By: Aakash Gandhi
Indian Cinema…known for it’s over the counter melodrama, loved for it’s talented celebrities, but remembered for its cultured yet cordial music. For the last century, the Indian Film Industry has set itself apart from the rest of the world with its graceful dance routines in lush locales, its raunchy item numbers in murky bars, or its traditional eastern classical masquerades on fully ornamented stages.
Nowadays, many Bollywood “critics” tend to bash the industry for its over-dosage of song/dance routines, and it’s actually taking effect as more and more directors (still a small percentage) are heeding their word. The first song-less film, dating all the way back to 1937, JBH Wadia’s “Naujawan,” luckily never really caught on until recently, with recent films such as Kukunoor’s “3 Deewarein” and forthcoming films like Bhansali’s “Black” and Hansal Mehta’s “Waaris” all being song less.
Every year it seems as if the industry is churning out more and more music, and every year it seems like that music is more radiant, more meaningful, and more exquisite. The year 2003 is no different, as this year has produced some truly magnificent music, ranging from pop to techno, romance to comedy, and instrumental to emotional. Following are what this writer believes to be the top 15 music releases of the year 2003, with the music director and specific highlights for each.
15) Inteha – Anu Malik
With music composed by Anu Malik, Inteha is definitely a welcome addition to any CD collection. The one score that will get you on the first listen is Dhalne Lagi Hai Raat. Sung beautifully by Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal, this piece will be on your mind all the time…a great album, musically as well as lyrically.
14) Khakee – Ram Sampath
By no means is Khakee a complete album. But there is one song that will automatically have you overlooking the gaps of this soundtrack. Yun Hi Hum Tumse, sung by the ever-popular pair of Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal once again is a magical number to say the least. From the basuri opening to the hymn ending, and with Sameer at his rare best, this number is definitely a fast climbing chartbuster. Encore!
13) Tehzeeb – A.R. Rahman
Considering the fact that one of the leading characters in the film plays a popular singer, it was obvious that music was going to be an important ingredient. And who better for the job than the one and only maestro, A.R. Rahman. It was only a matter of time until our brilliant composer went abroad, and that time came this year, hence this being his only release of the year. Unfortunately this one turned out to be a little good and a little bad (bad for Mr. Rahman that is). The best song of the bunch is Meherebaan Meherebaan, sung by the ever-youthfull Asha Bhosle and Sukhwinder Singh. Just listen to this one, and you’ll know why.
12) Supari – Vishal-Shekher & Sandesh Shandilya
Vishal-Shekhar deserve a lot of credit for this album. With every song having its moment, it is obvious that this is one of the better albums of the year. With the romantic Tujhe Chand Chahiye showcasing Sunidhi Chauhan’s sensuous vocal skills and Tere Ishq Mein displaying Vishal and Shekhar’s ability to fuse western rock with eastern classical while making the end result as soft as cotton on the ears, it goes to show that purity of such music can leave the listener literally stunned!
11) Baghban – Aadesh Shrivastav
This album belongs to Amitabh Bachchan, no doubt about it! The Big B sings three of the songs, while doing full justice to each one. Either it be the fast paced Chali Chali, the awaadi twisted Holi Khele Raguveera, or the romantic Mein Yaha Tu Waha, he manages to weave his magic on each one! Nonethless, Aadesh Shrivastav provides us with some great compositions…Well Done!
10) Chalte Chalte – Jatin-Lalit & Aadesh Shrivastav
The highlight of this film would have to be Abhijeet, for his silky smooth voice. He is definitely up for nominations for his rendition in the title track Chalte Chalte, composed by J-L. The other number that will get you humming right away is Suno Na, composed by Aadesh Shrivastav. What’s great about this album is that every track has an extremely melodious tune, which only adds to the liking and quality of the soundtrack.
9) Armaan – Shankar–Ehsaan-Loy
The highlight of this one would have to be the composers themselves, Shankar, Ehsaan, and Loy, as they are the newest and freshest product of the Music Industry. Armaan succeeds as a soundtrack on all levels: musically, lyrically, and vocally. The best song of the bunch would have to be without a doubt Meri Zindagi Mein Aaye Ho, rendered by Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan, and penned by probably the most talented lyricist of our time, Javed Akhtar, this piece starts to weave its magic on the first listen. The rest of the album is superb.
8) Kuch Naa Kaho – Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Many compared this album with S-E-L’s other hit, Dil Chahta Hai. Although there may be a few similarities, this one stands in a class of its own (not saying either one is better than the other). With each and every song giving something different for the listener to hear, S-E-L succeed once again and deserve all the credit. When it’s hard to pick a favorite, you know you have a winner. Furthermore, the highlight of this album would have to be S-E-L once again, as they give each song a signature style.
7) Kal Ho Naa Ho – Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
This album should probably go down as S-E-L’s best composition. This time, in addition to S-E-L’s music, the vocals stand out. The best piece would have to be the beautifully sung title track, which was flawlessly rendered by Sonu Nigam, who I’m sure will get many accolades for this number. Another number worthy of mention is Maahi Ve, with its traditional bhangra beats and excellent picturization is an instantly loveable song. The instrumental piece Heartbeat, might be one of the best instrumental pieces ever composed, as the piano is pure magic! Kal Ho Naa Ho is definitely an award worthy score. Amazing S-E-L…simply amazing…
6) Tere Naam – Himesh Reshamiya & Saajid-Waajid
Himesh Reshammiya composed some good music this year, including Churaa Liya Hai Tumne and Zameen. But the composition that earned him praises is Tere Naam. Mr. Reshamiya somehow always had an ear for catchy music, either it be in Humraaz, Kya Dil Ne Kaha, or Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya. The melodies of this album are so tuneful that you’ll be hitting the repeat button all day long. Whether it be the lyrically/vocally/musically flawless Chand, the melodically beautiful Oodhni, the ear-pleasing title track, or the heart pulling Kyon Kisi Ko, each one has it’s place in the album. Himesh Reshamiya is a welcome addition to the bag of music directors that Bollywood has to offer. Bravo…Bravo
5) Jism – M.M. Kreem
What a composition! This album proves that M.M. Kreem is among the elite when it comes to music, as he is able to follow up an almost perfect score (Sur) with an even more almost perfect score, Jism. But what this soundtrack showcases, unlike any other previously mentioned, is its lyrics. Newcomers Neelesh Misra and Sayeed Quadri write some truly spell-binding lyrics, looks like the art of poetry hasn’t lost its touch in Bollywood after all, phew! The one song that soars above all others is the sensuous Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai, rendered by the newest force in the music industry, the vocal seductress, Shreya Ghoshal. It’s almost certain that she will take home some awards for this one. Congrats Mr. Kreem, keep it coming!
4) Jhankaar Beats – Vishal-Shekhar
This masterpiece of an album is whole-heartedly dedicated to Mr. R.D Burman, with songs like the theme song, Jhankaar, in which Sudesh Bhosle imitates the great Pancham saab, Boss Kaun Tha, where the life of Mr. Burman is nicely narrated, Ruk Ruk, with R.D. Burman written all over it , or Hume Tumse Pyaar Kitna, sung by the son of Kishore Kumar, Amit Kumar. Vishal and Shekhar create a revelation with this soundtrack and compose some truly unforgettable pieces, the most noteworthy being Tu Aashiqui Hai, rendered by K.K. and nicely penned by Vishal himself. Only if they had signed more films this year…
3) Chameli – Sandesh Shandilya
Just listen to one song, Jaane, and you’ll know why this album is placed on the list where it has been. Featured three times on the album, this number is pure magic, and that’s to say the least! Udit Narayan’s version is probably the best, but not by far, and will definitely earn him nominations if not awards for his rendition, unfortunately he’ll have to wait till next year, as that’s when the film will be released. The other song that is tearing up the charts is Bhaage Re Mann. Another noteworthy significance of this album is it really brings out Sunidhi’s talent. But the gem of the mine is no doubt Jaane, one could go as far as to say its probably the best song of the year! Sandesh…who? What a surprise! It’s almost certain that he’ll be getting a lot more offers in 2004.
2) Saaya – Anu Malik & M.M. Kreem
I have to say one thing about Anu Malik. This man is either awful or he’s pure genius! This one is definitely towards the right side of the spectrum. But the star here again is Ms. Shreya Ghoshal. If her effort in Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai does not win her the awards then her rendition in Har Taraf surely will! She puts so much feel into her voice, so much passion that it’s as if the composition was only meant to be sung by her and only her. M.M. Kreem’s O Saathiya and Anu Malik’s remakes of it are all perfect. Anu Malik’s control of each and every instrument makes for a resounding effect. Wow!
1) LoC-Kargil – Anu Malik
To tell you the truth, I have no words to describe this one, seriously I don’t. How can you put pure music into words…you can’t! All I can say is this, when you put J.P. Dutta, Anu Malik, and Javed Akhtar together (Border and Refugee) you can be 100 percent sure that the music will be top of the line, no exceptions made! There is only one man, who can write lyrics such that each song brings a tear to your eye, each song touches the unknown corners of one’s heart, and each song paints a peculiar yet specialized image in one’s mind that even one’s own eyes cannot paint; Ladies and Gentleman…Mr. Javed Akhtar! But if I was forced to choose, I would say that the best song of the lot would have to be Pyaar Bhara Geet, sung by who else, Shreya and Sonu. If there was an award for best duo, then that award for 2003 would definitely have to go to them. What a composition…what a composition…
It’s obvious that 2003 has had a lot to offer in terms of it’s sangeet. One can say that 2003 was dominated by S-E-L, who rounded up the 7th, 8th, and 9th spots. The biggest surprise of 2003 is obviously Sandesh Shandilya, who rarely composes for Hindi films. But it looks like the winner of the year 2003 would have to be Anu Malik who wraps up the 1st, 2nd, and 15th spots.
To those who believe the song/dance routines should be done away with in Bollywood, please reconsider. If that is stripped from the Industry, then what would set us apart? What would be so different about Indian films? I urge you to rethink. It’s music that conveys the mood of a film, it’s music that everyone is able to hum even after they walk out the theatre, it’s music that brings emotion to life, it’s music that is remembered! Especially when you have composers like the greatest Pancham (R.D. Burman) and the revolutionary A.R. Rahman and the rise of much more talented directors. Don’t take this away from the Industry…don’t take it away.