Awarapan

Remember the beautiful love ballad 'Tum Ho Woh Aasmaan' from Hrithik's blockbuster 'Krrish', which saw a new entrant in the form of Rafaqat Ali Khan? Well, here he is rendering this traditional Sufi number by Sheikh Baba Farid, beloved of all the Punjabis. Baba Farid's 'mazaar' is in Pak Pattan, and devotees from all over Punjab (from both sides of the border) flock here in large numbers to pay homage to this 12th century Sufi saint.

Coming back to the lovely composition, this is not a typical Sufi rock that we encounter nowadays. Rafaqat's 'Maula' is basically a 'tasawwuf' number, sung in praise of the Lord, who is akin to the beloved. Rafaqat's singing is heart-wrenching as he goes, 'Meinda (meaning mine in Punjabi) ishq vi tu, Meinda yaar vi tu, Meinda deen vi tu, Mera imaan bhi tu, Mera jism bhi tu, Meri rooh bhi tu.' Such total submission to the beloved can only be to the Lord, almighty. The lyrics by the Baba give goose pimples. Such is the power of this number that it hypnotizes the listener completely. Some lovely classical touches and hard rock guitar add to the charm and prevent the number from becoming too morose.

All in all, 'Awarapan' is another classy compilation from the house of the Bhatts, with hardly a blemish. Surprisingly, it has not generated the kind of sales that was expected. But rest assured, it will pick up in a big way, and soon.

Rating: 8/10