As the world is grappling under the Coronavirus pandemic, there are many people who want to do many things but are trapped as they can’t step out of their homes. The impending uncertainty of what to expect in the coming days and how soon this pandemic can go away still bothers everyone in some form or the other. In times like this, we all need the power of music to help us smoothly battle lockdown blues.
AR Rahman’s music has the ability to calm, heal and help us overcome any hurdle. It is that soulful and definitely magical. Back in 2011, when ‘Rockstar’ released to mixed reviews, I being a huge Imtiaz Ali fan myself was a bit confused after watching the movie, I didn’t know whether to appreciate Ranbir’s acting or feel let-down by the randomness of the screenplay. But that was also a sign that there is something working in the movie as no movie of this director apart from ‘Jab We Met’ can be loved by everyone after the first viewing.
I was unable to comprehend Jordan and his character arc. But only when I saw it recently on TV did this movie hit me. So profound was the impact it made on me that It probably remains my favourite movie of Imtiaz along with ‘Tamasha’.
Kudos to Ranbir Kapoor for pulling off such varied characters like Jordan and Ved so beautifully! He literally lives and breathes both the characters and every emotion he goes through is clearly visible for the audiences.
But one thing that still remains is the freshness and purity of the album, the magic created by none other than ARR. With A. R. Rahman's out-of-this-world music and Irshad Kamil's profound lyrics, no wonder the album created waves and continues to do so. This was a coming together of two creative power-houses Imtiaz Ali and ARR and I was keen to listen to the output.
Jordan's journey, from his anguish to his fearless conviction, everything was conveyed beautifully through the film's songs. Mohit Chauhan was the heart and soul of this scintillating album and he was so convincing as the voice of Jordan!
The first ARR- Imtiaz collaboration was the album that captures a multitude of emotions so brilliantly. The emotions felt by Jordan could well be what many of us would be feeling off late. My mind goes back to ‘Rockstar’ and its magic.
The album had fourteen songs including 2 stirring instrumentals. What sets this apart from many other ARR albums that I personally feel should have won the Oscars is the fact that almost every song from this classic has a relatability factor to them (Probably Rang De Basanti comes closest for an ARR Hindi album).
I remember my brother getting the CD for this and we were excited and thrilled as it was another ARR album to discover. And this album released in close proximity to two other ARR specials- ‘Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya’ and ‘Enthiran’ and still we were reeling from it’s after effects.
We were still decoding and discovering facets of both those albums and were thoroughly enjoying the process. But ARR didn’t relent, as he dropped another album which easily is among his best work till date. It made both of us forget his other work and concentrate on the soundtrack of ‘Rockstar’.
I had read reports online about ‘Rockstar’ and knew that it was a journey of a singer/Rockstar, so personally exceptions shot up to a different stratosphere. Thankfully, we had not hit the singles era yet (nowadays every album release singles that ruins the experience of listening to a new album, especially if it’s composed by AR Rahman). So once the audio started playing from the sound system, I was blown away and I still haven’t got over the effect of those tunes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kOzFMR9Hys
‘Jo Bhi Main’, ‘Phir Se Ud Chala’ and ‘Nadaan Parindey’ is directly in Imtiaz Ali territory- Jordan questioning his existence, his self-worth and reflecting on his deeds. The mesmerizing lyrics by Irshad Kamil in these songs made me his fan and I continue to appreciate his work and look forward to his lyrics especially when he teams up with his close friend and film-maker Imtiaz Ali.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RDI9CMilhk
‘Kun Faaya Kun’, ‘Tum Ho’ and ‘Tum Ko’ deal with Jordan seeking solace and doing lot of soul searching. For people seeking solace and a way out of their grief or if someone is missing someone, their loved ones in times of lockdown, let ARR help you feel you less worried.
These are the songs that attain a different meaning in times when one questions what we are doing and what we want to do in life. Such immersive lyrics that anyone listening to these songs will get transported into the pain and plight of Jordan. The power of spirituality and music at its outstanding best!
Just when I thought this album was only deep and emotional, ARR springs a surprise on us, as there are three lighter songs that are equally effective. ‘Katiya Karun’, ‘Haawa Haawa’ and ‘Sheher Main’ bring out the spunk and naughtiness in Jordan and also shall we say ARR as in this album, Jordan and ARR are almost intertwined. The variations in the singing in each song, especially Mohit in ‘Haawa Haawa’ make them so good and refreshing to hear!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W1hGx5CChI
But the two songs that I would go on to proclaim as among the best songs I have heard from ARR for Bollywood and that are extremely close to my heart for the impact the songs still create, that manages to effortlessly express and bring out the angst and passion of Jordan out in the open so magnificently are ‘Sadda Haq’ and ‘Aur Ho’.
Scintillating, goose bumps inducing stuff from ARR where it’s almost as if he is almost daring the listeners to get over these songs without not getting affected by them. That’s still not happened and I have listened to them so many times that I have lost count. The electrifying guitar from Sadda Haq still send shivers down my spine!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTQVG5rSMkQ
If there were any doubts about Mohit Chauhan the singer or Ranbir Kapoor as a performer, this album should shatter any such doubts. In times when everyone is caged and confined within the four walls of their homes and many people are contemplating how to spend their time, let ARR-Mohit Chauhan take you on a journey, one that would be enriching, joyful and which will prove therapeutic!!
“I hear music when I close my eyes. When I open my eyes, the music does not go away. I often can’t follow the words that people speak, but I get the music of their soul. It’s good that way, because words can lie but music cannot. Pleasant or disturbing, music is always the truth.” These deep and thought-provoking words define the magic of Rockstar!!
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