B R Films is one of the Hindi film (and Television) industry’s most reputed and oldest banners. Baghban is the banner’s first release after over a decade and is one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year. Another reason the film is creating a buzz is because it pairs Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini together for the first time since Satte Pe Satta, which released over two decades ago. Aadesh Shrivastava seems to be having a good year so far with the success of Chalte Chalte, and he might have another hit on his hands. This can be counted as Shrivastava’s first “big” release as a solo music composer, and he seems to have made well with the opportunity.

Aadesh Shrivastava has composed two of Amitabh’s most popular songs after his comeback; “Sona Sona” from Major Saab and “Shava Shava” from K3G. Meri Makhna Meri Soniye is also a Bhangra/Punjabi number, though the pace of the song is not as fast as “Sona Sona” or “Shava Shava”. Sudesh Bhosle and Alka Yagnik do justice to the song by getting into the mood; the song is a potential chartbuster, and judging from the promos, the picturisation (Amitabh and Hema dancing together) will only add to its popularity. An instrumental version is also featured on the soundtrack.

Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik breeze through the romantic Pehle Kabhi Na Mera Haal. Shrivastava’s composition is simple though enjoyable. However, Sameer doesn’t compliment Shrivastava as well. The lyrics are too ordinary to hold any interest and prevent the song from breaking out of the average territory.

When one of thinks of “Holi” songs in Hindi films the first one that comes to mind is “Rang Barse” from Silsila. Shrivastava scores huge with “Hori Khele Raghuveera” sung by Bachchan, Sukhwinder Singh, Udit Narayan, and Alka Yagnik. The lyrics are Awadhi and that helps the song greatly. Amitabh has always excelled at the Awadhi and Bhojpuri dialects and his expertise does wonders for the song. The song is just as fun to listen to as “Rang Barse”, and my favorite of the album. If picturised well, it could also become as popular.

Chali Chali Phir Chali is a perfect example of a good idea gone wrong. The tune is playful and catchy; however the unnecessary rap pieces in between stanzas bring the song quality down immensely. The only plus point of the song the singing by Amitabh, Shrivastava, and Hema Sardesai. A shorter version sung by Shrivastava alone is also featured on the soundtrack. Though shorter, this version is preferable over the original since it lacks the rap pieces.

Richa Sharma is in good form in “O Dharti Tarse Ambar Barse”, which can be called the theme/title song of the film. Two factors that hurt the song are its length (it clocks in at about 10 minutes!) and the situational/thematic lyrics. The song will probably do justice to situations on screen, but on the CD, it won’t find many takers.

Amitabh weaves his magic all over “Main Yahan Tu Wahan”, a soft romantic ballad. The song will be lapped by lovers of slow/romantic songs. Alka Yagnik also accompanies Amitabh.

“Om Jai Jagdish Hare” is an aarti sung by Udit Narayan and Sneha Pant. I wonder if this was actually recorded for the film or just taken from the countless bhajan/aarti cassettes and CDs T-Series produces.

Baghban is a must buy for all Amitabh fans, mainly because a couple of the songs are sung by him. Overall, the soundtrack is not bad, simply because there isn’t any song that is “bad”. However, Aadesh Shrivastava has done well with this album and it looks like he will score big time. In the future though, it would help if he chooses to experiment more and remain less ordinary.