Sometimes a sparkling gem goes unnoticed in a sea of stones. Lately I had this desire to post about some songs which I thought were those unnoticed gems.
Firstly, my favourite of all times. It has still not conceded the no.1 spot in my player even after more than a year of its release. ‘Mann Mohana’ from Jodhaa Akbar. According to me it should be amongst Rahman’s best works. He takes the bhajan to a completely new level with the sound arrangements. The orchestration and flute interludes are completely fabulous when combined with Meera bhajan type simple yet deep lyrics. I wonder why such a great song received really less attention from the ‘media’ world too. I understand it is a religious song and comparatively slow for the current generation, but still it could have heralded a revolution for the Hindu spiritual music Industry.. I also have a hunch that it is Rahman’s favourite track from the album too considering how ubiquitously he has used the very same interludes and music arrangements as background score in the movie. Takes the scene to a whole new level.
Continuing with Rahman, ‘Shauk Hai’ from Guru (Yes that’s right from Guru. Don’t try to look it up in the album CDs as it won’t be found there!) is another brilliant masterpiece. It is a pity this wasn’t released with the main audio track of the movie. If you do remember this is the song that plays in the background for all the scenes involving Vidya Balan in the movie. Simple, yet hautingly melodious yet not sad, the lyrics convey the need for more in spite of disabilities, exactly giving voice to the character essayed by Vidya in the movie. The piano always at the background from the very beginning of the track, is really simple, sounding great with Sowmya Raoh’s voice (She adds this sensual touch after every ‘Shauk Hai ohhhh’ which is simply awesome!), leaving you asking for more. Sometimes something simple is very beautiful, and Rahman has captured the mood of the situation perfectly without overdoing anything.
Without taking up much space another one from Rahman’s bag is Aahista Aahista from Swades. I would say it is a modern day adaptation of a lori (song for making someone go to sleep peacefully), fitted with interesting interludes and again simple piano background running throughout. Completely encompassing your soul when you listen to this before you sleep!
The last song that I want to talk about is not from A.R.Rahman which is a bit surprising to myself. It is ‘Paayalia’ from Dev D. I wouldn’t say it is an awesome song or amazing song, but definitely different from the run-of-the-mill stuff. Considering the instruments used and the voice of the singer, it definitely an experiment by Amit Heri, an experiment which is gone really well. Using the veena, some tinkles of bells, and the special ‘By God’ touch at places you least expect (and by not repeating it everywhere!), the shehnai and scores of other instruments with a completely unconventional tune and voice, the song makes an impact and gives repeatability to it. It’s different and stands out.
It wouldn’t be a crime to once listen to these numbers if you are listening to the same stuff daily! Well I listen to these everyday!
