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For both Vishal and Shekhar music has always been their first love. From their debut project, Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi, to their most recent revelation Jhankaar Beats, where they immortalized the great R.D. Burman, they have joined hands to prove that they are two composers who are ready to adjust to and conquer the ever changing expectations of music lovers today. Their latest offering, however, carries a unique title, Shaadi Ka Laddoo; and what better than to accompany that with some truly unique tunes. V-S always have a way when it comes to choosing their singers. For starters, they introduced to us one of the most talented and loved vocalists of today, Shaan, who stunned music lovers everywhere with his debut rendition in Musu Musu. Another hidden talent that they have used to their advantage is the extremely versatile Mahalaxmi Iyer. Just give a listen to Tere Ishq Mein (Supari), where she happens to be accompanied by Vishal himself, and you’ll know just what I mean. Another talent that lies in these two are their versatility, not only in their music, but in their skills overall. Both Vishal and Shekhar are very apt singers, as they have proven in Supari and Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi. But an even more advantageous gift that this duo possesses is Vishal’s innate capability of penning some magnificent and meaningful lyrics. Vishal has penned almost all of their compositions including Supari, Jhankaar Beats, Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi, Kaante, Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II, and this one, Shaadi Ka Laddoo. It makes composing music that much easier when you can take care of the vocals, the composition, and the lyrics all by yourself. Now that you understand the skill that these two possess, let’s take a look and see if Shaadi Ka Laddoo is yet another feather in the caps of these two very talented musicians… "Chal Hatt" sung by Sunidhi Chauhan will take practically no time for it to grow on you, it is a great way to start of the album. Maybe that’s the reason it’s already on top of all the charts. Sunidhi definitely gets a thumbs-up for effort. The enthusiasm with which she screams the words Chal Hatt is extremely powerful and creates an impact right away. Her rendition of the rest of the song is also of class. Whatever it is, vocally, this song is definitely a hit. From the second this song starts, you can tell it’s going to be different. Thanks to Vishal-Shekhar’s heavy rock ensemble, they succeed in creating a “different” feeling to the song. Don’t let the amateurish song title throw you off, because Vishal is able to write some fun lyrics here. Composing a song and writing a song focused on the primary line, Chal Hatt, isn’t a very easy task. Fortunately, Vishal is able to hold the listener’s attention for all four and a half minutes…Bravo! With V-S’s catchy melody coupled together with Sunidhi’s and Vishal’s hard-core rendition and lyrics, this track will have you shaking your hips in no time…Chal Hatt!Bach Ke Rehna is once again sung by Sunidhi Chauhan picks up right where the opener leaves off. You can’t blame them for requesting Sunidhi to lend her voice again because any other voice just wouldn’t suit the song! Once again, Vishal and Shekhar pull you in right from the get-go. The song starts off with some kind of synthesized instrument that never lets down and is later meddled together with some techno beats, which create an addictive rhythm. Interestingly, Sunidhi’s voice has an electronic texture to it that interbreeds wonderfully with Vishal and Shekhar’s composition. Although this time Vishal’s lyrics aren’t as convincing, they don’t do any harm to the song whatsoever. Vishal and Shekhar did a good thing by packing this song tight; lasting only three and a half minutes, Bach Ke Rehna is a vibrant and upbeat track that’s sure to have you on the dance floor whether you like it or not. After composing a couple of agile and electric scores, Vishal and Shekhar take a U-turn in creating the next three tracks; the first of which is Kuch Tho Ho Raha Hai. If you’re the kind of person who gets bored of nice, pleasant and slow romantic songs, then you can probably give this (and the next two) songs a miss. But I urge you, give them a listen before riding them off as “boring;” I’m sure you’ll be quite pleasantly surprised. From beginning to end, this song is a fun romantic song. I know you must be thinking, how can a romantic song be fun? Well, for starters, the singers are Shaan and Mahalaxmi. These two singers are able to give a certain signature twist to their renditions that give it a little more pizzazz. In addition to the vocal strength of this song, Vishal and Shekhar use an unusual chorus interlude that only adds to the fun. One more thing to note about this track, although I may be going out on a limb, they also throw in a type of roar, maybe that of a lion…? I’m sure I’ve driven you to give this one a listen no matter what type of music lover you are, but hey, don’t take my word for it! Yes, they use her again! I’m not complaining. Whoever said that repetition was bad? This is the second of the three romantic tracks on the album and is one to amaze. The beauty of music lies in the simplicity of composition. Vishal and Shekhar never fail to amaze me with their versatility in creating some extremely beautiful tracks. Woh Kaun Hai showcases Sunidhi’s ability to change her tonal quality with such ease and charisma. This song is an out and out romantic number that will capture the hearts of lovers everywhere. Vishal’s lyrics are pure poetry and reach down to touch the depths of the heart. Vishal-Shekhar’s composition aids in the emotional effect of the song by never adding a single hard beat and letting Sunidhi’s vocal melody float over their soft and creamy harmony. Wow! “Tum kaho tho suraj se keh kar subha kar du. Tum kaho tho chand se kar ke baat kar du raat. Tum kaho tho aasmaan ko aaj taaron se bhar du. Tum kaho tho aaj kar du mein dil ki baat…” - Vishal Dadlani. Tum Kaho Tho is one of my favorites mainly for one reason: The feeling with which both, Udit Narayan and Mahalakshmi Iyer, render the song. Udit Narayan is one of the finest vocal artists today and has proven himself time and time again. Well, V-S can just continue adding to their bag of favorites as this time he gives us a beautifully written romantic piece straight from the heart. Mahalakshmi Iyer has definitely proven herself, if not overall, then at least in all of Vishal-Shekhar’s albums; and doesn’t fail here. Yet again, this is another fun romantic number purely because of the rendition. Another area where this score soars high is in the lyrics department. I quote Mr. Dadlani; “I’m a lyricist by default.” Wow, that’s a pretty good default to have up your sleeve, wouldn’t you say? And of course, it goes without saying, Vishal and Shekhar once again compose some silky smooth music for both these fine vocalists to sing to. What a song! After a couple of spicy songs and a few romantic tunes, Vishal and Shekhar close the album on a lighter note…a comical note with Biwi Ka Belan. This song is extremely unique! In some ways it can be compared to Vishal and Shekhar’s Boss Kaun Hai from Jhankaar Beats. I really think that Vishal and Shekhar are the only music directors who can utilize both, Shaan and K.K., in the best ways. Here we see K.K. explaining, actually screaming, to Shaan why he shouldn’t fall in the chakar of marriage. The comparison to Boss Kaun Hai falls in the way the song is handled. Vishal and Shekhar add some dialogue into the song to create a more casual effect, and it works amazingly! Their invincible mixing of song and dialogue is clearly visible here. Vishal’s lyrics are hysterical and he definitely deserves a pat on the back for going from “Tum kaho tho suraj se keh kar subha kar du…” to “Tu kya sochega kya samjhega kya jaanega tu!” without any difficulty whatsoever. If you’ve had a bad day or your wife or girlfriend has just yelled at you, then listen to this song, I’m sure it’ll brighten up your day! Shaaadi Ka Laddoo is definitely a mixed-bag, not in terms of quality, but rather, in emotion. It’s got something for everyone, as most of V-S’s albums do. These two composers are among my favorite for one reason: They bring a new breath of air into the Indian Music Industry, which is desperately needed. In the age of western pop, rock and roll, romance, and eastern classical, these two have been able to conquer them all with their fresh breed of music and a very hatka style of composition.
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Vishal Dadlani and
Shekhar Ravjiani (a.k.a. Vishal-Shekhar)…Two
men who have taken the industry and country by storm with their new-aged music.
Two men who have quietly and steadily worked their way to the top. Two men who
have introduced music in a new form.