MUSIC REVIEW: 'AISHA' SOUNDTRACK

Amit Trivedi Oversees a Soundtrack as Fun as the Film

By: Parimal M. Rohit

August 2, 2010

Another romantic comedy headlines the Bollywood box office this weekend, as Rajshree Ohja’s Aisha opens in multiplexes across India on August 6th.

Produced by Anil Kapoor and starring his daughter Sonam Kapoor opposite Abhay Deol, Arunoday Singh, and Cyrus Sahukar, Aisha features a fun soundtrack directed by Amit Trivedi. With Javed Akhtar providing the lyrics and the likes of Tochi Raina, Addit, Nakash Aziz, Ash King, Nikhul D’Souza, Neuman Pinto, Anushka Manchandana, DJ Lloyd, and Discreet (among a few others) lending their talents to the soundtrack, the Aisha soundtrack is a worthy listen. Among the recommendable tracks to pay attention to are “Lehrein” and “By the Way.” The two remixed tracks are also solid.

In all, there are eight tracks on the Aisha album, including six originals and two remixes by DJ Lloyd and Discreet. Already available in Bollywood-themed music stores around the world, Buzzine Bollywood recommends this soundtrack.

Buzzine Bollywood Score: 3.29* out of 4.00
*Minimum score of 3.20 required for recommendation

“Suno Aisha”
Time: 4:19
Artists: Amit Trivedi, Addit, Nakash Aziz, Ash King
Grade: B

The closest thing to a title track, “Suno Aisha” takes a while to get into. At first, “Suno Aisha” sounds like something produced on an amateur’s electric keyboard purchased at a local store, yet the track picks up momentum with each passing second, as the pleasant lyrics and relaxing melody more than redeem “Suno Aisha.” Amit Trivedi is soulful as the lead vocalist.

“Gal Mitthi Mitthi”
Time: 4:15
Artist: Tochi Raina
Grade: B

No masala film soundtrack is complete without a Bhangra track, and Punjab’s finest is represented by Tochi’s Raina “Gal Mitthi Mitthi.” A balance of traditional Bhangra beats and pop-infused thematics, “Gal Mitthi Mitthi” should be well-received among fans of Punjab’s most popular music genre. Tochi Raina is solid as the track’s sole performer.

“Sham”
Time: 4:44
Artists: Nikhil D’Souza, Amit Trivedi, Neuman Pinto
Grade: B+

Western audiences may listen to this track and confuse it for something from a 1970s Simon and Garfunkel album. Quite the simple melody, “Sham” places heavy emphasis on romantic lyricism perfectly complemented by a well-tuned guitar. By far the easiest track to get lost in love with. All three artists compliment each other well with solid vocals.

“Behke Behke”
Time: 3:43
Artist: Anushka Manchanda, Samrat Kaushal, Raman Mahadevan, Robert Omulo, Suman Sridhar
Grade: C

“Behke Behke” might be best served if it were on the soundtrack of a low-budget Eastern European film instead of a big-budget Bollywood production. While a well-intentioned melody, it is hard to find any sort of fun groove with “Behke Behke.”

“Lehrein”
Time: 4:50
Artists: Anusha Mani, Neuman Pinto, Nikhil D’Souza
Grade: A

By far the most heartfelt melody of the soundtrack, “Lehrein” is a bastion of what romantic tunes should sound like. A perfect blend of beautifully soft lyrics and refreshingly mind-blowing melodic tunes, “Lehrein” is a joyous melody that is as exquisite as it is delightfully mesmerizing.

“By the Way”
Time: 3:31
Artists: Anushka Manchanda, Neuman Pinto
Grade: A-

Clearly a Western-influenced track, “By the Way” is fun and entertaining. In Hollywood, a track like this might just be found on the soundtrack of a film starring Miley Cyrus, but in Bollywood, this track has enough pep and energy to make it a signature (and memorable) tune. Anushka Manchanda delivers a soulful performance.

“Gal Mitthi Mitthi” (The Bombay Bounce Dhol Mix)
Time: 4:01
Artists: Tochi Raina, DJ Lloyd, Discreet
Grade: B+

If the original leaned toward traditional Bhangra, then DJ Lloyd’s Bombay Bounce Dhol remix of “Gal Mitthi Mitthi” is what the genre has become in urban centers outside of Punjab — a pop-infused style of music geared toward the younger nightclub-hitting audiences. Indeed, the “Gal Mitthi Mithi” remix is Pop-Bhangra, but that is not a bad thing. Many will surely have fun listening to this remixed melody.

“Lehrein” Remix (The Bombay Bounce Lounge Mix)
Time: 4:45
Artists: Anusha Mani, Neuman Pinto, Nikhil D’Souza, DJ Lloyd, Discreet
Grade: A

DJ Lloyd and Discreet took a great original track in “Lehrein” and maintained all of its soul, beauty, and romantic charm in this Bombay Bounce Lounge remix. While most of the track is similar to the original, the edgy lounge-like elements are infused throughout the softly romantic melody. This track is ideal to listen to at the end of a stressful day.