Lata Mangeshkar remains the epitome of playback singing in Indian film industry. The years Shreya Ghoshal has had to enthrall movie goers as well as idle listeners of film music, is a mere pittance compared to Lata's legacy. However, her pedigree is phenomenal when set alongside other female singers who have preceded her and succeeded Lata. Today on her 28th birthday, an ardent fan like me and millions of others can imagine the heights she would conquer in years to come.
I find it apt on this occasion to list my favorite 10 songs among the many that the Bengali damsel has crooned in languages ranging from her mother tongue through Hindi, Tamil and remote to her but still plentiful-my own Malayalam.
Number 10: Agar Tum Mil Jao - (Zeher)
This simple song reminds us of the banal music techniques of the Bollywood 1990s. Yet Shreya does an inimitable effort to make it seem beautiful. The Bhatts and Emraan have been part of many hits, but this is one that would remain a cut above the rest in Shreyas collection.
Number 9:Yeh Ishq Hai (Jab We Met)
The song that put Himachal Pradesh into limelight and Kareena Kapoor too. Spurred by off-screen stories of the on-screen couple and a good bit of directing by Imtiaz Ali, this over-estimated film's highlight is a well presented song- a joy to watch and hear.
Number 8: Pal Pal Har Pal (Lage Raho Munnabhai)
The first of the few duets among the list. I have not heeded the circulating scandals of the song being a lift-off which might eventually be true. It remains one of the most adored duets that I have watched on-screen and a pleasure to put on repeat. Credit along with Shreya also goes to the everlasting Sonu Nigam.
Number 7: Kizhaku Pookum (Anwar - Malayalam)
Shreya Ghoshal became a star in Kerala hugely because of this track. It topped the (technically non-existent) charts for months and became a rage among the young. Superbly choreographed, it remains her best Malayalam song to date.
Number 6: Naam Ada Likhna (Yahaan)
Along with the beautiful Kashmir, Minisha Lamba sets the screen alight with her grace making the song memorable to watch. An off-beat film, I presume it is just this track that is remembered about the unremarkable movie.
Number 5: Shokal Ashe Na (Antaheen - Bengali)
I would not boast of any great knowledge of Bengali films or songs. Stumbled onto the acclaimed film- Antaheen- tracks and it never leaves your head. A supreme solo by Shreya, it proved to me language is no barrier for enjoying music.
Number 4: Barso Re ( Guru )
A song list would indeed be lacking quality without a Rahman composition. When I had to chose from "Kalvare" from Raavanan and "Barso Re", I found the latter meriting more recognition of Shreya's prowess since Rekha Bhardwaj did a phenomenal job of out-performing Shreya Ghoshal in Hindi version of former- "Khili Re". Hats off for her.
Number 3: Thode Badmash ( Saawariya )
The glorious track from Saawariya would feature in all-time best songs of Shreya Ghoshal any time you look back. Cunningly made into a short length song compared to normally longer Indian fare, it makes us listen again and again. As is said "Just cannot get enough of.."
Number 2: Bairi Piya ( Devdas )
This song has been reviewed and critiqued by many individuals that it would be unworthy of me to say anything of it. A National Award winning rendition, arrival of Shreya Ghoshal into Indian playback singing was duly announced with furore.
Number 1: Munbe Vaa ( Sillunu Oru Kaadhal)
A song that turned into a phenomenon. Surya would never have had half as many fans of the fairer sex if not for this amazing composition by Rahman. Shreya Ghoshal retains her innocence throughout the track to such a level that it is almost tangible. It is undoubtedly one of the best, if not the best, songs of the past decade.
The list may have many flaws. It would be silly for me to say I have heard all the songs of Shreya Ghoshal, and I am sure that I have missed many a beautiful songs that deserved to be on the list. Alas, it has been such a momentous journey, with Shreya Ghoshal that we music lovers have had, showering us with many many memorable songs.
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