Fashion

Article Updated 25 September, 2008 04:17:42 AM IST

Fashion

The name Madhur Bhandarkar brings to mind hard-hitting and in touch with reality, low budgeted movies (barring 'Aan- Men At Work'), prominent amongst them being national award winners like 'Chandni Bar' and 'Traffic Signal'. His other films like 'Corporate' and 'Page 3' had some melodious, situational tracks, which though had the potential but did not become that much popular. The reason being lack of aggressive publicity on part of the makers. But with 'Fashion',(a film based on the highly glamorous world of fashion) which is a high budget film, it appears that Bhandarkar has gone in for the best team available and he has chosen Salim-Sulaiman, who have proven their mettle in quite a few films, prominent among them being 'Chak De! India'. So, lets check out what the composers have for us in this album.

Repeated 'jalwa' along with some infectious hard beats and rap kick start the first song of the album, 'Fashion Ka Jalwa'. A song that can be easily clubbed as the theme/title song as it embodies the spirit and mood of the film and gives the audience an insight into what to expect from the film. The lyricist, deserves praise for some really apt and befitting the situation lyrics. Sukhwinder Singh has always delivered his best for Salim-Sulaiman and it's the same case here. We have trademark Sukhwinder in his sonorous earthy vocals with high shrill notes, full of emotion rendition and it will not be an exaggeration to say that the song becomes all the more special because of him. However it's not a solo Sukhwinder number as we have Satya Hinduja and Robert "Bob" Omulo giving him the required support in the background .

'Fashion Ka Jalwa-Remix' is not much different from the original, the lazy infectious rhythm in the background remains intact, only a few more rap portions and English croonings add to the catchy original.

Lovely piano notes and some soft, really unique, foot tapping Arabic lyrics commence 'Mar Jaava'. Salim-Sulaiman show through this superbly composed and orchestrated romantic track, why they have been chosen by musical connoisseurs Yash and Aditya Chopra for their much anticipated, Shah Rukh Khan's "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi". The song is a musical gem and Shruti Pathak mesmerizes with her soft, slightly husky vocals which lend the sensual touch to the number. Salim Merchant too is a class act with his superb background Arabic vocals which can be classified as the highlight of the track. The number will be a sure fire hit with the romantic at hearts and will make for a pleasant hear on screen with the beautiful Priyanka Chopra winning hearts.

The bewitching slow-drawl rhythm is missing in the original as the tempo has been quickened in the 'Mar Jaava –Remix', though additional synthesized rhythm adds to the pace of the number and might appeal to a select few.

We have the composer himself who take up the responsibility for delivering 'Aashiyana', a song that talks about the immensely in love protagonist who simply has no time for anything else as love is on his mind. The lyrics have been penned in a nice poetic manner and the lyricist, Irfan Siddiqui deserves a pat on the back for some nice, innovative simple Urdu 'shayeri'. The background rhythm is brisk and not too fast, keeping up with the romantic nature of the song which coupled with some soft, rock touch (lots of drum and guitar) makes it a number that will surely appeal to the Gen X. The highlight is the absolutely new, untouched rhythm that the composer duo have used. Salim Merchant is an able singer, though he has proved it in his previous albums but this time he cements his claim with yet another winner.

'Aashiyana-Remix' by DJ Amyth is a tastefully done and once again it will serve as a nice outing in clubs, pubs and discos.

Pure, unadulterated paino with electronic percussion herald another romantic composition in the form of 'Kuch Khaas'. The rhythm at the start appears to be an offshoot of the 'Mar Jaava' track but later changes lanes and is reminiscent of the hit love ballads composed by Pritam. No wonder Mohit Chauhan('Tum Se Hi', Jab We Met) has been chosen by the composers to deliver a number suited to this Silk Route member. Neha Bhasin does her job well but she sounds a bit too husky for normal, conventional singing. But on second thoughts, her voice structure does match Priyanka, so may be it was a good choice in the end. Nonetheless, this lovely lounge number relying mostly on piano beats and added synthesized rhythm is another winner for the Salim-Sulaiman duo.

'Kuch Khaas-Remix' once again dilutes the slow, romantic effect of the love ballad and the heightened tempo converts it into more of a dance track that might appeal to the youth at which it is targeted.

And last but not the least we have the 'Fashion Theme' which is an awesome amalgamation of the East and West . Salim –Sulaiman have composed many successful theme tracks but this one rates above all. The haunting background rhythm consisting of a superb intermingling of 'santoor' and violin with a sprinkling of the 'sitar' string sounds is the highlight of the track (in fact the best after the Om Shanti Om piano piece rhythm) and its combination with hectic club music a treat for all music lovers. The semi-classical rendition towards the end give the instrumental an ethnic touch . The composition will serve as background number with models walking the ramp.

'Fashion Theme-Remix', programmed, highly interesting, adrenalin pumping and foot tapping rhythm interspersed with plate sounds commences the 'Fashion Theme remix. It is basically a very fast paced instrumental version of the 'Fashion Theme' which amusingly in a way reminds distinctly of the Don theme. A very good effort once again by the composers. Will make for a nice hear while driving down fast lanes. Why we say this is because the instrumental goes through many twists and turns and done not follow the same beaten path.

On the whole, Salim-Suleiman, who at one time were more famous for re-defining the world of background music in Bollywood through projects like 'Hamesha', 'Bhooth' and 'Kaal' etc., came into their own with their score for Shah Rukh Khan's 'Chak De! India'. They followed it up with a decent 'Aaja Nachle' and with 'Fashion', they are going to do their reputation a world of good. This is the first time that Bhandarkar's movie has commercially viable music and almost all the compositions have the capability of entering the charts specially, 'Mar Jaava', 'Kuch Khaas' and 'Aashiyana'.

Rating: 7.5/10

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