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.