Bajirao Mastani Music Review

Movie: Bajirao Mastani

Cast: Ranveer Singh,Deepika Padukone,Priyanka Chopra

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Music director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

1.Deewani Mastani-Shreya Ghoshal,Ganesh Chandanshive,Mujtaba Aziz Naza,Shahdab Faridi,Altamush Faridi,Farhan Sabri

Opening with an ebullient powada (Marathi folk poem) about the queen Mastani in the versatile vocals of Ganesh Chandanshive and other backing vocals, this song veers into different genres and emotions. When Shreya Ghoshal takes over the melody, it is pure bliss. Accompanied by the pleasant oud/mandolin progression, she croons passionately, with her mellifluous voice melting at the listener's heart. The qawwali like end to the song is a brilliant thought by SLB. Heartrending start!

2.Aayat-Arijit Singh,Mujtaba Aziz Naza,Shahdab Faridi

There is only one word that can describe this song- Marvelous! SLB proves that he is the one to approach, if anybody wants to listen to a soothing classical number. This romantic track oozes with melody from each and every nook. Especially Arijit Singh's soprano singing makes it an amazing listen, along with the qawwali part by Mujtaba Aziz Naza and Shahdab Faridi. Heavenly!

3.Malhari-Vishal Dadlani

Here comes a celebratory track which is colorful right from the beginning. The screeching trumpets in the prelude reminds you of Tattad Tattad song from Ramleela movie. Comparison apart, this number is utterly enjoyable with its upbeat rhythm and Vishal Dadlani's powerhouse singing. Sure to scorch the screens.

4.Mohe Rang Do Laal-Pandit Birju Maharaj,Shreya Ghoshal

Shreya Ghoshal returns in her melodious avatar in this yet another pure classical number. This sweet ghazal has been composed by SLB with utmost excellence. The haunting flute sections and Pandit Birju Maharaj's kathak chants in the interlude prove SLB's versatility. Though this song might not appeal to all types of listeners, it will surely attract all true music lovers. Mellifluous!

5.Albela Sajan-Shashi Suman,Kunal Pandit,Prithvi Gandharva

SLB recreated Ustad Ali Khan's classical song Albela Sajan in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam by roping in Ismail Darbar. Once again, he recreates the magic after sixteen years by rehashing the track by himself. This version is more grandeur in terms of the rhythm arrangement and the group rendition by Shashi Suman, Kunal Pandit and Prithvi Gandharva. However, it falls a notch below the HDDCS version. Yet, it strikes with its uniqueness!

6.Ab Tohe Jane Na Doongi-Payal Dev,Shreyas Puranik

This romantic track is sweet and soothing on the ears on the very first listen. SLB indulges mild dhol beats and a Laal Ishq like arrangement to take this tune further. The new find Payal Dev sounds like Harshdeep Kaur and her voice is honey-dipping. Her melodious vocals are complemented well by Shreyas Puranik who reminds a few of 90s ghazal singers.  A slow poison!

7.Pinga-Shreya Ghoshal,Vaishali Mhade

A girlie dance track is up next in this fabulous album. SLB composes the tune with dollops of Marathi elements. The rhythm also sounds similar to hundreds of Marathi dance songs. But this number is highly engaging in its own terms. Especially there is Shreya Ghoshal behind the mike to keep the listeners in awe, amply supported by the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2009 winner Vaishali Mhade. The latter too does a commendable job with her fruity vocals. Chartbuster!

8.Aaj Ibaadat-Javed Bashir,Shahdab Faridi,Altamush Faridi

On the very first listen, this song is remarkably similar to Laal Ishq from Ramleela. But when keenly listened to, one can find an unique serene aura to this scintillating classical number. Javed Bashir excels with his Hindustani rich vocals, getting his gamakas right in all the places. He is artistically supported by Shahdab Faridi and Altamush Faridi with their Sufi-like rendition. The Sitar plays a major part in this lilting melody. Plug your headphones and get drenched!

9.Fitoori-Vaishali Mhade,Ganesh Chandanshive

Vaishali Mhade gets to expose her versatile crooning skills with this seductive slow dance number. Ganesh's powada chant in the prelude and the radiant chorus in the interlude try to pep up the track, which has otherwise got an ordinary tune. However, the folksy beats and Vaishali's vocals will make you return to this track.

10.Gajanana-Sukhwinder Singh

Once again, the screeching trumpets begin this devotional track. It sounds like a Ganesha chant in the prelude. But Prashant Ingole's heartrending spiritual lyrics and Sukhwinder Singh's powerful rendition make this track not to be missed. If you listen to this energetic song on a lazy morning, your day would be radiant and cheerful. Vibrant ending!

Verdict:

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is another composer who would surely have other music composers make a run for their money. His compositions are not just musically rich, they are purely divine! It is hard to find soundtracks like Bajirao Mastani in this urban generation. SLB is a whiff of fragrance in the hoard of modern quirky composers. Take a bow SLB!

Rating: ****1/2

Picks:

Everything except Malhari and Fitoori.