Holier than thou. Review on Banaras Songs

A powerful cast, a strong screenplay and a hardhitting story make Banaras a movie to be reckoned with. The ample recognition received by it at various festivals proves this. So, the choice of Himesh Reshammiya as its music director comes as a surprise. One would have imagined somebody along the lines of Ajoy Chakraborty or perhaps Ustad Amjad ali Khan. But Himesh does a good job.

With ample usage of instruments like jaltarang, santoor, sarangi and the flute he creates a beautiful ambience.

The nasal twang of Himesh has acquired cult status with all his songs becoming youth anthems. Kitna pyar kartein hain also seems to follow the same path as far as popularity is concerned but music wise it is in a totally different genre than what Himesh has sung till now. With this number he proves that he is not only an item boy, he is adept at singing all genres. In fact he sounds quite different in this sadness laced love song. He even manages to outdo Alka Yagnik who sings the female version of this romantic solo.

Ishq mein dil ko is also a memorable number for two reasons-one obviously the lilting and haunting melody and the second for the female singer. Himesh makes Sunidhi sing the Shreya Ghoshal type song so successfully that you actually recheck the credits to ensure that it really is Sunidhi. Sonu is of course at his melodious best and forms a perfect foil for Sunidhi. Both Kitna pyar and Ishq mein will transport you to a different plane. Your mind will conjure images of lovers rowing away into the sunset a la Rajesh Khanna and Shamila in Chingari Koi Bhadke (Amar Prem)

Rang Dalo (Sonu and Shreya) is so different from Do me a favour let’s play holi (Waqt) that it is difficult to believe that both are holi songs. Rang Dalo is more in the Jai Jai Shiv Shankar mould and as if the original version is not folksy enough there is another folk version of the song where Sonu teams up with Sailesh. Holi hai!

Then the album changes track and takes on classical and devotional hues. Shreya Ghoshal kickstarts things with Purab se a typical morning raga that makes you want to take a dip in the holy Ganges. In fact, this Shiv bhajan bathes you in spiritual fragrance and refreshes your senses.

Yeh hai shaam benaras ki, the title song is actually a benaras yatra where Sanjeev Abhayankar takes you through different facets of the holy city with his powerful vocals. It is a tribute to the oldest city in the world.

Baajubandh khul khul jaye is a pure Kathak number. Close your eyes and you can picturise Urmila dancing to this classical number by Pranab Kumar.

Though Himesh and Sameer have worked hard to give us a melodious album, especially one that is not their forte, one feels that this album will appeal to a niche group and not the masses.