In past years, barring perhaps Awara Pagal Deewana and Footpath, the Bhatts have given us great films in terms of music. Whether it’s been Kasoor, Jism, or even Saaya, each film has offered quality music filled with substantial, meaningful lyrics and catchy melodies. Now, they return once more with Inteha, directed by Vikram Bhatt with music by Anu Malik and lyrics by Rahat Indori, Parveen Bhardwaj, and Dev Kohli. And to our satisfaction, the music is once again truly satisfying.

The album starts of with Humsafar Chahiye, a slow, romantic track sung by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik. Both strive to impress and succeed. The song has already become popular with the masses as it’s being aired on the film’s promos. Interestingly, Alka Yagnik, who once was a given in most of the Bhatts’ film soundtracks and a regular in Anu Malik’s music, has now stepped down and made room for the current Bhatt favorite, Shreya Ghosal.

Shreya Ghosal joins Shaan in the next song. Entitled Yun Hi Ek Dil Ko Agar, the song is good and is a welcome change as the lead singers are hardly ever paired with one another. Shreya does a fine job, but unfortunately has yet to surpass her voice in Saaya’s Har Taraf or Jism’s Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai. Shaan, too, delivers as expected.

The third song is definitely the winner of the album - an instant favorite, especially for those who find Sonu Nigam to be one of the most talented male singers of the current lot. He does an excellent job with Dhalne Lagi Hai Raat, and is accompanied beautifully by Shreya Ghosal. The producers or Anu Malik must have known they had a winner on their hands as there are three renditions of this song, all of which are sung by Sonu Nigam. As are most songs in Hindi films, this is another love song, but hopefully one that stands apart from the rest.

Sonu Nigam returns once again for the fourth song, Ab Humse Akayle Raha Na Jaaye, this time with Alka Yagnik as accompaniment. Not surprising that this track too is instantly likable. Sonu Nigam is in top form, but Alka Yagnik initially does not sound like herself. She returns, however, to her normal self in the middle of the track and does well with the remaining parts of the song. Fluctuating in its tempo at times, this track remains mainly on the slow side. This time, the lyrics are by Parveen Bhardwaj. The only downfall to the song is its whispering chorus, which attempts to give a seductive feel to the song, but fails.

Finally, the album ends with Shreya Ghosal in the song Deewana Dil, with lyrics by Dev Kohli. The song strays a bit from the nature of the rest of the album - it is on the faster side. Appearing purely situational, it is just about average. Shreya does a decent job, but unfortunately, her vocals can not rise above the lackluster lyrics.

All in all, Inteha would definitely be a nice addition to your CD collection. After disappointing scores in Koi…Mil Gaya, Footpath, Zameen, Kuch Naa Kaho, and Raja Bhaiya among many, many others this year, Inteha lyrically and musically is quite pleasing as one would expect from a Bhatt production.