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The Best of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

Last updated on: November 25, 2011 12:34 IST

They might not be in the best of form with the recent Don 2, but Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa are a musical force to be reckoned with.

We take a look at their 10 best movie soundtracks so

10. Rock On

I'm not the biggest fan of this hit S-E-L soundtrack -- it's often far too juvenile, especially the childish lyrics -- but that na-na-na-na chorus works really, really well.

And then there's some quirk, like in the lovely Sinbad The Sailor. Fans of the film are fanatical about this one.

9. Jhoom Barabar Jhoom

Last updated on: November 25, 2011 12:34 IST

Sung by KK, Sukhwinder Singh, Mahalakshmi Iyer and Shankar Mahadevan, the title track was awesome.

Gulzar worked his magic and S-E-L set the words to an immensely catchy groove, so catchy that the film itself kept playing the song over and over.

Bol Na Halke Halke worked as a pretty ballad, while Ticket To Hollywood was fun.

8. Luck By Chance

Last updated on: November 25, 2011 12:34 IST

An oddly melancholic and quite lovely soundtrack, Luck By Chance featured songs like Loy Mendonsa and Shekhar Ravjiani's gorgeous Yeh Zindagi Bhi (that accompanies the film's delightful opening credits), Sapnon Se Bhare Raina and the beautiful, Rajasthan-folk inspired Baawre.

7. Mission Kashmir

Last updated on: November 25, 2011 12:34 IST

A spirited offering that packed quite a punch, Mission Kashmir featured joyous tracks like Bhumro and Rind Posh Maal that celebrated the Kashmiri setting of the film as well as softer winners like Socho Ke Jheelok Ka and the affectionate Maaf Karo.

6. Salaam-E-Ishq

Last updated on: November 25, 2011 12:34 IST

A near-flawless soundtrack, Salaam-E-Ishq had seven pretty impressive songs that each did exactly what it set out to do.

The result is a versatile but distinctive album, with the title-track, Saiyaan Re and Tenu Leke impressing immediately, and others like Mera Dil and Ya Rabba lingering on.

5. Kal Ho Naa Ho

Last updated on: November 25, 2011 12:34 IST

Its The Time To Disco from Kal Ho Naa Ho

With a little bit of everything, this soundtrack offered us not just the memorable title track sung by Sonu Nigam, but also peppy numbers like It's The Time To Disco and Maahi Ve.

The real winners on the album are the 'sad version' of the title track and the cutesy Kuch Toh Hua Hai.

4. Bunty Aur Babli

Last updated on: November 25, 2011 12:34 IST

The 'BNB' rap by Blaaze aside, this was another Gulzar triumph with the infectious title track, the lovely Chup Chup Ke and Dhadak Dhahak, and the zingy Nach Baliye, which set off a television show.

The most fun, of course, was the item number: Kajra Re had it all, from oddball words to an addictive melody.

3. Taare Zameen Par

Last updated on: November 25, 2011 12:34 IST

A sentimental soundtrack that works far better when in context of the film itself, Taare Zameen Par saw S-E-L shine with a disparate array of sounds, each perfectly suited to the film's needs.

The title track, Jame Raho, Bheja Kum were all great, and it's hard to forget Mahadevan crooning Maa.

2. Johnny Gaddaar

Last updated on: November 25, 2011 12:34 IST

My personal favourite of S-E-L's work, Johnny Gaddar featured a gorgeous title track, a saucy booty-shaker called Move Your Body, and a lot of retro, highlighted best in Swanand Kirkire's loony ode to the greats, Bhoole Bisre Geet.

It isn't everyone's cup of tea, but clearly the most original work the trio's ever done. Applause.

1. Dil Chahta Hai

Last updated on: November 25, 2011 12:34 IST

Nice to meet you, didgeridoo.

S-E-L brought us this Australian wind instrument in the delightful Jaane Kyon, and the rest of the album also benefited from much musical freshness: Woh Ladki Hai Kahan made us smile, Tanhayee, um, didn't, Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe livened up our dancefloors and then there was that perfect title track, one that we all wore sunglasses and drove around to with our buddies.