The Paki-rock elements in Bandya are outstanding – Khawar Jawad’s composition and arrangements are so well balanced with Farah Zala and Khawar’s own vocals, without being overpowering. The title song is poignant and Ammar Hasan’s voice carries Shoaib’s lyrics beautifully. Ahmad Jahanzeb’s vocals are captivating in the very sweet (thanks in large part to Lagan Band’s tune) Janie janie, the classical Tiluk Kamod and the bouncy Duniya ho. Allah hoo’s brooding, loungish fusion comes out predominantly because of its lead singers, Saeen Zahoor and Zara Madani, with trance-like arrangements by Khawar Jawad and Rohail Hyatt. Khawar’s other track, Mahi way has a genuine and painful longing in its tune with Faiza Mujahid’s English part interspersed with Khawar’s own Urdu lines, with seamless dexterity. The hopefully cheerful Hamaray hain by Lagan Band has an easy, guitar-driven melody that rings long after it’s over. If there’s anything worth nitpicking in this soundtrack, it’s the completely unnecessary Indian additions – DJ Suketu and DJ Aqeel’s dance floor remixes of Alla hoo and Bandya. Does Sony BMG really think Indians need these pointless extras to buy a CD? Khuda ke liye’s soundtrack is a brilliant assortment of songs from across the border – just grab it!
Keywords: Shoaib Mansoor, Ahmad Jahanzeb, Shuja Haider, Kami Jee, Lagan Band, Farah Zala, Khawar Jawad, Saeen Zahoor, Zara Madani, Rohail Hyatt, Faiza Mujahid, Ammar Hasan, Naseruddin Shah, Iman Ali, Larry Neumann Jr, Shan, Fawad Khan, Austin Marie Sayre, Rasheed Naaz, Simi Reheal, Hameed Shiekh
