Back in 1999, Taal, directed by Subhash Ghai dared to dream different by presenting an eccentric love story in a musical format. Starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Akshaye Khanna in lead roles, the movie is considered to have a masterpiece album, composed by A R Rahman. From love ballads to upbeat dance numbers — the album gave unforgettable melodies, written by Anand Bakshi, to all ’90s kids.

Every song had a story to tell, for instance, Ramta Jogi’s opening sequence was done by percussionist Sivamani using a beer bottle! The Raga Dance was Rahman’s collaboration with British violinist Vanessa Mae. And who can forget the Taal Se Taal (Western) that gave way to several classical and western dance crossovers.

As the film clocks 25 years this year, we speak to some singers who lent their voice for the album that still remains a favourite among all age groups.

It was my first time working with Rahman ji and Subhash ji together. Rahman’s technique is different from my mentors Laxmikant-Pyarelal.

Even Subhash ji was curious to see how this will work with me. I knew that only certain basic chords will come to my headphones. But Rahman lets you sing in your own way as many times as you want. He would just keep on recording. It’s the wonder of his mixing where he would put something and take out the rest. [Eventually] the song comes out as a miracle.

Subhash ji would always give a picture. I knew Ishq Bina Ishq Bina is a decision-making song for the character Mansi (played by Aishwarya). So I couldn’t make it a weak song. Subhash ji is a master of picturization and he put in a lot of effort in making it.

I had worked with Ghai ji previously for Pardes (1997). He had liked me since then. He wanted to put me in the song Ishq Bina, although my part comes late in the song (after four minutes).

If you notice, I had never sung in this kind of reshami awaz before, which stood out. Later, when I was singing a song for Ismail Darbar (composer), he told me, “Sonu, woh Taal wali awaz isse pehle aayi nahi”. He wanted me to sing in that way for something he was composing.

So Taal was the first time people had heard me be romantic. It was recorded in Chennai at Rahman’s studio, late in the night as usual. The song is very special to me till date.

This album is not just for listening, it is an academy in itself. And this song became the turning point in my life.

Back then delicate voices were in demand, whereas I have a husky, folksy texture. I was always told I don’t have a mainstream voice, and it can’t be used for a heroine. So my voice remained in the background. Rahman also used my kind of voice. Later I got to know that the song featured Aishwarya!

This was also a dream come true as I had really wanted to work with Rahman since I saw his name and photo on Roja (1992) or Bombay (1995) film album cover, calling him “new music director”. As fate would have it, Sukhwinder Singh (singer) asked me to come to a studio at 1am. To my surprise Rahman was present!

I got a call from Rahman’s office for the song and Subhash ji also spoke to me. I loved the tune when I first heard it. It was titillating and subtle. Unlike the popular opinion it’s not a soft song; it’s very strong, including the lyrics and tune.

After I recorded all of us — Subhash ji, Rahman and I — thought we should give it one more try. So I recorded it again over a couple of days and we nailed it!

The lyrics are so beautiful, conversation-like, jaise aap kisi se guftagoo kar rahe hain. I cherish this song.