Composer Amaal Mallik celebrates his 28th birthday today. Son of composer Daboo Malik, Amaal has delivered several hits in a very short span of time. Apart from being a prolific composer, he has also come behind the mic to render a few of his compositions like “O Khuda” (‘Hero’) and “Aashiq Surrender Hua” (‘Badrinath Ki Dulhania’).
I list ten of his best original compositions (no recreations) which would give you a brief guide into his music. There are a couple of lesser heard songs in the list which you might want to play today.
1. Sooraj Dooba Hain – Roy
One of his earliest hits continue to be one of the best songs he has composed till date. “Sooraj Dooba Hain” is a lively dance track that has influences of Vishal Shekhar (arrangements) and Shankar Ehsaan Loy’s (tune) music. EDM serves as the base for this highly melodic number which makes you want to hit the dance floor with its beats and at the same time, pleases you with its melody.
2. Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon – Single
Through this song, Amaal paid a tribute to his grandfather, the late Sardar Malik, who was also a composer and laid the foundation of music for the Mallik family in a way. “Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon” was a soft, melancholic track that had its heart in the right place. Featuring Emraan Hashmi and Esha Gupta, the video was directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma (‘Badhaai Ho’).
3. Phir Kabhi – MS Dhoni
Though songs like “Besabriyaan”, “Jab Tak” and “Kaun Tujhe” were far more popular, this is a song that deserved to be heard by more number of people. The song had a sense of nostalgia and bitter-sweet emotions brought to the fore wonderfully by lyricist Manoj Muntashir through his words. Arijit Singh rendered the song in the most heartfelt manner.
4. Main Hoon Hero Tera – Hero
‘Hero’ (2015) was a remake of the 1983 film of the same name. The original also had a title track too but for this film, Amaal Mallik opted to create a more softer, romantic number which would resonate the romantic feelings of the tough hero. Kumaar weaved in some lovely lines like “aankhon ke panno pe, maine likha thha sau dafa, lafzon mein jo ishq thha, kiya naa hothon se bayaan…”. While the Salman Khan version was recorded for promotional reasons, it is the Armaan Malik version that registered a stronger impact.
5. Gazab Ka Hai Din – Sanam Re
Though the song had the same title as the super-hit song from Aamir Khan – Juhi Chawla’s ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’, it was a completely different track altogether. “Paani hoon paani main haan behne do mujhe jaisa hoon waisa hi rehne do mujhe duniya ki bandishon se mera naata hai kahan…” – Manoj Muntashir’s lyrics were definitely the highlight of the song.
6. Tum Ho Toh Lagta Hai – Single
While Amaal’s stamp was there all over the song, it also had a ’90s Indipop sound to it. The presence of Shaan made it even more prominent and the result was a sweet-sounding melody that stayed in your mind long after you finished listening to it. Taapsee and Saqib Saleem’s chemistry in the video definitely added to the charm of the song.
7. Tu Bhoola Jise – Airlift
The patriotic fervour in the film was brought out very well by Amaal, Kumaar and KK in “Tu Bhoola Jise”. The lyrics and the composition are simple but evocative nonetheless. The song builds up beautifully towards the finale in which KK sings ‘Vande Mataram’, leaving a lump in your throat. The track grows on you as you listen to it again and again.
8. Tu Hi Na Jaane – Azhar
This is perhaps the only time Amaal collaborated with Sonu Nigam on a song. Amaal gave Sonu a melody worth embellished his voice with. “Tu Hi Na Jaane”, which has a sombre feel to it, is highly evocative and the melancholic mood is exemplified by the sound of the electric guitar and sarangi. Prakriti Kakar, too, makes a very good impression early on as she makes her entry with a wonderfully rendered verse in Punjabi.
9. Sau Aasmaan – Baar Baar Dekho
The EDM base and the tune make it difficult for one to refrain from comparing it with “Sooraj Dooba Hain”. In spite of the obvious similarities, the song manages to leave a mark and serves its purpose of depicting the love between a newlywed couple out on a honeymoon. The beautifully shot video serves as the icing on the cake.
10. Jise Kehte Pyaar Hain – Noor
Though it is a romantic number, it has a lovely bouncy feel to it, similar to the other youthful numbers on the album. Sukriti Kakar’s zesty rendition ups the likeability of the track by a couple of notches. The simple and hummable lyrics (Kumaar) compliment the youthful, vibrant energy of the song.
Disclaimer: The preceding article was solely written by the author named above. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by KiaGia.com. Questions or concerns about the preceding article can be directed to the author or posted as a comment below.
