Asha reveals RD [II] - Asha Bhonsle
IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, March 07, 2006]
Who else but Asha Bhonsle herself could know R.D. Burman better? Hence its quite apt when she takes it upon her to reveal the REAL RD in her latest album 'ASHA REVEALS RD' where she recreates Pancham's favorite tracks. Reproduced and rearranged by Nitin Shankar, the music by Pancham has been given a new touch by using extensive brass, strings, chorus sections and live rhythm and percussions. Sudesh Bhonsle is the guest singer for some of the songs that are a part of this twin CD pack comprising of 22 tracks in total. In Part II, we review second CD of 'ASHA REVEALS RD' that promises to be a collector's delight.
1) Ek Baar Jan-E-Jana [Kala Sona, lyrics: Majrooh]
The CD begins with a relatively lesser known number 'Ek Baar Jane-E-Jana' that was composed way back in 1975 for the film 'Kala Sona'. An inviting love song, it has melodious music and it is surprising that the song hasn't found much mileage over the years. The song is sung in an inimitable style by Ashaji as she stirs the naughty elements well with the main menu of love.
2) Chhodo Sanam [Kudrat, lyrics: Majrooh]
Its time to get lively with 'Chhodo Sanam' that fits in so very well with today's Indi-pop scene when it comes to rhythm. Sudesh Bhonsle joins her soon after but this is one song where one would have loved to hear Ashaji alone. Nitin Shankar shows his prowess behind the rearrangements once again while making a good impression.
3) Sharabi Aankhen [Madhosh, lyrics: Majrooh]
This song could do wonders today if presented in a chic new style that fits into the mood of this side of the century. 'Sharabi Aankhen' proves once again that RD was way ahead of its times when it came to composing music. The rocking arrangements of this lesser known foot tapping number is highly westernized when it comes to use of numerous instruments and inspite of the fact that most of it is on-your-face, one doesn't mind that due to its club feel. A duet between Ashaji and Sudesh, it is the first song in this twin-CD pack that is an ideal fit for a smashing dance number.
4) Keh Doon Tumhen [Deewar, lyrics: Sahir]
This song needs no introduction. After all the remix culture has given it so much of mileage in last 2-3 years that it is difficult to adjudge if the song had gone anywhere 3 decades since its release. A duet between Ashaji and Sudesh, this beautifully written number by Sahir is highly melodious with an equally foot tapping effect that is simply addictive.
5) Samne Yeh Kaun Aaya [Jawani Diwani, lyrics: Anand Bakshi]
Another song in succession that has been kept alive by the numerous remix albums that keep flooding the album, 'Samne Yeh Kaun Aaya' continues the fun mood of the album further. On hearing Sudesh Bhonsle once again for the song, one wonders why he has been labeled as a guest singer in the album as he is there for almost each and every song. One wishes he was credited better for his work, especially for numbers like this that are solo renditions.
6) Dhanno Ki Aankhon Mein [Kitaab, lyrics: Gulzar]
There was a phase when RD was working extensively with Gulzar saab. And when the two met, sparks flew. One such example is 'Dhanno Ki Aankhon Mein' from the film 'Kitaab' that was first of its kinds and brought with it a new sound when it was heard first. A song with a punch, the style was later repeated in 'Chahe Meri Jaan Tu Le Le' [Dayavan]. Sudesh Bhonsle is the singer once again for this solo track and does a good imitation of Panchamda who had originally rendered the song.
7) Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To [1942 - A Love Story, lyrics: Javed Akhtar]
The song came too late in RD's career. It came at a time when he was at his all time low and ironically when the songs from the movie became universally popular, he was not alive to bask in the glory of the album's success. A song, which is still fresh in everyone's mind, it is indeed a challenge to recreate something like 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha'. Nitin Shankar succeeds in this endeavor of his as he opens the track with the strings of guitar giving it a new appeal altogether. Even later, the signature tune that accompanies the song is replaced with blanks, guitar strings and piano that take some time to settle down but eventually does. Fourth solo song in succession by Sudesh Bhonsle, one feels yet again that it would have been better if Kumar Sanu's voice would have been kept intact or he could have been approached to make a guest appearance for this very number.
8) Sona Rupa [Joshila, lyrics: Sahir]
After a long gap, Asha Bhonsle comes behind the mike once again with 'Sona Rupa' from the film 'Joshila'. A rhythmic number with a certain flow that is so different from most of the tracks by RD-Asha combo, it is surprising to see that it hasn't found much favor amongst today's remix music directors. It has all the ingredients to make for an exciting remix music video and we are sure that there would be a version coming soon the small screen.
9) Yeh Naina Yaad Hain [Manzil Manzil, lyrics: Majrooh]
This was yet another song from the 80s that had a haunting appeal and brought with it so much of class inspite of belonging to the commercial setting. The song had a 'jungle' setting when it came to music and the same effect is consolidated upon in this version as well. Great rhythm and rendition makes it a good club number and one gets a thought that if a lounge version of the same song hits the market today, it would be a big success.
10) Maine Dil Abhi Diya Nahin [The Train, lyrics: Anand Bakshi]
Towards the end of this twin-CD pack comes yet another lesser known track 'Maine Dil Abhi Diya Nahin' that gives an impression of a cabaret setting. Old fashioned in appeal inspite of current style of musical arrangement being associated with it, this Anand Bakshi number doesn't really match up to the standards of the remaining numbers in the album and doesn't really appeal much.
11) Dum Maro Dum/Piya Tu [Hare Raama Hare Krishna/Caravan, Anand Bakshi/Majrooh]
If there are RD and Asha then there have to be 'Dum Maro Dum' and 'Piya Tu'. Afterall how could an album be complete without two of these classics and hence it is all the more justified when they come together as a combo at the very end of the album. There is an electric feel to the proceedings when the signature tunes of both the numbers are fused to mark the beginning of this track. An apt finale!
Just two word to sum up this album - COLLECTOR'S DELIGHT.
Rating: ****
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