Aap Kaa Surroor

Article Updated 07 May, 2007 10:51:55 PM IST

Aap Kaa Surroor

"When there is faith there is no fear." True enough, Himesh had immense faith in himself, his entire team, be it the 'ever-by-his side' lyricist, Sameer or the music video director of his super-successful albums, Prashant Chadha, the generous producer Vijay Taneja and above all, the millions of fans who have made him the unquestionable numero uno of the music industry!

His foray into acting was taken as a joke, his nasal singing criticized to death by the critics. But he proves his detractors wrong once again, as the promos of the movie have come in with much praise. They have stunned the audience, sending his fans into a frenzy yet again. Trade pundits predict a healthy opening for his 'Aap Kaa Surroor'.

The first composition of the album, 'Assalaam Vaalekum' (Peace be upon you in Arabic), commences in a concert like manner, with a rap like introduction in English by Earl, followed by the greeting Assalaam-Vaalekum. Then Himesh says "Har insaan ne kisi na kisi se pyaar kiya hai, Maine aap sab ne, To usee pyaar ke naam zindagi qurbaan."

The promos, featuring this superb composition have already stunned most, and after listening to the whole number, we can say, "rightly so." From melodious to rhythmic, the total musical arrangement with Arabian music playing a large part, the qawwali chants, Himesh's "full of feelings" singing and not to mention Sameer's superb use of apt Urdu words (like 'mohtarma' meaning lady), take this song to the highest level of excellence. A winner all the way.

'Assalaam-Vaalekum - Remix' by Akbar Sami starts off in Himesh's broken vocals, followed by the mind-blowing 'Assalaam-Vaalekum' tune. Akbar does a fantastic job, the enhanced pace is just right to keep the intoxicating charm of the original intact.

Some lovely guitar strumming and Himesh's crooning herald this beautiful romantic love ballad 'Tera Mera Milna'. It is an infectious love song that one consciously or unconsciously keeps humming after the song is over, especially the part "Tere bin tere bin, Dil naiyo lagda". The only two negative points are Himesh's bad diction (sticks out like a sore thumb) and Shreya's mincey-strained Anuradha Paudwal like singing. It sounds like she is trying too hard.

'Tera Mera Milna - Remix' by Akbar Sami is a routine job. The pace is too fast and not suited for a love ballad, though Jayesh Gandhi's alaaps, which accompany Himesh, do a world of good to this average remix. Of course, Shreya is her natural self here, unlike the original version.

"Apni zulfon mein meri ungliyaan rahne do, Apne hothon pe meri galtiyan rahne do, Apne seene mein meri daastaan rehne do" - with these very mushy-mushy words, a la 'Mere Huzoor' (the classic song of the 60's), Himesh begins 'Jhoot Nahin Bolna'.

It's the only composition that is not befitting of this 'zabardast' album, though its earthy charm will appeal to the masses and the front-benchers. The composition is a potpourri of many songs, like Himesh's very own 'Odhni' (Tere Naam) and the antara of 'Main Na Bhooloonga' ('Roti Kapda Aur Makaan'). There is definite inspiration from Punjabi folk tunes the we have heard before.

The earthy charm of the original is totally knocked off, due to the excessive synthesized beats and pace in the 'Jhoot Nahin Bolna - Remix' by Akbar Sami.

Next is 'Tanhaiyaan', a trademark Himesh composition, that we critics, and a certain section of the listeners too have got tired of, but what to do? Himesh's fans love his style and that is what matters. So, if we can ignore the more than required extension to the word "Tanhaiyaan", pronounced in a very funny manner, it's a good enough number. The excellent theme music, this time in the form of Himesh's nasal crooning and Sunidhi's high-pitched opera-like singing, brings this song to a superb climax.

The super-fast use of synthesized music, along with the repeated "Tanhaiyaan" is not pleasant to the ears, though the upped tempo does manage to pep up 'Tanhaiyaan - Remix'.

Himesh is good, though Sunidhi who was excellent in the original, sounds funny as she sings in an anglicized accent in this brief version of 'Tanhaiyaan - Unplugged'.

Good controlled vocals by Sunidhi starts 'Ya Ali', though comparisons to Pritam's 'Ya Ali' (Gangster) is natural, at least Himesh's composition is his very own. This is where he scores, whereas Pritam's was plagiarised.

Except for similar sounding titles, the two compositions are as different as chalk and cheese. Though criticized for his singing to no avail, Himesh's instant switching from base to his usual nasal self proves once again that he has good control over his vocals, and knows what filmy singing is all about. Sunidhi too joins him in a high-pitch and is the perfect foil to Himesh in this intense love song.

Too much use of the synthesizer spoils the 'Ya Ali - Remix' by Akbar Sami but Sunidhi's low pitched and Himesh's high-pitched combination works well otherwise.

'Ya Ali - Electro-Mix', true to its name, this version is electrifying, be it the pace or the use of musical instruments. All these factors combine to make it a good dance track.

'Tere Bina' commences with a slightly mysterious sounding, church-like chorus, as Himesh's blockbuster mukhda - ,Ae huzoor, Tera tera tera surroor, is followed by the superb theme music of the movie. When the mukhda of 'Tera Surroor' begins, we instantly draw our own conclusion that it is the number from his music album that rocketed Himesh to the top bracket, smacking the faces of all his detractors when this album hit an all time high. But 'Tere Bina' is a typical 'missing-the–sweetheart' but still a cute number. Himesh sings and speaks with feeling when he says the famous couplet by Gulzar (but half), ,Kabhi kisi ko muqammal jahan nahin milta,, and we complete it ,Kabhi zameen to kabhi asmaan nahih milta.,

The 'Tere Bina - Remix' can be given a listen, even though it's the usual upped tempo and beats, complete with a female background chorus.

Coming to 'Tere Bina - Unplugged', apart from the use of the theme music, there is a hint of guitar strumming in the background and only Himesh's sharp vocals rule in this brief version.

,Tu hai jaise rab di meher (you are a blessing from the Almighty), Kya jeena, Jeena kya, Tere Baghair, Jeena mera kya, Tere baghair., These lovely romantic lyrics by Sameer commence this petal-soft, solo love song 'Kya Jeena' by Himesh.

It can be termed as quite a unique number. The semi-classical inclusions rendered by the talented Jayesh Gandhi, along with the use of Indian musical instruments like the tabla, veena, sitar, dafli and beads, all combine to lend it that lovable classical touch. Himesh demonstrates that he can sing even without the support of too much music in the background, though once again his bad diction (bagair) spoils the beautiful song. The Himesh and Jayesh 'jugalbandi' is good and all these succeed in making this a good composition, which will find appreciation.

Jayesh's semi-classical renditions are sharper, more effective and the musical arrangements are well done and not cacophonous, and as a result the 'Kya Jeena - Remix' by Akbar Sami is a job well done.

And last but certainly not the least, is 'Mehbooba' (a tribute to Panchamda). This number brings together the living legend Asha Bhosle and Himesh after their much publicized spat, but thankfully they have made up and the result is this sort of remixed version of the evergreen classic 'Mehbooba' from 'Sholay'. Of course, this version fades in comparison to the original, but both Himesh (as a singer) and Asha have done a splendid job. Himesh as a remixer disappoints and one only wishes that the use of too many noises and 'faltu' voices in the background like 'saala' etc. were not there. Just curious, will this version be there in the RGV joke, the 'Ramgopal Varma Ke Sholay'?

On the whole, the 'Aap Kaa Surroor' audio will make the fans of Himesh, as well as the youths go ecstatic. The superb start across-the-counter sales must have gladdened the hearts of T-Series. Yet again, Himesh rises to the occasion and delivers!

Rating : 8/10

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