Don’t miss the music of Sikandar (2009)
Not part of the current mainstream flashy fare, Sikandar is a drama that centers around a futbol-loving youth in the politically-charged environment of Jammu and Kashmir, and explores the tough choices he has to make in order to survive.
The soundtrack - which was a collaboration among composers Shankar-Eshaan-Loy, Sandesh Shandilya, and Justin-Uday - was a pleasant discovery, as it deviates from the generic sounds heard today, and features a few singers on rise. Here is a breakdown of the three songs that caught my ears:
Gulon Mein (Upbeat Version by Sandesh Shandilya) - KK
I’ve always known of KK but only realized his power when I heard Ajab Si from Om Shanti Om. Since then, I’ve paid attention and appreciated his work. Like most of the great crooners, he can rock the house with a dance song (a great example is the Kambakkht Ishq title song), and then be quite soulful in romantic ballads. This one is beautiful and showcases his talent very well.
Manzarat (by Justin-Uday) - Shilpa Rao
I first heard her in Saiyaan Re from Salaam-E-Ishq, but only took notice when I heard her in Khuda Jaane (with KK!) from Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008). This is a fun number, almost like Middle-Eastern tones spliced with modern guitar riffs and backed by Shilpa’s strong vocals.
Chaal Apni (by Justin-Uday) - Hrishikesh Kamerkar and Hamsika Iyer
You may know HK (who reminds me of Javed Ali here) from the very catchy Le Le Mazaa from 2009’s Wanted. HI was quite lovely in Chanda Re from Eklavya and Raajneeti’s Ishq Barse. Bringing them together on this track was a superb idea. With it’s undulating lyrics and cute vocal chemistry between the H’s, this is my favorite on the soundtrack.
Even if the movie goes unnoticed (and I believe it did), this soundtrack is worth a listen! Check it out here.
