Heavy Rotation: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

Shankar Mahadevan's command over classical music is well-known, and perhaps best evidenced in Bolo Na. In Sur Niragas Ho he goes a step further. Composed for the Marathi film Katyar Kaljat Ghusli, the bhajan is equal parts arresting and bliss...

Achha Lagta Hai (Aarakshan) - Addictive, yes, but also very playful in Shreya Ghoshal and Mohit Chauhan's fabulous rendition.

Achchi Lagti Ho (Kuch Naa Kaho) - Coincidence or not, the song shares almost the same name as the former, and yet is very unlike it. And not to mention, Kavita Krishnamurthy!

Dil Chahta Hai, Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe, Jaane Kyon (Dil Chahta Hai) - The soundtrack that put Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa on the music map.

Sapnon Se Bhare Naina, Baawre, O Rahi Re, Pyaar Ki Dastaan (Luck by Chance) - A gem of a soundtrack from SEL, bringing together an eclectic mix of Indian and contemporary elements.

Mitwa - Revisted, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Tumhi Dekho Naa (Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna) - The synthy, uptempo remix version of Mitwa is infectious, totally zippy and effervescent!

Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (Jhoom Barabar Jhoom) - Blending bhangra, dhols and classical elements, Shankar Mahadevan binds you over with his ever-exuberant vocals.

Kitni Baatein (Lakshya) - Hariharan and Sadhana Sargam lead what's slow-burn of a pathos-soaked melody.

Chup Chup Ke (Bunty Aur Babli) - Serene, yes, but the real MVP is Niladri Kumar whose wizardry with sitar makes the song what it is.

Kitni Narmi Se (Dil Jo Bhi Kahey...) - SEL's ethereal melody gets a befitting match in Sonu Nigam.

Mere Dil Ka Tumse Yeh Kehna (Armaan) - An engaging medley of sounds with a slight hint of Arabic rhythm, and topped by K. S. Chithra's flawless rendition.

Dil Kya Kare, Salaam-e-Ishq (Salaam-e-Ishq), Maa, Taare Zameen Par (Taare Zameen Par), Aasma Odh Kar (13B), Un Azhagukku (Aalavandhan), Kya Karoon?, Wake Up Sid! - Club Mix, Aaj Kal Zindagi (Wake Up Sid) - Exquisite melodies underlined by tasteful instrumentation.

Lazy Lamhe (Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic) - I am generally not a big fan of remixes — a rare exception being being Woh Lamhe — but this remix of Lazy Lamhe by DJ Aqeel is one to die for. Ridiculously foot-tapping!

Uff Teri Adaa (Karthik Calling Karthik) - Hey Ya! is breezy and sweet, and K.K. reliably rules the lilting country ballad Jaane Ye Kya Hua. But Uff Tera Adaa is the undisputed highlight, working splendidly as an addictive classical-meets-EDM fusion.

Khwabon Ke Parindey (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) - Mohit Chauhan and Alyssa Mendonsa, enough said!

Bol Na Halke Halke (Jhoom Barabar Jhoom) - One of my favourite songs from the composer trio based on abheri raga (or bhimpalasi in Hindustani music). Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Mahalakshmi Iyer, needless to say, rock.

Aaj Ki Raat (Don) - A mesmerising retro-disco number that has its echoes in the 1977 Donna Summer hit I Feel Love, and sung to perfection by Alisha Chinai, Mahalakshmi Iyer and Sonu Nigam.

Barso Yaaron, Khanabadosh (London Dreams) - An album sizzling with groovy rock-cut bangers, with SEL etching an intricate musical feast.

Aao Na (Kyun! Ho Gaya Na...), Meri Zindagi Mein Aaye (Armaan), Kal Ho Naa Ho (Kal Ho Naa Ho), Dholna (Heyy Babyy), Tera Naina (Chandni Chowk to China), Sajda (My Name Is Khan) - Gorgeous melodies made even more beautiful by the singers. And how can you not fall in love with Sadhana Sargam's voice in Aao Na?

Kya Yeh Sach Hai (Dillagi) - One of SEL's earliest compositions, even before they tasted fame with Dil Chahta Hai, and the pairing of Shankar Mahadevan and Mahalakshmi Iyer is bewitching beyond words.

So Ja Chanda, Socho Ke Jheelon Ka (Mission Kashmir) - Now come to think of it, Mahalakshmi Iyer has song a lot of songs for SEL, hasn't she?

Bumbro (Mission Kashmir), Kajra Re, Nach Baliye (Bunty Aur Babli), Mast Kalandar (Heyy Babyy), Laung Da Lashkara (Patiala House), Oh Girl You're Mine, Aapka Kya Hoga (Housefull) - Folk-infused addictive numbers that brim with just the right kind of energy and exuberance, and primed for stratospheric highs.

Yeh Mera Dil (Don), Ik Junoon (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara), Where's The Party Tonight? (Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna), It's The Time To Disco (Kal Ho Naa Ho) - Ebullient, electronic-leaning tunes that make for glittering shards of dance-pop.

Bolo Na (Chittagong) - The group's indubitably most stunning and divine composition based on bageshri raga, and effortlessly well-sung by Shankar Mahadevan.

Sur Niragas Ho (Katyar Kaljat Ghusali) - And finally the song which I have been listening to on repeat. Shankar Mahadevan aces the divine Ganesh bhajan like only he can.

Comments