(This article is sponsored by Sounds of India)

Music : A.R. Rahman, Ismail Darbar
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar and Blaaze( English)

 Subhash Ghai’s magnum opus KISNA has created a buzz in the industry with the introduction of 2 new actresses, a period setting a la Lagaan and a huge budget. But the biggest attraction is the eager anticipation of the music of the film composed by A.R Rahman and Ismail Darbar.

            I had the opportunity to listen to the 2 set CD of Kisna and would like to share my thoughts with you:

            The first piece is the instrumental theme of Kisna by A.R Rahman which is flute piece that sets a delicate web of music in the listener’s mind. This segues into “ Hum hain is pal yahan” based on the theme music which is a melodious number with poignant overtones of love and loss. Udit Narayan and Madhushree sing with precision and finesse, Madhushree’s voice appears to flirt with the music creating a masterpiece of a song.

            “ Woh Kisna hai” marks Ismail Darbar’s introduction in the album and boy, he blasts in with a bang! Powerful and ebullient vocals by Sukhvinder Singh, excellent choral support and enthralling music makes this a rhythmic toe-tapping number which is a rejoicing depiction of the legend of Radha and Krishna. A superb piece!

            Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik team up under Ismail Darbar for “ Tu itni pagli kyon hai” which is a playful duet with both singers effortlessly weaving their way through the song.

            “ Aham Brahmasami” is a gem of a number with profound lyrics, heartfelt vocalization by Sukhvinder Singh, a powerful rhythm base and a brief but eloquent appearance by Alka Yagnik. Its ancient theme is wonderfully adaptable to today’s audience without sacrificing any of its poignancy. Excellent, Mr. Darbar!

            “ Chilman uthegi nahin” is the much-talked about Quawwali featuring Sushmita Sen. Hariharan and Alka Yagnik perform well but I felt the song tries to do too many things, it has classical overtones, folk rhythms and of course, the quawwali itself. I felt a bit confused after hearing the song, somewhat analogous to the feeling after overeating. Too much of a good thing, I’m afraid.

            Rashid Khan tugs at the heartstrings in the number “ Kahe ujadi mori neend”. The classical Raaga and his amazing voice are overpowered by background music that suggests tension, sorrow and conflict.

            “ My wish comes true” by A.R Rahman is a song in English with Sunitha Sarthy. The song is superbly rendered by Ms Sarthy with perfect enunciation. The music with a recurring background melody with folk overtones provided a backdrop to the song about a moment of love. The song climbs to a crescendo of choral arrangements, rhythm and melody encompassing the listener in the glory of music.

            Alka Yagnik impresses in the song “ Wohi din aa gaya” about a bride-to- be at the eve of her marriage. It has a lively rhythm and makes easy listening.

            In addition, there are Mantras (chants) that are harmonized versions of the traditional form. A piano/flute jugalbandi forms the second theme piece in the same tune as the first with the piano leading the score and the flute following along, then interpolating in a series of increasingly complex improvisations on the basic phrase.

            All in all, this album is worth buying and listening to for the sheer genius of A.R Rahamn, the bold, colorful tunes of Ismail Darbar and a talented team of singers and musicians.

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