The Bollywood legend has a gift for galvanising grooves

A. R. Rahman’s soundtrack for the Subhash Ghai-directed musical Taal truly stands the test of time. Any album that opens with the beautiful slow-build of “Ishq Bina”—featuring vocals by the Maestro himself alongside an ensemble of singers—is bound to become a favourite. The film serves up eye-popping choreography matched perfectly to Rahman's infectious rhythms. Throw in Aishwarya Rai’s contagious dance number and vocalist Richa Sharma's first smash, “Kahin Aag Lage”, and you’ve got a bona fide hit.