Producer: Pahlaj Nihalani Director: Rajan Johri Starring: Puru Raaj Kumar & Deepti Bhatnagar Music: Aadesh Srivastava Lyrics: Shyam Raj & Madan Pal Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Alka Yagnik, Poornima, Udit Narayan & Kumar Sanu Audio on: Venus Number of Songs: 6	Reviewed by: Mandeep Bahra Reviewer's Rating: 4.5 out of 10 Enter your Rating: 1 out of 10 2 out of 10 3 out of 10 4 out of 10 5 out of 10 6 out of 10 7 out of 10 8 out of 10 9 out of 10 10 out of 10

From the mid-eighties to the early nineties, producer Pahlaj Nihalani seemed to have the Midas touch. A string of super-hits including ILZAAM, AAG HI AAG, PAAP KI DUNIYA, SHOLA AUR SHABNAM and AANKHEIN, made him one of the most sought after producers in tinsel town. Another common denominator linking his films was a hit score by Bappi Lahiri each time. Well, Pahlaj is back with ULJHAN, but Aadesh Srivastava takes over as his main music man. The results are not exactly awe- inspiring!

The album begins with a crude and carelessly created number which has Udit Narayan reluctantly crooning the words, “Baby Love Me Love Me, O Baby Love Me Love Me…”!!! I’d probably accept such inanities from a Remo Fernandes or a Baba Sehgal, but coming from Udit, it’s downright embarrassing! Skip this track – You have been warned!

There are two duets by Udit Narayan and Poornima that are mediocre at best. “Jawan Jaane Jaan” sounds so dated, it was probably a reject from an early nineties movie. The second duet, “Ae Jaane Tamanna”, is marginally better, but is still nothing to write home about. Surprisingly, this is one of the songs used to promote the film on all the satellite channels.

Leave it to the three divas, Lata Mangeshkar, Kavita Krishnamurthy and Alka Yagnik, to save this album from being a total washout. Alka Yagnik’s sensuous duet with Kumar Sanu, “Shabnam Ye Tan Tha, Shola Hua”, is a real delight. Aadesh’s arrangements are captivating, with great use of percussion.

“Pehli Nazar Mein” is pure ear candy! Lata Mangeshkar sails through this love song with ease, joined by Udit Narayan sounding much more comfortable this time. Aadesh has not only come up with ear-friendly orchestration, but also an instantly appealing melody. Definitely one to rewind.

Kavita Krishnamurthy and Kumar Sanu are in fine form for, “Tune Ek Pal Ke Liye”, which has more conventional arrangements and is reminiscent of sundry other Hindi film love songs. It’s still enjoyable due to the strong vocals from the two artistes.

ULJHAN seems to be a step down in terms of budget for Pahlaj Nihalani and in terms of quality for Aadesh Srivastava. Aadesh, at least, is capable of so much more, but his heart doesn’t seem to be in this one.