amir jamal sings for bollywood

the music review of murder "kaho na kaho"
the hit number by amir jamal has been included in "MUrder"
listen online on www.raaga.com





Murder

By Joginder Tuteja

With the promos of 'Murder' on the small screen, one thing is for sure - Bollywood is going through a revolution with each passing day. Offbeat themes are IN and to add to the spice is the uninhibited body display that seems to be the flavor of the season. After an unsuccessful story on the theme of adultery 'Tum', comes yet another story about a married woman who looks for pleasure outside her home. The lady in question is Mallika Sherawat who sizzled in 'Khwahish' with her hot smooching acts. Ashmit Patel who made a passable debut in 'Inteha' plays her husband while Imran Hashmi - the happy go lucky gangster in 'Footpath' - plays her 'outside' interest. Directed by popular soap-opera director Anurag Basu, 'Murder' is a Mahesh Bhatt presentation produced by Mukesh Bhatt. Regular Anu Malik composes while Sayeed Quadri does the lyrics. Bhatts haven't been having great time after successive failures of Footpath, Inteha and Paap. In a couple of months time, it will be seen if Mallika can get them out of their lean patch!

Amir Jamal - the latest discovery of the Bhatts [and Anu Malik] - is the singer to watch out for! He makes a smashing debut in playback singing with 'Kaho Na Kaho'! A rocking track, it has Arabian overtones and is extremely catchy. Amir Jamal has a fresh voice that is above ordinary and will definitely be noticed. It is to the credit of Anu Malik that he blends Arabian soul in a commercial Hindi movie track so very well.

Another song by Amir Jamal, 'Jana Jane Jana', is more of a pop track, which is good again but will attract limited audience due to its nature. A soft number, it is kind of a gap-filler in a movie and doesn't expect the number to be actually popular beyond that.

As if to actually match the rhythm of 'Kaho Na Kaho', Kunal Ganjawala strikes back with an excellent rendering to Anu Malik's recreated (whatever that means) number 'Bheegey Hont'! A highly seductive track, the song seems to be inspired by an English track but again Anu manages to leave that behind with his melodious arrangements. A slow moving track, it is elevated higher by Sayeed Quadri's sensual lyrics that talk about 'You stay with me throughout this night and I will love you till the time stops'! Listen to this song, which is the best in this album. Kunal Ganjawala who has been on the verge of getting into the big league for about a couple of years now, delivers yet another good performance. Instrumentals of both 'Bheegey Hont' and 'Kaho Na Kaho' actually maintain the feel of the album instead of mere gap-fillers as in most of the other recent albums.

Well, when Mahesh Bhatt, Anu Malik and Anuradha Paudwal are around then it is inevitable that we hear one of those vintage 90s style of songs that they brought together in flicks like 'Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Aayi'! So here we go again with a typical Anuradha Paudwal song - 'Zindagi Is Tarah'. The track that appears as a solo by Sonu Nigam as well, is about pain, regret and introspection after an act of wrongdoing. Lyrics are the mainstay in this song that catches one's attention. Full marks to Sayeed Quadri here. We want to hear more from him!

Album ends on a good note too with a 50's style cabaret number 'Dil Ko Hazaar Baar' written by Rahat Indori. Alisha Chinoy is just about perfect in her 50's rendition of this track, which is about 'betrayal' and 'mistrust' in the matters of love. Anu Malik does a good job in creating a feel of 'Black and White' era while one really waits to see Mallika Sherawat gyrate to this one.

A fine album overall, it should do an above-average business musically. Bhatts have come up with another good album after 'Paap', which was appreciated critically by the lovers of good music. 'Murder' definitely has a better chance due to it's commercial ingredients and the presence of Mallika which should give a boost to it's sales.

Rating: ** 1/2