Alka Yagnik, known for her melodious voice, turns 50 today. In an illustrious singing career spanning three decades, she has lent her voice to several films during the ’90s and is immensely popular among the masses.
A seven-time Filmfare Award winner, Alka has sung melodious songs in several languages and continues to have a fan following of her known. Her ability to sing in all genres made her one of the most versatile singers of all times. She was often compared to iconic playback singer Lata Mangeshkar too. Well, comparisons are inevitable in this industry. However, Alka was known for her original voice and collaborated with composers of all generations, right from Laxmikant-Pyarelal to AR Rahman.
Here are the 7 songs sung by the melody queen of the ’90s which you should have it in your playlist.
Agar Tum Saath Ho (Tamasha): Featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, this song from 2015 flick Tamasha is soulful and will strike right chord if you are fond of sad songs. Sung by Arijit Singh and Alka Yagnik, this track from the Imtiaz Ali directorial was a chartbuster and will remind you of your loved one.
Saanson Ko (Hum Tum): Imagine a situation when you are stranded with your loved one at a bus stop on a rainy day. Which song will strike you at that moment? Well, we have an answer. Fans swooned when Saif Ali Khan serenaded Rani Mukerji in Kunal Kohli’s Hum Tum. The song was sung by Babul Supriyo and Alka Yagnik and became a runaway hit. The beauty of the song was the picturisation on how Rani saw her future with her on-screen beau.
Kuch To Hua Hai (Kal Ho Na Ho): Nikhil Advani’s 2003 hit Kal Ho Naa Ho is one of the most successful films of Shah Rukh Khan in his career. The tearjerker was known for the melodious tracks which are adored by music lovers of all generation. This song by Shaan, Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik is picturised on Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta when they confess their liking for the respective love interests. Set in uptown New York, the track was applauded by all. Do not miss this number if you are a die-hard fan of Alka.
Jaane Kyun (Dil Chahta Hai): Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai defined how urban youth views love and relationships. The songs in the film were a clear reflection of the plot. The song Jaane Kyun from this film involved a conversation between Aamir Khan and Preity Zinta as to why do people tread the difficult path of love. The track earned Alka a Filmfare nomination for Best Playback Singer (Female) whereas Udit went on to bag the National Award. Setting aside the awards, this song has beautiful lyrics and Alka-Udit’s melodius voice.
Suraj Hua Madham (Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham): We know Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s chemistry is a superhit one. After films like Baazigar, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, SRK and Kajol paired up for Karan Johar’s family drama Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. In this song from the family drama, Alka Yagnik and Sonu Nigam won our hearts with their voice. And SRK-Kajol’s chemistry was an icing on the cake. It is considered one of the best romantic tracks ever.
Taal Se Taal Mila (Taal): With a music composer like AR Rahman at the hem of affairs, the album is bound to be appreciated. In 1999, Rahman gave us Taal which is known for the soul-stirring tracks. The title song of the film crooned by Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan was picturised on Aishwarya Rai. The song got Alka her Filmfare Award for Best Playback Singer (Female) while Rahman won the Best Music Director Award.
Gali Me Aaj Chand (Zakhm): Mahesh Bhatt’s emotional drama Zakhm won a lot of awards across all platforms. The film set in the backdrop of Hindu-Muslim riots also comprised songs which will shake your soul. Alka Yagnik, who is known for her prowess in romantic numbers, sang the famous Gali Me Aaj Chaand Nikla song which people hum even till today. Check out the song here.
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai): Alka Yagnik was known for her super hit collaboration with several playback singers in her career. However, her songs with Udit Narayan were extremely popular. This song from Shah Rukh Khan-Rani Mukerji-Kajol still remains a hot favourite romantic number. You should not miss this one at all.
