Producer: Subhash Ghai
Director: Nagesh Kukunoor
Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Shreyas Talpade, Shweta Prasad, Yatin Kareyekar, Prateeksha Londkar, Girish Karnad
Music: Himesh Reshammiya, Salim_sulaiman, Sukhwinder Singh,  Amartya Rahut, Shriram Iyer, Kedar-Sarosh
Singers: Ravindra Upadhyay, Clinton Cerejo, Dominique, Kay Kay, Salim Merchant, Sukhwinder Singh,  Sunidhi Chauhan, Amartya Rahut, Amit Trivedi, Ramnarayan K G, Shriram Iyer, Vishwanath K G, Shweta Pandit, Sukhwinder Singh, Suresh Wadkar, Vinay Venkatesh

When great minds meet, something great can be expected! We’re talking about the film  ‘Iqbal - The Rampur Express’ directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. Needless to say about his talent as he has proved it enough with ‘Hyderabad Blues’, ‘Rockford’, ‘Bollywood Calling’ and ‘Teen Deewarein’. Backing the project is Subhash Ghai, the showman of India. Both of them spell quality and the latest production banner of Subhash Ghai strives at that. The names of established stars like Naseeruddin Shah, Girish Karnad and the special role of Kapil Dev also make the project one to look forward to. Shreyas Talpade plays the lead in the film that is about his ambition towards the game of cricket. All this and more makes one to wonder what the soundtrack will be like.

The album begins with the theme song ‘Aashayein’ in the spellbinding rendition by KK. The spirit of the song strikes a balance in his voice. The song is composed by the talented Salim-Sulaiman who again does a good work. The lyrics of Irfan Siddique are inspiring highlighting the base of the film that revolves around hope, determination and challenge. There is another version of the song that appears much slower than the original one and emerges fine again.

Hear the fresh sounding Ravindra Upadhyay who is making his foray into play backing after winning the rounds of Channel [V] super singer. ‘Aankhon Mein Sapna’ is a touching and revitalizing number and his voice does a perfect work to it. The slow and subtle feel is ear striking and it comes as a surprise form the kitty of Himesh Reshammiya. Lyricist Sameer has also done a commendable work with the words. An exclusive and beautiful track that is not worth a miss.

Another energetic and lively number on sports is ‘Mutthi Mein Hai Aasmaan’ rendered once again by KK. The track is catchy and has an optimism about it that makes it an outstanding one. Kedar-Sarosh scores the song with lyrics by Vimal Kashyap.

Producer Subhash Ghai exhibits his potential of writing by penning the lyrics of ‘Khelenge Khelenge’. Sukhwinder Singh does the singing and also composes the number. The track has pace and is loud sounding. It is again on the line and length of the film.

There is another version of the same song in a female voice sung by Sunidhi Chauhan. The energy is high charged and will surely trigger the passion inside.

There are many bonus tracks in the album that don’t form a part in the film. ‘Maula’ is an energetic number and is one of the best in the album. The song is a pick from ‘Om The Fusion Band’ and is rendered by Shriram. Amartya-Shriram composes the track while Indraneel pens the words. With the western feel and lots of punch, this is one number that is sure to keep you swinging. 

Follows another song from the same band ‘Tum Tana’. Shriram is again at the mike, this time singularly handling the music. This is another fusion track loaded with the merge of the Western and Indian music. Another great track to impress you!

Subhash Ghai again writes the lyrics for ‘Paani’ and is composed by Sukhwinder Singh. Suresh Wadkar after a long time can be heard crooning this number and steals the show. Sukhwinder Singh and Shweta Pandit accompany him. The song flows in Indian style and the melody is striking. This is another quality number that stands out in the recent times.

The soundtrack is optimistic and the positive flow of energy makes it an awe-inspiring one. All the composers and singers who are attached with this album have done a good work, splendidly working on the theme of the album.  The album doesn’t follow any norms and stands on its own, in its own space.