When you see the S-E-L name coupled with Lyricist Prasoon Joshi, expectations tend to run high.  But does the team deliver in Aarakshan?

There are six tracks in this album. The album opens up with a lighthearted duet number. Mohit Chauhan's mischievous tones are playful and Shreya Ghoshal's voice is lovely. But the arrangements are nothing spectacular. It is an ordinary number with lovely lyrics.

Next comes Mauka that has been sung by a host of singers, including Mahalaxmi Iyer, Raman Mahadevan, Tarun Sagar, Gaurav Gupta and Rehan. Not an overly exciting number. The fast-paced number seems to be a celebratory song and might look more appealing on screen. There is a lot of variations in the song in terms of pitch, tempo and vocal style, yet it doesn't hold the interest for very long. The track has a remixed version too.

The next song, a semi classical number is quite the highlight of the album. Pt. Channulal Mishra's immaculately streamlined classical voice echoes out the pathos, hardships, trials and tribulations of lead protagonists in his well-tempered vocal flows.  Shreya Ghoshal  delivers a fine classical presentation.  S-E-L delivers out pure Indian classical arrangements that have vim and vigor of classical instrumentals in optimum packaging. 'Kaun Si Dor' stands out as a fine attempt and  it comes in another version titled 'Saans Albeli'. It comes out as male solo version of 'Kaun Si Dor' where Pt. Channulal Mishra sings his heart out in almost similar arrangements and lyrical settings.  A lovely number indeed.

Finally, there is Roshanee by Shankar Mahadevan himself. An inspirational track, it gives us an occasional glimpse into Shankar’s genius. The instrumental pieces in between the song are very impressive . While it cannot be called wonderful, it is not bad either.

Overall, Aarakshan disappoints. But perhaps “Kaun Si Dor” will make this a popular track.

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