Shirish Kunder’s directorial debut, ‘Jaan-E-Mann’ (2006) was marketed as a type of movie that had never been made before, even in Hollywood. Anu Malik had a reputation for giving his best to Sajid Nadiadwala since his ‘Judwaa’ (1997) days. In fact, Nadiadwala was one of the few producers who supported Malik till ‘Kambakkht Ishq’ (2009). He also has a good professional rapport with Farah Khan, who is the wife of debutant director Shirish Kunder.
Anu Malik, the composer who gave the late Mohd. Rafi two of the finest songs in the last leg of his career in ‘Poonam’ (1981), namely “Aa Zara Mere Hamnasheen” and “Ahista Ahista”, had given Sonu Nigam three soulful melodies in ‘Jaan-E-Mann’: “Hum Ko Maaloom Hain”, “Ajnabi Sehar” and “Sau Dard”. Interestingly, Sonu Nigam sings all three songs in the Rafinesque style.
Malik has always favoured Alka Yagnik, who had given the responsibility of singing one of his most precious compositions, “Hum Ko Maaloom Hain” to Sadhna Sargam. Malik had also given gems to Alka Yagnik in ‘Umrao Jaan’ (2006).
‘Indian Idol’ contestants of that time, Rahul Vaidya, Amit Sana, Monali Thakur and Prajakta Shukre finally sing together in the song “Kubool Kar Le”. Two talented singers turned music directors, Adnan Sami and Sukhwinder Singh are back in the Malik camp as singers after some time.
“Humko Maloom Hai” is a genuinely touching and intense piece that combines different moods, resulting in a long and rhythmic track that sticks in your subconscious. Malik goes sophisticated with the music and displays a complete grasp of his work. The strength of the music lies in the magnificent collage of the different situational musical pieces. The way he has translated his ideas to a full orchestra sweeps away your expectations. Sonu Nigam is splendid in his rendition and shows his versatility once again. His efforts in singing the ‘antara’ in high pitch clearly display how far he can go with his vocal chords. Sadhna Sargam is excellent.
“Jaane Ke Jaane Na” is a song that has all the ingredients for a successful qawwali: high pitch rendering, grand orchestra, energetic chorus, catchy tune and electrifying music. This is smashing stuff. It’s an in and out Malik number. Sonu Nigam never fails with such compositions and sounds like Malik himself in some parts. Sukhwinder Singh is back and doesn’t disappoint either. Krishna is effective as always with the high pitch renditions.
“Ajnabi Seher” is a reflection of the distressful and lonesome journey in life without a lover, as portrayed in the poetry of Gulzar. A mature and passionate composition by Malik, dominated by the flute with the piano in the background, played with soul. Sad strings and melancholic music subtly back the orchestration. The song progresses into a sweet and lovely lullaby with the right touches on the guitar. The new array of sound effects, instruments and samples Malik uses give the track all its essential musical vitamins to make it sound fresh and pleasing. “Ajnabi Sehar” is a delightful piece that takes you through the ups and downs of this complicated, yet fun life.
“Sau Dard” is a song with a melody that is arranged for electronic instrumentation, bringing the soundtrack back to the quiet synthesiser work from the masterpiece ‘Asoka’ (2001). A digital, intense and thoroughly brilliant piece of music. Feelings and emotions are felt and this is where the song tries to reach. Deep meanings in the lyrics beautify the piece. Gentle beats in the background and some new sounds complement the song.
“Udh Jaana…Bro” is a fast-paced dance number with a furious tempo, similar to songs like “O O Jaane Jaana” from ‘Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya’ (1998) and “Aisa Pehli Baar Hua Hai” from ‘Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega’ (2000). The track is situational where Kunal Ganjawala, Sunidhi Chauhan, Adnan Sami and Earl D’Souza use up all their energy in rendering the song. Equipped with rap and classical Indian pieces, the track also has some guitar work blending with the lively chorus. “Udh Jaana…Bro” is a fun number to be enjoyed.
“Kubool Kar Le” is a song with Udit Narayan’s introductory lines from “Sanam Tum Humpe Marte Ho” and Rahul Vaidya, Amit Sana, Monali Thakur and Prajakta Shukre rendering the stanza “Kubool Kar Le” in a style that is surprisingly similar to “Nach Baliye”. The song carries the same exact beats of “Jump Around” from ‘House Of Pain’ (1992). Still Malik makes it catchy and infectious. The children’s chorus is sweet. “Kubool Kar Le” is mainly situational but it rocks.
‘Jaan-E-Mann’ is a must-have album for fans of Anu Malik and lovers of melody.
Rating: 3/5
