Paheli is a film directed by Amol Palekar who has directed some excellent topical low-budget films (Ankahee, Anaahat, and Daayra). He ventures into the commercial realm with this film. Produced by SRK’s red Chilies entertainment and starring Shah Rukh Kahn, Rani Mukherjee, Amitabh Bachchan, Juhi Chawla and Suneil Shetty, Paheli is based on a folk tale by Vijaydan Detha set in idyllic Rajasthan. Talk about crossoverism.

The story is about a ghost who falls in love with a newly-wed bride and takes on the form of her husband and cohabits with her.

Paheli’s music is composed by MM. Kreem and the lyrics are by Gulzar.
The cover of the CD has SRK and Rani in folksy garb depicting marionettes. Get ready to be strung along the musical path of Paheli.

 The first song, “ Dheere Jana” starts deceptively slowly. Sonu Nigam seems to hum gently at the beginning and then the song just takes of. The music soars and Sonu’s voice rises like a kite being buffeted by the music. The chorus tries to rein him in and the overall feeling is of twisting, turning and uplifting music. Shreya Ghosal joins Sonu as the tempo slows and meanders to the end of the number. This is one of the best songs of the album. The music, especially the shehnai interlude with the chorus is awesome!

 The next song”Kangana Re” features a number of female vocalists including Shreya Ghosal, Madhushree, Bela Shende and Kalapini Komakali accompanied by Sonu Nigam. It is a chirpy, playful song with lots of references to bracelets and bangles. The rhythm is folksy and the lyrics are very suited to the rustic milieu of the song. The singers convey the earthy charm and vibrant rhythm of the song.

 â€œ Phir Raat Kati” is rendered by Sukhvinder Singh and Sunidhi Chauhan. This song features the Rajasthani folk art of Kathputhli( Puppetry) and features Sukhvinder blasting off in full form and Sunidhi sounding very light and frothy. Folk instruments are used in the interludes. A cute song!

 â€œLaaga re Jal Laaga” is a rainsong with vocals by the music director M. M. Kreem, Sonu Nigam and a surprise appearance by the classical artiste Shruti Sadolikar. The song invokes the rain gods and is set in the exact tune of Lagaan’s “ Ghanana Ghanana” ( Shades of Raga Piloo). It is a pleasant song with Ms . Sadolikar’s pure and precise vocals adding a unique touch. Sonu  sings this number with gusto!

 Finally, here is the song that ties with “ Dheere Jana” for best song of the album. Featuring the heartwrenching,  goosebump-producing voice of Hariharan , “ Khaali hai tere bina” is a song of love, loss and longing. Bela Shende accompanies, sounding eerily like Sadhana Sargam. Hariharan’s rendition is utterly delicious and his alaap towards the end sent me into raptures. 

 â€œ Minnat Kare” performed by Shreya Ghosal, Madhushree and Bela Shende is a wink and nudge song with advise for the newly-wed bride. It is nice but nothing special.

Gulzar’s lyrics are fantastic and profound and MM. Kreem has delivered and how! Overall, Paheli is a refreshing album with songs based on traditional instruments and folk overtones. The album certainly makes one eager to watch the songs on the big screen.

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