Music Review (Hindi): Begum Jaan

Music Review (Hindi): Begum Jaan
Music Composer: Anu Malik

Prem Mein Tohre starts with serene sound and Asha Bhosle's vocals transcend the listener to the tranquil world accompanied by splendid usage of resonating santoor strains which makes the listener yearn for the sounds for some more time. Apart from the splendid usage of Shehnai, Aazaadiyaan comes off as a tedious listen while even veteran Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Sonu Nigam also unable to make this one interesting piece and moreover the song is six and half minutes long. O Re Kahoro's brooding flute piece and Kalpana Patowary's effectual rendition makes this one worthy listen, however as a standalone song, the track has a very passable tune. Anu Malik loosens up the soundscape with the celebratory piece Holi Khelein where Shreya Goshal's superlative vocals being the only element to celebrate. The soundtrack's best Prem Mein Tohre returns with its reprise versions where Kavitha Seth accentuates the divine beauty of the song with her earnest rendition.

Verdict: Average soundtrack from Anu Malik where the lackluster tunes are infused with life by the superlative singers. Really miss the Moh Moh Ke Daage level track from the composer.

My Rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Prem Mein Tohre, O Re Kahoro

Music Review (Hindi): Dum Laga Ke Haisha

Music Review (Hindi): Dum Laga Ke Haisha
Music Composer: Anu Malik

          Title song has Nooran sisters in the credit list, their second track after stellar debut in Highway expects one for the engaging listen but tune is perfunctory and typical Punjabi track which lacks enough punch to hold the listeners despite earnest effort from Kailash Kher and Nooran sisters. Tu is conventional 90's song in every possible way be it humming by yesteryear singer Kumar Sanu or whistling and arrangements too. Tu will be loved by the fans who are longing for classic retro song. Sunder Susheel is another song where Anu Malik scores well in arrangements using Sarangi, Percussion instruments and some brass section. However tune is tepid one despite enthusiastic singing by Malini Awasthi and Rahul Ram. Malini Awasthi got some funny lyrics part. Dard Karaara, similar to Tu throws us back in time to 90's and the feel kept intact by lead singers Kumar Sanu and Sadhana Sargam. Tune also is enjoyable in this track. Soundtrack's pièce de résistance Moh Moh Ke Dhaage comes in two version. Papon and Monali Thakur in their respective versions is pitch perfect with their vocals. Anu Malik wovens the brilliant tune with engaging flute and  Shenai bits throughout the song. Final song of the soundtrack, Prem's theme is Papon's show all the way backed by guitar strums.

Verdict: Veteran Anu Malik's Dum Laga Ke Haisha is intentionally given 90's feel however Moh Moh Ke Dhaage salvages the soundtrack. 

My rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Moh Moh Ke Dhaage (both versions), Prem's theme