Even when the films don't live up to audience expectations, we can always count on the quality of the musical numbers, when composers like A.R. Rahman, Vishal-Sekhar and Pritam are in charge. Here are ten favorites of 2008.
"Haule Haule," Sukhwinder Singh (Salim Suleman)
Rab Ne Banadi Jodi
Shah Rukh Khan dons thick glasses, matted hair, and a prim mustache to give us an alternative type of leading man -- one that might not have the gravitas to sweep the girl off her feet at first sight, but one who will patiently stick around until the end. Slowly, slowly, stars will be revealed, and slowly, slowly, we will appreciate the boring Punjab Power office worker who works hardest to light up our lives. For full audio and lyrics to "Haule Haule," click here.
"Jashn-E-Bahaara," Javed Ali (A.R. Rahman)
Jodhaa Akbar
This song is a bittersweet tune about spring and sorrow, from the early 2008 film Jodhaa Akbar. The video captures the moment in the film where Aishwarya Rai's character shyly peeks behind the curtains to appreciate emperor Hrithik Roshan's muscular physique as he practices his swordfighting moves. For full audio and lyrics to "Jashn-E-Bahaara," click here.
"Kabhi Kabhi Aditi Zindagi," Rashid Ali (A.R. Rahman)
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
All Jai wants is for his best (platonic, they insist!) friend, Aditi, to be happy. If she seems upset, how can he believe that everything will be okay? Jaane Tu ...Ya Jaane Na was the debut film of Aamir Khan's nephew, Imran Khan, who demonstrated himself to be a charismatic young man, even while mounting a horse. For full audio and lyrics to "Kabhi Kabhi Aditi Zindagi," click here.
"Dil Haara," Sukhwinder Singh (Vishal-Sekhar)
Tashan
In one of the more lavish, energetic musical numbers of the bunch, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor cavort amongst crowds of backup dancers, who synchonize their movements and shake colorful strips of ribbon to match the increasing tempo of the song. The song reminisces about losing one's heart and losing oneself, as the lovers shimmy amongst the vast mountainous landcapes. For full audio and lyrics to "Dil Haara," click here.
"Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!" Mika Singh (Sneha Khanwalkar)
Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!
The song is called "Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!," and the film of the same name follows a thief (Abhay Deol) who outsmarts the police with his wit and zany antics. When a respectable girl pops out of a wooden box with her hair blowing in the wind, we know we're in for a wild ride. For full audio and lyrics to "Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!," click here.
"Bachna Ae Haseeno," Sumit Kumar, Kishore Kumar, Vishal Dadlani (Vishal-Sekhar and R.D. Burman)
Bachna Ae Haseeno
From the first sounds of the trumpet, it's clear that Ranbir Kapoor and a line of red jacket showgirls are going to put on an extravagant disco-dancing show. By the time the beautiful Deepika Padukone shows up, the only thing racing through our minds is: "Yeah, baby, when you see me coming / Yeah, you better run for cover / Cause you know when I find you / you're going to be my lover." For full audio and lyrics to "Bachna Ae Haseeno," click here.
"Pehli Nazar Mein Kaise," Atif Aslam (Pritam)
Race
Smooth car, smooth suit, smooth sunglasses -- all to land the smooth girl. The lyrics are simple and sweet, but the video makes the song a guilty-pleasure ballad for a wealthy, lovelorn city boy, who sulks in his corner office with a view. For full audio and lyrics to "Pehli Nazar Mein Kaise," click here.
"Mastam Mastam," Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik, Naresh, and Benny (A.R. Rahman)
Yuvraaj
The video starts with Bollywood meets Cats (complete with raspy meows), before a debonair Salman Khan leads Katrina Kaif through other brightly-colored funhouses. To the disapproval of her bespectacled, growling father, she takes Yuvraaj's hand and enters the large, elaborate sets of his universe. For full audio and lyrics to "Mastam Mastam," click here.
"Zara Sa Dil Mein De," K.K (Pritam)
Jannat
The open-mouthed belting during the chorus injects some earnestness into an otherwise lukewarm love connection. Emraan Hashmi falling to his knees in the middle of traffic doesn't hurt either. For full audio and lyrics to "Zara Sa Dil Mein De," click here.
"Guzarish (Tu Meri Adhuri Pyaas Pyaas)," Javed Ali, featuring Sonu Nigam (A.R. Rahman)
Ghajini
After regaining focus after being distracted by Aamir Khan's shiny upper torso in the "Guzarish" video, you realize he's wearing a scarf, you wonder what the point of wearing an open-chested T-shirt with a scarf is, and then you, um, lose all concentration again. This song from Khan's December 2008 film Ghajini adds another A.R. Rahman creation to the list. For full audio and lyrics to "Guzarish," click here.
Back to APA's Best of 2008 issue