. The track from the 2011 Imtiaz Ali-directed romantic drama 'Rockstar' was crooned by Rahman, Mohit Chauhan, Javed Ali and was picturised on the lead actor Ranbir Kapoor at Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah in New Delhi. Credit: Instagram/@arrahman