Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, the iconic music trio, has given Bollywood some of its most unforgettable and genre-defining music over the last two decades. Known for their versatile sound, which ranges from soulful ballads to energetic anthems, they have consistently delivered chart-toppers. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 songs composed by this legendary trio, along with details about the movie, singers, and lyricists that made these songs iconic.
1. Kal Ho Naa Ho
- Movie: Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
- Singer: Sonu Nigam
- Lyricist: Javed Akhtar
This soulful and emotional ballad is one of the most iconic tracks in Bollywood history. Sonu Nigam’s heartfelt rendition, combined with Javed Akhtar’s touching lyrics, made this song a timeless classic. It beautifully captures the essence of living in the moment, as reflected in the film’s poignant story.
Bollypiano Link to the Sheet music – https://bollypiano.com/product-tag/kal-ho-naa-ho/
2. Dil Chahta Hai
- Movie: Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
- Singer: Shankar Mahadevan
- Lyricist: Javed Akhtar
This title track defined a generation and revolutionized Bollywood music in the early 2000s. The laid-back vibe of the song, with Shankar’s energetic vocals, captured the essence of youthful friendship. Javed Akhtar’s lyrics spoke to everyone who’s ever cherished the carefree moments of life.
Bollypiano Link to the Sheet music – https://bollypiano.com/product-tag/dil-chahta-hai/
3. Ae Watan
- Movie: Raazi (2018)
- Singer: Arijit Singh
- Lyricist: Gulzar
A heartfelt patriotic song, Ae Watan is both soulful and uplifting. Arijit Singh’s powerful vocals, along with Gulzar’s deep, patriotic lyrics, created a melody that stirs emotions and invokes pride. This track is a tribute to the love for one’s country and is as inspirational as it is melodious.
Bollypiano Link to the Sheet music – https://bollypiano.com/product-tag/ae-watan/
4. Maa
- Movie: Taare Zameen Par (2007)
- Singer: Shankar Mahadevan
- Lyricist: Prasoon Joshi
This emotional song, dedicated to the unspoken bond between a mother and child, brought tears to many eyes. Shankar Mahadevan’s heartfelt vocals and Prasoon Joshi’s evocative lyrics make Maa one of the most touching songs ever composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
Bollypiano Link to the Sheet music – https://bollypiano.com/product-tag/maa/
5. Mitwa
- Movie: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)
- Singer: Shafqat Amanat Ali
- Lyricist: Javed Akhtar
Mitwa became an instant hit, thanks to its fusion of Indian classical with soft rock elements. The song’s unique sound, combined with Shafqat Amanat Ali’s soulful vocals and Javed Akhtar’s lyrics about love and longing, made it a fan favourite.
Bollypiano Link to the Sheet music – https://bollypiano.com/product-tag/mitwa/
6. Pretty Woman
- Movie: Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
- Singer: Shankar Mahadevan, Ravi “Rags” Khote
- Lyricist: Javed Akhtar
This peppy and fun number from Kal Ho Naa Ho was a refreshing twist on the original Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison. The Bollywood version, with Shankar Mahadevan’s lively vocals and the trio’s catchy arrangement, became a chartbuster and an audience favourite.
Bollypiano Link to the Sheet music – https://bollypiano.com/product-tag/pretty-woman/
7. Kajra Re
- Movie: Bunty Aur Babli (2005)
- Singer: Alisha Chinai, Shankar Mahadevan, Javed Ali
- Lyricist: Gulzar
The quintessential Bollywood item number, Kajra Re became a nationwide sensation. Alisha Chinai’s sensuous vocals paired with the playful lyrics by Gulzar and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s catchy composition made this a song for the ages.
8. Zinda
- Movie: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
- Singer: Siddharth Mahadevan
- Lyricist: Prasoon Joshi
An energetic, motivational anthem, Zinda captures the essence of determination and the will to succeed. Siddharth Mahadevan’s powerful vocals, combined with Prasoon Joshi’s inspiring lyrics, and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s gripping composition, made this song a fan favorite, especially among fitness and sports enthusiasts.
9. Tere Naina
- Movie: My Name is Khan (2010)
- Singer: Shafqat Amanat Ali
- Lyricist: Niranjan Iyengar
A beautiful romantic ballad, Tere Naina is one of the most soulful tracks in Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s repertoire. Shafqat Amanat Ali’s mesmerizing voice, along with the poetic lyrics, brought out the tenderness of the love story in My Name is Khan, making this song unforgettable.
Bollypiano Link to the Sheet music – https://bollypiano.com/product-tag/tere-naina/
10. Breathless
- Album: Breathless (1998)
- Singer: Shankar Mahadevan
- Lyricist: Javed Akhtar
Though not from a movie, Breathless deserves a special mention. This unique song, sung without a single pause for breath, showcases Shankar Mahadevan’s vocal brilliance and the trio’s innovative approach to music. It became a massive hit, and remains one of their most iconic creations.
Conclusion: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have given Bollywood some of its most memorable soundtracks, blending Indian classical music with modern elements, and their ability to innovate while staying rooted in traditional sounds makes them truly unique. From soulful love songs to energetic anthems, their versatility has helped them maintain their position as one of Bollywood’s top music composers. Each of the songs mentioned here is a testament to their unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema.