Taare Zameen Par

Article Updated 17 November, 2007 02:31:00 AM IST

Taare Zameen Par

Always the perfectionist, actor par excellence, Aamir Khan hit the jackpot with his very first film Lagaan under his home banner, Aamir Khan Productions. Lagaan's music by the music wizard, A.R. Rahman went on to assume cult status and 'Chale Chalo' became a national anthem, such was its popularity. For the aforesaid reason, the next offering by this banner acquires a whole lot of importance, and knowing Aamir's taste for good music, we are surely in for a treat. Since Taare Zameen Par is Aamir's directorial debut, the very talented, versatile and choosy, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have been entrusted with the task of delivering the goods. This year has been pretty good for the trio as their musical offerings in Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Heyy Babyy (the only super-hit) and Johnny Gaddaar, have been appreciated, irrespective of the box-office results.

So, let us get on with the first track of the album, the title track, 'Taare Zameen Par'. At the very onset, the thing that strikes is the very simple but bewitching tune that completely mesmerizes the listeners, as the song unfolds like a bud transforming into a flower. Soothing "jaltarang" sounds commence the composition dominated by Indian musical instruments like, "santoor", "veena" and "sitar". Soft "tabla thaaps", lovely "sitar" string sounds, coupled with Shankar Mahadevan's soul-stirring rendition make this an exquisitely composed track. Par excellence will be an understatement for the composition. This track should serve as a tutorial to all composers on how a title track should be composed, as the essence of the movie is conveyed so beautifully through this marvelous number. It can be labeled as Shankar's best rendered number after his 'Breathless'. And of course, the genius lyricist, the hugely talented Prasoon Joshi deserves special mention for his outstanding lyrics. The "mukhda" as well as the "antaras" are just marvelously penned, so beautiful and so sensitive. The parallel drawn is exemplary. "Jaise ankhon ki dibiya mein nindiya, Aur nindiya mein meetha sa sapna, Aur sapne mein mil jaye farishta sa koi, Jaise rangon bhari pichkari, Jaise titliyan phoolon ki pyaari, Jaise bina matlab ke pyaara sa rishta koi." It would not be an overstatement if we club it in the league of Kishore da's timeless gem, 'Aa chal ke tujhe' from his Door Gagan Ki Chaon Mein, which coincidently was based on the life of a handicapped child and his relationship with his father.

Guitar strumming commences the inspirational, interactive song 'Kholo Kholo'. Partly soft rock with rap interludes make it interesting. The highlight is the mind-blowing crescendo which will even make A.R. Rahman proud! The essence of the crescendo, "To dhoop hai, Jham se bikhar, Tu hai nadee o bekhabar, Beh chal kahin, Ud chal kahin, Dil khush jahan, Teri toh manzil hai wahin." The lyrics are in the league of Prasoon's own 'Roobaroo' from Rang de Basanti. But Prasoon seems to be more inspired by the legendary Urdu poet/shayer, Allama Iqbal's, "Tu Shaheeh Hai Basera Kar, Pahadon ki chattanon par, Nahin Tera nasheman, Kasre sultani ke gumbad par." In a nutshell, aim higher and don't underestimate your potential. Raman Mahadevan does a fine rendition job as he has a soft and sensitive voice.

Next up is 'Jame Raho', a song that should be adopted by the Indian government as the anthem for their campaign to eradicate illiteracy and promoting their "Education For All" plea! "Kas ke joota, Kas ke belt. Khons ke ander apni shirt, Manzil ko chali sawari, Kandhon pe zimmedari." Well are you getting nostalgic like us after hearing this? If you are, we don't blame you for it. We are on the same wavelength! The immensely talented and popular Vishal Dadlani shows his prowess once again, in a song which is conversation-like in parts, sung in a very simple tune. The chorus "Duniya ka naara, Jame raho", has a rock-like tune to it and is very inspirational and effective.

Writer and creative director of Taare Zameen Par, Amol Gupte takes up the mantle of a lyricist in the next composition 'Mera Jahan' and the music director is Shailendra Barve. It is their combined effort that once again transports us into the beautiful, innocent world of kids and school. Nostalgia hits us yet again as we are bound to remember our assemblies in the morning, as the kid's choir Gleehive cutely chimes, "A little sweet, A little sour, A little close not too far, All I need is to be free". The composer exploits the hitherto unknown facet of Adnan Sami's un-tapped potential. Adnan who is always accused of being monotonous, shows his detractors that he is capable of much more. He sings with ease in this beautifully composed but simple, pleasing to the ear tune. The last four lines by Amol Gupte, "Bachpan ke din chaar, Na aayenge baar baar, Jee le jee le mere yaar, Jeib Khali to udhaar, Jee zindagi," sum up the spirit with conviction. A song which urges people to live life freely and not to worry about anything.

Synthesized piece and guitar beats commence 'Maa'. And true to title, it is a composition that is bound to make even the stone hearted emotional. A composition that will be appreciated not only by kids, but even grown ups. The fear, the insecurity of a child conveyed by Prasoon Joshi's heart-stirring lyrics bring tears to the eyes. "Bheed mein yun na chodo mujhe, Ghar laut ke bhi na aa paoon maa, Bhej na itna door mujhko tu, Yaad bhi tujhko aa na paoon maa, Kya itna bura hoon main maa?" Soft melody and Shankar's sensitive, heart-touching rendition is complemented by some lovely guitar strumming, which is about the only accompaniment in this superbly composed track.

Since the movie is based on the life of a dyslexic child, we have a composition aptly titled 'Bheja Kum', which commences with deriding and chiding words like, "Why, why can't you, idiot?" A totally acid-rock based composition depicting the chaotic and stressed out life of a mentally challenged child in school, trying his level best to cope with things. The rap interludes serve to drive home the harsh treatment meted out to weak, underprivileged children. It seems to be SEL's tribute to the timeless classic by Pink Floyd, 'Another Brick In The Wall'. And much like the above mentioned track, this too is a hard-hitting number, talking about the ills of the education system and state of mind of the little children. A whole bunch of artists headed by Shankar Mahadevan and Aamir join hands to drive home the message in a song that makes one sit up and take notice. Even Aamir's wife, Kiran Rao quips in with a one-liner, "Tumhara problem kya hai beta"? This song sure is an experience in itself.

The last track of the album is for all those Aamir Khan fans who just couldn't get enough of him in 'Chanda Chamke' from 'Fanaa'. This is another chance to savour a delicacy called 'Bum Bum Bole'. Quite similar in theme and spirit to the above song, this too is a light-hearted, "masti", fun-filled track that commences with Aamir's inane and nonsensical prelude, "Chaka raka chi chai chaka lo rum". Was Prasoon inspired by Kishore Da's classic, 'Eena Meena Deeka'? Then Shaan takes over in his own beloved style that has become so popular. The catchy rhythm and chorus is instantly likeable and the children will definitely identify with this number which will serve to lighten up the listeners. Aamir's interludes are the USP of the track and so are the lovely musical arrangements.

Certainly, SEL have saved the best for last where we have 'Ishaan's Theme', which is present only in the compact discs and not in the cassettes. As the title track suggests, it is an instrumental version, where the theme of the movie is highlighted through beautiful western classic orchestration. Soft piano notes form the backdrop and the subtle changes in beats and melody is pure class. A track which is a delight for the connoisseur of such types of music.

To children and childhood ..., that's what Aamir writes in his director's note. And definitely, this album is dedicated to the precious joys of the world, children, without whom our lives would not be complete. An honest attempt by the music directors Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and of course Prasoon Joshi. Amol Gupte, the writer and creative director too needs a mention as he has worked hard in creating the music, which according to Aamir is the most important task, in this very difficult job. All credit to the team, as there was not so much scope for music, yet they have provided us with some wonderfully orchestrated compositions. The title track is a rare gem that lingers on and the rest are all situational and extremely lovable tracks. Go ahead and savour it.

Rating: 8/10

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