Review:
Rishi Kapoor famously sang 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' in the musical blockbuster Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin (1977). Thirty one years later, his son is all set to do the same in Bachna Ae Haseeno. Vishal and Shekhar, big fans of R.D. Burman, score six tracks, including a remixed version of the classic disco song 'Bachna ae Haseeno Lo Mai Aa Gaya', which was sung by Kishore Kumar. And this version has been rendered by none other than the late genius’ son, Amit Kumar. The duo has managed to keep the original track’s essence and Amit simulates his father’s voice very well. Not exactly the same song, this one’s very trendy since some peppy beats have been added.
However, the remaining songs are not Vishal-Shekhar’s best. In fact, most are mediocre. Barring the first track, ‘Khuda Jaane’, the other tracks seem less like Vishal-Shekhar and more like Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy compositions.
‘Khuda Jaane’is very ably sung by K.K. but Shilpa Rao steals the show. The song starts well but its killer punch is its hook line – “Khuda Jaane Main Fida Hoon”. The song reminds you of how talented Vishal and Shekhar can be. They are capable of remarkably melodious and original scores. However, they haven’t managed much here. But thankfully, a remixed-version of ‘Khuda Jaane’ has been included (the album’s only remix).
Something that becomes apparent when you hear the name of the song ‘Lucky Boy’ is that it will require an energetic rendition. Sunidhi Chauhan, however, sings it in a slightly subdued manner. What’s more is that the lyrics are passé. With very forgettable lyrics, the song does not work on any level - whether it is the singing, the tune or the arrangements. However, the lyricist Anita Dutt Gupta can be excused - maybe the situation does not require any profound words.
Vishal-Shekhar have made a smart move by recruiting Lucky Ali to sing ‘Ahista Ahista’. The song is very similar to ‘Anjaana Anjaani’ (Yuva), which was also sung by Ali. ‘Ahista Ahista’ pales in comparison to ‘Anjaana Anjaani’, but definitely has its good moments, like when the Latin guitar bars and solos creep in.
‘Jogi Mahi’ is a Punjabi track that has been sung by Vishal and Sukhwinder Singh, both of whom complement each other. The composers do not go overboard with the rhythm and keep the Punjabi folk flavor alive. The surprise package in this song is singer Himani (from Sa Re Ga Ma Pa) who sounds like she belongs to the playback singing world. Her voice is apt for this genre.
While ‘Jogi Mahi’ is Punjabi folk, ‘Small-town girl’ is Punjabi dance. Shankar Mahadevan sings the song, which is right up his alley, and may have made it too much like his own because this is where they sound most like Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
The songs will work only if the videos are well picturized because on their own, they fail to excite. Only ‘Khuda Jaane’ and the remix of the R.D. Burman hit are chart-worthy. And the fact that one of the two songs is only about ten percent Vishal-Shekhar’s says a lot about the quality of this album.
