Planet Bollywood
Saaya
 
Producer: Vishesh Entertainment Ltd
Director: Anurag Basu
Starring: John Abraham, Tara Sharma and Mahima Chaudhary
Music: Anu Malik and M.M. Kreem
Lyrics: Sayeed Quadri, Parveen Bhardwaj and Anand Bakshi
Singers: Shreya Ghoshal, Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, K.K. and Sonu Nigam
Audio On: T Series    Number of Songs: 10
Album Released on: 29 May 2003
Reviewed by: Narbir Gosal  - Rating: 7.5 / 10
 
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Public Rating Average: 5.11 / 10 (rated by 410 listeners)
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The Bhatt camp may not be original when it comes to scripts, but it can´t be denied that their films are always watchable and more often than not enjoyable. Their latest venture, titled Sayaa, is yet another re-make of (no prizes for guessing) the Demi Moore/Patrick Swayze starrer

Ghost which was earlier remade into Pyaar Ka Sayaa (Rahul Roy, Sheeba and Amrita Singh). But original or not, one thing is for sure, when it comes to music the Bhatt´s always have had a good ear and this time it´s no different. For Sayaa they have roped in Anu Malik to compose the soundtrack with additional composition by their current favourite M.M. Kreem.

The album opens up with the melodious O Sathiya composed by M.M. Kreem and penned by

Anand Bakshi. The song is simple and sweet, a great opener to the album, and it´s Kreem´s composition that carries the song. Mixing traditional instruments like the Sitar and dholaks with a variety of western elements he comes up with a great love duet. Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan do a great job on the vocals. As usual they perform like only seasoned veterans can, but it´s the ´Dil Chura Liya´ refrain that get´s you every time. If anything this song is instantly likeable.

For those of you who cannot get enough of this track it is featured twice more on the album under the title Aaj Jo Teri Yaad in a male and female version. The male version is sung by Sonu Nigam and the female version by current sensation Shreya Ghoshal. This version of the song is more slow paced (although the original by no means is racy) and sober. Anu Malik gives the composition just a small make-over, nothing to hinder the original effect, just enough to slow it down a notch. Praveen Bhardwaj takes over the writing duties and pens some truly ear pleasing lyrics aptly capturing the hero and heroine's heartbreak. As for singing, you can´t go wrong with this talent. Sonu puts a lot of emotion into his version while Shreya as usual is a delight to listen to. Compared to the original these versions do not stand a chance, however it´s the vocals on the solo´s which pull you in, otherwise the album could´ve done without these two additions.

Next up is the romantic solo Aye Meri Zindagi sung by Udit Narayan and written by Sayeed Quadri. The song may not be an instant winner, but on repeated listens it grows on the listener. Violins, Saxophones, Guitars, Harmonicas, Pianos and the wind effect all mingle to provide the proper romantic atmosphere. However the song carries that heard-it-before feeling. Udit takes it a step forward with yet another wonderful rendition. However it´s the lyrics that really set this track into motion. Sayeed Quadri, who wrote lyrics for Jism, gives some great lines in this song. If the music sets a romantic mood, the lyrics make the song passionate. For those of you who enjoy this track give the Shreya Ghoshal version a try as well. She sounds absolutely enchanting in the female version. Her voice is perfectly suited for these numbers. There is also a sad version sung by Udit Narayan.

Seena Pada is one of those tracks which would win you over even if it wasn´t set to music. With absolutely heart wrenching lyrics and a near flawless rendition by Shreya Ghoshal this song is a definite winner. Sayeed Quadri again sets the song into full gear, it´s great to have a fresh lyricist to write some truly memorable poetry in this day when nothing seems original anymore. Shreya is again in form, this girl is a revelation in every song she sings. Here she smoothes out all the wrinkles in the composition and gives a great rendition once again. Anu Malik´s composition is pretty mediocre, like the previous track it also has that heard-it-before feeling, so the less said the better. And as with all the previous songs, this one too has another version on the flip side sung by Udit Narayan who as usual does his best, but it´s the Shreya version which really makes the impression.

Kabhi Khushboo is a sober ghazal sung by K.K. and again penned by Sayeed Quadri. Anu Malik´s soft composition is perfect for the ghazal genre. With a subtle tabla and guitar base he adds wind chimes and a somewhat eerie flute and violin refrain that won´t quit. The song bares a passing resemblance to

Hume Jabse Mohabhatt from Border. Being such a subtle composition, K.K. really gets a chance to shine. He takes the song under his wings and does a pretty good job with it. However, he needs to watch himself on the high notes in the verses, he can get shaky at times. Lyrics are melancholy and pleasing at once. This track won´t find appreciation in wide circles, however if you enjoy ghazals then definitely give this one a try.

The piece de resistance of the album is hands down Har Taraf. It´s in the ghazal genre but there are so many facets to the song which make it a personal favourite. First and foremost is Sayeed Quadri´s lyrics. The spiritual and often philosophical lyrics are utterly spellbinding and an absolute pleasure to listen to. Sayeed definitely has outdone himself here. Next is Shreya Ghoshal´s rendition. If you thought that she sounded wonderful in the intoxicating

Jadu Hai from Jism, then take a listen to this song. She is immaculate, the true backbone of the song. K.K. also joins her for the rendition but he sounds really old and luckily he is used minimally. Then it´s Anu Malik´s wonderful composition. It´s very traditional, with the use of flutes, sitars and a variety of eastern drum instruments he gets the score absolutely right. Both lyrically and musically it bares some resemblance to Shab Ke Jage from Pooja Bhatt´s Tamanna which was itself a truly mesmerizing song.

The Bhatt´s have never faltered when it comes to music for their films. Whether it´s classics like Sadak, Aashiqui, Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayi or Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin or whether it´s their recent music bonanzas such as Kasoor, Raaz and

Jism, they´ve always had their musical mojo working. Sayaa may not be as memorable as the previously mentioned albums, but it´s still a good buy. Keeping the music simple and backing it with excellent singing and superb lyrics makes this album refreshing. Whether it be the beautiful Seena Pada, the soft O Sathiya or the Shreya Ghoshal tour de force Har Taraf, the music for Sayaa has plenty for music lovers out there.

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