I usually despise Alka Yagnik (she constantly pitches to the rafters, relying on no sublety whatsoever), and I've only been able to tolerate her when she works with A.R. Rahman (who keeps her in check mostly - "Mendhi Hai Rachnewali" from Zubeidaa is phenomenal.) But I have to agree that she is very strong here, much softer and vulnerable than usual. The songs are pleasant (although they all sound alike upon first encounter.) Good stuff.

Downloaded this today from iTunes and listened to it a couple of times. That song 'Salaam' - I've heard the tune before ... it is heavily lifted from a Mohd. Rafi song. It's really bugging me as I can't remember the words or the original music director. But it is a lifted / inspired tune for sure. Will any golden eared Zulmi try to listen to it and think of the song it resembles?

I found it to be an okay album ... I guess my expectations were really high. Personally I found Alka's voice annoying. I know that I will like it more once I have seen the visuals ... but at the moment I'm not sure.

One thing that I don't understand is why in the original Umrao Jaan film or this one, did no one go back and use the original ghazals from the novel and set these to music? My Grandfather's brother was the author of the book (Mirza Haadi Ruswa). I can't read Urdu but my father read the book to us (he has a copy of the original manuscript) - the poems / ghazal's in the book were brilliant.

The lyrics of the new soundtrack aren't too great. From a poetry point of view the original soundtrack was better and the book beat both of them.

Anyway - that's my two cents - I'll go back in to hibernation now!

Muz!! Miyan!! my expectations were abysmal from malik, so, I find it decent to good album!

as far Rekha vs Aish!! Glamour, green eyes, fair complexion aside!!

I think, there is NO MATCH! Rekha wins all over with her dusky beauty/charm!!

Farooq sheikh's role was not much, so any laloo panchoo can fit in his shoes!!

Imagine that last Mujra, Yeh kya jagge hai Dosto, and Rekha leaving devastated!! Not recreatable!!

Orig umrao was REKHA/MUSIC/SINGERS!

I am less than optimistic on Dutta and Aish's credentials/calibre!

But for rana sahab!! That picture of Aish, she does look good! So get ready to watch her on ZEROS CLASSIC DVD!

and I do not have ANY DOUBTS that Shabana will get a meatier role than her Mom Shaukat Azmi had in 1981 film and will walk away with accolades! She can any day give Aish run for her money and beauty!

Yup - I have 4 songs on the 7" record of this. I remember the film from when I was a kid - but can't remember how good it was. One thing I do know is that this version was not very true to the book. I don't want to spoil it for anyone who may want to order it and see it - but (as far as I can remember) it detracts from the story quite a bit.

So far the Muzaffar Ali version is the closest to the book. With regards to Dutta's version - I'm not a huge Dutta fan as I find that his films become too elaborate ... I'm hoping that he does a good job with this one.

The casting is good - but as Arsh bhai says I doubt that anyone who watched the Muzaffar Ali version will forget the heart-breaking performance by Rekha and will compare the two versions with each other.

Even though I am glad to see a film released with a good storyline I still don't understand why film-makers cannot pick from the thousands of classic novels that have not been translated to film yet? Anyway - I guess that is a debate for another thread ... ... ...

I just saw preview of bekhudi song!! damn it !! i it looks Rajsthani film, dutta style, not Lucknow!!! Filming is Modern than rustic!! I can see Dutta butchering the classic!! for commercial gains!! but man desperately need some money after loosing on rheatoric pseudo patriotism. It seems like a song from Batwara with modern twist, swiming pools etc!!! To hell with Dutta!!!!

I am disappointed! what I saw!! Abhishek, looks like Rajhstani GOON not a Lucknow Nawab

every one has right to their own sweet or bitter assumptions!
Film succeeds or not! I do not give a damn!

I do not have any intentions to create Traish vs Rekha Vs Meena Kumari, akhaada or Maha bharat!! There could be a seperate Bak Bak beauty contest thread for that purpose possibly.

Whether some one want to post here!! well and good! Or might choose expressing their dadageeri in their own sweet bitter ways in bak bak!

I don't think you can call what was in Pakeezah a swimming pool - plus Kamal Amrohi had one thing that Dutta doesn't ... and that is style!

Okay guys - that Salaam song - the chorus bears a remarkable resemblance to the verse from 'Kya se kya ho gaya' from Guide! Phew - this has been bugging me ever since I heard the song.

Ash is more beautiful than Rekha, but completely lacks expressiveness...Rekha certainly has more 'ada', even at this age, which is a MUST in a courtesan's role!

CHoreography of Salaam is disappointing - although I am no fan of Ash as an actress, I admire her agile movements...but this one left a lot to be desired!

And someone ask Ash to give more than her silly grin and dreamy expression....that's all she ever does in almost all her movies, including her over-rated performance as Paro in Devdas!!!! And, please learn how to cry!!!!

Overall, none of the promos are exciting......

you are right on the point!! beauty is in beholder's eyes! imho!

This role required a seasoned ACTRESS not good looking star!

Looks like I am the only one who wasn't impressed by it. Except for the richa sharma song, every other song is bland. "salaam" is allright. They all sound like light ghazals. rather underwhelming for a heart-wrenching story like Umrao Jaan.

Someone like Ismail Durbar or AR Rahman would have created magic.

I AGREE! THATS WHY I SAID IT IS DECENT TO GOOD FROM ANU MALIK STANDARD BUT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER AND OFCOURSE IT WAS REFERENCE TO DEVDAS AND MUJRA THAT REHMAN COMPOSED FOR CRAPPY PANDEY!

okay okay. I totally missed your reference. Most of the posts I read sounded extremely positive.

er.. Even by Anu Malik's standards, I think he delivered his best in 'Asoka'. jmo.



I listened with an unbaised ear even though I am not a big fan of either Anu Malik or Alka Yagnik. I fail to see the never-heard-before musical genius in her voice or his music.

Producer: J.P. Dutta
Director: J.P. Dutta
Starring: Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Shabana Azmi, Sunil Shetty, Puru Rajkumar, Divya Dutta, Himani Shivpuri, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Ayesha Jhulka
Music: Anu Malik
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Singers: Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Richa Sharma, Anmol Malik, and Javed Akhtar
Audio On: T-Series
Number of Songs: 10
Album Released on: 30 September 2006

Reviewed by: Gianysh Toolsee
Reviewer's Rating: 8.5 / 10
Posters


Public Rating Average: 9.36 / 10 (rated by 32 listeners) Give your Rating: 1 / 10 2 / 10 3 / 10 4 / 10 5 / 10 6 / 10 7 / 10 8 / 10 9 / 10 10 / 10

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How unfair is it (by all means) to start with comparisons for this soundtrack? It is also unfair to say that X,Y,Z music director or lyricist or singer would have done a better job instead of the ones being credited. It’s neither discussion nor concise arguments as one cannot predict the work of an artist as it all depends on inspiration, circumstances, producer’s demand, and market trend. In a word, it is called gossiping. It just does not make any sense.
The man who has seen it all in the music industry – failure, success, betrayal, backstabbing, glory, depression, loneliness and fame – is strongly assigned to compose one of the most awaited soundtracks in the history of Bollywood. Providing music to a classic remake is not a small thing. There is a mountain of work behind; like understanding the classic story of Mirza Haadi Ruswa's 'Umrao Jaan Ada' (1905) as well as Urdu literature, the Nawaab culture and most importantly, the music being played in that century. J.P Dutta trusts Anu Malik and it really shows. Malik’s task is an immense assignment. Javed Akhtar has also been required to scribble exclusive Urdu poetry which can be easily converted into tunes. For music played a century ago, where the Nawaabs were ruling, expect something very classy, melodious and a good dose of ‘ghunghroo and tabla’ sounds. After all, the period was different.

Classy, melodious and catchy are the only three words to describe Salaam. Alka Yagnik dominates the track with a solo rendition, which leaves a lasting impression. An addictive deepness is present in her voice. Orchestration by Malik is magnificent where he masters all the instruments perfectly and introduces a wide range of them – building the atmosphere of the soundtrack. Indian classical music never fails and this is where Malik scores. His approach in mixing Indian Classical with the period feel will leave listeners asking for more. Impressively, the tabla and sitar have been used in the best way, while the background music is supported by the elegant chimes of the ghunguroo.

Note: The melody of ‘Salaam’s title line has been lifted from Nadeem-Shravan’s ‘Dhoom Machi Hai’ (Ansh). Whether the original source pre-dates ‘Dhoom Machi Hai,’ is yet to be discovered.

Alka Yagnik comes to perfect form in Pehle Pehel, which is a very difficult song to sing and to tune music to. Javed Akhtar’s words embody a deeply embedded meaning;


“Ishq taabir hain. Jiska dil naam hain, woh to ek jaam hain. Jaam chalkaa gaye…Tum bhi pehle pehel…Hum bhi pehle pehel.” – Javed Akhtar

The rhythmic notes follow an unusual pattern and this makes the track special. The vocal modulations are a delight. Moreover, Malik keeps the composition concise and doesn’t deviate from the music earlier introduced. Melody is at its peak while the low tempo has been maintained throughout the song. Soft tabla beats provide the background score while the use of Sarangi is in sync with the theme. Pehle Pehel is a beautiful composition overall.

Behka Diya Humein is the only duet in this album, but a precious one nonetheless. Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik render in finesse. Sonu Nigam goes into the character of Abhishek Bachchan and Alka continues in the same trend but gets the chance to be less classy and exposes other variations in the voice. A more relaxed Alka is heard. This light and simple number is made special due to the minimal arrangements by Malik. Malik doesn’t neglect the core melody and delivers in generous doses. Poetry by Akhtar is another plus point.

Classical and palatial music are ubiquitous where Nawaabs live and where empires are present. The sounds of tablas, violins, sarangi, harmonium and ghunghroos fill the aura and adorn the dwellings with musical ornamentation. This is exactly what Jhute Ilzaam is all about. An audience is needed for this song and the track has been composed with this in mind. Malik goes into the dynamics of such genres and delivers with impact. The male chorus reciting the classical alaaps complements the traditional music while the harmonium heartily brings an ancient era alive – which tends to be dictatorial. Alka Yagnik is again splendid in her rendition and gets the chance to sing in a high pitch mode in some stanzas. This slow-paced song takes time to grow and that must be appreciated.

Main Na Mil Saku Jo Tumse is another number from the same mould – the same orchestra and arrangements have been beautifully used. However, this one will take some time to make its own way but it will! Malik comes with a complicated tune – with the use of a raaga. Alka Yagnik is at ease with the rendering because the raaga has been simplified for singing. The music follows the same path but the interludes are very Malik friendly. The simple chord progressions are a treat for music lovers.

Pooch Rahe Hai has a terrific musical start and the attraction is in the alluring voice of Alka Yagnik. Malik builds the song from the prelude with the apt use of the tablas and the male chorus. Alka sings in the low pitch and is amazing in the antara. The music and arrangements have been kept constant with the previous songs. Pooch Rahe Hai is situational at places but maintains the standard.


Ek Toote Huye Dil Ki is a short alaap where Alka Yagnik removes everything from her heart while the music backs up this suffering with a lethargic progression. Javed Akthar comes next in Foreword who recites a few lines about the history of Umrao Jaan.

”Unnis wi sadi ka Lakhanau, Hindustaan ki gangaa jamuni tehzeeb ka gehwaaraa tha. Lakhanau us tehzeeb ka dil tha. Aur us dil ki dhadkan thi Umrao Jaan Adaa. Magar sitam yeh ke, us dhadkan ke seene mein bhi ek dhadakta hua dil tha, jiski awaaz uske jeetejii kisi ne nahi suni. Umarao Jaan ki har ghazal unhi dhadkano ki sadhaa hai. Usi dil ki pukar hai.” – Javed Akhtar

Pain and suffering are heard in the voice of Richa Sharma in Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya;

”Agale Janam Mohe Bitiyaa Naa Ki Jo. Jo Ab Kiye Ho Daataa, Aisaa Naa Ki Jo.” – Javed Akhtar

The start of the song is mesmerizing. The song turns out to be a complicated one again but Malik simplifies it with his arrangements, which have been meticulously crafted. This highly orchestrated song also comes with a strong flute accompaniment, which just adds more musical value to the painful and grieving piece. The usual violins and sarangi are played in the background, while the female chorus is sweet. Richa Sharma uses her voice as a beautiful instrument throughout the piece. The shorter version by Anmol Malik (Anu Malik’s daughter) is truly memorable. Anmol shows a lot of potential in her excellent debut rendition.

Track record apart, credit should be given where due. Anu Malik is obviously instrumental in the crafting of such a beautiful soundtrack, but most credit should be given for concentrating on these areas:

Technical Side: Anu Malik has done a formidable job in sticking to a real orchestra and has selected his instruments wisely. The use of music softwares would have destroyed the whole melody. Some Indian music (exceptions exist) and melody are not meant to be played on music softwares. Malik makes the distinction and uses instruments that take listeners back to the ancient era. Even the violins were used differently! The tablas and sarangi were at the heart of Malik’s compositions and are always front and center.

Melody and Ragas: Connecting Ghazals with melody is not easy, as the scope to do so is limited. However, Malik manages to do just that. He injects melody into the heart of each song. There has also been use of certain ragas, which can be spotted in certain songs but hard to be described as it is too technical.

“It was important to understand the culture of the backdrop of the film. I had to read about it. I have used raagas like maru bihag, kaushiki and jogeshwari extensively for the songs in Umrao Jaan. It’s as if the songs have come from my heart.” - Anu Malik [Newindpress.com]

The m inus point tends to be the minimal inspirations in Salaam. Such lack of awareness is intolerable. Furthermore, it is outright inappropriate for him to stoop to such levels while composing for a remake of a classic film, whose music is its soul. Another deduction in points comes from the fact that all his efforts were allocated to the orchestration, while at times the melody of some musical interludes was clearly neglected.

On the whole, Anu Malik proves his versatility once again by delving deep into the classical and ghazal genres. There is no lack of direction or cohesion in the music and certain sounds that pervade the album are uniquely Malik. The soundtrack also has its share of beauty in certain songs, where others receive royal treatment above the standard. Javed Akhtar continues doing the same good job. Alka Yagnik is genuine in her renditions and her unique vocals are enough to sell the album. And it shows that she remains Malik’s favorite female singer. Umrao Jaan is a quality album for those who like a balanced soundtrack. This is a sincere effort conveyed by Malik…but there’s a little magic missing that could have taken this soundtrack to even higher grounds.


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( gave 0.5 more than me for GRACE) I guess?)

Audio Review : Umrao Jaan


Producer: J P Dutta
Director: J P Dutta
Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Arshad Warsi, Shabana Azmi, Sunil Shetty
Music: Anu Malik
Singers: Anmol Malik, Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Richa Sharma, Javed Akhtar


Anu Malik who has been lying low all this while, is back, and in what form! But his time of testing is far from over. When something is already the best, it is very hard to make it better. Likewise it’s very hard to compose music for the film and its soundtrack that is already a classic. Khayyam's 'Umrao Jaan' is the connoisseur of classical Indian music. And so comparisons are inevitable for this J.P. Dutta film, with Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, Shabana Azmi and Suneil Shetty in pivotal role and music credentials going out to Anu Malik and Javed Akhtar.

At the very initial, when you set out to hear the album, with high expectations, keep the comparisons away. Also let the reason for worry from the album subside, as Anu Malik has successfully created the sparks again. He has composed tracks that are simply awesome!

Alka Yagnik who has crooned most of the songs from the album, begins with 'Salaam'. A mesmerizing 'mujra' track that owes its credit to Anu Malik, Alka Yagnik and Javed Akhtar as a whole. The song has the appeal to touch one and all. The instruments like ghungroo, tabla, and sitar just sets the stage right for Alka, who delivers to her credibility.

After the classy take, another compelling track follows next. 'Pehle Pehel' is a gem in terms of lyrics and music. A love song with Alka Yagnik back to her best form, it is also accompanied by Indian orchestra and setting. Another worthy track of the album.


Third song in succession with flawless music, giving you the notion that this album is nothing less than a masterpiece. 'Behka Diya Humein' starts with a classical base that keeps you wondering whether it is truly a work of art of Anu Malik. The lyrics are like jewels, embellishing the music. This is the only duet of the album with Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik coming together with a dreamy rendition.

Alka Yagnik mouths Umrao Jaan's feelings for her love in the next song 'Jhute Ilzaam'. The song is of the best lyrical quality coming out of Javed Akhtar though the music carries a deja vu feel. Here credit goes to Anu Malik for making an album completely in sync with the feel and mood of the film that tells the story of a courtesan.

Carrying on with the mood of the album is the next song 'Main Na Mil Saku Jo Tumse'. The novel ingredient that sets the tracks apart from one another is also admirable here, with Alka lacing it with her vocals.

Another mujra track is 'Pooch Rahe Hai' which narrates the sequence as it progresses. Javed Saab conveys through his words the moments as Alka Yagnik renders the track with lots of feelings.

Richa Sharma comes up for the next solo track 'Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya', exuding pain and sensitivity. This is a situational track of seven-minute that’ll probably form a part of the background score.


Anmol Malik, daughter of Anu Malik makes her debut with another version of the same track 'Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya'. The rawness in her voice hints that she needs some more harnessing. The lyrics are different which sets the meaning apart from the former song. This is a much shorter version in comparison.

'Ek Toote Huye Dil Ki’ is a short, sad and slow track entailing the protagonist’s state of mind. Music is bare minimum and it’s the lyrics and rendition that is of more prominence here.

The album ends with Javed Akhtar’s piece 'Foreword' introducing the heritage of Lucknow, Umrao Jaan and her ghazals.

One of the superior soundtrack of the time and a superlative effort by Anu Malik, this is best way to sum up the album of 'Umrao Jaan'. Anu Malik’s prowess of music, Javed Akhtar’s magical words, and Alka Yagnik’s vocals creates the ambience of 'Umrao Jaan', transforming you to a different world altogether.


© Copyright 2006 by MusicIndiaOnLine.com

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