out of

Producer: Gava
Director: Rakesh Roshan
Music: Rajesh Roshan
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar

Reviewed by: Manish Dhamija
manish@indolink.com

After discovering that Raakesh Roshan's Karobaar was actually seeing the light of day, my first inclination was to question why the producer even felt that it was necessary to pull the film out of the garbage cans. Then, I thought, Kaho Na...Pyar Hai is the biggest hit of 2000. On top of it, the music for the film was appreciated by both the critics and the general audience. Thankfully, for those who appreciate good music, Karobaar is being released. With a deadly combo of Rajesh Roshan and Javed Akhtar, who worked once in Papa Kehte Hain and Dastak, the music has high expectations. And, yes, it far exceeds expectations. With this music, Rajesh Roshan completes his hat trick of good music for 2000 - Kaho Na...Pyar Hai, Kya Kehna, and now, Karobaar.

The album begins with "Sunona Sunona Sunona", sung by the big 90s duo, Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik. The song is very catchy and pleasant to listen to. And, naturally, the theme is love. Basically, the two are teasing one another, prompting each other to confess their feelings of love. If you purchase the CD, it features an instrumental version of this song for all those who like to sing along without having the actual singers' voices drowning your own.

The second track is titled, "Aarzoo Ki Rahon Mein". This time, Kumar Sanu is replaced by Udit Narayan, who does a fine job nonetheless. The lyrics of this song are excellent as Javed is at his best. Our hero is telling his heroine, Juhi Chawla, how they should decorate their house together. Yeah, at first, it sounds a bit weird. But, Javed Akhtar has a knack for taking the most ordinary situations and making beautiful lyrics out of them. Take "Ghar Se Nikalte Hi" from Papa Kehte Hain as an example, and you will know what I mean. As for Alka, she's at her best. Each time her voice is heard, one wonders if it could get any sweeter.

Kumar Sanu is back for the third composition. But, this time, he is by himself. "Aao Aur Na Socho" is the title of this song, and again, Javed demonstrates his lyrical flexibility. The tune sounds much like the songs from Roshan's earlier effort, Papa Kehte Hain. The hero is asking his heroine not to think about life's problem. His advice - the more you think, the more you will be bothered. Sanu does an excellent job of carrying this song solely on his shoulders.

Asha Bhonsle joins the fun in "Duniya Mein Sabse", accompanied by Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan. This song seems like it takes place at a party, with Anil Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, and Juhi Chawla likening the feeling of love to being drunk in front of cheezy extras. In fact, their claim is that love is an even greater high. And, so it must be. The singers do a good job with this song, which is probably average at most. One wonders why a gem like Asha Bhonsle was used in this song as opposed to the other songs on this album. Anyhow, the tune switches back and forth from fast to slow. And, eventually, it does grow on you.

Remember Alisha Chinoy? Ok, so maybe you did not forget about her, considering she's been storming the pop charts of late. But, she's back in films. Or rather, this tune was probably recorded before her filmi departure. After listening to "Maujo Mein Ae Sanam", it is difficult to understand why music composers did not beg her to stay. Her voice is so distinctive and she does a wonderful job with this song. Basically, it is a song of seduction, and Alisha fits the bill. The repetitive sounds of the tabla, Alisha's sultry voice, and Juhi Chawla in a swimsuit make this song a complete delight. Again, this song is featured as an instrumental piece.

In my opinion, the last song on the album competes with Alisha's song for the best one on the album. Although it repeats the neverending theme of love, and although it features the same duo of Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik, it still has that Rajesh Roshan touch that makes it sound distinct and melodious. Entitled "Chahiye Milne Ka Bahana Koi", the song is a treat to listen to. Perhaps what makes the song even more appealing is Alka's voice, which is sweetly captivating to say the least.

Without a doubt, Karobaar is a gift to music lovers. Whomever said that Rajesh Roshan saves the best tunes for his brother's films could not have been further from the truth. Overall, the album is great and definitely worth buying on CD.