Jaan-E-Mann

Article Updated 25 September, 2006 11:35:48 PM IST

Jaan-E-Mann

Who can forget the superhit musical score of 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' ('MSK')? Its songs like 'Laal Dupatta' and 'Mera Dil Bhi Jaana' can still be heard in the streets, as they are very popular even today. But few know that it was actually Anu Malik who was supposed to compose the music for 'MSK' and he did record one song that was retained in the album, 'Jeene Ke Hain Chaar Din'. Then Anu's unceremonious exit (may be he was too busy with Indian Idol and unable to deliver the goods) and Sajid-Wajid's entry caused quite a stir and rumours. But Sajid Nadiadwala laid these rumors to rest by giving his long time friend, Anu Malik another chance to prove his credentials and show the world that he has still not lost his touch.

Will 'Jaan-E-Mann' prove to be Anu's comeback vehicle? Well, with living legend Gulzar Saab to pen the lyrics, he stands quite a chance. Let us check out whether Anu is able to rekindle the 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' magic or not.

Super fast drumming and equally fast paced electronic plates herald Salman Khan's near perfect, full of feelings recital - "Mohabbaton mein jeene waale khushnaseeb hain, Mohabbaton mein marne waale bhi ajeeb hain, Azeem hai hamari daastan jaaneman, Faaslon pe rahtein hain, lekin, kareeb hain." This commences the first track of the album 'Humko Maaloom Hai'.

It can also be labeled as the title track. It is a unique number with a bewitching melody; the kind rarely heard these days. A tune so simple yet so enchanting that it remains engraved in the hearts and hummed unconsciously, long after the song comes to a close. Gulzar Saab's lyrics play an important part in making this song so very special. The use of some simple Urdu, English and Hindi lyrics is amazing.

Anu's orchestral arrangements are top notch. Flamingo style tap beats are used to give a feel-good touch. Sonu is simply mindblasting and the super-talented Sadhna Sargam, the perfect foil. To sum up, it's a number that will be relished by the people who love classy, romantic songs. This composition features twice, the second time as mere space filler.

Next up is another classy number, 'Ajnabi Shaher' and Sonu does the honours once again. A semi-romantic, philosophical number, it's the kind that Sonu has perfected over the years and loved by his fans. Right from 'Yeh Dil' ('Pardes') to his award-winning 'Tanhaai' ('Dil Chahta Hai) and to the most recent 'Bhula Denge Tumko' (which was by Anu) and of course this one too is no exception, as Sonu is simply superb here also. It's a song about loneliness and remembrance in a strange town and the feelings of the expatriates in a foreign country, made perfect by some heart touching, thought provoking lyrics by Gulzar Saab. "Ajnabi shaher hai, Ajnabi shaam hai, Zindagi ajnabi, Kya tera naam hai?"

However, the background musical arrangements (though Anu has put in a lot pep and zing, the flamingo beats etc) and the song itself have strong inspirations from the Mahendra Kapoor's classic from 'Gumraah' 'Aa Bhi jaa'. But inspirations apart, this is a good composition by Anu.

The talented trio, Kunal Ganjawala, Adnan Sami and Sunidhi Chauhan along with the rapper Earl join hands to render this stage-performance number 'Udh Jaana-Bro!' The song commences with Ganjawala saying "Friends get set to rock with the Superstars" and the chorus goes "We love you". But in spite of so much motivation, the song falls flat, even as the lead singers try hard but fail to lift this average track. With due apologies, Gulzar Saab too falters in the lyrics department here. The only saving grace is some lovely jugalbandi of flute (Naveen) and guitar (Keith Peters).

The 'Udh Jaana-Bro!' club remix by D.J. Shane is a shade better than the original.

Next up is the light, fun filled, sort of a celebration song, 'Jaane Ke Jaane Na'. It's an infectiously rhythmic number featuring the two handsome hunks, Akki and Sallu, along with Anupam Kher (in his much talked about dwarf act). Anu comes up with another brilliant techno-qawwali, after his chartbusting 'Tumse Milke Dil Ka' ('Main Hoon Na'). Sonu and Sukhwinder are in top form and Krishna does what he is best at. Gulzar Saab's lyrics are apt and situational - "Jaane ke jaanne na, Mane ke mane na, Jaane zamana par piya hi jaane na." And Piya referred to here is Priti's name (in the movie) with pun intended.

Synthesized drums, subdued orchestra and the main vocals, which have not been tampered with much, makes the 'Jaane Ke Jaane Na' club mix by D.J. Shane a good hearing.

'Kabool Kar Le' commences with a pathetic attempt at opera singing, but no need to despair as help is at hand in the form of some nice bagpipe sounds and Udit's smooth silken vocals. A song of propositioning (we heard one recently in 'Golmaal'), with touches of nostalgia as the male protagonist unfolds his love story and recounts his college days .The USP of this otherwise routine number once again are the lyrics which are humorous, simple, identifiable and in sync with today's times.

Anu has clubbed together all his protégés from his Indian Idol show namely, Amit Sana, Rahul Vaidya, Prajakta Shukre and Malini Thakur and used them as mere background chorus or given them a few lines here and there. Seems like Anu has just done a formality and kept his promise made to them during the show. Dear Anuji, have a heart and trust your protégés like Himesh who has given new singers like Vinit (from talent hunt shows) solo songs in his movie albums.

Soft piano notes accompanied by the bewitching signature tune 'Humko Maloom Hai' start the proceedings of 'Sau Dard'. A different sort of sad composition presented in a novel way. The fusing of the main tune to the signature tune is the highlight here. The pace of singing and the background rhythm never slackens, thus preventing it from becoming too heavy or morose. One falls short of superlatives when trying to describe Sonu's rendition. All we can say is that it's simply perfect! Suzanne's crooning in the background and the tune of 'Ajnabi Shaher' lend an air of melancholy to the number. Anu surely is in top form here.

The 'Sau Dard Groove Mix' (D.J. Shane), true to its name is really groovy, dance inducing, the original pace is enhanced, but thankfully just a bit.

On the whole, 'Jaan-E-Mann' is definitely a good comeback for Anu Malik and he deserves praise for it. He must send a big bouquet to Gulzar Saab for helping him succeed in his endeavour. However, the question is, will today's generation accept the melodious 60s style? Seems difficult, and that is what the initial sales figures are indicating.

Rating: 7.5/10

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