Singer-cum-actor Aditya Narayan turns 30 today (6 August 2017). But he is a known name in the film industry for over two decades. This is mainly because he started singing in Hindi films when he was only about eight years old, with 1995 in Ram Gopal Varma’s Rangeela. He has been behind the microphone even after growing up and voiced a couple of famous songs, including ‘Tattad Tattad’ from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Raas Leela: Ram Leela (2013), but he is still remembered for being the child singer from the 1990s.
Today, on his birthday, let’s rewind and revisit some of notable tracks as a kid.
Chhota Bachcha Jaan Ke – Masoom (1996)
Even 21 years later, this song from Masoom is still remembered. It has become an identity for Aditya Narayan. Kids of that era used to mention the opening lyrics to hint that one can’t take them for granted for being kids. In fact, ‘Chhota Bachcha Jaan Ke’ became so popular that it was also used later on in a shoe brand advertisement. Composer Anand Raj Anand’s witty lyrics also deserve a mention here.
Hotel Hai Mobile – Ghoonghat (1997)
‘Apun Ka Hotel Hai Mobile’ is very much on the lines of ‘Chhota Bachcha Jaan Ke.’ In fact, the song is not only sung by the same singer, Aditya Narayan, but also performed by the same actor, Omkar Kapoor. But that’s not all. Both films starred Inder Kumar in the lead, who recently passed away. Interestingly, Om played one of the main characters in Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 (2015) after growing up.
Rangeela Re – Rangeela (1995)
Asha Bhosale displayed her magic in this amazing track from AR Rahman. The song played a big role in establishing Urmila Matondkar’s character in the film. It was an ideal method of proving her bindaas attitude. Aditya Narayan arrives in the second stanza, but leaves behind a terrific impact despite Bhosale’s presence. The lyrics coupled by his passionate child-like voice touched audience’s hearts. It has made sure that his cameo (if it can be called that) is still remembered.
Title song – Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995)
This was a rare moment in Hindi cinema when a father and son, Udit Narayan and Aditya Narayan, sang together. And they sang for an on-screen father-son, Aamir Khan and child actor Adil Rizvi. The song deeply helped in proving the love and bonding between the two characters, which was vital for the film. The title song of Papa The Great (2000) is another song where Udit and Aditya teamed up.
Yeh Mera India – Pardes (1997)
Like the title song of Rangeela (1995), this was another song where Aditya Narayan managed to get noticed despite not being present in the entire song. On this occasion though, there were two main singers, Hariharan and Kavita Krishnamurthy. ‘Yeh Mera India’ was the essence of Pardes as it puts forth the theme of loving your country. The unusual and fun lyrics like ‘Sim Sim Pola Pola Sim Sim Pola’ also helped Aditya’s cause here.
Some other notable songs where Aditya lent his voice as a child include 'Kahin Aag Lage Lag Jaye' from Taal (1999) and 'Mujhe Maaf Karna' from Biwi No. 1 (1999).