Devdas, the long awaited Sanjay Leela Bhansali epic starring Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya Roy and Madhuri Dixit is slated for a July 14 release. Ismail Durbar, the music director who has successes like Khamoshi and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam under his belt, seems to have come up with a crowd pleaser again.

Devdas, an adaptation of Bengali littrateur Saratchandra Chatterjee’s immortal work has been Bollywoodised before. The first version, directed by PC Barua had KL Saigal , Jamuna and Rajkumari in the lead and the second cinematic recreation by Bimal Roy had Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala and Suchitra Sen.

Thespian actor Dilip Kumar officially released the music album on April 16, even though Universal released it earlier in the month. Rumors were afloat about a major rift between the music director and director Bhansali with some going so far to suggest that Bhansali composed the music for some songs himself.

The album uses raga influences of Indian classical music, mujras, semi-classical and light numbers are all given a fair treatment. The resulting mix is appealing and has something for everyone.

The late Composer Pyarelal’s son Monty is credited with the Devdas, theme. This tune with its mix of tranquility and restlessness creates a startlingly fresh piece. Kathak Maestro Birju Maharaj sings with Kavitha Krishnamurthy , the classical Kahe Chede mohe.
Shreya Ghosal( silsila e chaahat) , reminds one of Sanjeevani, also a finalist( like Shreya) of the talent scouting TV show sa re ga ma .Shreya brings an innocence and purity to Paro’s voice and I'm certain we will be hearing more of this talented young voice.

Maar Dala by Kavitha and KK and Bairi Piya, by Udit and Shreya are pleasing. Udit’s rendering of Woh Chand jaisi ladki is near perfect and the Baul geet Chalak Chalak by Udit, Shreya and Vinod Rahod is zestful and fun. Hamesha Tumko Chaha with mournful conch shells in the background has Udit complementing Kavitha very melodiously.
More Piya and Dhola re dhola are mediocre. One suspects that this album will do well in the international circuit as well as in India.

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