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By
Joginder Tuteja, September 10, 2007 - 11:12 IST
 Coming
together of composer Shantanu Moitra and lyricist
Swanand Kirkire always spells quality. Hazaron
Khwaishen Aisi, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munnabhai and
Eklavya - The Royal Guard are some of the films that
immediately come to mind. This is why when credit
details for Yash Raj Films' next offering Laaga
Chunari Mein Daag indicate coming together of the
composer-lyricist; one expects yet another quality
score right away.
Music coming from the YRF is taking different routes
in last few months. It could either be an out and out
crowd puller [Dhoom 2, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom] or grow on
you along once heard and seen in the film [Ta Ra Rum
Pum, Chak De India]. Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, at the
very onset, seems to be belonging to the latter
category.
It's the sound of 'morning on a ganga ghat' which
begins 'Hum To Aise Hain', a mischievous song with a
thorough Indian feel to it. There is no influence
whatsoever from anything Western as this track
featured on the two sisters [Rani Mukherjee, Konkana
Sen] introduces audience to their lives in the town of
Banaras.
A sweet sounding song that has just the right
amalgamation of melody and rhythm which succeeds in
creating a rustic feel of the situation, it is sung
with aplomb by Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal who
come together in perfect harmony. Supported by Swanand
Kirkire and Pranab Biswas who have a small role to
play behind the mike, 'Hum To Aise Hain' is expected
to be opening song of the film which may introduce the
two leading ladies.
A subtle beginning to 'Zara Gungunalein Chalo' creates
a European ambience as one senses the protagonists
coming together in a party on the house. As the sound
of guitar paves way for Babul Supriyo to flex his
vocals chords, you realize there and then that 'Zara
Gungunalein Chalo' is a romantic melody in the
offering. In fact just around 2 minutes into the song
and you sense a 70s sound as one recollects number of
songs belonging to this genre which had Kishore Kumar
rendering for Rishi Kapoor.
There is an old fashioned appeal to the entire sound
and orchestra which is only complimented by the voice
of Babul Supriyo along with Mahalaxmi Iyer who do
exceedingly well here. Swanand Kirkire mixes poetry
with simplicity which makes 'Zara Gungunalein Chalo'
second quality song after 'Hum To Aise Hain'.
S hantanu
Moitra had done some remarkable recreation for the
classic tracks in Hazaron Khwahishen Aisi. He does the
same for the title song 'Laaga Chunari Mein Daag'
which was originally composed by Roshan and written by
Sahir Ludhianvi. With additional lyrics by Swanand
Kirkire which are spoken by Mita Vashisht, this Shubha
Mudgal rendered fusion track should fit in well as a
part of background score. While Shubha's rendition
goes well with the lounge mood of the track, it is
Mita whose deep-n-husky voice succeeds in creating a
haunting impact.
Swanand Kirkire borrows from Javed Akhtar school of
song writing as he comes up with a song which goes
like 'Ik Teekhi Teekhi Si Uff Karari Si Ladki, Mere
Dil Mein Dil Mein Ek Bijli Jaise Hai Kadki'. With
minimal instruments in the background, this sweet
number by KK and Shreya Ghoshal keeps it simple
throughout while turning out to be yet another number
that belongs to the late 70s. Remember the kind of
numbers which used to be composed for Amol Palekar,
Farooq Sheikh and their likes? Towards the end of the
song, there is a surprise in store as the lyrics 'Hum
To Aise Hain Bhaiyya' heard in the beginning are
incorporated into the rhythm of 'Ik Teekhi Teekhi Si
Ladki'.
After all the fun-n-frolic comes a 'mujra' titled 'Ehi
Thaiyaa Motiya'. With all the necessary arrangements
that go along with a 'mujra' with 'tabla', 'ghunghroo'
et all in place, this is a track that could well be
picturised on Hema Malini who has a guest appearance
in the film. A hardcore classical number sung well by
Hema Malini, it is situational and only for those with
a classical bent. Everything from lyrics to the flow
of music may well be incomprehensible to 'aam junta'
but Rekha Bhardwaj makes sure that she showcases her
strong hold on the genre.
' Kachchi
Kaliyaan' is a track that seems a little surprising to
begin with due to the way it has been composed. While
the lyrics are truly rooted, the arrangements are
modern to give it an altogether different feel to this
Sonu Nigam, KK, Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal
rendered track. A 'ched-chaad' number about
interaction between a young man and woman with number
of other people around, it reminds of 'Kaali Teri
Choti Hai Paraanda Tera Laal' [Baharon Ki Manzil]
which was quite a hit more than 15 years back.
Nevertheless the similarity just ends in the genre of
song's setting with an overall theme and styling being
entirely different. There is also an interspersion of
pop and rap in this fast moving peppy track which has
a potential to turn out to be a highlight of the film.
This is the one that enters the list of
'watch-out-for' category of most awaited videos.
Laaga Chunari Mein Daag has a truly different musical
score. Except for expecting a quality score, as a
listener one doesn't have any idea about what exactly
is in store from this Shantanu-Swanand created
soundtrack. What one gets to hear eventually are six
numbers which are entirely different not just from
each other but also different from what you hear in
other albums releasing around him. More than one song
being the USP of the album, LCMD is the kind which
works as a package in order to bring the essence of
the film.
Rating:- * * * *
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