The memorable tracks of  singer, composer Himesh Reshammiya — birthday special 

The only way to beat monotony is to usher in a revolution. Music composer AR Rahman did that in the 1990s and the 2000s that brought a halt to the reign of composers likes Nadeem-Shravan and Jatin-Lalit. Ushering in a revolution is not easy, but then there always are artistes, who stand out from the rest. Himesh Reshammiya is one of them.

Born to a Gujarati music composer Vipin Reshammiya, Himesh ushered in his brand of music. Himesh’s music defied tradition. It wasn't so contemporary, neither was it path-breaking. Let’s just say the Himesh Reshammiya's music fell somewhere between contemporary and revolutionary. Nasal singing is uncommon, and this style synced perfectly with the kind of music Reshammiya created.

You may not warm up to it instantly, but Himesh’s music is like slow poison. Once it seeps into your senses, only then you truly know its magic.

As the singer-composer turns 45 today (he was born on 23 July, 1973), we look back at some his memorable songs.

1) 'Bardaasht' – Humraaz (2002)

Himesh Reshammiya was appreciated for his score in Salman Khan’s Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998). That film's music was more like from any romantic drama from the 1990s. .  It was in the 'Bardaasht' track that Reshammiya showed a different side. The different vibrant tunes made 'Bardaasht' an entertaining number. Apart from Reshammiya, singers KK and Sunidhi Chauhan deserve credit for their stellar performance. Reshammiya earned a Filmfare nomination Award for best music director for Humraaz.

2) 'Kyun Kisi Ko' – Tere Naam (2003)

The 1990s soft romantic music, which was championed by composers such as Nadeem-Shravan and Jatin-Lalit, was on the wane. After all, AR Rahman had created a revolution with his brand of music. In the new millennium, it was tough task to produce the 1990s romantic sound. Reshammiya did that efficiently with Tere Naam. The title track 'Odh Li Chunariya Tere Naam Ki', and 'Lagan Lagi' became popular. The more underrated one is 'Kyon Kisi Ko'. Sameer’s lyrics strike a chord instantly, while Udit Narayan has a grieving tone. It is not often that you would use the word emotional for a Himesh Reshammiya composition, but that’s the impact of this ballad.

3) 'Mohabbat Hai Mirchi' – Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne (2003)

The film was named after Asha Bhosle’s iconic song from Nasir Hussain’s classic film Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973). And that is where the similarity ends. Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne is a college romance drama in which Himesh Reshammiya produced fun, rollicking music that was largely targeted at the youth. There are quite a few fun tracks, but the one that stands out is 'Mohabbat Hai Mirchi'. Sanjay Chhel penned the hot and sweet lyrics. Shaan has a mellow voice, but out here he chips in with a powerful performance. Gayatri Iyer matches the energy and tone of Shaan.

4) 'Aashiq Banaya Aapne' – Aashiq Banaya Aapne (2005)

This was the film that would bump up Himesh Reshammiya's status as a top composer. Lyricist Sameer came up with simple not poetic lyrics, but Reshammiya weaved his indescribable magic with the music. The tabla beats and the violin tunes blended nicely with the core music of the track. His singing could be best described as languid. Shreya Ghoshal played the supporting role well in the duet. Emraan Hashmi and Tanushree Datta upped the ante with their intimate moments.

5) 'Jhalak Dikhla Ja' – Aksar (2006)

Sameer’s simple lyrics were set to an upbeat score by Himesh Reshammiya. 'Jhalak Dikhla Ja' became a party anthem, despite being unusual. The desi pop music blended well with the tabla beats. Be it music or the singing by Reshammiya, it was unconventional. It is probably Reshammiya’s finest composition. The lone disappointment was the lack of good choreography.

6) 'Main Jahan Rahoon' – Namastey London (2007)

It was the first time that Himesh Reshammiya collaborated with Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and lyricist Javed Akhtar too. Mannan Shah was the other music composer on the film. Akhtar penned a soulful track in 'Main Jahan Rahoon'. The song rides more on the mesmerising singing of Khan, who was ably supported by Krishna Beura. As a composer, Reshammiya came up with a soothing score to match the melancholic singing.

7) 'Mann Ka Radio' – Radio: Love On Air (2009)

Himesh Reshammiya’s unique selling point is his unconventional nasal singing. In 2009, he acted in, crooned and scored the music for Radio: Love On Air. The 'Mann Ka Radio' track was not your usual vibrant, boisterous Reshammiya score, but the song was more easy on the ears. Reshammiya also curbed the nasal singing. It turned out more mellow. A mark of a good artiste is his ability to be able to get out of his comfort zone and give the audience a different experience. Reshammiya got it right here.

8) 'Hookah Bar' – Khiladi 786 (2012)

After a brief lull, Himesh Reshammiya shot back to form with Khiladi 786. Written, composed and crooned by Reshammiya (with additional vocals by Vineet Singh and Aman Trikha), 'Hookah Bar' became yet another party anthem from DJ Reshammiya. The moment you hear the initial tune, you are drawn towards the dance floor.

9) 'Chalao Na Naino Se' – Bol Bachchan (2012)

The lyrics by Shabbir Ahmed were silly, but it’s the simple, earthy score that turns the track into a joyride. There is an unbridled joy in Himesh Reshammiya’s singing. That sincereity, innocence wins you over. Apart from Reshammiya, you also have to marvel at the ‘oooohs' of the big pehelwans (wrestlers). The film and the song has a rural setting, and the music's vibe appealed to all.

10) 'Jumme Ki Raat Hain' – Kick (2014)

Post Wanted (2009), Salman Khan really unleashed the dancer in him — a peculiar style. What the star needed was unconventional, riveting music that stayed true to this style. Himesh Reshammiya gave Khan 'Jumme Ki Raat Hain'. Mika Singh did what he does best, pull in the masses with his infectious singing. Credit needs to be given to the lyricists — Kumaar and Shabbir Ahmed.