Producer: Aditya Chopra
Director: Pradeep Sarkar
Lyrics: Swanand Kirkire
Music Director: Shantanu Moitra
Album Label: YRF Music

Cast: Jaya Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee, Konkona Sen Sharma, Anupam Kher, Kunal Kapoor

Music Director Shantanu Moitra and lyricist Swanand Kirkire who gave us some memorable music in films such as Hazaron Khwaishen Aisi, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munnabhai and Eklavya - The Royal Guard have teamed up again for Laaga Chunari Mein Daag.

The movie takes its title from the truly unforgettable and brilliant song from Dil hi to hai – where Manna Dey wove his magic through the song which is recreated for this film. While the music from Laaga Chunari…….is not as impressive as Parineeta or Lage Raho….it still stands out with the range of talent and styles that Shantanu has employed. What strikes one after listening to the songs a couple of times – is that each song employs a different style and mood – peppy, sensual, classical, romantic and naughty.

My pick of the album was Ehi Thaiyaa Motiyaa sung by Rekha Bharadwaj. Rekha’s coffee and honey vocals are a delight to listen to in this semi classical mujra number – simply transports you back to the golden age of Hindi film music. The understated song is so minimally orchestrated – the sarangi and tabla and the steady sound of the ghungroo in the background – one can just visualize the sprawling kotha resonating with the sensuous song and dance of the tawaif ……….

Laaga Chunri Mein Daag - the title song of the film has the same melody (Roshan) and lyrics (Sahir Ludhianvi) of the original Manna Dey classic– sung this time by Shuba Mudgal in her unique full throated style albeit a tad lachrymose and exaggerated – yet the gifted singer’s voice glides and soars and captures the finer nuances of the raag Bhairav. The song is embellished by the recitation of shayaris by Mita Vashist in her husky voice and is a fusion of Indian and western styles – in the genre of lounge music that is getting popular now. Incidentally, Shuba Mudgal, Shantanu Moitra and Mita Vashist came together for the video of Man Ke Manjeere in 2000.

Ek theeki theeki has a slight ‘heard before’ – ‘sounds familiar’ feel –brings to mind the woh ladki hai kahan from Dil Chahta hai and a few Latin/Western hits from the sixties. Despite the similarities, the song still shows a lot of potential and the lyrics are full of exuberance and naughtiness as Shreya and KK tease and poke fun at each other. The song is curiously appealing and the mood is infectious and sure enough – after a couple of listens, one is captivated by the rhythm and the feel of the song.

Hum to aisi hain – has the feel of a baila and Goanese folk song – it is supposed to be the song introducing the 2 female leads of the film – Rani Mukherji and Konkona Sen Sharma. Sunidhi Chauhan’s sultry vocals complement Shreya’s syrupy sweetness and overall the song is very catchy and foot tapping – it may not be an outstanding song – but seems effective enough in context of the film’s narration to create an interest in the main characters of the film.

Kachchi Kaliyaan is sung by Sonu Nigam, KK, Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal– a traditional folk ditty sets the pace for this song which then meanders into a mish mash of western and Indian styles – with Hindi verse and swaras interspersed with rapping. Though not very impressive, the song is lively and has some fun filled lyrics and doesn’t ever lose its vivacity at any point.

Zara Gungunalein Chalo is competently sung by Babul Supriyo and Mahalaxmi Iyer – starts off with a verse in Spanish and is followed up with a mixture of carnival and Indian beats and refrain – extremely good work on the guitar and excellent back up vocal and orchestral support. It is a song that grows on you on repeated hearing!

On the whole, an album that has some neat lyrics and well orchestrated music and some good tracks as well.

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