JAANWAR (1999)

 

The year was 1999 and I started saving to buy the audio CD of an album that I was eagerly waiting for – Jaanwar. Being a true Anand-Milind fan, I just had to get my hands on the music as soon as it was available. Also, Anand-Milind had struck gold with their earlier collaborations with filmmaker Suneel Darshan (Lootere – 1993 and Ajay, 1996). But being a student, I had a part time job that mostly paid for my petrol expenses only – I finally ended up buying a copy in 2000.

When the first song promo of Jaanwar hit the tube a couple of months prior to its release (a common trend back in the 90s), Alka Yagnik’s mellifluous vocals filled my living room! Duniya Ki Tarah, Rasmon Ki Tarah, Waado Ki Tarah, Kasmo Ki Tarah, Mausam Ki Tarah Tum Bhi, Badal to na jaaoge. I immediately knew that this was going to be the best song of the album. I was wrong though, because the album had other gems waiting to enter our hearts in the coming weeks! The underrated, underutilized and immensely talented Manhar Udhas came into the track soon after, and the song was lifted to another level. Mausam reminded me of what geniuses like Raj Kapoor and Subhash Ghai did with their songs – grand orchestration, wonderful poetry and perfect vocals. To this date, the song remains one of my personal favorites. The track has three verses (instead of what most songs have, two), which makes it extra special.

The next duet Kasam Se, featured Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan, a combination that had yielded countless hits with the duo through the decade. The song was designed to be an instant hit due to its catchy tune and superb rendition. With Indian melody at its core, Kasam Se is a nice addition to your playlist.

Mera Yaar Dildaar by Alka Yagnik, Jaspinder Narula, Sonu Nigam and Sukhwinder Singh is another catchy song that distinguishes it from its predecessors in that, it has a faster rhythm and is essentially a dance track. Punjabi flavored songs are always a favorite and this one is no exception. I love how the four singers all managed to hold their own. Jaanewale by Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam and Ram Shankar depicts the pathos that the lead characters wish to convey.

Yagnik shines yet again in her only solo song in the album –Mere Sapno Ke Rajkumar, a song that has a great rhythm and some outstanding vocals. Once again, an Indian melody with a folk touch, the treatment given to the song works in its favor. Speaking of folk, Sapna Avasti makes an impression with Angoori Badan. I was intrigued to see how her husky vocals suited leading lady, Karisma Kapoor. But from an audio evaluation, the song itself is likable.

The last three tracks have the then newcomer Sunidhi Chauhan, beginning her association with the duo and she sparkles with my favorite song, Tujko Na Dekhoon To. Ably co-sung by veteran Udit Narayan, this is a beautiful song portraying the relationship between a father and his son. Everything about this song is heart-touching and remarkable – the strong melody, the poignant wording and of course the singing. I’ve sung this song on stage and to my kids, and I continue to do so to this day. Tujko Na Dekhun is not just my favorite song from the album, it is one of my most-loved songs. In a recent interview Chauhan pointed out how the song has finally got the recognition it deserves, having crossed a landmark number of views on YouTube. Fans have created several cover versions of the song as well, adding to its success story. Rishta Dilon Ka is another version of the song and although short, it leaves a lasting impact. Paas Bulati Hain is another beautiful track rendered skillfully by Alka Yagnik and Sunidhi Chauhan. A mother-son song, it is comforting and well rendered.

Jaanwar had some terrific tunes. It featured in the top selling albums of the year and contributed to the film’s success. A complete compilation, it featured romantic songs, situational songs, a sad song and dance numbers. Despite all its merits, director Suneel Darshan never collaborated with the duo after this film. But at least they can all hold their heads high with pride for what they did with this one. For me, Jaanwar is a masterpiece!