Shah Rukh Khan is celebrating his 60th birthday today (02-November). Famous as SRK or King Khan or Baadshah, he is arguably the most famous star since Amitabh Bachchan. He had first appeared in T.V. serials on Doordarshan and made his film debut in 1992. Interestingly, he played the obsessive lover or anti-hero in his initial films before settling into his evergreen romantic hero image. The image became stronger with a string of hit films. His performances, chemistry with his co-stars, the charm, mannerisms and swagger have all created the matchless SRK phenomenon.
Today’s post is dedicated to SRK through his songs. Over his career of 30 years, multiple playback singers have had the opportunity to sing for him. We can say the songs in their voices have also contributed to SRK’s success as a leading man for so many years. So, here are 10 songs of the actor in 10 different voices. Which are your favourites? do mention in your comments.
1) Song: Dil Aashna Hai
Film: Dil Aashna Hai (1992)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | Anand-Milind | Suresh Wadkar and Sadhana Sargam
This was supposed to be SRK’s debut movie but it released after Deewana. Dil Aashna didn’t do well but Deewana was a success. I believe this is the only movie (apart from Guddu (1995)) where Suresh Wadkar has sung for SRK. It is a not a bad song and the voice suits the tune and mood (if not SRK!).
2) Song: Koi Na Koi Chhahiye
Film: Deewana (1992)
Credits: Sameer | Nadeem-Shravan | Vinod Rathod and Chorus
This was SRK’s debut film and marked his dashing entry into the film industry. This was his introduction song and he arrived in style. SRK won the Filmfare Best Debut award that year. He played the reckless cum obsessive character and the audience welcomed him with open arms. Vinod Rathod’s voice suits him perfectly here. He also sang Aisi deewanagi in the same film. Interestingly, Rishi Kapoor played the leading hero and had Kumar Sanu singing for him.
3) Song: Ye Kaali Kaali Aankhen
Film: Baazigar (1993)
Credits: Dev Kohli | Anu Malik | Kumar Sanu, Anu Malik and Chorus
SRK continued his good run in 1993 and played the openly negative character of Ajay Sharma in Baazigar. But the audience didn’t mind! This was another hugely successful film with great songs. Baazigar deservedly got SRK the Best Actor Filmfare award. SRK’s energy and dance skills are on display in this song. This was his first film with Kajol. They are one of the best remembered pairings of their time.
Kumar Sanu was the one of the top singers of the 90s and sang for SRK in many movies till 1997. Kumar Sanu won the Filmfare Best Playback Singer award for this song.
4) Song: Tu Mere Saamne
Film: Darr (1993)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Shiv-Hari | Udit Narayan, Lata Mangeshkar and Chorus
Another movie, another obsessive lover. SRK stalks Juhi Chawla. She is another actress who made a great pair with SRK. SRK’s role had been offered to Rishi Kapoor who declined and recommended SRK’s name to Yash Chopra. The rest is of course history. The dialogue I love you, K-k-k- Kiran has become iconic. SRK was nominated in the Best Villain category in the annual Filmfare awards.
This was the first film where Udit Narayan became SRK’s voice and has possibly sung the most songs for him.
5) Song: Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaoon
Film: Yes Boss (1997)
Credits: Javed Akhtar | Jatin-Lalit | Abhijeet, Alka Yagnik and Chorus
Abhijeet is often cited as SRK’s voice. The charming Badi Mushkil Hai from Anjaam was his first song for SRK. In Yes Boss, SRK again teams up with Juhi Chawla. The soft romantic number is pleasant to listen to and view on the screen. Abhijeet won the Filmfare Award for Best Playback Singer for his effort. One thing to note, SRK is not steady for a moment throughout the song. What an energy the actor has!
6) Song: Satrangi Re
Film: Dil Se (1998)
Credits: Gulzar | A. R. Rahman | Sonu Nigam, Kavita Krishnamurthy and Chorus
This can be termed as a legendary song for its lyrics, singing, music, exotic location and the choreography. The picturization is marvellous and Manisha Koirala never looked so ravishing! Sonu Nigam was slowly making his name at that time and this song proved his prowess and versatility. Sonu went on to sing some prominent songs for SRK in various genres.
7) Song: Main Hoon Don
Film: Don (2006)
Credits: Javed Akhtar | Shankar Ehsaan Loy | Shaan and Chorus
Don was a remake and faced criticism when compared with the original. But the film was a success. Shaan has sung a handful but famous songs for SRK. This is a self description song and Shaan adds his special touch.
8) Song: Ankhon Mein Teri
Film: Om Shanti Om (2007)
Credits: Vishal Dadlani | Vishal-Shekhar | KK
After being more than 15 years in the industry, SRK continued his successful run at the box office. He was paired with new heroines like Deepika and Anushka, who made their debuts in his films. OSO was produced by Gauri Khan under SRK’s home production Red Chillies.
The late KK was in a class of his own. Unfortunately, he sang only a couple of songs for SRK. This is a lovely romantic song in a retro setting and KK takes it to another level. SRK and Deepika elevate the impact with their onscreen chemistry.
9) Song: Haule Haule
Film: Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008)
Credits: Jaideep Sahni | Salim-Sulaiman | Sukhwinder Singh and Chorus
Sukhwinder Singh got his first hit with Chaiyyan Chaiyyan in Dil Se. Who can forget SRK emoting on top of the train? He sang a few more songs including this one from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. In the film, a goofy looking SRK is forced to marry Anushka Sharma due to unavoidable circumstances. She maintains a distance from him. But the positive SRK convinces his heart that matters will improve and love will blossom slowly and gradually. Sukhwinder won the Filmfare Best Playback Singer award for this song.
10) Song: Gerua
Film: Dilwale (2015)
Credits: Amitabh Bhattacharya | Pritam | Arijit Singh & Antara Mitra
And the final song in the voice of Arijit Singh, the most famous voice of the current generation. SRK appears with Kajol in this not so memorable Rohit Shetty film. But the song is a delight and succeeds in bringing out the same vibes that only SRK can. Come, paint me in the colour of love.
Cine Gaurav 