The Kalinka-inspired Darling has an underwhelming rhythm…for such a mesmerizing tune! Usha Uthup and Rekha Bharadwaj make an incredible combo, but get their due only in the other version, Doosri Darling – the soundtrack’s magnificent highlight! This one gets an exciting and authentic Russian background, while Rekha’s vocals acquire a naughty edge. Vishal’s own vocals in Bekaran, along with that dulcet tune and Gulzar’s love-soaked sentences bear the composer’s standard style, but also a lot of Rahman. O’ Mama is very Amit Trivedi’ish, with its gradual build-up and rock riffs; KK rules this track and Gulzar stands out with his brilliant ‘Ek meow si Ladki’! Its acoustic version is a wonderful listen too! Master Saleem’s Awaara is templatized for most part, but for that haunting orchestration and a short sitar interlude. Tere liye seems to mildly invoke Eagles’ Best of My Love – this soothing, Suresh Wadkar-sung song is absolute magic in every sense. Dil dil hai enters Amit Trivedi territory again; Suraj Jagan does the honors in style in this incredibly energetic and catchy track. Rekha’s Yeshu is almost eerie, for a heartfelt prayer, but moves to an expansive chorus in the antara. Vibrant, delectable music from Vishal…yet again!
Keywords: Saat Khoon Maaf, 7 Khoon Maaf, Vishal Bharadwaj, Gulzar, Priyanka Chopra, John Abraham, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Naseruddin Shah, Irrfan Khan, Anu Kapoor, Usha Uthup, #200
