Kabhi Kabhie   Producer: Yash Raj Films Director: Yash Chopra Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Rakhee Gulzar, Waheeda Rehman, Neetu Singh Music: Khaiyyaam Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi Singers: Mukesh, Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar and Amitabh Bachchan Audio On: EMI- Gramaphone    Number of Songs: 9 Reviewed by: Rakesh Budhu  - Rating: 9.5 / 10   Let us know what you think about this review

They say real music is a true combination of the resonance between lyrics and sound. Kabhi Kabhie is conceivably one of the greatest examples of such. With all due respect to the classic, for its place in time has already been etched neatly amidst Bollywood´s greatest melodies, needless of flashback memoirs, Kabhi Kabhie exemplifies how purposeful and touching lyrics can be brought to life in one important manner. That is to serve a film- its narrative- its subtle meanings- well. And indeed Yash Chopra has known how to do this and he has used any and all of his composers to do so. Khaiyyaam is the composer this time who brings to life several moods that take us through the many moods of Kabhi Kabhie which in its own irony is described by Yash Chopra as a love story that only happens ´sometimes´. Softly voyaging through the moods makes the strong point that Kabhi Kabhie is a soundtrack one can listen to not only sometimes but anytime.

"Kabhi Kabhie, Mere Dil Mein..." entrees in two versions, one by Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh the other with Amitabh Bachchan mouthing Sahir Ludhianvi´s soulful (quite the understatement) lyrics with Mukesh again. This being one of Amitabh´s most memorable films and soundtrack, his meaningful profound contribution gives the soundtrack the characteristic of that of a Bachchan film. The power of the composer is seen when Lata pauses to ask the question, "Jaise Mujhse... Aankhon Mein". And even with these slow pauses melody seeps through and touches our heart every time. The mellifluous percussions at times dosed with distinct orchestration will forever be attached to this tune, these words, alone.

"Tere Chehre Se" is the true definition of a love song between two lovers. The song progresses with each stage of their love but the music and the beautiful singing from Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar is what makes this song a classic. The fantasy like music is well interspersed with the sounds that made love songs. Each succession to each different stage of the song is simply perfect. An all time classic, this is.

"Maahiye", also known as "Surkh Jodeki Yeh Jagmagahat", is the mandatory shaadi song. Yet, who can mandate it to bring the ´in your backyard´ traditional feeling so abysmally like Khaaiyam has here? And when Lata Mangeshkar switches gear from love and beauty to folksy the outcome could not be more pleasing.

Along the same lines was the soft "Mere Ghar Aaye Ek Nanhi Pari", which is simply another show case of Lata Mangeshkar´s wide scale range of singing beautiful sweet songs.

In the midst of the going ons there is the one song that provokes thought. Mukesh brings that to us in what is arguably one of Amitabh Bachchan´s most excellent songs. "Main Pal... Do Pal... Ka Shayar Hoon" is that tune which could be nothing more of a beauty in any which way possible. Another rendition follows in "Main Har Ek Pal", but in any case, Mukesh here exhibits the commanding strength that makes him one of the best playback singers ever. Sahir´s flawless lyrics are as perfect in giving us something to think about but the feeling epitomized in Mukesh´s golden voice does it but if not anything else.

Changing the pace from the soothingly and melodious is "Chahe Chale Churiya" and "Pyar Karliya To Kya". While the tender melody experienced before is anyone´s pick, even Yash Chopra is quite aware that upliftment is essential to every complete melody ensemble. And more so, it provided another level to the music and the film. For mature lovers there were those, for young lovers there are these. Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar provide the compulsory cheerful ness for the buoyant songs.

"Kabhi Kabhie", the last rendition of the song which has given this soundtrack its identity, has given Kishore Kumar the opportunity to render the words Bollywood will never forget.

Sahir Ludhianvi´s lyrics are so purposeful yet they do not cross the line of humdrum and continuously remain stirring. By doing this he had successfully given Kabhi Kabhie -the film- the triumphant ability to transverse through several love stories not only with its story but with its music as well. And while Yash Chopra has invigorated a film which depicts those love sagas that only happen "sometimes", redundant as it may seem, only every so often can composers give these romances the accurate mood with effervescent music as such. Sometimes it happens, but always Kabhi Kabhie will remain an ode to brilliant melody.