Contributed by Sunder
sunder@indolink.com

If "The square circle" is abstract or a phrase open to interpretation, so are Gulzar's lyrics in "Daayra". Now, if someone understand "Is Mod Se Jaate Hain (Aandhi)", "Mera Kuch Saaman (Ijaazat)", or Khamosh Sa Afsana (Libaas)" then these lyrics may not be so unintelligible. This is not to make light of some really good-sounding poetry in "Daayra", if I may use that phrase. It is for such non-conformist poetry, that Gulzar has a niche group of followers including me who will not be disappointed with this album.

The album opens and closes with "Palkon Pe Chalte Chalte" in two solo versions by Yesudas and Asha Bhosle. If Yesudas sounds a little better, it is only because the song lends itself better to the male voice. With lines like "Sondhe se aakash mein neele bajre bahte hain" and "Bolti aankhen neend mein sapne sun-ne lagti hain", this dreamy caressing song really thrives on poetry and vocals. The soft music and the tune sound more ordinary and maybe even a little Rahmanesque.

"Bolo kya tum, bas itna sa mera kaam karoge" is poetry in prosaic form, much as "Mera Kuch Saamaan". While Pancham did wonders with Ijaazat, Anand-Milind allow poetry and Asha's soft vocals to do it alone here. "Chhute Nahin Chhute" is a folk tune sung brilliantly by Yesudas. Is this the beginning of a glorious return?

The next song is a love duet by Hariharan and Jasbinder Kaur. Even Gulzar steps down his abstract metaphors to worldly similes in "Ek Main Aur Ek Tu"; but he sure does not bring down the level of lyrics. "Daayi Aankh Bole" by Devki Pandit is like many of Pancham's semi-classical numbers. The music suggests that this could be a mujra, given the subject of "Daayra".

On a closing note, I request you to note the personifications and metaphors throughout the album, especially in the dreams of "Palkon Pe"; the prosaic verses calling for love in "Bolo kya"; the sheer magic of language in "Chhute Nahin" and "Daayi Aankh"; and the exquisite similes about love in "Ek Main aur Ek Tu"

This album is a must-buy for all "Gulzar" fans (there are many out there); and "Anand-Milind" fans (if any). Though the music is surely the weakest part of the album (compared to lyrics and singing), it surely is Anand-Milind's best work for many years.

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