Music reality shows like Fame Gurukul and Indian Idol are great platforms for up and coming singers. While the winners have attained popularity, breaks from Bollywood’s most prominent music directors, and of course, basked in the glory of having their music videos on B4U and Sony Enternatatinment television networks, the runners up and finalists have not been left behind. Meenal Jain, a finalist from Indian Idol II is no exception.

Meenal Jain’s debut album Mehram is dedicated to the mystical Sufi sangeet, the poetic lyrics of Rumi and Sufi saints Bulleh Shah, Latif and others. Sufi music is improvisational, and can be sung in different styles. Mehram is a revival of traditional Sufi music, and will definitely appeal to the younger listeners. With soulful lyrics and a catchy beat, you can’t go wrong with Mehram.

Mehram consists of eight songs, each with a different mood and beat. Meenal Jain has skillfully utilized Urdu, Punjabi and Marwari phrases throughout all eight songs. The title song, “Mehram Mehram” is purely a love song. The singer is expressing her feelings towards a person she loves so deeply but cannot attain. Mehram is an Urdu word, but Jain has sung the melody mostly in Punjabi to a modern beat. Yet love is expressed in its purest form. Does one really need to win the person she loves? Jain thinks not. This song is actually about loving to the fullest, and not expecting anything in return. The song celebrates the happiness a lover feels to see a beloved happy.

A second song, Ghumar, has a Rajisthani folksy type of beat. To add to the song, Jain incorporates a few words of the Marwari language in this song, like “Mhari” and “laddli”. Ghumar brings back memories of the desert, and more importantly the rituals of Sufi dancing, in which performers clap their hands and twirl in circles to connect with God. With a combination of traditional and modern music, it’s a personal favorite and a good dancing number as well.

Speaking of dancing songs, there is yet another one in this versatile album, titled “Tere Bin”. With a combination of Hindi and Punjabi lyrics (Har taraf hai tera nazara, tere bina koi nayo jajda, jajda) and a dhol beat, this song has potential for fusion. I see little reference to Sufism, except for the love poetry which is so characteristic. However, such lyrics can be found in most Hindi film songs. Nevertheless, it adds a twist to Mehram. The youngsters ought to be happy with these two songs.

Right along these lines is the song “Saanwariya.” While most of Mehram’s songs follow aspects of Sufism, such as the use of love poetry and traditional music, “Saanwariya” stands out more as a pop number than a mystical Sufi rendition. While this is a song about a woman’s love for a man, its music is very contemporary music. While the song has soothing lyrics (“ Saanwariya,, honthon pe teri baatein, tham jaati meri saansein), this type of love song hits more in a Hindi film rather than a Sufi album. I would suggest editing it out.

Coming back to Sufism, there is the evergreen “Jogan”, with references to Ranjha and his ranjhan. There is nobody like you in this world, and not a crazed soul as me. My love for you surpassed all limits, making me your slave, is what the song’s meaning comes down to. Again, this song artistically combines Hindi and Punjabi lyrics in such a way that even those who don’t speak Punjabi can understand the song.

Another song, “Main na chutda”, falls in the same category. It’s an indescribable song. I would recommend listening to a sample of it on www.musicindiaonline.com.

While songs about intense love, listeners may think of Mehram as a sappy and extremely emotional album. But au contraire. Thanks to the contemporary music, lively beats and Meenal Jain’s fresh voice, Mehram is an album that brings out more than longing for a loved one. It brings back memories, gives rise to love and news inspirations. Listen to it and start twirling.

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