The Kreem of The Crop | 20 Non-Telugu Classics of M.M. Keeravani

Picking a list of his best Telugu songs is relatively easy, given his illustrious body of work. He has won a National Film Award for Annamayya, five Filmfare Awards South and eight Nandi Awards. What more do we need to reaffirm his stronghold in Telugu cinema?

Here, then, is a curated list of 20 iconic tracks the maestro composed in languages other than his mother tongue!

1. Tu Mile

Film: Criminal (Hindi) Singers: Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, K.S. Chithra

One of the biggest chartbusters of the 1990s, this number continues to have takers even today. Shot simultaneously in Telugu, the Hindi version features Kumar Sanu and Chithra as the lead singers, with Alka Yagnik appearing towards the end to render a brief, memorable line.

2. Chalo Tumko Lekar Chalen

Film: Jism (Hindi) Singer: Shreya Ghoshal

A sultry Bipasha Basu, lonely beaches, a brooding John Abraham and plenty of oomph, courtesy of Shreya Ghoshal. The kind of composition that Chithra would have nailed in a South Indian equivalent, Keeravani’s music is all things sensuous, as are the lyrics.

3. O Saathiya

Film: Saaya (Hindi) Singers: Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik

Another John Abraham number, this is the solo M.M. Keeravani composition in Saaya. Originally composed during the making of Mahesh Bhatt’s Zakhm, the duet was eventually used in Saaya. A honey-tinged melody, it makes one wonder how different it would have been if picturised on Sonali Bendre and Ajay Devgn.

4. Khaali Hai Tere Bina

Film: Paheli (Hindi) Singers: Hariharan, Bela Shende

A gem of an album, Paheli’s soundtrack earned praise from critics and listeners alike. With Gulzar’s stellar lyrics, picking just one track is tough. There is the magnificent Laaga Re Jal Laaga, the playful Minnat Kare, the mushy Kangana Re and the dramatic Dheere Jalna. Still, Hariharan and Bela Shende’s emotional Khaali Hai Tere Bina stands out. The pauses, the pathos and Hariharan’s voice accompanying Shah Rukh Khan make it exemplary.

Trivia: The National Film Award-winning song Dheere Jalna borrowed its base tune from Keeravani’s own Nadira Dhinna from Okariki Okaru.

5. Chup Tum Raho

Film: Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin (Hindi) Singers: M.M. Keeravani, K.S. Chithra

This offbeat Sudhir Mishra film came with an equally distinctive soundtrack. The track is simple in its instrumentation but highly versatile in its vocal notes. Chithra sizzles, as does her co-singer, Keeravani himself.

6. Ya Ya Ya Yadava

Film: Devaragam (Malayalam) Singers: K.S. Chithra, P. Unnikrishnan

Despite an awkward lyrical rhyme, Keeravani’s lilting melody creates a stunning Radha-Krishna-style conversation. He sets the tone with a spectacular flute prelude and crisp arrangements. Chithra lends gravitas, while Unnikrishnan supports her seamlessly.

Note: Devaragam is a landmark soundtrack. Tracks like Sasikala Charthiya and Sisirakala are considered among the finest songs in Malayalam cinema.

7. Gali Mein Aaj Chand Nikla

Film: Zakhm (Hindi)
Singer: Alka Yagnik

“Jaane kitne dinon ke baad, gali mein aaj chand nikla…”

This Alka Yagnik solo is delectably high-pitched in its antara and charan portions. The melody is so immersive that listeners often find themselves humming the background orchestration alongside the vocal lines.

8. Aa Bhi Jaa

Film: Sur: The Melody of Life (Hindi)
Singers: Lucky Ali, Sunidhi Chauhan

When Lucky Ali stepped into acting with Pooja Bhatt’s Sur, Keeravani crafted a sound distinct from Ali’s usual Indipop image. Aa Bhi Jaa became a national rage, and its haunting composition continues to linger in the memory. Special mention must go to Mahalakshmi Iyer’s Kabhi Shaam Dhale.

9. Khoobsurat Hai Woh Itna

Film: Rog (Hindi)
Singer: Udit Narayan

Udit Narayan is blessed with one of the most romantic male voices in Indian cinema, making his rare melancholic solos deeply impactful. Rog delivered a pitch-perfect romantic solo for his fans, a gorgeous track that remains a career highlight for both composer and singer.

10. Kya Haseen Raat Hai

Film: Maun (Hindi)
Singers: S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, K.S. Chithra

Another sensuous track in which S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and Chithra set the tone. Despite cheesy lines like “Main teri daasi hoon saaton janam”, Keeravani lifts the song with an irresistibly melodic hook.

11. Tharalitha Ravil Mayangiyo

Film: Soorya Manasam (Malayalam)
Singer: K.J. Yesudas

One of Malayalam cinema’s timeless melancholic tracks, this song perfectly complements the film’s emotional narrative. K.J. Yesudas’ heart-wrenching rendition is backed by poignant lyrics and classic orchestration.

12. Sangeetha Swarangal

Film: Azhagan (Tamil)
Singers: S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, Sandhya

As the lead couple romances over a landline call, with Doordarshan playing in the background, a velvety SPB-Sandhya duet flows underneath. Keeravani makes Sangeetha Swarangal instantly hummable from the very first beat.

13. Kuhu Kuhu Haaduva

Film: Swathi (Kannada)
Singer: K.S. Chithra

One of Keeravani’s absolute best in Kannada, this song sees Chithra effortlessly traverse high and low octaves, demonstrating why their composer-singer combination was such a formidable force in the 1990s.

14. Mujhmein Tu

Film: Special 26 (Hindi)
Singer: M.M. Keeravani

Though multiple renditions of this track were recorded, including one by Akshay Kumar, Keeravani’s own vocal version remains the definitive one. His emotional delivery and flawless Hindi diction make it unforgettable.

15. Avanthan Azhagan

Film: Azhagan (Tamil)
Singer: Minmini

Playing over the film’s opening title roll, this pacy track sung by Minmini carries an eclectic, modern groove. Fun fact: Minmini’s striking vocals accompany the rolling credits, though her name was inadvertently left out of the singer credits.

16. Mele Manathe

Film: Neelagiri (Malayalam)
Singers: K.J. Yesudas, Chorus

Another opening-credit gem, this song smoothly eases the audience into the movie. Keeravani’s lingering melody, paired with Yesudas’ vocals, creates magic right from the opening frames.

17. Musafir

Film: Lahore (Hindi)
Singer: M.M. Keeravani

This critically acclaimed film featured a soundtrack of pure gold. Keeravani delivered a soul-stirring title theme with himself on vocals. The album also features an energetic alternate version crooned by Daler Mehndi.

18. Unnoduthan Kanavile

Film: Kondattam (Tamil)
Singers: Mano, K.S. Chithra

Starring Arjun and Simran, Kondattam featured several hit numbers, but the melancholic Unnoduthan Kanavile has truly stood the test of time. Carrying a subtle Ilaiyaraaja-esque texture, it deserves a revisit.

19. Jana Gana Mana

Film: Vaaname Ellai (Tamil)
Singers: S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, K.S. Chithra

K. Balachander’s 1992 hit boasted multiple standout Maragathamani compositions. Jana Gana Mana is catchy, spirited and packed with vocal improvisations between SPB and Chithra towards the climax.

20. Jaana Hai Jaana Hai

Film: Kasak (Hindi)
Singer: Lucky Ali

A second collaboration between M.M. Keeravani and Lucky Ali that hit the bullseye, this track carries a peaceful, haunting quality throughout. The alternate version, rendered by Madhushree, is equally serene.