Baghban Music Review

   Aadesh Srivastava must be a happy man. He has his dream come true with Baghban where he composes all the tracks of an his guru (as he fondly calls him) Amitabh Bachchan starrer, without sharing credits with anyone else (as has happened to him a number of times !!) To add to it, he also manages to convince the mighty B to sing 4 tracks, which he has never done in his 3 decades plus career so far !! Another highlight is the casting coup that reunites Big B and Hema Malini after about two decades (they came together in Satte Pe Satta and Andhaa Kanoon last !!). Salman Khan, who was added to the star-cast when he was at the rock bottom of his career, has now suddenly turned out to be a trump card for the movie, as he has emerged victorious with the heartening response to 'Tere Naam'. Mahima Chaudhary, who did a guest appearance with Salman in Tere Naam, plays his love interest in this flick !! In addition is the younger star-cast comprising of Aman Verma (PJPSNJ, Andaaz, Koi Hai), Rimi Sen (Hungama), Sameer Soni (China Gate, Kahan Ho Tum) and Nazir (Aashiq, Yeh Mohabbat Hai). Produced by veteran BR Chopra and directed by Ravi Chopra, Baghban (which means a gardener !), that has lyrics by Sameer, tells the story of parents who raise their children with lots of hard work, love and affection in the hope that one fine day, when they are old, they will get the same in return from their children. BUT, does that really happen?

 Starting with the numbers choreographed on AB (as the majority of them are), there are 3 dance tracks - 'Meri Makhna Meri Soniye', 'Chali Chali' and 'Hori Khele Raghuveera' !! All the three numbers are presently on the air and it is really difficult to distinguish as to which number outsmarts the other !! 'Meri Makhna...' is exactly how 'Soni Teri Chaal Soni Re' begins, which is sung by Sudesh Bhonsle (who, as always, does a perfect voiceover for Big B) and Alka Yagnik, who croons for still so gorgeous and refreshingly charming Hema Malini !! A number on the lines of earlier Aadesh hit 'Sona Sona' - Major Saab, it is a blockbuster from the very first note and destined to be extremely popular. But hold on !! This is not all as 'Chali Chali' and 'Hori Khele..' are soon to follow !! 'Chali Chali' is primarily a youth-oriented track where Amitabh literally lets his hair down and joins the young brigade in their celebrations. He himself sings this catchy number along with Alka Yagnik, Hema Sardesai and Aadesh Srivastava. The number is also elevated due to Amitabh's vintage dance steps. Even Aadesh sings his own version for this track in duet with Hema Sardasai and both do sound enthusiastic. Aadesh does his best and is honest in doing full justice to the number. Another winner for both Amitabh, Aadesh and the viewers !!

 'Hori Khele Raguveera' is, as the lyrics convey, a holi number snug by Amitabh, Sukhwinder Singh, Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan. Probably the only holi number picturised on Big B after the legendary 'Rang Barse' from Silsila about 2 decades back, it is superb from the word GO and is going to be played for times to come !! Sameer is wonderful in the lyrics department that are simple and witty and the choreography too is splendid. Add to it the excitement to watch Amitabh doing another holi number and you have a ace in hand !!

On the sober side, there is are 'Aarti - Om Jai Jagadish', 'Main Yahan Tu Wahan' and 'O Dharti Tarse Ambar Barse' !! Whereas the ever popular Aarti is sung by Udit Narayan and Sneha Pant, 'Main Yahan' is sung by Amitabh and Alka Yagnik whereas 'O Dharti' is rendered by Amitabh along with Richa Sharma. 'Main Yaha Tu Wahan' is a cry out of the pain due to separation from the loved ones and it is remarkable to see Big B doing an extraordinary rendering even at the age of 60 !! His selectivity in singing songs pays here and Aadesh has definitely succeeded in getting the best out of him. An excellent number it does have hints of 'Yeh Safar Bahaut Hai Kathin Safar' from 1942-A Love Story !! 'O Dharti', which is mainly the title song of the movie, is primarily a Richa Sharma number which is again a sad number !! Though situational, it brings a lump in the throat and conveys the emotions very well.

 Among all these good numbers is also the sole romantic song, choreographed on Salman and Mahima - 'Pehle Kabhi'. A feel good pleasant number sung by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik, it doesn't disappoint, though it is no different than any other regular Bollywood 'pyaar-mohabbat' number !!

To summarise, there is no single track in 'Baghban' that can be singled out to be 'not good'. All the tracks stand out as per the situation and do well. This is how an album should be designed and after years of struggle and trying to put a strong foothold in the industry, it seems that the time has come for Aadesh to get the recognition he so very well deserves !!
A MUST BUY.