Many wouldn't be able to recall this name. I immensely admire the work of A.R. Rahman. When *Duniya Dilwalon Ki* was released, I was in hostel. I didn't have a music system or even a walkman. The songs "*mustafa mustafa*" and "*hello doctor*" were doing the rounds those days. "Duniya Dilwalon Ki" is a *Tamil* movie dubbed and released in *Hindi*. The movie was an unceremonious flop but A.R. Rahman's work does not go unnoticed. Four years later I heard the album and realized that some of the songs were priceless possessions. I started my search to buy the album.
Fast–forward to 2005, almost 7-8 years after the movie was released. I had looked everywhere but failed to find the album in the market. One day casually browsing through one of the music sites, I saw the banner advertising the availability of the album. I bought it for five times the price of the original. What's so special about *Duniya Dilwalon Ki*? We all know A.R. Rahman does create strange music once in a while. But when he does a good one and that too featuring Sonu Nigam, its like the unison of two celestial talents. They make love to their music. These melodies may not be to the tastes of the masses but they are more to the likings of the serious and indulged listeners who know their music. - *Hello Doctor* - This is just another song which shows Rahman's love for bass. - *Mustafa Mustafa* – Bass power demonstration. This was a favorite of the kids that time. But the memories of songs did last long enough though many would be able to remember the movie by this song. - *College Ke Saathi*- A melodious use of instruments in the western style ushers the song in. Some of the meaningful proses sung by the talented Hariharan soon turning to the more peppy kind. I like the use of chorus. - *Jaana Jaana*- A wonderful song sung by S.P. Balasubramaniam. This is an emotional song depicting the feel of loneliness, longing and separation from the lover. S.P. Balasubramaniam is a great artist. He brings the feel to the lyrics as he turns the lyrics into music effectively reaching to the higher notes. The first song in the album that impressed me. - *Jaari Jaa e Hawa*- This is the song that I bought this album for. It's difficult to imagine any other singer voice other than Sonu's. Sonu effectively has rendered every detail with finesse, every still note to the perfection with the divine drum beats and a surreal rhythm creates an heavenly abode of love and romance. The song doesn't have any *murkis *which would otherwise break the flow and feel. However, creative as artists are, Sonu couldn't stop himself from introducing his own signature. The piece " *raat ki godi*" demonstrates the unique art, talent and creativity of Sonu Nigam which jells beautifully so much so that one never realizes it as any this district. The song feels slightly different from the others since it is in *roopak taal* (a rhythm) which gives it a different feel.The second stanza part of the song has been sing by S.P. Balasubramaniam. His use of soft voice and special emphasis at places summarizes the song perfectly which slowly lets go off the rhythm and turns into fine *murkis *leaving the heart yearning for more. - *O Meri Jaa*- another song from Sonu comes as a bonus as I had never heard this marvel before. This is a very difficult song where all the various aspects of musical expression come together. **, high-notes , soft expressions, outstandingly beautiful lyrics and a steep variation of notes. A typical song which would be lifeless without Sonu's rendition. He is an artist who helps the director realize his dream and expression. The music is in *dadra taal* which is seldom heard in serious songs. I bought this album for the song *jaari ja e hawa*. Song like this are unique and aren't made a second time. O Meri jaa comes as a bonus. However this album ran out of stock due to the failure of the film and its hard to procure a copy. But it's worth adding to the collection if only for these two songs. http://music.binaryturf.com/duniya-dilwalon-ki-by-ar-rahman/ -- regards, Vithur
