Sep 01 2016

9 songs of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil pair Pritam-Arijit that created magic

by   Shriram Iyengar

When the first teaser for Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil came out, we were not surprised that it was Arijit Singh's voice that stood out. The singer has been one of the finds of the decade, and his latest collaboration with Pritam is quite the rage. The music director and singer have delivered some splendid songs over the years. Here is a list of their best tracks to make your day.

1 Phir Le Aaya Dil – Barfi! (2012)

In an album littered with beautiful songs, this ghazal stood out. Few singers manage to evoke the sense of longing for a lost love like Arijit Singh. The delightfully minimalistic music by Pritam added to the magic of the song, which is a must on the playlist of anyone who has an old crush hidden away in their memories.

2 Kabira – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

Melancholy is a favourite theme of Arijit Singh's. The singer combined with Pritam in Ayan Mukherji's Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani to spectacular effect. This particular song stands out for Singh's ability to squeeze out so much emotion from such few verses. Just his alaap is enough to bring a lump to your throat.

3 Yaariyan (Reprise) – Cocktail (2012)

This is another beautiful number by the Arijit-Pritam combination. Although it is Rekha Bhardwaj who takes major credit for the song, Singh's cameo appearance instils soul into the slow jazzy number. 

4 Ilahi – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

It would be unfair to say that Pritam only chooses Arijit Singh for melancholic numbers. This one is the perfect example. Upbeat and full of life, Ilahi is the traveller's ode to life. Pritam picks up some swinging rhythms to enhance the joy in Singh's voice. 

5 Raabta – Agent Vinod (2012)

Saif Ali Khan and Ranbir Kapoor have got the best of the Arijit-Pritam magic over the years. This uber-slick spy flick might have tanked at the box office, but this song stood out. The brilliant, uncut tracking camera makes the song a joy to watch as well.

6 Main Rang Sharbaton Ka – Phata Poster Nikhla Hero (2013)

Another instance where it is not melancholy that emerges when the duo gets together. Check out this song from Shahid Kapoor's wacky Phata Poster Nikhla Hero. Silky smooth, it is surprisingly good. Although the film's debacle cost the song popularity, it is still a nice track to listen to.

7 Saanwli Si Raat Ho – Barfi! (2012)

Anurag Basu's Barfi! is undoubtedly the duo's finest work. This beautiful lullaby is a reminder that magic sometimes flows through simplicity. The only ornamentation required for this song to work was Arijit Singh's voice.

8 Itni Si Baat Hai – Azhar (2016)

Emraan Hashmi is another actor who has had great luck with songs. Some of his best hits have been endowed with memorable numbers. Few, however, are as good as this soulful track from his last film, Azhar. 

9 Gerua – Dilwale (2015)

This track from the Rohit Shetty-SRK debacle Dilwale remains the most memorable thing about the film. Beautifully shot on the famous black beach of Iceland, it captures the joy of love and memories perfectly.