Shaadi Se Pehle

Article Updated 09 March, 2006 12:50:47 PM IST

Shaadi Se Pehle

The last time director Satish Kaushik, music director Himesh Reshammiya and lyricist Sameer came together, they created magic with 'Tere Naam', the score of which is still popular and sells even today (in combinations). And now, with another big name, that of the showman Subhash Ghai joining them (as the producer), expectations from this elite team assume mammoth proportions. So let us go on and check out what they have to offer (musically) through 'Shaadi Se Pehle'; especially as they claim that the music rocks via ads in reputed trade magazines.

The album commences on a promising note with Sunidhi Chauhan crooning the highly rhythmic "Mundya, Aa bhi Ja, Le ja dil le ke ja." It is an enticing-cum-inviting number with good synthesized music along with an equally good chorus. Sunidhi is in full flow and her voice oozes with sex appeal, as does Mallika in the promos! And it makes the score even more appealing. Though one must add that the 'mukhda' is a straight lift from the Akshay-Rekha seduction number "In the Night, No Control" ('Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi'). It is another matter that the latter was itself a rip off from Laura Branigan's "Self Control".

Akbar Sami has done the remixed version of "Mundya". Since the original was already highly rhythmic, the upped tempo does nothing for the song. The first version required no changes and in fact, the male voice saying "Hayo Rabba" (repeatedly) gets quite irritating towards the end.

The next track "Ankhiyon Se Gal Kar Gay" commences with Sunidhi saying "Baby, Baby" in a Diana Ross fashion and then Sukhwinder Singh takes over in his by now too familiar style. But it's the 'mukhda' that throws one off balance, as it is once again a straight lift from Sunny Deol's 'Assi Teri Gal Karni' ('Teesri Aankh'), which incidentally was itself a straight lift of the Abrar Ul Haque (Pakistan) composition. The 'antara' in this track is quite different and in fact a potpourri of Sajid-Wajid's "Aaja Soniye" ('Mujhse Shaadi Karogi') and a few others. However, much to the credit of Sunidhi and Sukhwinder, the track (picturized on Akshaye Khanna, Ayesha and Mallika) does get hummable and appealing after a few hearings.

The remixed version by Akbar Sami too is no great shakes, just faster tempo and beats.

Nice to hear Daler Mehndi in "Tuteya Ve", especially after his 'still rocking the nation' chart scorching title track from 'Rang De Basanti'. A sad situational number, in fact it's a rather subdued Daler, minus his verve and energy, which is his USP. A strong 'raag' based Punjabi composition, sung brilliantly by Daler (like his recent 'Jahan-e Khusro' performance), who manages to lift it, but just about.

DJ Suketu does a fine job with the remixed version of "Tuteya Ve" and the faster tempo manages to infuse life to this rather sad and dull composition.

Very different, earthy and rustic music commences the track, aptly titled "Bijuriya". Composed in a traditional mould, with Indian classical music as its backbone, "Bijuriya" appears to be a stage ('nautanki') song, in parts. The talented Sukhwinder and Alka manage to infuse some life into this otherwise pedestrian number.

The "Bijuriya' remix by Akbar Sami has been done tastefully and the faster rhythm and beats make this a good dance track.

The supposed to be soft, romantic duet "Tere Liye' falls flat as it turns to be a routinely average composition. The only saving graces are the lyrics by Sameer and of course the inspired singing by Udit and Alka.

The remixed version by Akbar Sami is also an ordinary effort, more like a space filler.

The last composition "Sache Aashiq", has Sukhwinder singing in his trademark high pitched style, "Dil lagane ki baatein karte ho, Kis zamane ki baatein karte ho." But Himesh must understand that all songs that have 'Shava Shava' 'Aaja Nachle ' and a few sprinklings of Punjabi words and 'bhangda' beats don't always make a chartbuster. While the rhythm and the singing is good, more because of the talent of the singers (Alka and Sukhwinder), the album concludes on a disappointing note.

On the whole, to say that the music of 'Shaadi Se Pehle' disappoints (barring a couple of tracks) would be an understatement. It is a pathetic compilation, especially as it comes from such a big team.

We would like to ask Himesh a question. If he reserves his best for Salman, Emraan and his own private albums, why bother to give music bank scores, especially for a maker (Subhash Ghai) who catapulted him into the top league with 'Aitraaz'? Maybe the Anu Malik (overwork) syndrome has finally got to him! One can only hope that the luck factor (currently in his favour) and the good publicity will make this album work. But for that we have to wait and watch.

Rating: 6.5/10

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