Tashan

Next up is 'Chhaliya'. The start is somewhat like 'Chamma Chamma' from Santoshi's China Gate. Piyush Mehra renders the first two lines in a strange, intoxicated manner and then the queen bee of dance numbers, Sunidhi Chauhan takes centre stage. It is not a typical dance number, the reason for which is simple. This is a V-S composition and they never do anything that is typical. There are many twists and turns as the track changes from simple melodious number to a fast western feel. The highlight of the piece is the last part of the mukhda, "Na lada na lada, Tu ankh na lada," which picks up abundant pace from the slow start. The lyrics by Anvita Dutt Guptan are situational. Though "chhaliya" (meaning deceiver) is usually referred to males in Hindi films, the lead heroine Kareena is given the tag here.

Lovely, unadulterated harmonium melody forms the background of the song and sets pace for the total dhamaal, masti track, 'Dil Dance Maare'. Please do not be surprised by the title of the number. This is a purely situational track, which should serve as a tension reliever in this action-thriller. However, the lyricist's name does throw one off balance. Well, well, it's Vishal Dadlani himself. It's amazing that he can come up with simply unimaginable lyrics. "White white face dekhe, dilwa beating fast. Sasura chance mare. O very happy in my heart. Dil dance maare." It is a unique number as the arrangements are very modern, the tune purely traditional, the sort heard in nautankis and dance parties of fairs and melas (though English is not used to the extent, which is used here). All three lead singers are top class. Sukhwinder, Sunidhi and Udit convey the masti through some zabardast singing. All these factors combine to make a dance number that is sure to send the frontbenchers into a frenzy.

As if to calm our nerves, V-S have for us a superb, romantic number 'Falak Par'. Nice synthesized rhythm, lovely guitar strumming and superb background male vocals commence the lovely duet, a petal soft refreshing number that will be loved by the die-hard romantics. The once upon a time king of romantic numbers, Udit Narayan is back in full form for his first full-fledged number and giving him able support is the melodious, Mahalaxmi Iyer. Udit renders the high notes and Mahalaxmi the soft, slow mukhda to perfection, and their jugalbandi (joint singing) in the climax is the best part of the song. The flute piece and simple lyrics in Urdu by Kausar Munir deserve praise.