Bliss in Melody

When the mind seeks peace and calm, there is nothing better do to but to turn to music. While there are numerous oldies which will spring up in mind, I’ve switched to the songs from the musicians of my era. Here are some of my absolute favourites – songs that might not have been chart busters but leave a mark, a permanent imprint on your mind, heart and soul.

Yeh Honsla & Imaan Ka Asar – Dor

When hopes are down and life seems a despair these two songs will lift your spirits to no end. Salim-Sulaiman render their finest. The music does justice to this beautiful movie and the entire story is summed up by these two songs.

My favourite lines here:

Zurrat So Baar Rahe,
Uncha Ikraar Rahe,
Zinda Har Pyar Rahe
Yeh Hosla Kaise Juke,
Yeh Aarzoo Kaise Ruke

Imaan Ka Asar is by far my favourite number of Sunidhi and Shreya. Sunidhi is the rockstar and Shreya the melody queen. Both immensely talented, have carved their niche in the industry and are currently unparalleled.

Jalti Dhup Me Halki Hawa Chal Gayi,
Mila Bharosa Yaar Ka, Ja Phir Sambhal Gayi,
Shayad Hai Ye Dosti, Ya Imaan Ka Asar
Aage Kya Likha Humko Kya Khabar.

Aashayen – Iqbal

KK is another favourite of mine. Be it Yaaron from Rockford or Tadap Tadap from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Most might think he has limited capabilities, but I think he is one of the finest among the new generation singers. This number brings a smile to my face at all times. When I’m feeling low, I just switch to this song on my I-pod.

What I felt about the song and the movie – You will need to wade through the archives here.

Piyu Bole & Raat Hamari Toh – Parineeta

In my honest opinion, this was the most melodious album to have come out in this decade. It was melody personified and took us back to the 60s and 70s when melodious music was at its peak. Shantanu Moitra and Swanand Kirkire gave our generation an album to be proud of. Each and every song is unique but these 2 stand out the most for me. Shreya and Sonu brought life to Piyu Bole – by far my favourite romantic number. 

Baanvra Mann – Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi

There is a longer version by Swanand Kirkire himself and two by Shubha Mudgal which are rather short and leave you longing for more. A lovely classical based number which narrates all about our playful, innocent, and carefree mind. Shantanu Moitra and Swanand Kirkire are the men behind this one.

In Dino – Metro

This one did not get enough publicity but in my opinion is the best number of ‘Metro’ cause Soham puts his heart and soul in this one.

In Dino, Dil Mera, Mujhse Hai Keh Raha
Tu Khwaab Saja, Tu Ji Le Jara
Hai Tujhe Bhi Izaazat, Karle Tu Bhi Muhabbat

Kholo Kholo – Tare Zameen Par

It may not exactly be a soft soothing number and does have a rock feel to it, but it is another one that cheers me up. It’s my favourite in the entire album. Especially these lines

Tu Dhoop Hain Jham Se Bikhar
Tu Hai Nadee O Bekhabar
Beh Chal Kahin, Ud Chal Kahin
Dil Khush Jahan, Teri Toh Manzil Hai Wahin

Maa – Tare Zameen Par

I’m not saying anything on this one, it just makes me cry every time I listen to it. Moms always know everything –

Tujhe Sab Hain Pata, Hain Na Maa
Tujhe Sab Hain Pata, Meri Maa

Maula Mere Lele Meri Jaan – Chak De

This one is a beautiful number that depicts the feelings of all average Indian Muslims - for they know no other motherland. It brings tears to my eyes every time I listen to it and I’m yet to figure out why this one has not made it to the list of patriotic songs of our nation. Jaideep Sahni and Salim Sulaiman have given us a gem to treasure for the rest of our lives.

Ek Lau – Aamir

This one shook me up the first time I heard it . It still continues to do so. It describes the effects of terrorism – why are innocent lives taken before they blossom, why can’t there be a world without borders?

Ek Lau Is Tharah Kyun Bhuji Mere Maula
Ek Lau Zindagi Ki Maula

Shilpa Rao’s rendition is haunting and does not leave your mind. NDTV played this song in the background in their tribute to 26/11 victims and heroes. They couldn’t have chosen a more apt song.

Khuda Jaane – Bachna ae Haseeno

KK and Shilpa Rao come together to bring alive a soulful number. Rare as these songs are in today’s hip-hop and fast tracks, many thanks to Vishal Shekhar for giving us this beauty.

Kuch Kum – Dostana

This too did not feature on many charts but is peaceful and soothing, and is rendered by another favourite – Shaan. I just love his voice. There is so much calmness to it.

Kuch Kum Roshan Hai Roshani, Kuch Kum Gili Hai Baarishein
Kuch Kum Lehraati Hai Hawa, Kuch Kum Hai Dil Mein Khwaayishein
Tham Sa Gaya Hai Yeh Waqt Aise, Tere Liye Hi Thehra Ho Jaise

Title Track - U Me Aur Hum

The reason why Shreya Ghosal is today’s melody queen. If you’ve listened to this one you would know why. The song touches the right cord. Let me be and you be the same, together let us be. I’m not a die-hard romantic – ask MDH, but if I were ever to dedicate a song to MDH, this would be it. The music is unusual, what else would you expect from a genius called ‘Vishal Bharadwaj’

Tum, Tum Bhi Raho, Main, Main Bhi Rahoon
Hum, Hum Bhi Rahein
Teeno Mil Ke Saath chale
Saathi Janam Janam, U Me Aur Hum.

Oh Chalo Yoon Jiye, Agar Main Na Rahoon
Ya Tum Na Raho, Hum, Hum Hee Rahein
Jaise Saaya Saath Chale, Saath Rahein Hardum
U Me Aur Hum, U Me Aur Hum,
U Me Aur Hum, U Me Aur Hum,

Yeh Tumhari Meri Baatein – Rock On

Did I just tell you all that if I were to dedicate a song to MDH, I would dedicate the Title Track of U,Me Aur Hum, well hold on, there is tough competition from this one here. Dominique Cerejo sings to the tune of Shankar- Ehsaan-Loy and does wonders to this beautiful number. The guitar in the background sets this one apart.

Arziyaan – Delhi-6

Though my favourite from this soundtrack is the title track, this number comes a close second. A reminder of A R Rahman’s previous numbers ‘Piya Haji Ali’ & ‘Khwaja Mere Khwaja’ – this prayer reaches out to everyone.

Arziyaan Sari Mein, Chehre Pe Likh Ke Laaya Hoon
Tumse Kya Mangu Mein, Tum Khud Hi Samjah Lo...

A lovely prayer to the Lord. The song is serenity personified.

Tune Jo Na Kaha – New York

Mohit Chauhan of Dooba Dooba fame has had one fantastic year with hits after hits beginning with Masakali, then Kuch Khaas, then Kaminey – Pehli Baar Mohabbat and this one from New York. For the sheer sombre mood and sadness he brings out, this one makes it to my favourite list.

Kya Karoon – Wake Up Sid

Clinton Cerejo took me back to the confused, lost, carefree days of college. Getting to learn about live, love and the crazy happenings that made us who we are today. I miss my engineering days – I miss my friends and the fun we had. This song takes me on an emotional roller-coaster ride yet again. My favourite line - Yeh Jo Pal Hai Yeh Nabeetein Yuun Hi Main Rahun.

Sigh I wish things came back to being the same again!

IkTara – Wake up Sid

And finally the song that inspired this post. This song blew my mind away. Kavita Seth reminds me of Shubha Mudgal and is simply divine in this song! Amitabh like he did in Ek Lau, lends a perfect support! Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have a winner on their hands.

I’m in love with this song, absolutely in love with this song. It is endearing, blissfully endearing and can bring only a cheer in your life, and a smile on your face.

P.S: So there, I put up some ‘new’ favourites of mine. I would love to know about yours. Go ahead let me know under the ‘Comments’ for this post.