Contributed by Mandeep Bahra
mandeep@indolink.com

This is another one of Rahman's older albums dubbed into Hindi. It seems A.R.Rahman has been rather 'environmentally friendly' by recycling some his 'South' tunes for Hindi films! Remember "Yaaron Sun Lo Zara" from RANGEELA? Well, we're treated to the same tune on this album in the form of "Babu Lo Chal Gaya" sung by S.P.Balasubrahmaniam, Kavita Krishnamurthy & A.R.Rahman. The song is sung well, but after hearing the 'Rangeela' version this one sounds a little stale. (Ironically, Rangeela's was the copied version). Anyway, put this fact aside and the album is quite enjoyable. Mehboob has resurrected the "Chumma De" lyric which is brought to life splendidly by Rahman's funky rhythm (although Rahman has used his standard stock of sample software to create this rhythm!)

"Dil Se Dil Zara Mila Hi Lo" is an odd rural creation that takes a bit of getting used to. The interesting thing here is that this is Alka Yagnik's first song for A.R.Rahman, and she does a fine job keeping up with Udit Narayan. The title track, "Khel Hai Yeh Khiladi Ka" is just plain weird! Swarnlatha whines the main line over and over while a husky Shwetha Shetty complains about giving her "Dil" to a "Patthar Dil Police Wala". The "Police Wala" (Suresh Peters) counters this with "Tujhko Chori Ki Saza Doonga"!!!! What on earth is this song supposed to be about??!!! Don't worry, Rahman redeems himself by bringing together Hariharan and the inimitable Asha Bhosle for "Pakka Dilbar Jaani". The lyrics are nothing to crow about, but the two singers do a brilliant job with the semi-classical melody fused with a 'mega-bass' dance beat. This album is worth buying for this last number alone, it's just a pity A.R.Rahman can't be this creative in every song!

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