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What more can one say about Aamir Khan?
He's the A to Z of awesomeness whose perfectionist ways, enormous talent and eye for successful scripts has made him a darling of cinephiles for over three decades.
On his 55th birthday, Sukanya Verma celebrates the superstar and his 55 popular songs.
1. Yaadon Ki Baarat, Yaadon Ki Baarat
Music: Rahul Dev Burman
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Padmini Kolhapure, Shivangi Kolhapure
A knee-high Aamir made his debut before the camera as the youngest of the three brothers separated as kids with only this nostalgic family song to reunite them in future.
2. Papa Kehte Hain, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak
Music: Anand-Milind
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singer: Udit Narayan
The one where Aamir's man without a plan sounds so, SO GOOD.
3. Aye Mere Humsafar, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak
Music: Anand-Milind
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singers: Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik
QSQT's melodious ode to absence makes the heart grow fonder hasn't lost its appeal even after so many years.
4. Gazab Ka Hai Din, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak
Music: Anand-Milind
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singers: Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik
Alka Yagnik's appeal to smell the roses, Udit Narayan's crumbling resistance and Aamir Khan-Juhi Chawla's adorable camaraderie on screen, what's not to love?
5. O Jaane Jaana, Deewana Mujh Sa Nahin
Music: Anand-Milind
Lyrics: Sameer
Singer: Udit Narayan
The romantic aggression of Aamir's overtures is as problematic as it gets, but goddamn that infectious tune.
6. Mujhe Neend Na Aaye, Dil
Music: Anand-Milind
Lyrics: Sameer
Singers: Udit Narayan, Anuradha Paudwal
Back in 1990, Mujhe Neend Na Aaye was so hugely popular, you would hear it even if you lived under a rock.
7. Dum Dumma Dum, Dil
Music: Anand-Milind
Lyrics: Sameer
Singers: Udit Narayan, Anuradha Paudwal
Aamir and Madhuri Dixit get down and dirty to outshine each other on the dance floor against the dhinchak dazzle of Dum Dumma Dum.
8. O Priya Priya, Dil
Music: Anand-Milind
Lyrics: Sameer
Singers: Suresh Wadkar, Anuradha Paudwal
Heartbreak abounds in true blue Bollywood style in the high-pitched cries of O Priya.
9. Tip Tip Baarish, Afsana Pyaar Ka
Music: Bappi Lahiri
Lyrics: Anjaan
Singers: Amit Kumar, Asha Bhosle
Aamir's charming rain dance and Tip Tip courtship of Neelam fared tons better than the movie.
10. Neend Churayi Meri, Ishq
Music: Anu Malik
Lyrics: Anjaan
Singers: Amit Kumar, Asha Bhosle
Ishq doesn't get points for originality or subtlety, but Aamir burning the dance floor with Juhi, Ajay Devgn and Kajol in tow did catch a considerable lot's fancy.
11. Pehla Nasha, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar
Music: Jatin-Lalit
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singers: Udit Narayan, Sadhana Sargam
The go-to song for young love since 1992 continues to win hearts generation after generation.
12. Rooth Ke Humse, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar
Music: Jatin-Lalit
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singers: Jatin Pandit
Rooth Ke Humse perfectly captures the regrets and reform of coming-of-age in Jatin-Lalit's sublime melody and Aamir's misty, lesson-learned eyes.
13. Yahan Ke Hum Sikandar, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar
Music: Jatin-Lalit
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singers: Udit Narayan, Sadhana Sargam, Jatin, Lalit
The sheer attitude packed in this energetic number is exactly what the young and restless swear by.
14. Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin
Music: Nadeem-Shravan
Lyrics: Faaiz Anwar
Singers: Kumar Sanu, Anuradha Paudwal
Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin's pleasant title song shows a splendid understanding of Aamir and Pooja Bhatt's aversion and attraction for each other.
15. Tu Pyar Hai Kisi Aur Ka, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin
Music: Nadeem-Shravan
Lyrics: Sameer
Singers: Kumar Sanu, Anuradha Paudwal
Where would be Bollywood be without its precious party pooper songs? Tu Pyaar Hai is a glorious addition to the list.
16. Aati Kya Khandala, Ghulam
Music: Jatin-Lalit
Lyrics: Indeevar
Singers: Aamir Khan, Alka Yagnik
Aamir turns singer for this tapori-style romantic Q & A with an amused Rani Mukerji on screen and Alka Yagnik off it.
17. Yunhi Kat Jayega, Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke
Music: Nadeem-Shravan
Lyrics: Sameer
Singers: Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik
United we stand philosophy gains mellifluous insights in Nadeem-Shravan's rendition of this delightful gem from Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke.
18. Ghoongat Ki Aad, Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke
Music: Nadeem-Shravan
Lyrics: Sameer
Singers: Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik
Aamir and Juhi's Rajasthani rendezvous against this lilting N-S number is romance at its catchy best.
19. Bin Saajan Jhoola, Damini
Music: Nadeem-Shravan
Lyrics: Sameer
Singers: Kumar Sanu, Sadhana Sargam
Aamir Khan's song and dance special appearance in Damini involves this super catchy song.
20. Aadhi Raat Ko, Parampara
Music: Shiv-Hari
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Singers: Amit Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar
Despite a star-studded presence, Parampara didn't quite set the box office ablaze, but Aamir, Saif Ali Khan, Raveena Tandon and Neelam making most of power cut in this Shiv-Hari helmed musical night out is quite the treat.
21. Kya Karein Kya Na Karein, Rangeela
Music: A R Rahman
Lyrics: Mehboob
Singer: Udit Narayan
Aamir's romantic confusion over to tell the lady he loves her or not is lovingly articulated in Rahman's groovy score and Udit Narayan's down pat expressions.
22. Yaaron Sun Lo Zara, Rangeela
Music: A R Rahman
Lyrics: Mehboob
Singers: Udit Narayan, Chitra
Be it Sanju or Munna, Aamir's success in songs that capture the undaunted spirit of the underdog remains undisputed.
23. Mangta Hai Kya, Rangeela
Music: A R Rahman
Lyrics: Mehboob
Singers: A R Rahman, Shweta Shetty
Rahman singing for AK is no less trippy than the song itself. Aur Mangta Hai Kya, indeed?
24. Eloji Sanam, Andaz Apna Apna
Music: Tushar Bhatia
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singers: Vicky Mehta, Behroze Chatterjee
Aamir has a ball recreating an O P Nayyaresque tonga style romance against Tushar Bhatia's conscious hat tip to the yesteryear composer.
25. Aisa Zakhm Diya Hai, Akele Hum Akele Tum
Music: Anu Malik
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singers: Udit Narayan, Aamir Khan
The opening is ripped off Deep Purple's Child in Time and then goes in playful Bollywood music territory, but most listeners had no qualms about swaying to its beats.
26. Dil Kehta Hai Chal, Akele Hum Akele Tum
Music: Anu Malik
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singers: Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik
Dil Kehta Hai's silky melancholy is befitting of an estranged married couple's dilemma to meet or not to meet.
27. Aaye Ho Meri Zindagi, Raja Hindustani
Music: Nadeem-Shravan
Singer: Udit Narayan
The unbeatable Aamir-Udit Narayan combo delivers another winner in Aaye Ho's vibrant welcome.
28. Pardesi Pardesi, Raja Hindustani
Music: Nadeem-Shravan
Lyrics: Sameer
Singers: Udit Narayan, Sapna Awasthi, Alka Yagnik
Emotions run high as local cabbie Aamir implores 'Pardesi' Karisma Kapoor to stay on in the chartbuster track from Raja Hindustani.
29. Ruth Aa Gayi Re, 1947 Earth
Music: A R Rahman
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Singer: Sukhwinder Singh
There's glorious talent at full display in Ruth Aa Gayi Re's easy, breezy composition.
30. Raat Ki Daldal Hain, 1947 Earth
Music: A R Rahman
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Singer: Sukhwinder Singh
The same talent comes together to create the haunting gloom of Raat Ki Daldal marking Aamir's foray in negative territory.
31. Nasha Yeh Pyaar Ka, Mann
Music: Sanjeev Darshan
Lyrics: Sameer
Singer: Udit Narayan
Alright, so it's a blatant copy of Toto Cutugno's L'Italiano, but pre-social media listeners lapped it anyway.
32. Chale Chalo, Lagaan
Music: A R Rahman
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Singers: A R Rahman, Srinivas
The stirring tone and instant inspiration of Chale Chalo is characteristic of Lagaan's triumph of spirit and enduring charm.
33. Mitwa, Lagaan
Music: A R Rahman
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Singers: Udit Narayan, Srinivas
Mitwa is still another spellbinding manifestation of the same.
34. Radha Kaise Na Jale, Lagaan
Music: A R Rahman
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Singers: Udit Narayan, Sukhwinder Singh, Alka Yagnik, Srinivas
The teasing exchange between Aamir and Gracy Singh pays a sublime tribute to Radha-Krishna's playful equation.
35. Hoshwalon Ko Khabar, Sarfarosh
Music: Jatin-Lalit
Lyrics: Nida Fazli
Singer: Jagjit Singh
Jagjit Singh's dreamy ghazal in Sarfarosh is a memorable moment in the movie as well as the soundtrack.
36. Dil Chahta Hai, Dil Chahta Hai
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Singers: Shankar Mahadevan, Clinton Cerejo
The cool vibes and relaxed tempo of Dil Chahta Hai's friendship and fervour screams encore.
37. Tanhayee, Dil Chahta Hai
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Singer: Sonu Nigam
Loneliness never sounded more delicious or repeat mode worthy.
38. Jaane Kyon, Dil Chahta Hai
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Singers: Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Caralisa Monteiro
The romantic debate between Aamir and Preity Zinta acquires a familiar and fabulous tone under Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's musical touch.
39. Rang De Basanti, Rang De Basanti
Music: A R Rahman
Lyrics: Prasoon Joshi
Singers: Daler Mehndi, Chitra
Daler Mehendi's gung-ho energy is apt for Rahman's hotblooded creation.
40. Roobaroo, Rang De Basanti
Music: A R Rahman
Lyrics: Prasoon Joshi
Singers: A R Rahman, Naresh Iyer
You can neither resist nor ignore the soul stirring realisations of Rahman's Roobaroo.
41. Paathshala, Rang De Basanti
Music: A R Rahman
Lyrics: Prasoon Joshi, Blaaze
Singers: Blaaze, Mohamed Aslam, Naresh Iyer
Be a rebel, listen and find out why!
42. Chand Sifarish, Fanaa
Music: Jatin-Lalit
Lyrics: Prasoon Joshi
Singers: Shaan, Kailash Kher
High on rhythm and romance, Chand Sifarish is stuff of instant hits.
43. Poocho Na Kitna Mazaa, Awwal Number
Music: Bappi Lahiri
Lyrics: Amit Khanna
Singers: Amit Kumar, S Janki
It's easy to miss the easy-going vibe and optimism of this 'happy together' number amidst Awwal Number's far-fetched schemes.
44. Mangal Mangal, Mangal Pandey: The Rising
Music: A R Rahman
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Singer: Kailash Kher
Aamir's ardour as revolutionary Mangal Pandey is broadcasted loud and clear in Kailash Kher's feverish chants.
45. Bum Bum Bole, Taare Zameen Par
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Lyrics: Prasoon Joshi
Singers: Shaan, Aamir Khan
Teeming in fun and frolic, Aamir's art teacher swaying to the beats of Bum Bum Bole is a favourite among kids.
46. Kholo Kholo, Taare Zameen Par
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Lyrics: Prasoon Joshi
Singer: Raman Mahadevan
The more discerning members of the audience, however, will vouch for the soaring poetry of Kholo Kholo's heart and imagination.
47. All Izz Well, 3 Idiots
Music: Shantanu Moitra
Lyrics: Swanand Kirkire
Singers: Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Swanand Kirkire
There's both comfort and delight in Aamir's All Izz Well philosophy.
48. Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye, Ghajini
Music: A R Rahman
Lyrics: Prasoon Joshi
Singers: Benny Dayal, Shreya Ghosal
Say what you will about Ghajini, but everything about this song spells perfection.
49. Guzaarish, Ghajini
Music: A R Rahman
Lyrics: Prasoon Joshi
Singers: Javed Ali, Sonu Nigam
Ghajini centres on a man's loss of memory, but its soundtrack is plain unforgettable.
50. Jee Le Zara, Talaash
Music: Ram Sampath
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Singer: Vishal Dadlani
Profound, poignant and effective without being in your face, that's Talaash and one of its most striking songs -- Jee Le Zara -- for you.
51. Tu Hi Junoon, Dhoom 3
Music: Pritam
Lyrics: Kausar Munir
Singer: Mohit Chauhan
Everything about Dhoom 3 revolves around spectacle, Tu Hi Junoon's mellow magic is a welcome change of pace.
52. Malang, Dhoom 3
Music: Pritam>
Lyrics: Sameer
Singers: Siddharth Mahadevan, Shilpa Rao
Except when it does go all bells and whistles, Pritam's flamboyance does not disappoint.
53. Love is a Waste of Time, PK
Music: Shantanu Moitra
Lyrics: Amitabh Varma
Singers: Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghosal
Love may be a 'bhaste' of time, but Sonu-Shreya's musical romp keeps us tickled through and through.
54. Hanikarak Bapu, Dangal
Music: Pritam
Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya
Singers: Sarwar Khan, Sartaz Khan Barna
Complaints against Aamir's demanding daddy figure in Dangal might not fetch him the father of the year trophy, but it sure results in a terribly entertaining song.
55. Naina, Dangal
Music: Pritam
Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya
Singer: Arijit Singh
Aamir's remarkable physical transformation as the father of two teenage daughters in Dangal isn't devoid of emotion as the sweet, sentimental notes of Naina amply convey.
