Producer: Meghna Gulzar
Director: Meghna Gulzar
Cast: Tabu, Sushmita Sen, Sanjay Suri, Palash Sen
Music: Anu Malik
Singers: Asha Bhosle, Palash Sen, Chithra K S, Roop Kumar Rathod, Jaspinder Narula, Sonu Nigam

What do you expect from a combination of Meghna Gulzar, lyricist Gulzaar and Anu Malik? Great Music, isn’t it? So get ready to enjoy some of the great musical compositions of the decade.

‘Filhaal’ the first directorial venture of Meghna Gulzar deals with a lesser-known subject, surrogate motherhood. Sushmita Sen, Tabu, Sanjay Suri and Palash Sen play the lead characters in this movie. The music too is fresh and novel.

The album begins as the inimitable Ashaji quietly walking through the title track ‘Yeh Lamha Filhaal Jee Lene De’. This versatile singer’s voice complements the soft playing piano perfectly. Master craftsman Gulzar’s verses reflect the emotions of a mature woman. Anu Malik needs a special mention. It is a tough task to score music over the complex lyrics of Gulzar. But Anu Malik not only scores, but also boosts the lyrical quality of the verses with his musical arrangement. The instrumental piece of the same track shows the ingenuity of the underrated music director.

When it comes to somber melodies there is no one to out skill Gulzar. Just listen to these two tracks and you can make it out yourself. The first one ‘Waqt Ka Saaya’ has the vocals of Sonu Nigam and Jaspinder Narula. Sonu, who usually sings in a restrained manner changes his style and croons in a high-pitched voice to suit the mood of the track.

Next one ‘Dil Ke Sannate’ is another well written, distressing number by Gulzar. Palash Sen lends his voice to this painful melody. His voice rightly conveys the aches of the character he plays.

After these two mournful numbers the mood suddenly changes to festivity. ‘Le Chalen Doliyon Mein’ is the celebration of love. Here Roopkumar Rathod asks Chitra to let him hold her hand forever. The song starts with the sounds of bagpipe, sitar and shehnai. This track has Anu Malik at his creative best. His innovative music bowls you over. So does the lyric. You may not have heard such beautiful lines in recent years. ‘Ungaliyon Mein Pehanlo Yeh Rishta’, how else can you describe the purity of love?

‘Sola Singar Karke’ celebrates the arrival of a newlife. Jaspinder Narula croons this Punjabi styled song. This one sounds like two of the Anu Malik’s earlier compositions. It is the only let down by Anu Malik so far.

‘Kyon Baar Baar Ankhon Mein Karwat Lete Ho’ is a soft and silent track that sounds like a lullaby. Chitra croons this track accompanied by the sound of a soft playing piano. This soothing number flows over you like a cool morning breeze.

We reach the end of this beautiful album with Chitra and KK crooning the concluding number ‘Naya Naya’. It is nice to hear KK croon a romantic song after a long time. He usually gets to sing those intensely passionate sad tracks. Anu Malik once again comes up with a quality product. There are no words left to talk about Gulzar’s verse. He is marvelous as usual.
 
The music of ‘Filhaal’ like its theme is not easily digestible. They are not meant for every Tom, Dick and Harry. But those who love classy poetry and music can definitely enjoy this album. So why wait? Go and grab your copy!