Contributed by Anish Khanna
Cthrsis22@aol.com

Fans of the music of "Maachis" have a surprise treat in the form of "Betaabi"--music director Vishal's second venture in the world of Hindi films. With this album, Vishal proves that he is more than just a one-score wonder. Out of seven songs, every single one is enjoyable. Though, One does tend to miss the brilliance of a Gulzar as Vishal's lyricist, the album manages to score even despite the absence.

The clincher of this album is "Tum Mere Ho", sung first by Suresh Wadkar (Will someone PUH-LEASE give him an award?) and later on in the album by Lata Mangeshkar. Vishal is probably the only music director alive who can compose a song worthy of Lata's talents. In stark contrast to the songs from "Dil To Pagal Hai" (which might have well been sung by Kavita or Alka, as they offer nothing new for Lata), this song is one that demands and challenges Lata. And, as always, Lata stands up to the challenge beautifully. This is India's nightingale at her best. "Gungunati Hui" is a duet between Suresh Wadkar and Kumar Sanu. I personally love when singers are able to harmonize well; Wadkar and Sanu do it beautifully in this number. The number also has some nice background piano, making it a rather pleasant earful.

"Tumhari Kushboo" (Suresh Wadkar, Asha Bhonsle) allows Asha to do what she does best - sensuality. The result is steamy! Suresh (not surprisingly) matches Asha beautifully. Vishal composed the lyrics on this one and these are without a doubt the best and most original lyrics on the album. What can I say, the guy has talent!

"Jhoothi Moothi" takes what would normally be a "timepass" number and adds a great beat to it, making it interesting. The singers, K.Kay, Suresh Wadkar, and Devki Pandit do their share with some pretty decent vocals.

The two "tapori" numbers are what really made me appreciate Vishal. Both "Hai Hai" (Hariharan) and "Don't Take A Panga" (Kavita Krishnamurthy) demonstrate Vishal's versatility. The man composes a "Pani Pani Re", a "Tum Mere Ho" and is still able to write more contemporary pieces like these. And original ones at that! Ok, maybe the lyrics (Sameer) lack in both songs, but Vishal covers it up with a good melody, good instrumentals, and brilliant singers. Both singers are not exactly on familiar ground but manage to glide through the numbers effortlessly, adding doses of fun and zest throughout.

In a time when even Rahman is disappointing left, right, and center (Daud and Vishwavidhaata are nowhere near a Bombay), it is nice to know that Vishal is capable of more beyond Maachis. Although it may be premature to judge Vishal, the coming months (with some big budget scores like the Sunil Shetty - Aishwarya "Hum Paanchi Ek Daal Ke") will see how well he fares. But for now, this album is definitely a good omen of things to come.

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