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SRK @ 50: BizAsia’s 50 favourite songs of King Khan

Bollywood’s very own “King”, Shah Rukh Khan, is just a few hours away from marking his 50th birthday. In his career of over two decades, Khan has had some iconic films which audiences will always hold close to heart. However, to add to the memorable scenes and dialogues his admirers will surely know by heart, there have been scores of songs which have also seen him rise to popularity. To mark Khan’s 50 years, team BizAsia has come together to choose 50 of our favourite songs right from the start of his career. With blockbuster films and his ultimate romantic hero tag comes great soundtracks… and within those soundtracks, we’ve tried – with great difficulty – to handpick the best of the best songs.

Koi Na Koi Chahiye ��� ��Deewana�۪ (1992)

This foot-tapping number marked Shah Rukh Khan�۪s entry in Bollywood. The visuals see Khan on a motorcycle, riding his way into the hearts of the audience. Sung by Vinod Rathod, with music by the popular composer duo Nadeem-Shravan and lyrics by Sameer, Koi Na Koi Chahiye was an instant hit with the public.

Aisi Deewanagi ��� ��Deewana�۪ (1992)

Deewana SRK - Divya Bharti

Marking his debut into the world of Bollywood, this film made Khan into a household name. Starring alongside fresh faced, the late Divya Bharti, Khan played the role of Raja Sahai, a young man who falls in love with the widowed Bharti�۪s character. Aisi Deewanagi showed off the energy that Khan bought into his career so early on in his career and he was here to stay.

Dil Hai Mera Deewana ��� ��Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman�۪ (1992)

Being one of his first films, Dil Hai Mera Deewana sung by Kumar Sanu can be seen as a song that depicts what the Khan was setting out to do in real life. Visualising the start of his characters journey to make it big, ��Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman�۪ saw Khan paired with Juhi Chawla for the first time. Setting an on screen match that would carry on throughout their careers.

Title track – ‘Baazigar'(1993)

In 1993, Khan was seen in one of his first negative roles in ‘Baazigar’. It was a huge risk for him to be seen in such a role so early on in his career but it paid off. In the film, he was seen opposite Kajol for the first time and the title track is one that signifies how charismatic they were together on screen from the very start. One particular memorable part of the picturistation is when Khan is seen tearing his shirt to reveal Kajol’s character’s Priya’s name written in black on his heart.

Iss Jahaan Ki Nahin – ‘King Uncle’ (1993)

Khan was just about stepping foot into the industry when ‘King Uncle’ gave him the chance to be in his first multi-starrer and that too playing brother to Jackie Shroff. In ‘King Uncle’, Khan’s role isn’t substantial but his love song with his co-star Nagma is indeed one of his best. A very young Khan is seen riding on a bicycle with his ladylove dressed in yellow and he expresses that her eyes are so stunning that they must be from another world.

Jadoo Teri Nazar ��� ��Darr�۪ (1993)

Shah Rukh Khan in 'Darr'

Khan�۪s performance in ��Darr�۪ is considered iconic even today. The film was his first with Yash Chopra, with whom he continued to share a fruitful professional relationship and heart-warming friendship. Jadoo Teri Nazar is the opening song of the film and introduces the story of an obsessive and possessive lover. The unique romantic song was sung by Udit Narayan, composed by Shiv-Hari and written by Anand Bakshi.

Ae Kaash Ke Hum – ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’ (1994)

Khan has often expressed that his character in ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’ is closest to his heart because it’s most like him in real life. In the song Ae Kaash Ke Hum, he is seen wooing and spending time with the girl he loves which occurs when he stops the man she loves from arriving to meet her. They are at a party and Khan is seen in a somewhat dreamy phase as his character feels spending time with this lady is nothing short of a dream.

Jaati Hoon Main ��� ��Karan Arjun�۪ (1995)

��Karan Arjun�۪ brought together two of the biggest Khans of their time, Khan and Salman Khan as brothers who are reincarnated to avenge their father�۪s death. Khan had already become a household name by this film�۪s release and he reprised his hit pairing with Kajol. Jaati Hoon Main��was a fun flirty number as they frolicked through a farm, an evergreen number which is still enjoyed to this day.

Yeh Bandhan Toh ��� ��Karan Arjun�۪ (1995)

A song remembered fondly even today, for the chemistry shared between SRK and his co-star Salman Khan, Yeh Bandhan Toh is a beautiful song showing the relationship of two brothers with their mother. Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik lend their voice to this melodious song, which was composed by Rajesh Roshan.

Tujhe Dekha To ��� ��Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge�۪ (1995)

SRK-Kajol in 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'
SRK-Kajol in ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’

Khan as Raj Malhotra is one of his most iconic characters to date, yet it nearly didn�۪t happen as Khan originally refused the part when first offered to him by director Aditya Chopra. Chopra later persuaded Khan by saying that he would never be a superstar unless he became “every woman�۪s dream man, and every woman�۪s son”. This song comes in a pivotal moment in the film and as Khan stood in a field full of yellow flowers with his arms raised, every girl watching swooned.

Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna – ‘DDLJ’ (1995)

Another iconic song from ��DDLJ�۪, Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna, brought Khan�۪s character Raj, and his love Simran one step closer to each other, as Simran�۪s family celebrated her mehndi (henna) ceremony, to a person of her father�۪s choice. What was unknown to Simran�۪s family was the hidden meaning behind Raj�۪s ���lehne aayegi gori, aayegi teri sajna.�۝ The festive song was written by Anand Bakshi, composed by Jatin-Lalit, and sung by Udit Narayan and Lata Mangeshkar.

Ho Gaya Hai Tujhko ��� ��DDLJ�۪ (1995)

Without a doubt the most celebrated love story of Indian cinema, the song Ho Gaya Hai Tujhko marks an integral point in the script where the iconic lovers first realise their feelings for each other. Shot across beautiful locations in both England and Switzerland, the song was composed by Jatin-Lalit and sung by Udit Narayan and Lata Mangeshkar.

Chori Chori O Gori ��� ��Ram-Jaane�۪ (1995)

Playing a different type of character in this film, Khan is seen in a full blown dance number in this song opposite Juhi Chawla. Costume changes, big landscape fields, hand drums and a number of back-up dancers, Khan effortlessly manages to bring out the complexities of his character effortlessly in this song. Directed by Rajiv Mishra, ��Chori Chori O Gori�۪ was sung by Udit Narayan and Sadhna Sargam.

Title track ��� ��Zamaana Deewana�۪ (1995)

The ‘Zamaana Deewana’ title track, sung by Vinod Rathod and Sapna Mukherjee, had Khan opposite Raveena Tandon. Director Ramesh Sippy uses the title track to introduce Khan�۪s character as a fun loving, charming young man with a mischievous charm. All the aspect that make up the perfect chocolate hero.

Main Hoon To Pagal Munda ��� ��Army�۪ (1996)

This song was much appreciated by all as it saw Khan paired with Sridevi for the first time. With the song telling the story of hoe Khan�۪s character woos Sridevi�۪s. it was easy to see they both shared a great on screen chemistry. However this was the only time the actors worked together on a film. Vinod Rathod and Alka Yagnik lent their voices for this song.

Dil Ki Tanhai Ko ��� ��Chaahat�۪ (1996)

��Chaahat�۪ was one the classic Bollywood films before the current glossier storylines where Khan played a singer who was down on his luck. This film showed off his acting talents as a na�ve Roop Rathore who has the sister of a rich hotelier fall in love with him. Not only was this song beautifully sung by Kumar Sanu, it touched a cord in people�۪s hearts with its words being depicted by Khan.

Ghunghte Mein Chanda Hai ��� ��Koyla�۪ (1997)

Already at a point where everyone though Khan had shown off all his talent, came Rakesh Roshan�۪s ��Koyla�۪, where the actor had to play a mute, who was under the control of a corrupt villain. With Udit Narayan on the vocals, Ghunghte Mein Chanda Hai is fantastically shot with Khan performing some fast and intricate moves with so much ease and energy, one can�۪t help but want to get up and dance along.

Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaoon ��� ��Yes Boss�۪ (1997)

Yes Boss - SRK Juhi

This beautiful award winning love melody, picturises Khan�۪s character singing to Juhi Chawla in order to woo her, reflecting his boyish charm that he has become so well known for. With Abhijeet and Alka Yagnik on the vocals, ��Yes Boss�۪ was directed by Aziz Mirza, taking away awards for best actor, actress, villain and music.

Bholi Si Surat – ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ (1997)

‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ marked 18 years since release only a few days ago. The film was a musical by Yash Chopra which was absolutely about love and a belief in soulmates. There is no better actor to be a part of the film than Khan. Khan’s chemistry with Karisma Kapoor was testament to their very obvious connection in the film and Bholi Si Surat is an ode to just that. Khan is seen singing to Kapoor in a teasing and mischievous fashion and it makes for great viewing.

Koi Ladki Hai ��� ��Dil To Pagal Hai�۪ (1997)

The combination of Chopra (behind the camera), Khan, Madhuri Dixit, some kids and lots rain makes up the success of this very catchy and lively dance number. With the film proving a huge success at the the box office, Koi Ladki Hai sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Udit Narayan, reflects the start of a growing relationship between Khan and Dixit.

Do Dil – ‘Pardes’ (1997)

It is a film which put Khan on the Subhash Ghai map. The soundtrack of ‘Pardes’ was one that made the late 90s but if there’s one song which can be remembers just for Khan’s charm and romance, it has to be Do Dil. He is seen with a “stylish” hat on dancing on the roof and playing the guitar, following the story of two people falling in love. Kumar Sanu’s voice adds to the mix and makes this one a gem in Khan’s career.

Meri Mehbooba ��� ��Pardes�۪ (1997)

Directed by Ghai, ‘Pardes’ was very patriotic towards Indian values where Khan played Arjun, the foster son who was assisting in his adopted father�۪s son�۪s marriage to an Indian girl. Khan played the role of Arjun flawlessly and Meri Mehbooba was beautifully shot as Arjun described his dream girl to his friends.

Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam ��� ��Duplicate’ (1998)

Though the film had Shah Rukh Khan play a double role in the film ��Duplicate�۪, director Mahesh Bhatt told the story so that the song ��Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam�۪ only had one of Khan�۪s characters included in the song. Having both actresses Juhi Chawla and Sonali Bendre in the song too made the song an easy option to represent the film as a main dance number. With some interesting dance moves and funky beats, this song sung by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik, had everyone moving their shoulders and singing along in an instant.

Title track – ��Kuch Kuch Hota Hai�۪ (1998)

SRK Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

When Khan decided to star in close friend Karan Johar�۪s directorial debut, who knew it would be such a blockbuster hit. This film showed off Khan�۪s romantic heroism to the max as he charmed the masses as Rahul Khanna. This song was the epitome of what ��Kuch Kuch Hota Hai�۪ was all about, a touching love story all about emotions and finding yourself.

Ladki Badi Anjaani Hai – ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ (1998)

This song rekindled the love between Khan�۪s character Rahul and his best friend from college, Anjali. Ladki Badi Anjaani Hai proved that the base of true love is friendship, and that it doesn�۪t change over time, no matter how many years pass by. The song shows Rahul back to his childlike college ways, competing with Anjali in a basketball competition, but also left mesmerized, by the friend he couldn�۪t live without. With lyrics by the ever popular Sameer, Alka Yagnik and Kumar Sanu, were the voices behind the romantic revelation, which was composed by Jatin-Lalit.

Chaiyya Chaiyya ��� ��Dil Se�۪ (1998)

Chaiyya Chaiyya was a rage when ��Dil Se�۪ released, making headlines all over the media, as choreographer Farah Khan took the risky initiative of making Khan and the dancers dance on a moving train. This was the first time Khan paired up with Malaika Arora Khan, who later went on to featuring in a number of hit item songs. The song, composed by A R Rahman and penned by Gulzar, was voted as the 9th best song in the world in a survey conducted by the BBC in 2002.

Hum To Deewane Huwe Yaar – ‘Baadshah’ (1999)

This is the only film that Khan did opposite Twinkle Khanna and the only romantic song in the film is definitely a memorable one. Khan has had so many romantic songs in his career that it’s easy to overlook the ones which are perhaps away from the Chopra and Johar films. However, with Humko Deewane Huwe Yaar, those who are out and out Khan fans will know it has a magic of its own.

Apun Bola ��� ��Josh�۪ (2000)

With music direction by Anu Malik, ��Josh�۪ marked Khan�۪s debut as a playback singer, singing Apun Bola alongside Hema Sardesai. The fun song is pictured on Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who plays his onscreen sister in the film, with Rai Bachchan�۪s character giving relationship advice to her brother through the lyrics.

Title track ��� ��Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani�۪ (2000)

Another Aziz Mirza directorial, paired with Chawla again for this film, the title track for ��Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani�۪ sung by Udit Narayan became somewhat of an anthem for Indians everywhere. With the song reflecting on what being ��Hindustani�۪ means in a very light hearted way, Khan is seem in the different types of scenarios that reflect the people of India. The film also marked a debut in producing for Khan, Chawla and Mirza.

Humko Hamise Chura Lo – ‘Mohabbatein’ (2000)

SRK Aishwarya Mohabbatein

Jhan played the character of Raj, the epitome of romance in ��Mohabbatein�۪. His character proved that there is no timeline, no obstacle, and no call that can withstand true love. Humko Hamise Chura Lo introduced the everlasting love that Raj still had for his young love Megha, even after she sacrificed her life, for the love that could not be completed. This triumphant love ballad was written by Anand Bakshi, sung by Udit Narayan and the legendary Lata Mangeshkar and composed by Jatin-Lalit.

Suraj Hua Maddham – ��Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham�۪ (2001)

The second of Karan Johar�۪s directed films, ��Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham�۪ had all star cast with Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan playing the parents and Khan playing their prodigal son. This film was larger than life and this song Suraj Hua Maddham is proof of that. Khan looked gorgeous alongside sultry seductive Kajol against the backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, Egypt.

Yeh Ladka Hai Allah – ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ (2001)

Khan played the ever faithful son Rahul in ��Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham�۪, but when it came to love, not even his strict father could stand in the way. Rahul proved that there are still men who will stand by the women they love, and support them when they need it the most. Yeh Ladka Hai Allah was Raj�۪s first chance of showing his love Anjali that not only does he love her, but she also loves him, expressing this during Anjali�۪s best friend�۪s wedding. The song was composed by Jatin-Lalit, written by Sameer, and sung by Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan.

Ishq Kamina ��� ��Shakti: The Power�۪ (2002)

Though Khan only starred as a cameo in the film, the song Ishq Kamina became the main song that advertised the film ��Shakti: The Power�۪. Having Aishwarya Rai Bachchan also star as just the item girl for the film, Krishna Vamshi directed the song that includes catchy lyrics and rocking dance move, with Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik as the voices for the song.

Hamesha Tumko Chaaha – ‘Devdas’ (2002)

‘Devdas’ was a truly iconic film for Khan as it gave him the chance to be a part of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s grandeur for the first time. The song Hamesh Tumko Chaaha is when he is saying goodbye to the love of his life (played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) as she readies herself to marry a man old enough to be her father. It is the song where he follows her last steps and they have tears in their eyes as they wonder where their destiny has brought them. Ismail Darbar’s composition and with Nusrat Badr’s lyrics are the heart and soul of the song and Bhansali’s direction for these doomed lovers is truly moving.

Title track – ‘Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam’ (2002)

SRK Madhuri Hum Tumhare Hai Sanam

Khan played the possessive Gopal for which love was at first sight for soon to be wife Radha. Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam, the title song, was Gopal and Radha�۪s first confession of their love This song was shot in the locales of Switzerland, and sung by Udit Narayan and Anuradha Paudwal, with lyrics by Sameer, and music by Nikhil-Vinay.

Maahi Ve ��� ��Kal Ho Na Ho�۪ (2003)

If there is one thing that Khan can do, it is to get his audience up and dancing away and this song was no exception. Maahi Ve was set in a Gujarati engagement party but it bought together the rich colours of Gujarat and the Punjab. With special appearances from Kajol and Rani Mukerji, this song was a dance floor-pleaser and it still played at weddings to this day.

Title track – ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ (2003)

This song is arguably the best that Khan has which has Sonu Nigam’s vocals to it. Not only is the picturisation particularly poignant to the film but it is also extremely uplifting in its lyrics, written by Javed Akhtar, and hauntingly beautiful in it’s melody. It is Khan’s character Aman’s greatest gift to the love of his life that he is wanting to leave her with an everlasting love and give her a life beyond him. We’re sure this is a favourite for many.

Suno Na – ‘Chalte Chalte’ (2003)

With Abhijeet Bhattacharya on the vocals, and Rani Mukerji as Khan’s heroine, this son is a special one not least because of it’s unforgettable melody. The song has been shot in Greece in one of the most romantic and visually beautiful locations. Khan is trying to woo Mukerji in the song and it is a very cute and pleasing (to her) song he sings to try and get her attention.

Title track – ‘Main Hoon Na’ (2004)

Partnering with Farah Khan in her debut directorial, Khan’s Army role in ‘Main Hoon Na’ saw him being protector to Amrita Rao’s character. The title song is him trying to convince her to confide in him and talk to him about anything that might feel wrong to her. The lyrics, once again by Javed Akhtar, give a truly authentic and memorable feel to the song which is also picturised in a sweet and comic way.

Tumse Milke Dil Ka – ‘Main Hoon Na’ (2004)

Main Hoon Na - SRK Sushmita Sen

Khan played Major Ram Sharma in ��Main Hoon Na�۪, who had yet to fall in love, until he saw Chemistry professor Chandni. In Tumse Milka Dil Ka, we saw Khan perform in this Qawaali number with Zayed Khan, who played his brother in the film. This song continued to show Ram�۪s endless love for love Chandi, whom he hadn�۪t developed the courage to profess his love to. Sung by Sonu Nigam and composed by Anu Malik, this Javed Akhtar track was on the top of the charts that year.

Aisa Des Hai Mera ��� ��Veer-Zaara�۪ (2004)

The soundtrack of ��Veer-Zaara�۪ made headlines before its release as it was composed by the late Madan Mohan. The late music director�۪s unused compositions were recreated by Sanjeev Kohli, which resulted in timeless and beautiful songs, including the patriotic Aisa Des Hai Mera. This song was primarily sung by Udit Narayan but also had a special appearance in both the audio and visuals by Punjabi singer Gurdas Mann. Lata Mangeshkar also lends her voice to the final lines of the song, which give a message of unity for Indians and Pakistanis.

Main Yahaan Hoon ��� ��Veer-Zaara�۪ (2004)

When the late director Chopra returned to films after a seven year break, who else did he cast than Khan as Veer Pratap Singh. Sung by Udit Narayan, Main Yahaan Hoon was beautifully picturised on Khan as he acted as a figment of Zaara�۪s imagination as she is getting ready to get married to somebody else. Khan looked handsome in his brown jacket as he teased Preity Zinta�۪s character throughout the song.

Mitwa – ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’ (2006)

For the first time we saw Khan play not a particularly likable character in the angry, lonely, Dev, unhappy with his wife, and everything that life threw at him. This was until he re-met Maya, the girl who he met four years ago, before the accident that changed his life, leaving him disabled and turning him into the lifeless Dev. Mitwa brought love and life back to Dev. Here, we saw Dev, falling in love, and enjoying every day of this newfound happiness. The song was shot in New York City, with segments shot in South Street Seaport and Bryant Park. This Sufi rock ballad was composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, sung by Shafqat Amanat Ali, and written by Javed Akhtar.

Deewanagi Deewanagi ��� ��Om Shanti Om�۪ (2007)

'Happy New Year' set for star-studded song

If you ever want to get all the who�۪s who of Bollywood onto one set, Khan is the man to call for the job. ��Om Shanti Om�۪ was choreographed and directed by his good friend Farah Khan and to give this film a unique selling point, Khan called upon his celebrity friends to star in one song. More than 40 well -known Bollywood stars all starred in Deewanagi Deewanagi and Khan depicted all of their signature dance moves with them.

Title track ��� ��Chak De India�۪ (2007)

Another patriotic song pictured on Khan, Chak De India is a motivational number sung by Sukhwinder Singh and composed by Salim-Sulaiman. The song became an instant hit and is used at many sports events in India even today.

Haule Haule ��� ��Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi�۪ (2008)

Haule Haule saw the reunion of the team who worked on the ��Chak De India�۪ title song: producers Yash Raj Films, music directors Salim-Sulaiman, lyricist Jaideep Sahni, singer Sukhwinder Singh, and of course Khan. The song managed to live up to the high expectations created by the team. While the lyrics talk about the importance of patience in growing love, the visuals project the simple lifestyle of Khan�۪s character Surinder ���Suri�۝ Sani.

Tujh Main Rab Dikhta Hain – ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ (2008)

Khan played a double role in this Aditya Chopra direction, the shy Surinder Sahni and the flamboyant Raj Kapoor. Sahni is married to Taani, whom he is madly in love with, but can�۪t profess his feelings to. He becomes the smooth talking Raj for her instead. In Tujh Main Rab Dikhta Hain, hidden behind Raj, Sahni professes his pure love to Taani in different religious settings, because she is who he sees God (Rab) in. Sung by Roop Kumar Rathod, with music by Salim-Sulaiman, and written by Jaideep Sahni, the song became a romantic anthem for audiences worldwide.

Sajda – ‘My Name is Khan’ (2010)

For the first time, we saw Khan play a character suffering from Asperger�۪s Syndrome. His character Rizwan fell in love with Mandira, and Sajda takes us through the journey from their mehendi (henna) ceremony to their life after marriage. We see Rizwan dancing throughout the mehendi, garnering love from all the guests, to him marrying Mandira and helping her open up her own salon. This beautiful Sufi track was one of the most popular songs from the album. Composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, the song was written by Niranjan Iyenger, with vocals by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shankar Mahadevan, and Richa Sharma.

Challa ��� ��Jab Tak Hai Jaan�۪ (2012)

SRK JTHJ Challa

��Jab Tak Hai Jaan�۪ was the first time filmmaker Chopra joined hands with music maestro A R Rahman. Challa introduced Khan�۪s character in the film and was filmed across popular landmark sights in London. With lyrics by Gulzar and sung by Rabbi Shergill, the Punjabi song was the first to be released of the soundtrack. It went on to bag a number of awards including the Filmfare trophy for Best Lyrics.

Lungi Dance – ‘Chennai Express’ (2013)

In his first film with Rohit Shetty, Khan played a character for who circumstances play a big role. He falls in love with Deepika Padukone’s character and is put in various situations due to her trying to break free from her family. Lungi Dance is a number which was a promotional track, sung by Yo Yo Honey Singh. It was a tribute to popular South star Rajinikant. Right from the dance moves, the South influence and the lyrics, the song was appreciated by many.

BizAsia would like to extend heartfelt birthday wishes to Shah Rukh Khan on this special day.

By Shyama Sudra, Manpreet Bhandal, Sanoobar Patel, Priyanka Borua and Amrita Tanna