Abhi Toh Main - Shreemaan Aashique by Anupam Kher, Ajmed Mirza

Anupam Kher, Ajmed Mirza has delivered memorable performances before, but Abhi Toh Main - Shreemaan Aashique sits comfortably among the very best. Behind the melody is the work of Anupam Kher, Ajmed Mirza, Nadeem, Shravan, whose composition choices give Abhi Toh Main - Shreemaan Aashique its distinctive texture.

There are singers who perform songs and singers who live inside them. On Abhi Toh Main - Shreemaan Aashique, Anupam Kher, Ajmed Mirza clearly belongs in the second group. Hearing Abhi Toh Main - Shreemaan Aashique without thinking of a talented ensemble cast is almost impossible for anyone who has seen Shreemaan Aashique.

1993 marked the release of Shreemaan Aashique, and Abhi Toh Main - Shreemaan Aashique was the track that ensured the album would be remembered. It fits the playlist for almost any occasion, which is rare — most songs have a narrow emotional window. This one does not.

Running to 5:01, the song is exactly as long as it needs to be, which is the hardest length for a songwriter to find. This is music that holds up — not because it is perfect, but because it is honest, and honesty in a song is irreplaceable.