Review - Jodha Akbar - Planet Bollywood

At long last! After months of delays and countless rumours, the music for Ashutosh Gowariker’s monumental Jodhaa Abkar (JA) has finally been released. As you will no doubt be aware, the epic portrayal concerns the life and times of the 16th Century Mughal emperor Jalaluddin Mohd. Akbar and in particular his romance with a Rajput Princess, Jodhaa. Never mind the movie, there has been just as much anticipation for the soundtrack but why all the hype you may ask? Well it’s all to do with the magical partnership of the Director / Music Director and their previous successes.

Based on the critically acclaimed Lagaan and Swades, no one can doubt that he (Ashutosh) has been inspirational in pushing the bar as far as Indian cinema is concerned. No stone was left unturned in these projects. So when it comes to producing the music, it’s no surprise that he turns to his favourite composer, the undeniable genius that is AR Rahman (ARR). Globally recognised as an inspirational musician, his work (including that of Lagaan and Swades) has often stirred widespread debate and criticism but to his credit, it’s mainly been subject to widespread praise and popularity.

To his fans of which there are many including this writer, ARR is the epitome of the absolute finest that Hindi music has to offer and has been for almost two decades now. Apart from ‘how does he do it’, the biggest question on everyone’s lips is ‘can he produce another blockbuster soundtrack befitting the undoubted quality and grandeur expected of the movie?’ Well listeners, I am delighted to say that with JA the answer is a resounding YES and the partnership of Gowariker / Rahman has delivered another inspirational score to resonate in your ears for years to come. Here is why…

As if to make up for lost time for his fans and music lovers alike (let’s face it his last soundtrack Guru was disappointing), ARR makes an immediate and quite mind-blowing impact with the opening track Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah. Bellowing horns and thundering drums commence proceedings for the introduction of our emperor Akbar and what follows is a remarkable background piece that portrays his stature, aura and power in 16th Century India. Whilst the horns and drums remain intact for the majority of the track, they fade intermittently with the introduction of several unique but incredibly crisp arrangements composing of instruments used in battles e.g. sword thrusts etc which, when combined into one harmonious tune, have the potential impact of taking your breath away! And then you suddenly realise the stirring vocals by Mohammad Aslam, Bony Chakravarty and Chorus but such is the impact of the music you barely notice their presence. Javed Akhtar’s lyrics are very suiting of the occasion. Suffice to say this is ARR at his very best and proves yet again why he is the master of periodic / thematic compositions, quite simply awe-inspiring work here!

As if one gem wasn’t enough the maestro then offers another in the form of the absolutely dazzling Jashn-e-Bahaaraa. This extremely addictive and heart-warming romantic number blooms with the sound of a sublime string based instrument (guitar variant). If the soft harmonic resonance created by this instrument was not bewitching enough ARR goes one step further and brings in multiple string instruments to add further colour and texture to the orchestration…at one point they all collide together creating a most joyous effect on the ear! The slow but richly soothing melody is underpinned by a delightful percussion which flows through your soul as if to relieve your inertia, leaving you to hit the repeat button time after time.

As for the singing, well it sounds very much like Sonu Nigam but if you listen closely you will surely hear what turns out to be Javed Ali’s finest performance to date (one that Sonu would have been proud of himself), his soft and subdued vocals a testament to his underrated talents. And how can one forget Javed Akhtar’s poetry? It will make you cringe in sheer amazement! This track is another winner all the way and a love song that is befitting of life, love and emotions of any century, any time, any place. That’s the true quality of this composition. It’s a timeless classic.

As is the case for many of his soundtracks, ARR always enjoys a bit of singing and has proved to be extremely effective behind the mic (Yeh Jo Des Hai from Swades, and Roobaroo from Rang De Basanti being two examples).

For JA, he sings with verve and energy for the next track, the fabulous qawaali based Khwaja Mere Khwaja. This lengthy track starts with the sound of a harmonium and a short verse recited by ARR heralding the presence of the emperor Akbar...suddenly the delicious and uplifting sound of an organ interwoven with strings sweeps you off your feet and ushers your thoughts onto a different planet altogether- can a qawaali based song really sound this good (and more importantly perhaps sound this good to a non-qawaali listener?). Well just remember if ARR has blessed the composition anything is possible!

The underlying arrangements are typical of any qawaali based song, strong tabla and harmonium but what makes it distinct and enjoyable is the fusion of melodious ‘alaps’ and hand clapping provided by the chorus that attracts your attention until the very end. The lyricist (Javed saab) provides for simple but attractive poetry. All in all, this is an extremely satisfying qawaali track (arguably the best since Allah-O-Ali from Thathatsu) and unquestionably another highlight of the soundtrack, ARR is clearly in top form here!

The opening of the penultimate track, Inn Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein, still sounds like the blooming Jashn-e-Bahaaraa from a few tracks ago! The soothing strings and percussion return for a second offering however do not be dismayed because if you give it time and effort, you will hear how it eventually blossoms into something potentially even better! Whilst Jashn-e-Bahaaraa was slow paced throughout, this love duet provides much more variety, energy and emotion, in particular listen out for the sudden upsurge in orchestration and the contrasting whisper quiet lulls. Sonu Nigam renders another emotional piece, proving why he is a favourite playback singer of ARR. Madhushree provides supporting vocals later and sounds talented. The lyrics by Javed saab are top rate as usual! Reviewing this track is like dissecting multiple songs that have been intertwined with a golden thread i.e. it sounds fabulous but you don’t know how the maestro has managed to keep its structure and melody intact. Nevertheless it sits proudly as one of the best offerings of JA.

The final track by the name of Mann Mohanaa is a situational song and definitely the weakest effort of the entire album. That’s not to say it’s bad, on the contrary; however it’s a notch or two below the benchmark set by the rest. Another slow and soothing number, this one relies on the catchy combination of the percussion and the tabla to give it melody and to lay the foundations for other instruments such as the flute to make an appearance. Bela Shende (last heard in Paheli) sounds like an accomplished singer but on this rare occasion the lyrics by Javed Akhtar are not up to par with his other contributions here. Overall this track is average by ARR standards.

The immense soundtrack ends with two ingenious pieces, Jashn-e-Bahaaraa (Instrumental), which concentrates on the flute and Khwaja Mere Khwaja (Instrumental) which highlights the oboe. These two tracks come with the highest recommendation possible and should not be disregarded. ARR’s approach to focus on specific instruments confirms his inspirational mind and attention to detail that is rarely matched by fellow composers. Each instrumental provides a unique alternative to the original. A must listen!

With only five full tracks, there was a risk that Jodhaa Akbar’s music would fall short of expectations and alongside all the delays; music fans were rightly getting frustrated. However the cliché ‘the best things come to those who wait’ is very fitting as the Gowarikar / Rahman dream partnership has pulled off another blockbuster score (after Lagaan and Swades). Let’s hope the movie can now pull it off as well!

In conclusion however it must be said that ARR triumphs where other composers have failed since his last major releases (Meenaxi and Swades); his JA compositions are magical, spectacular, invigorating and above all a wholesome experience you rarely get in soundtracks these days. When you cannot pick a favorite you know the benchmark has been set consistently high. Indian music has just added another soundtrack to its eternal treasure. I am sure you will join me in congratulating AR Rahman on his latest Magnus Opus which turns out to be an early but strong contender for best soundtrack of 2008 - more awards clearly await this phenomenal talent who simply never ceases to amaze!

Url for the Review is here.

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Song lyrics > Jodha Akbar > Man Mohana Man Mohana

Film: Jodha Akbar
Song: Man Mohana Man Mohana
Singers : Bela Shende
Lyrics: Javeed Akhtar

* Lyrics Start *

Man Mohana Man mohana
Kanha sunona aaa
Tum bin paun kaise chaina
Tarsu Tumhiko din raina
Chodke apne kashi mathura 2
Aake Basao More nain
Tum bin paun kaise chaina
Kanhaaa
Tarsu Tumhiko din raina
Ek pal ujiraya aaye
Ek pal andhiyara chaye
Maan kyun na dhabraye
Kaise na Dhabraye
Maan jo koi dhara
Apni rahon mein paaye
Kaun disha jaye
Tum bin kaun samjhaye 2
Raas Rachiyan brindavan ke
Gokul ke basi
Radha tumhri daasi
Darshan ko hai pyaasi
Shaam Shalone Nand lala Krishna banwari
Tumri chab hai nyari
Mein to hoon tan man hari 2
Man Mohana Man Mohana Man Mohanaaaaa Man Mohana
Kanha sunona aaa
Tum bin paun kaise chaina
Tarsu Tumhiko din raina
Jeevan ek nadiya hai
Lehron lehron behti jaye
Ismein man ki naiyaa
Doobe kabhi tar Jaye
Tum na Khewaiya ho to
Koi tat kaise paaye
Majdhaar rehlaye
Tu tumri saran aaye
haan tumri saran aaye
Mein hoon tumhari
hai Tumhara yeh mere jeevan
Tumko hi dekhon mein
Dekhun koi darpan
Bansi Ban jaungi
In hooton ki ho jangui
In sapno se jalthal
Hai mera maan agan
Hain mera hmmm hmmm

* Lyrics End *

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Song lyrics > Jodha Akbar > In Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein

Film: Jodha Akbar
Song: In Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein
Singers : Sonu Nigam, Madhushree
Lyrics: Javed Aktar

* Lyrics Start *

In lamhon ke daaman mein
Pakiza se riste hain
Koi kalma mohabat ka
Dohrate farishte hain

Khamosh si hai zameen hairaan sa falak hai
Ek noor hi noor sa ab aasman talak hai
(Nagmein hi nagmein hai jagti soti fizaon mein
Husn hai sari adaon mein
Ishq hai jaise hawaon mein ) —2

Dom tom tana nana dom tom tana nana.....

Kaise yeh ishq hai
Kaisa yeh khwab hai
Kaise jazbaat ka umda salab hai

(Kaise yeh ishq hai
Kaisa yeh khwab hai
Kaise jazbaat ka umda salab hai
Din badle raatein badli, baathein badli
Jeene ke aandaz hi badlein hai) —- chorus

In lamhon ke daaman mein

Pakiza se riste hain
Koi kalma mohabat ka
Dohrate farishte hain

Female:

Samay ne yeh kya kiya
Badal di hai kaya
Tumhe mene paa liye
Mujhe tumne paya

Mile dekho aise hai hum
ke do sur ho jaise madham
koi jyada na koi kaam
Kise aag mein
Ke prem aag mein
Jalte dono hi the tan bhi hai maan bhi
Maan bhi hai tan bhi
Tan bhi hai maan bhi
Maan bhi hai tan bhi

Male..
mmmhhmmm

Mere khwaabon ke is gulistaan mein
Tumse hi tum bahar chai hai
Phoolon mein rang mere the lekin
In mein khusboon tumhi se aaye hai

[(Kyon hai yeh arzoo
Kyon hai yeh zustzu
Kyon dil bechain hai
Kyon dil betaab hai ) —-2
Din badle raatein badli baatien badli
Jeene ke andaaz hi badle hain ] —chorous

In lamhon ke daaman mein
Pakiza se riste hain
Koi kalma mohabat ka
Dohrate farishte hain

Khamosh si hai zameen hairaan sa falak hai
Ek noor hi noor sa ab aasman talak hai
(Nagmein hi nagmein hai jagti soti fizaon mein
Husn hai sari adaon mein
Ishq hai jaise hawaon mein
Ishq hai jaise hawaon mein…


* Lyrics End *


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Song lyrics > Jodha Akbar > Jashn-E-Bahaara

Film: Jodha Akbar
Song: Jashn-E-Bahaara
Singers : Javed Ali
Lyrics: Javed Aktar

* Lyrics Start *

Kehne ko Jashan-e-bahara hai
Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai

Kehne ko Jashan-e-bahara hai
Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai

Phool se khusboo khafa khafa hai gulsan mein

Chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein

Sare sehmein nazare hain
Soye soye vaqt ke dhare hain

Aur dil mein koi khoyi si baatein hain

Kehne ko Jashan-e-bahara hai
Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai

Phool se khusboo khafa khafa hai gulsan mein
Chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein

Kaise kahen kya hai sitam
Sochte hai abb yeh hum
Koi kaise kahen woh hai ya nahi humare
Karte to hai saath safar
Fasle hain phir bhi magar
Jaise milte nahi kisi dariya ke do kinare

Pass hain phir bhi paas nahi
Humko yeh gum raas nahi
Seeshe ki ek diware hai jaise darmiyan

Sare sehmein nazare hain
Soye soye vaqt ke dhare hain
Aur dil mein koi khoyi si baatein hain

Kehne ko Jashan-e-bahara hai
Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai

Phool se khusboo khafa khafa hai gulsan mein
Chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein

Humne ne jo tha nagma suna
Dil ne tha usko chuna
Yeh dastan humen vaqt ne kaise sunai

Humjo agar hai gumgin
Woh bhi udhar khush to nahi
Mulakato mein jaise ghul si gai tanhai

Milke bhi hum milte nahi

Khilke bhi gul khilte nahi

Aankhon mein hai baharein dil mein khilza

Sare sehmein nazare hain
Soye soye vaqt ke dhare hain
Aur dil mein koi khoyi si baatein hain

o hoo Kehne ko Jashan-e-bahara hai
Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai

Phool se khusboo khafa khafa hai gulsan mein
Chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein

* Lyrics End *

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Song lyrics > Jodha Akbar > Khwaja Mere Khwaja

Film: Jodha Akbar
Song: Khwaja Mere Khwaja
Singers : A.R Rahman

* Lyrics Start *

Khwajaji, khwaja
Khwajaji, khwaja, khwaja ji
Ya gharib nawaz
Ya moinuddin, ya khwaja ji
Khwaja mere khwaja
Dil mein sama ja
Shaho ka shah tu
Ali ka dulara
Khwaja mere khwaja dil mein sama ja
Beqaso ki taqdeer, tune hai sawari
Khwaja mere khwaja
Tere darbar mein khwaja
Door toh hai dekha
Sar jhuka te hai auliya
Tu hai unalwali khwaja
Rutba hai pyara
Chahne se tujhko khwaja ji mustafa ko paya
Khwaja mere khwaja
Dil mein sama ja
Shaho ka shah tu
Ali ka dulara
Mere peer ka sadka
Hai mere peer ka sadka
Tera daaman hai thama
Khawajaji
Tali har bala humari
Chaya hai khumar tera
Jitna bhi rashk kare beshak
Toh kam hai ae mere khwaja
Tere kadmo ko mere rehnuma nahi chodna gawara
Khwaja mere khwaja
Dil mein sama ja
Shaho ka shah tu
Ali ka dulara
Khwaja mere khwaja dil mein sama ja
Beqaso ki taqdeer, tune hai sawari

* Lyrics End*

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Song lyrics > Jodha Akbar > Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah

Film: Jodha Akbar
Song: Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah
Singers : Mohd. Aslam, Bonny Chakravarti
Lyrics: Javed Aktar

* Lyrics start *

azeem o shaan shahenshah!!!
Farma ravaa
Hamesha Hamesha
Salaamath rahe!!
Tera ho kya bhayan, tu shaan-e-hindustaan
Hindustaan teri jaan, tu jaan-e-hindustaan
Marhabaaaa O marhabaaaa...... (whole twice)

Dheem-thom-tana na na dheem thom tana na na Dheem thom-Dheem thom!!!
Thik-da thom tana na na thik-da thom tana na na thik-da thom!!!Thik-da thom!!
Thinaka-thinaka-thinaka-thinaka dhom!
Dhanaka-dhanaka-dhanaka-dhanka dhom!
Dhina thom Dhina thom-
Jalaaluddin Akbar!!

Sab rang mann-ma
Tanha tanha
Khel hai tumraah
Har Har mann-ma
Ta ne na ta ne na....

Har rang tum hi
Mahaa valee hai
Is sum sum ki
bhanvar kali hai..

Chan chananana chan chananana..
Marhabaaaa -o- marhabaaaaa
Marhabaaaa -o- marhabaaaaa

Azeem -o- shaan shahenshah..
Marhabaaaaaaaaaaa

Dey ta hai har dil yahi gavahee
Dilwale hai Zille illahi
Aaon kahenge hum log idhar se...
galiyon galiyon... sonaa barse...

Chan chananana chan chananana..
Marhabaaaa -o- marhabaaaaa
Marhabaaaa -o- marhabaaaaa

Azeem -o- shaan shahenshah..

Tera Mazhab
Hai jo Mohabbat
Kitne Dil-lon par
Teri hukumat..

Jitna kahe hummm..
utna kam hai..
Tehzeebon ka...
Tu Sangam hai

Chan chananana chan chananana..
Marhabaaaa -o- marhabaaaaa
Marhabaaaa -o- marhabaaaaa

Azeem -o- shaan shahenshah..

azeem o shaan shahenshah!!!
Farma ravaa
Hamesha Hamesha
Salaamath rahe!!
Tera ho kya bhayan, tu shaan-e-hindustaan
Hindustaan teri jaan, tu jaan-e-hindustaan
Marhabaaaa -o- marhabaaaaa
Marhabaaaa -o- marhabaaaaa

Dheem thom baje baje dheem thom tu hai raja dheem thom
Dheem thom
Thik-da dhom balihare Thik-da dhom prajasaree
Thik-da dhom Thik-da dhom
Thanaka thanaka thana thana dhom
Yahan bhi wahan bhi hai teri dhoom
Dhin-a-thom
Dhin-a-thom
Jalaaluddin Akbar!

* Lyrics End *

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