Umrao Jaan

Article Updated 20 October, 2006 12:30:52 AM IST

Umrao Jaan

'Umrao Jaan! The mere mention of this great classic rekindles countless beautiful memories in our minds. Rekha's pristine, ethereal beauty, Muzaffar Ali's lavish (not gaudy) sets, Meera Ali's rich, traditional costumes, Khayyam's evergreen, melodious music and last but not the least Shaharyar's 'lajawaab shayeri'. So it's befitting that a director of the caliber of J.P. Dutta (though known more for his war movies) should be remaking it and with his able teammates of 'Border' and 'Refugee', Anu Malik and Javed Akhtar once again at the helm of affairs, expectations are bound to arise. So let's check to see if they come up trumps yet again.

Very slow harmonium sounds commence 'Ek Toote Hue Dil Ki', which is a brief introduction to the lead protagonist Umrao Jaan, summed up in form of a beautiful 'Nazam'. It goes like this- "Ek toote hue dil ki awaaz mujhe kahiye, Sur jisme hain sab gham ke who saaz mujhe kahiye, Main kaun hoon aur kya hoon, Kiske liye zinda hoon, Main khud bhi nahi samjhi, Woh raaz mujhe kahiye." A superb piece of 'shayeri' by Javed Saab.

Next up, a foreword narrated by the lyricist himself, Javed Akhtar. It's once again an introduction into the life and times of Umrao Jaan, in the 19th century Lucknow, the city of the 'nawabs' and the lavish 'kothas'.

Alka Yagnik's lilting, syrupy sweet vocals welcome the listeners with 'Salaam'; an extremely classy, melodious, sophisticated yet massy 'mujra' and it serves as a perfect start (or 'aghaaz', as they say in Urdu) and leaves us 'qadardans' craving for more. The only hitch, some portions, more so the 'mukhda' is a rehash of late Mod. Rafi's classic, "Tumhari Zulfon Ke Saaye Mein Shaam Kar Loonga" ('Naunehal'). Inspirations apart, this 'mujra' will go down as one of the better ones in Bollywood. Credit goes to the whole team; Anu Malik for the soothing Indian, traditional musical arrangements, Javed Akhter's simple yet elegant lyrics and of course Alka who is just amazing with her rendition.

'Ghungroo' sounds and soft harmonium music sets forth the pleasantly paced, beautiful romantic track, 'Pehle Pehel', which is an enchanting composition and a delight to listen to. Javed Akhtar's lyrics are once again superb. "Tum jo paas aagaye, Hum jo sharma Gaye, Raaze-e-dil paagaye, Tum bhi pehle pehel, Hum bhi pehle pehel." Anu's mastery over the musical arrangements and Alka's flawless singing makes it an excellent composition.

'Jhute Ilzaam' is the second 'mujra' in the offering from Anu (though not as great as 'Salaam') and we are not complaining. It's a hurt and betrayal composition, set at a very lively pace and the melody is pleasing to the ears. Javed Saab's lyrics are classy as well as massy. Here is a line to substantiate the above statement - "Jhute ilzaam meri jaan lagaya na karo, Dil hai nazuk issey tum aise sataya na karo, Abhi aaye ho, Abhi baithe, Abhi jaate ho, Sirf ek rasam nibhane ko toh aaya na karo." Superlative, isn't it? Alka is good but not in the league of 'Salaam'. Anu's arrangements are top notch. The harmonium, 'tabla', 'ghungroo' sounds and 'toda', all of which are an integral part as far as a mujra is concerned has been handled beautifully.

"Wada karke nibhane waale kam hote hain, Ishq na karna, Ishq mein, Gham hi gham hote hain." With this piece of advice commences 'Main Na Mil Sakoon Jo Tumse'. A sad and at times morose composition. The pace of the song is too slow and too monotonous. What makes matters worse is that the song has shades of Lata's classic title track from 'Mera Saaya'. The only saving grace is some superb Urdu lyrics by Javed Akhtar. Alka is decent.

'Behka Diya Hamein' is the only duet in the album and Sonu the only male singer in this all female dominated album. It's picturized on the hot 'n' happening pair of Abhishek and Aishwarya but even their presence is not enough to salvage this routine composition. It's a much-heard before tune and there is nothing novel in it's treatment either in terms of musical arrangements or song rendition. Sonu though is in good form and Alka adequate.

'Agle Janam' is a folk song rendered by many a renowned folk artists before this (it's a situational track, which appears twice in the album). Richa Sharma, who is a renowned folk artist in her own right, sings the more difficult or the semi-classical one and she has done a very good job. Anmol Malik, who is Anu's daughter, has rendered the other version, which is simpler, and she is decent. Her vocals needed to be built up before attempting this one. But considering this is her first effort (and for the young Umrao /Amiran) it should be appreciated.

The album comes to a close with another situational track 'Pooch Rahein Hain', which commences with a heart rending couplet by Alka-"Aarzoo thi hamein itna zahe-kismat mil jaaye, Saari duniya mein kisi se to mohabbat mil jaaye, Jeete ji paaya na kuch humnein zamaane waalon, Ab janaze ko to rukhsat ki ijazat mil jaaye." The composition, in keeping with the tragic theme of the movie is once again sad and morose. The traditional musical arrangements ('tabla' beats, 'ghungroo' sounds, harmonium and the 'toda') are all low keyed. Alka sings well (except in the couplets where she gets slightly screechy). We are at a loss of words to describe Javed Akhtar's poetry. He is just marvelous! A good composition to end the album with.

While the comparisons with Khayyam's 'Umrao Jaan' music (undoubtedly a classic) are inevitable, Anu deserves a lot of credit for the music of J.P. Dutta's version, based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa's novel. The star is undoubtedly Javed Akhtar and his lyrics form the backbone of the album .One also feels that the 'still in form' Asha and the talented Shreya should have been used here for some of the tracks. The success of the melodious audio depends on that of the film, as the initial sales have been decent but nothing to write home about.

Rating: 7.5/10

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