Dil Jo Bhi Kahey

Article Updated 15 September, 2005 11:06:15 AM IST

Dil Jo Bhi Kahey

Romesh Sharma is the one who produced the late Mukul Anand directed murder-mystery hit, 'Aitbaar', during the mid 80s. But he is more famous for his cameo in Amitabh Bachchan's 'Hum', especially the hilarious cockroach scene. Romesh Sharma is now ready to launch his handsome son Karan with 'Dil Jo Bhi Kahey' and has also roped in his friend Amitabh for an important role.

'Dil Jo Bhi Kahey' also boasts of the talented Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy as the music composers and numero uno lyricist Javed Akhtar. For any newcomer to make a mark with his first movie the music has to play an important role, as has been demonstrated by 'Bobby',' Love Story', 'Betaab', 'QSQT', 'Kaho Na Pyar Hai' etc. Let us now check out and see if SEL who along with Javed Akhtar have given us some memorable scores ('Dil Chahta Hai' and 'Kal Ho Naa Ho'), can provide Karan the perfect launch pad.

The title track 'Dil Jo Bhi Kahey' is indeed a very good fusion of melody and rhythm and it seems like Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy want to take us back to the bylines of 'Dil Chahta Hai', as the hangover its title track looms heavily on this otherwise very pleasant song. Orchestra plates and drums accompany the song throughout. Shaan is excellent as he modulates his voice (maybe) to suit that of Karan and goes "Dil jo bhi kahey maney, Ab hum bhi tum bhi bas pyar ko pehchaney." Dominique, who has been given the English lyrics, fails to keep pace with Shaan's vibrant, youthful singing. Maybe SEL should have gone for Suzanne.

'Kitni Narmi Se' makes good use of 'Jal Tarang' to highlight this petal soft romantic number by Sonu Nigam, who sails through the track with ease and grace, as it is his forte. The versatile Javed Akhtar gives love a new definition and describes how it softly enters the heart -"Kitni narmi se kitne dheere se, Dil mein aati hai dabe paon mohabbat."

Guitar strumming and electric drums start off the next number 'Kaun Jaane', rendered beautifully by the highly talented Shankar Mahadevan' along with Shefali. Mahadevan is outstanding as he puts meaning into each and every word (why does he sing so few songs?) while singing from the heart. A quizzical yet philosophical song with Javed Akhtar's lyrics, which reminds one of his 'Tanhai' lyrics from 'Dil Chahta Hai' - "Kaun jaane, Kaun Jaane kyun aisa hota hai, Jab koi chain apna khota, Jab koi sapna apna khota hai."

The tune of the title track is also infused in between the song and as 'Kaun Jaane' fades off you yearn for more but alas all good things must come to an end.

The 'Opening Title Theme' has Caralisa humming superbly between the chimes and rhymes. The theme has been composed in the mode of The Philharmonic Orchestra though not as classical. A nice and different attempt, as SEL deviate from the tried and tested path.

Next up, 'Sajna Angna Aayo Re' features twice in the album. On the first hearing it appears to be the first purely commercial track of 'Dil Jo Bhi Kahey' and SEL remind us that they are the same composers who gave us 'Bunty Aur Babli' earlier this year. Actually it turns out to be a just a semi one line Sufi-cum-classical style composition sung by Javed Ali.

Shankar Mahadevan has sung three songs in 'Dil Jo Bhi Kahey' but the song, which he sings for Amitabh Bachchan, 'Mere Munna' (translated - my small one) is most interesting. Shankar changes his voice to suit the personality of Mr. Bachchan. The song is about a father who gives some worldly advice to his son about love and life. The soft use of traditional instruments along with Mahadevan's excellent singing succeed in making 'Mere Munna' worth listening to over and over again. Since we have discussed the song let’s say the obvious once again! Javed Akhtar's lyrics are simple, exceptional and in sync with the song requirement.

'Tu Nahi Tha Jab Yahan' has the foursome Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Ghoshal, Sudesh Bhosle and Mahalaxmi Iyer joining hands to sing this unusual family number. We call it unusual because we are so used to the Chopra-Johar type of family songs that this one appears a bit out of place (not in a derogatory sense but we must add that it is different.) The 'mukhda' starts off with very slow paced singing while the 'antra' is quite pacy and rhythmic. A song that combines Indian classical with western sounds. All four singers gel together quite well.

As the movie is about Indian expatriates based in Mauritius, 'C'est La Vie' takes inspiration from a local folk tune but soon the 'desi' harmonium takes over and we hear the typical Allahabadi exclamation by Sudesh Bhosle (impersonating Amitabh's voice to the hilt). The song is a fusion of Calypso-Salsa and North Indian folk and is truly outstanding. It is another Holi song picturized yet again on Amitabh Bachchan. On the whole, 'Dil Jo Bhi Kahey' is a surprisingly good album. It has class but at the same time, charm and simplicity. Unfortunately, the sales have not been encouraging, due to the lack of another saleable star apart from Mr. Bachchan and very low-key publicity, which should have been aggressive as the lead actor is making his debut.

Rating: 7.5/10

Print this Article

http://www.bollyvista.com

http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/31/5537