Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa, popularly known as Shankar Ehsaan Loy or SEL, recently celebrated 22 years of musical collaboration. Skilled in different areas of music, they have stated many a time that their diverse skill-sets bound them together all these years.
And in the blink of an eye we turn 22! Time truly flies, feels just yesterday that we started working on our first project together. Here's to 22 more such wonderful years@Shankar_Live @EhsaanNoorani @loy_mendonsa pic.twitter.com/5C1Y9TxYRl
— Shankar Ehsaan Loy (@ShankarEhsanLoy) August 25, 2018
Here are some of the iconic tracks born out of this collaboration to perk up your weekend:
Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe (Dil Chahta Hai, 2001)
The song that became as much a rage as Aamir Khan’s soul-patch beard from the movie. It announced the arrival of the composer trio in Bollywood. Sung by Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan and K.K, the song was lapped up by the youth who then turned it into a party anthem.
Dil Chahta Hai – Title Track
Being on a road trip with your friends or just happening to be inside a car with your friends – be what the situation may – the power of this song is such that it can straightaway make you feel you are on a trip to Goa. The album also marked the first of many collaborations between the composer trio and Farhan Akhtar. The film also introduced the concept of bromance to Bollywood.
Kal Ho Naa Ho (Title Track, 2003):
One of the rare occasions where each song was on par with the rest. Still, the title track carved out a special place in everyone’s heart. Penned by Javed Akhtar and sung beautifully by Sonu Nigaam, the flute portion alone at the beginning suffices to remind the listener of the remainder of the song.
Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (Title Track, 2007):
The song, which was the curtain raiser to the movie, also served for the longest time as the closing track during parties and functions. Also worth mentioning is the Rahet Fateh Ali Khan sung melody ‘Bolna Halke Halke’ whose rhythm and mood stands in stark contrast with the title track.
Maa (Taare Zameen Par, 2007):
Penned by Prasoon Joshi and sung by Shankar Mahadevan, the song is an absolute tear-jerker. Adding fuel to fire is the video featuring Darsheel Safary, whose portrayal of solitude with tears emanating from his big eyes when remembering his mother, is moving.
Rock On (Title Track, 2008)
Another album that witnessed every single song being lapped up the audience, despite the initial cold reaction from the critics. Javed Akhtar’s catchy yet lucid lyrics coupled with Farhan’s Akhtar’s unconventional voice offered the listener a unique experience.
Khwabon Ke Parindey (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, 2011)
Not many composers have struck gold trying to rediscover a genre in which they’ve already registered success. The composer trio, who had already set a benchmark for the travel song genre with Dil Chahta Hai, managed to come up with something that captured the essence of travel, love and life.
Image Courtesy: Google
