The "Theme Pieces" of the score alone represent a huge pot of gold. Whether intentional or not, I loved the fact that the structure is clearly that of a Gregorian chant, while the chorus mouths a Hindu name using Arabic enunciation (Ra-hool). It´s rare to find such a perfect and inoffensive mesh of religions and ethnic diversity in a piece of music. "Chedh Na Mujhko Mere Mehboob" sings Kavita Krishnamurthy Subramaniam - she got married recently to those unaware - to a romantically inclined Hariharan. With each listening, I found myself further entranced by this seemingly simplistic tune. After the hundredth time I think I discovered the reasons; I do believe it is the echoing resonance given to Hariharan´s voice and Kavita´s timid and flawless singing. Mahalaxmi does not have the strongest vocals on the planet so Anu wisely uses her to support the inimitable Alka Yagnik in "Chalti Hai Purvai". It actually reminds me a bit of "Yaaro Yaarodi" from Alaipayuthey (Tamil), another score everyone should own irrespective of whether you understand the language. Of course, Malik sets his tune apart from A.R. Rahman´s concoction courtesy of a softer rustic beat with chimes providing melody. For a trance-based, Punjabi flavour, Richa Sharma joins Sunidhi Chauhan for "Main Hoon Apni Piya Ki Jogan". Again, the music director deserves considerable credit for the concept of layering the vocals of multiple principal singers in this tune. It is an innovative substitute for the layered instrumental compositions Ghai is accustomed to using. It has been a long time since we last heard Roopkumar Rathod´s vocals, and the adage is true; distance does makes the heart grow fonder. As always, he uses his soft yet mature voice to render the thoroughly pleasing "Vah Re Vah". Deepali Somaiya, who accompanies Rathod on the journey, has a less soothing voice but is luckily confined to assisting with only the "Vah Re Vah" refrains. Rounding out the upbeat songs, you´ll find the completely English based "Give Me A Song To Sing" sung by three newcomers to playback, Calishe, Maria and Jisha. The track is sort of a mixture of a Broadway piece and Mary Poppins´s songs, and it is quite a valiant effort at that. Now we know Bollywood could easily give Andrew Lloyd Webber a run for his money. And huge kudos to Anand Bakshi for incorporating grammatically correct English phrases in the lyrics, as opposed to the "Bloody" vapidity he threw into Pardes. As far as an assessment of the heart-tugging tracks on the compact disc is concerned, let me just say that I was not fully prepared for their brilliance and ability to move the listener. Do not let yourself also be caught off-guard. Using the theme pieces´ music as a prelude, Alka Yagnik and Sonali Vajpayee´s musically similar "Tu Mujeh Kaise Bhool Jaata Hai" and "Kaise Bhool Jaati Hai" are strings´ based lullabies. However, when the words were listened to more carefully, I became aware of the pain and sorrow in the characters´ thoughts and could not help but want to comfort them. That, dear readers, is powerful music. Unfortunately, Ustad Sultan Khan has a far sadder tale to tell and his coarsely aged voice conveys the disturbingly traumatized tale of a young boy - how ironic - wishing he was never born in "Eh Kaash Aisa Hota Hai". The looming drum beat is most effective in conveying a sense of impending doom. And, if this song does not bring a tear to your eye, you are likely made of stone or just not listening. It is certain that Rahul is among Anu Malik, Anand Bakshi and Subhash Ghai´s career best. There is innovation and irony in the soundtrack´s organization of words, instruments and usage of the playback voices. Such a daring attempt at being different deserves the highest commendation. For music lovers who enjoyed Anu´s Refugee and Kareeb, Anand Bakshi´s Ek Duje Ke Liye, and Subhash Ghai´s Karz, Rahul is another demonstration of perfection. |
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Subhash Ghai is a name
synonymous with excellent music, opulent orchestration and heart-felt melody. Rahul, a Mukta Arts co-venture with Prakash Jha Productions,
has the Ghai stamp all over it, with the scale tilted more toward melody and emotions this
time. Anu Malik demonstrates a unique understanding of the instrumental base needed in the
soundtrack, and with the assistance of Ghai´s inseparable right-hand man (aka lyricist)
Anand Bakshi, he produces a treasure trove for music connoisseurs.