20 years of Kajol's Sapnay: Revisiting AR Rahman's brilliant soundtrack

In 1997, Kajol marked her debut in Tamil cinema in a wonderfully beautiful film by Rajiv Menon titled Minsara Kanavu. Remade into Hindi as Sapnay, the film was a charming romance about love. But it was the music by AR Rahman that really set the film apart. With a brilliant soundtrack, Rahman gave an evidence of why he was considered the 'Mozart' of music back then. On its 20th anniversary today (14 January), we take a look at the tracks that make Sapnay a wonderful film to revisit to this day.

1. 'Aawara Bhawren'

The introduction song for Kajol was a beautiful one with some magical moments. With lyrics by Javed Akhtar, the song was the perfect break free song. The fresh new voice of Hema Sardesai also adds to the magic of the song. Light in its composition, and beautiful looking, this is a song that was one of the more magical scores of the 90s. 

2. 'Ek Bagiya Mein Rehti Hai'

If the first was wonderfully refreshing, 'Ek Bagiya Mein Rehti Hai' was the breathtaking medley. It had Rahman at his orchestrational best, with the whole nine yards of chorus, bands, saxophones and rhythm sections thrown in. Plus, the sight of Kajol crooning 'Ooh la la la' would make anyone's heart melt. 

3. 'Chanda Re Chanda Re' 

This is, by far, the track of the album. A beautiful ghazal from the pen of Javed Akhtar, it found perfect expression in the voices of Kavita Krishnamurthy and Hariharan. If that wasn't enough, Prabhu Deva gives the song a new dimension with his almost balletic choreography. Of course, there is Kajol. What else do you need? 

4. 'Strawberry Aankhein'

Any film starring Prabhu Deva would be incomplete if it did not have one amazing dance sequence. This song remains a memorable one for its setting and the choreography. Shot within a small canteen, the song unfolds as Prabhu Deva tries to flirt and convince Kajol into a date, with the waiters and other customers adding to the magic of the sequence. Keep an eye out for the Prabhu Deva's expressions!