Rang De Basanti
By Abid ©2005 Bollyvista.com
It is celebration time yet again for the lovers of high quality
classy music, as the musical genius A.R. Rahman is back with another
album for the 'perfectionist ace Khan', better known as Aamir Khan .
This time however he has Prasoon Joshi (and not the numero uno
lyricist Javed Akhtar, wonder why?) penning down the lyrics for this
modern patriotic film of a different kind. Rakeysh Mehra in his last
movie 'Aks' had Anu Malik as the composer and he had given some
scintillating numbers. But this time he opts for Rahman as he excels
in this genre of music.
We first have 'Ik Onkaar' (meaning the one God, the absolute
reality) which boasts of an excellent rendition by Harshdeep. The
approximate translation of this 'Gurbani' piece has to be
understood. We give meaning within brackets.
Ik Onkaar (The One, The Reality, Om), Sat Naam (Of name ever true
and eternal) kartaa purakh (The prime doer, the creator), Nirbhau
(Fearless) nervier (Without enmity), Akaal moorat (Of eternal form)
ajooni (Without birth, Uncaused), Saibangh (Self-existent and Self-
illuminating) Gurparsaad (Known by the grace of the enlightened
teacher) jap (Constantly repeat)."
An auspicious beginning indeed!
The title track, 'Rang De Basanti' has the Baadshah of Bhangra-Pop
Daler Mehdi, teaming yet again with A.R. Rahman (after 'Lakeer') and
the result is explosive! Daler's robust (at the same time full of
energy and vigour) voice commences this absolutely amazingly
rhythmic 'Bhangra' style number; forcing one to dance ('bhangra'
style!) intoxicated with feelings of patriotism.
The promos being aired on every channel introduces the album to the
audience (with the superb piece of the commencing 'ektara' music).
Trust Rahman to come up with something different - A 'bhangra' style
patriotic song! Daler is amazing as he conveys the feeling of
patriotism by mouthing Joshi's beautiful (simple) lyrics "Thodi si
dhool meri dharti ki mere watan ki, Thodi si khushboo baurayee si
mast pawan ki."
A.R. Rahman gave us "Mera Rang De Basanti Chola" ('The Legend Of
Bhagat Singh') but that was in a different league and for a
different time. The title track of 'Rang De Basanti' literally
sweeps one off their feet with its rhythm, musical arrangement and
the excellent Daler, along with an adequate Chitra. It is an
absolute stunner. What remains to be seen is whether it turns out to
a chartbuster or not.
In 'Paathshala' (meaning school) Naresh Iyer and Mohamed Aslam join
hands to sing this absolutely humorous situational number. It will
be identifiable for the youths of today and a nostalgia trip down
the school/college days for all. A score that conveys the carefree,
don't give a damn/rebellious attitude of Gen X. Lyrics are
situational, apt and at times hilarious - " Loose control, Chehre ki
kitaben hain, Hum woh padhne aate hain..
Yaaron ki equation hain,
Love multiplication hain."
The other version, 'Paathshala-Be a Rebel' has rapper Blaaze (first
heard in 'Yuva' and recently in 'Barsaat') joining Aslam and Naresh.
This time around he adopts a completely different rap style and
gives an insight into India (via his rap!) and what it has to offer.
It is totally different as only some portions of the 'mukhda' -
"Loose control, I am a rebel" and "Apni to Pathshala, Masti ki
Pathshala" are present in the second version. The English lyrics
here are by Blaaze.
Moving on to 'Tu Bin Bataye', it is a very slow paced, soft love
ballad, sung superbly by Madhushree but Naresh Iyer's voice simply
doesn't suit such numbers. In a way 'Tu Bin Bataye' is somewhat
reminiscent of M. M. Kreem's 'Jadoo Hai Nasha Hai' ('Jism').
However, this song is not a patch on Kreem's composition, even with
the addition of Rahman's crescendo (it does manage to salvage it
somewhat).
Next we have 'Khalbali' with the enigmatic A.R. Rahman singing in a
very Arabic style and showing his class and maturity as singer
(compared to his initial days). He has for company Aslam and Nacim
who sings the Arabic verses. It is a superb dance number (again with
a difference from the matchless Rahman) that should set the dance
floors on fire, especially if it is picturized on Aamir Khan who
will definitely do a terrific job.
Mohit Chauhan sings 'Khoon Chala', an absolutely wonderful
inspirational number with finesse coupled with emotions/feelings.
The track is slow to begin with but the tempo is gradually
heightened and ends with a trademark Rahman crescendo. The lyrics
are yet again situational, though a bit abstract at times, but
certainly delivers the message that a "Generation Has Awakened."
The much talked about 'Luka Chupi' has Rahman teaming up for first
time (as a singer) with his all time favourite, the ageless
nightingale Lata Mangeshkar. It is basically a song that conveys the
maternal feelings, the apprehensions and fears of a mother for her
son, who just wants him to come back to her. The son is unable to do
so and expresses his helplessness. Lataji is beyond compare (as
usual) and A.R. Rahman in her company (especially where they combine
for a classical piece) is superlative. Yet again Prasoon Joshi's
lyrics are situational and apt.
We have all heard 'Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna Ab Hamare Dil Mein Hai',
recited by our martyrs like Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaq Ullah Khan and
Bhagat Singh while they happily welcomed their death sentence.
Well, 'Lalkaar' is Prasoon Joshi's tribute to that 'Naghma-e-Azaadi'
(song of freedom). In fact 'Lalkaar' is not a song. It is more of a
narration (done to perfection) by Aamir Khan (with a supportive
chorus). His tenor is low pitched and husky and as he challenges the
enemy it gives the listener goose pimples. Kudos to Prashoon Joshi
for this amazing piece of work - " Hai liye hathyaar dushman taak me
baitha udhar, Aur ham taiyaar hain seenaa liye apna idhar, Khoon se
khelenge holi gar watan mushkil me hai, Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab
hamare dil mein hai." It's rare you find lyricist writing powerful
words such as this and that too in meter. With work like this, Joshi
belongs in the top class of lyricist
'Roobaroo' (Persian for face to face) is yet another inspirational
number of a different kind. A light yet unconventional number, where
the lyrics convey the simmering fire of patriotism within the hearts
of today's youths, provided they are inspired in the right
way/direction. Rahman appears (singing just two words) only as a
chorus singer with his trademark crescendo style 'Roobaroo Roshni."
If 'Bose -The Forgotten Hero' was a stunning start and 'Mangal
Pandey -The Rising' left one yearning for more, go ahead and
savour 'Rang De Basanti' as Rahman completes his patriotic musical
trilogy. On the whole 'Rang De Basanti' is a collectors piece. A
must buy.
Rating: 8/10
http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/31/5973/1/
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