There are no ifs and buts about Alka Yagnik being one of the finest, most versatile female playback singers of Bollywood. Having ruled the 80s, 90s, and 2000s - her voice is as fresh and timeless as it ever can be. If there is any Bollywood singer who can come close to legends like Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar, it has to be Alka ji. She has given us some soothing songs that are timeless.

In her career of over four decades, Alka Yagnik is probably one of the few singers who has not run out of being relatable to the audience. Be it youth or boomers, there is an incredible archive of Alka Yagnik songs that can never run out of style. As the singer celebrates her 57th birthday, let's take you through the best of Alka Yagnik's songs that have ruled our hearts and are etched in our minds.

1. Ek Do Teen - Tezaab (1988)

While Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar ruled the era back in the 80s, Ek Do Teen was Alka Yagnik's breakthrough song. With Tezaab being one of Laxmikant Pyarelal's first-ever blockbusters, the Madhuri Dixit starrer made the singer the next generation's upbeat queen.

2. Tip Tip Barsa Paani - Mohra (1994)

While the classic song remains afresh in everyone's memory because of its recreation in Sooryavanshi, the original Tip Tip Barsa Paani garnered eventual growth and popularity after the release of Mohra. While Raveena Tandon redefined the sensuality factor, Alka Ji took the level of singing Bollywood songs a notch above.

3. Gali Mein Chand - Zakhm (1998)

The pain, joy, sadness, anxiousness, and everything in between were felt with this masterpiece. Being the heart of Zakhm's album, this Alka Yagnik song has seemingly found an audience over the years. It was M.M. Kreem who was able to reinvent another side of the playback singer, thus giving us another timeless superhit melody.

4. Taal Se Taal Mila - Taal (1999)

After what felt like an eternity, finally, Alka Yagnik and A R Rahman collaborated to give us a musical masterpiece. What the duo created in Taal was nothing short of magical. Here's an interesting part about the movie - Alka ji was the only female singer Rahman used for more than one song for the entire film.

Her voice was the perfect vehicle to lift up the character of the rising superstar Aishwarya Rai. It wasn't just the title track that glorified Alka Yagnik's voice. Songs like Ramta Jogi and Kariye Na proved her versatility and stance as an ace singer.

5. Laga Prem Rog - Maine Pyaar Kyu Kiya (2005)

If you thought only slow, romantic songs were on Alka Yagnik's radar, wait till you listen to Laga Prem Rog. A rather playful and quirky song with tunes that will make your feet tap, it is safe to say Alka Ji ate the 2000s era and left no crumbs. The OG Himesh Reshammiya, a music director before a singer and actor, seemed to be highly reliant on her voice. From Humraaz to Maine Pyaar Kyu Kiya, this was yet another duo that gave us some superhit songs to groove on.

6. Agar Tum Saath Ho - Tamasha (2015)

It was and it could have been only A R Rahman to bring the true essence of Alka Yagnik back with a song that required an immense amount of depth and emotions. While Tamasha had several songs, none resonated closely with Agar Tum Saath Ho. One touch of Alka Yagnik's three-decade long musical career and we have yet another musical sensation. It has been close to 8 years since Tamasha's release and this song continues to stay relevant.

We may not hear much from the singer but we need music directors like Rahman to find the right way to continue to showcase her gifted instrument. Radio City wishes Alka Yagnik a very happy birthday.