Ajab Prem ki Ghazab Kahani (2009)

‘Tu Jaane Na’

Singer: Atif Aslam

Album – Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009)

Composer: Pritam Chakraborty

This song opens with a chorus eerily similar to ‘Khwaja Mere Khwaja’ from the soundtrack of Jodhaa Akbar (by A.R. Rahman). That sing-along, deep throated chorus leads to a tabla infused beat over which Atif sings about love, and the not-so-literal distance between two lovers. The chorus repeats during the song with Atif’s characteristic alaaps, and the song tends to grow on you.

Verdict: A cue from A.R. Rahman or the classical influence of Coke Studio? Either way, good on Atif for having two songs in the same film.

- by Saba Imtiaz

Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009)

‘Tera Hone Laga Hoon’

Singers: Atif Aslam and Alisha Chinoy

Album – Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani

Composer: Pritam Chakraborty

‘Tera Hone Laga Hoon’ will undoubtedly be this season’s most popular love song. In a year where soundtracks as brilliant as Kaminey or as fun as Wake Up Sid have been released, the Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani soundtrack can’t possibly match up, but it does have gems such as this one. Atif’s raw (the common complaint is ‘OUT OF TUNE!’) voice is an interesting contrast to Alisha’s melodious one but this is a combination that works. (Even though Atif’s voice seems odd on Ranbir Kapoor, but so did Shafqat Amanat Ali for Shah Rukh Khan on ‘Mitwa’). This romantic ballad is sweet. But can we please get a respite from the trend of including English lyrics in a Hindi song? The English verses are ridiculous:

‘Shining in the setting sun / like a pearl upon the ocean / come and feel me / oh feel me / Thinking about the love we’re making and the life we’re sharing / come and feel me’.

Surprisingly, even those cringe-worthy lines don’t distract from the song. Kudos to Pritam for the excellent production on this song and to Atif on upping the ante after the hits he has delivered with ‘Pehli Nazar’ and ‘Tere Bin’. This has hit written all over it, and given the heavy airplay the saccharine video featuring the film’s stars Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif has received, it’ll probably go down as one of the high points in Atif’s Bollywood portfolio.

Verdict: A cheesy, happy love song.

- by Saba Imtiaz