Hindustani no 1. Review on The Legend of Bhagat Singh Songs

A.R.Rahman is to me the Hindustani no 1.

However, its a pity that only in Hindustan (India) can such a gem of an album go underrated. Its not a surprise that even Rahman himself thinks of this album as one of his best.

For those who always sulk that Old songs are the best - here's something that will even make Naushad, Shankar Jaikishan and the likes happy.

For those who value real good music, here's something you will treasure for centuries to come.

Mera rang de basanti has for me raised the standards of Sonu Nigam. I am at awe of his singing here, especially when he sings the main line ''Mera rang de basanti chola''. Its just too good. Rahman has done exceptionally well to bring in the Punjabi touch (inspite of being South Indian - showing that music has no boundaries).

Pagdi sambhal jatta. To be honest, the first time I heard this, I thought ''Oh no Rahman, not this way''. But on the second listen itself, I was dancing to ''Tak tunu tunu''!! The surprising part is inspite of the pagdiwala pajji - Daler Mehendi finding good, catchy, punjabi tunes in scarcity; Rahman has struck upon such simple and tappy number. Sukhwinder no doubt excels in his home-ground style making this track even more enjoyable.

Sarfaroshi ki tamana.

Speechless.

Still speechless.

It has the music that deserves its place among Ae mere watan ke logon, Mere desh ki dharti, and any other patriotic song.

Hariharan and Sonu Nigam. What a memorable combination!! Though the vast experience and maturity of Hariharan's voice is largely apparant compared to Sonu's - no other singers could have performed this song better!

And to add to it - the beautiful Santoor, the soulful table - ah magnificient.

Just when the song's going to end - the faster chorus starts -''Khusboo banke meheka karenge hum aanewali har faslo mein....''...and one just wishes that this song never ends!!

Sarfaroshi ki tamana - ''army jawan version'' I call this version the army jawan version. Just because I feel that this is the ideal song to make the hearts go beating, the minds go patriotic and the blood rushing! Sonu has done a great job once again. This version is shorter than the first - but serves its purpose to the fullest in the film.

Desh mere Who could have thought that yet another patriotic song of such calibre is possible? And the contrast of Rahman's soft singing to Sukhwinder's energetic outbursts deserves a special mention. Sameer has done a wonderful job here ''Kafan Hum Baandh Ke Nikle Hai Azadi Ki Rahon Mein''. This is a song that all youngster's need to sing as a national anthem in schools! I can imagine all the school children getting their morning dose of partiotism with ''desh mere desh mere, meri jaan hai tu''!!

Mahive A romantic song in a patriotic film. Can it be good? To me, this is the second best romantic song by Rahman, ever. What a beautiful, simple composition! And to accompany it, a truly unique and pleasant table rhythm. Do observe the ease with which Rahman has the rhythm complementing the song - it sounds just perfect. Alka is at her best - and Udit shines in his small, yet powerful lines. Again, Sameer has done a great job with lyrics to potray the love of the heroine and the patriotism and duty of the hero. Just awesome -''mera watan hai mera dil, meri jaan''.

Jogiya Another romantic song? Another jogi like Taal? Ok..not as good as Ramta jogi from taal. But still way better than the K3G-short-lived-glamourours-overrated numbers. I will not mentioned much about this song - except that the rhythm is once again the highlight of the song and its nice on the ears.

The rest of the songs are really, really good. Though with such gems as above - I am just blinded by the shine of its light!

Rahman - thank you very much for giving us this music. God bless you. And may you keep giving us such songs - that take our present to such a future - that its is engraved for ever in the history.

--Yeh Apun bola!