My Pod with Shabnam Sahi

TALENTED radio host Shabnam Sahi regularly entertains listeners on her popular Sunrise Radio show, weekdays 9am-12pm. She plays the biggest hits and not surprisingly has a huge music collection. Eastern Eye got Shabnam to select 10 songs she loves.

Romeo & Juliet by Dire Straits: I played a Dire Straits number as my first song on my debut show as a 21-year-old on All India Radio in Delhi. It was where my broadcasting career began so they will always remain extra special. I’m a sucker for good lyrics and Mark Knopfler is boss.

Please Forgive Me by Bryan Adams: The soundtrack to my adolescence when Bryan Adams was all the rage in India! A guilty pleasure, I’ve been a fan of his raspy voice for as long as I can remember. Loved this song, long before I knew how frequently requested this song would be on my shows.

We’ve Got Tonight by Bob Seger: A song I truly adored from my then-boyfriend and now husband Manish’s collection. He presented a rock show on radio in Delhi with a cult following, and though I didn’t care much for his other favourites this one sealed the deal for me.

Someone Like You by Adele: Is there anyone in the world who doesn’t like this track? Its beauty lies in its utter simplicity. Any girl who’s ever loved and lost will find shades of her own story in Adele’s haunting rendition and heart-wrenching lyrics. It shows us why she’s a global superstar. Tears guaranteed.

Thandi Hawa Ye Chandni Suhani from Jhumroo: It’s hard to pick just one Kishore Kumar song. My mum had an amazing array of mix-tapes and many of her favourites ended up as mine too, owing mainly to the timelessness of Kishore’s charming voice, beautiful melodies and lyrics.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai title track: This signalled a fresh, new, glossy chapter in Bollywood and Karan Johar, the voice of my generation, and gave us much to aspire to. The love triangle between SRK, Kajol and Rani was a departure from the Bollywood norm at the time. It worked. Loved it then, love it now.

Laal Ishq from Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela: From all of Arijit Singh’s chartbusting hits, this is my absolute favourite. I’m partial to sad songs and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films are mired in tragedy and heartbreak. I love the poetic lyrics and sense of drama that engulfs you from the first note.

Chand Nikla by Adnan Sami: My favourite Adnan song oozes love and longing. I adore the orchestration, lyrics and melody. Adnan is untouchable in this. I don’t know why it never got its due from fans, who mostly gravitate towards his better known Bollywood repertoire.

Kudi Gujrat Ki by Jasbir Jassi: My weakness for poignant lyrics and haunting melodies go out of the window when I’m at a wedding or party and in the mood to dance! Being a Delhi girl, this song was a massive dance anthem.

Tham Sa Gaya from Mumbai Delhi Mumbai: My sister Sawan Dutta is a sought-after singer, songwriter, composer, musician and producer in Mumbai. She’s a one-woman industry! She composed this romantic number for a film that sank without a trace, sadly. But the song remains a hot favourite.