TOP FIVE SONGS OF AAMIR KHAN
Most of the songs of Aamir’s hit movies are one of the reasons behind the success of the movie. There is this argument about Aamir’s inability to dance. This, I strongly object to. I accept he is not a dancer of Govinda’s caliber, but he has nurtured his dancing ability over the years. He must be putting a lot of hard work while preparing for the songs, and the result is most natural, and thus very pleasing. The song on the top of my list, which is a dance number, is a perfect proof for what I am saying.
1. I am simply enamored by radha kaise na jaale of Lagaan. First and foremost, it has this awesome choreography and simple but superb lyrics by Saroj Khan and Jaaved Akhtar respectively. The movements express the words in the most effective manner. Gracy and Aamir match up step to step. The facial expressions are amazing. It is a semi-classical number, yet it is performed with utmost fluency and ease. The effort does not show. The light and color contribute a lot to the overall effect. I do not want to take my eyes off the screen, while this song is playing on the screen. It is a treat. All Lagaan songs are praiseworthy.
2. Jaane Kyon Loag pyaar karte hain, of course, from Dil Chahata Hai. A sweet musical debate. Beautiful verse. A light-hearted banter of an exuberant young couple. Aamir and Preity Zinta look just made-for-each-other. A myriad of facial expressions overwhelms the spectator. Shankar-Ehsaan-loy have captured the essence of the song in an apt composition or vice-a-versa. The novel use of Australian musical instruments(used by aborigines) adds to the flavor. You re-live the magic of old black-n-white songs of Dev Aanand and Nutan/Madhubaala, like in’choad do aanchal jamaana kya kahega’or’achcha jee main haari in Paying Guest and Kala Paani respectively.
3. Eh kya bolti tu. This has become a cult song to say the least. One wrong note, and it could have gone bust. Most of the credit goes to Jatin Lalit, the music director and Nitin Raikar, the songwriter. We know Aamir is not a trained singer, but the way, he has carried it off, gained him praise from none other than Lata Mangeshkar. It is a hilarious song; the situation demands it to be exactly so, as Aamir is trying to make Raani come out of her blue mood. The choreography is also unique and suits the character of Aamir to the hilt. One can never forget Aamir’s feat with the burning matchstick.
4. Hoshawalon ko khabar kya from Sarfarosh. Jagjeetsing at his best. The gazal is a very sensitive and exotic form of lyric. The words and the tune are given equal importance. I mean lyrics are not overshadowed by music in a good gazal. Here, the essential romantic feature of the gazal is emphatically depicted on the screen. Love at first sight sort of interaction. The scarf plays a vital role after the cupid strikes. The exchange of fleeting glances carries the story forward breezily. Eyes are expressive enough to drive the point. Love blossoms effortlessly.
5. Papa kahete hai bada naam karega from QSQT. How prophetic. The débutante actor was destined to make it big in the industry. He sails through the song with utmost ease, no surprise, as he is born in a family with a huge filmy background. Reena, his then would-be wife had a rare appearance in the song. The song was an instant hit, and so was the hero.
There are a few others, which should have at least a mention here.
Pehela nashaa from JJWS
Dil hai ke maanata naahi from DHKMN
Jadoo hai tera ye jadoo from Gulam
Tanhaee from DCH
Mitwa from Lagaan
Tu mera dil tu meri jaan from AHAT
O priya priya from Dil
khushiya aur gam sahete hain from Mann
Jindagi mauta na ban jaaye from Sarfarosh
Ruta aa gai re from 1947 Earth
11. Dole dole dil dole from Baazi