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Viruddh: a unique soundtrack

June 22, 2005 14:11 IST

ViruddhAfter a sixty-plus husband and wife lose their only son, they embark on a disillusioned struggle against a corrupt system.

Sounds a bit like Mahesh Bhatt's Saaransh, doesn't it?

Directed by Mahesh Manjrekar, Viruddh features Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, John Abraham and MTV VJ Anusha Dandekar. 

Barring the first track, composed by Anand Raaj Anand (who also composed the songs for Jo Bole So Nihaal), this unique soundtrack is a compilation of mood songs from non-film albums. And what a selection it is!

Bhooli Bisri Yaadon Mein is a sad song about life and what it offers. Ajit Parak's voice gels perfectly with Anand Raaj Anand's raw albeit gentle melody.

Roop Kumar Rathod's baritone and haunting composition, Faqeerana Aaye (from Bazm-e-Meer) leaves a lasting impact. In true ghazal fashion, this beautiful rendition of Meer's classic verses tugs at the heartstrings. More poetry is offered from Meer's treasure trove in the heartbreaking and gloomy Gham Raha. Rathod's better half Sonali indeed does justice to this ode to pain.

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Morning, sunshine, and prayer -- a spiritual experience awaits the listener in the form of Kabir Vaani. Abida Parveen melodiously discusses the joy of renouncing the world for seeking God in this gem taken from the album Gulzar Presents Kabir. From the same collection, we have Pakistani legend Parveen's presentation of Bhala Hua Meri Matki and Saahib Ek Baar Mera Haal. Kabir's teachings find an expression in Parveen's soul-stirring vocals and Bhavdeep Jaipurwale's arrangement.

There is no one quite like Jagjit Singh. The ghazal maestro's versatility is for all to hear and take pleasure in Hey Jag Trata (from Ishwar Allah Tere Naam). This mellow bhajan sends the universal message of love and harmony. 

There is no room for flaw in Shankar Mahadevan's impeccable tribute to Lord Ganesha in the inspiring and devotional Sanskrit stuti (prayer) Shree Ganeshay Dheemahi (taken from the album Vishwavinayaka).

The instrumental piece Melancholy, created by The Violin Brothers, eloquently conveys the essence of Viruddh's theme. 

Clearly, Viruddh isn't a run-of-the-mill soundtrack. It is unique, poignant and meaningful.

Sukanya Verma