HAAN... MAINE BHI PYAAR KIYA

Director: Dharmesh Darshan
Music: Nadeem Shravan
Lyrics: Sameer
Producer: Sunil Darshan
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan

One of the most awaited films early this year comes in the form of Haan… Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya. Though the title may suggest a spiritual sequel to the Salman Khan hit Maine Pyar Kiya, HMBPK looks to be more along the lines of Dharmesh Darhsan's past collaboration with Nadeem-Shravan, Dhadkan. How does the score for this awaited movie turn out, especially when compared to Nadeem-Shravan's previous benchmark, Dhadkan?

1. Hum Yaar Hain Tumare:
One version of the title track starts off this album, and is sung by the favorite duet of Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan. Alka Yagnik sounds her normal self, but Udit Narayan sounds a bit more special, with more vibrancy in his voice. The music is typical Nadeem-Shravan fare, with simplistic beats and a nice, but repetitive, tune. The chorus used adds a nice effect to the main voices. The lyrics are well-worded and fit the main mood of the song quite well. The jazzy music intervals detract from the mood of the song, as it completely changes tempo at random times without building up to it.
Rating: 7.5/10

2. Zindagi Ko Bina Pyaar:
Nadeem-Shravan favorite Kumar Sanu returns after an absence in Raaz, this time along with a non-regular, Sarika Kapoor, who made one song appearances in Yeh Dil Ashiqana and Raaz. Kumar Sanu sounds average, with his voice getting a bit too nasal at times. Sarika Kapoor lends some able background support and humming, though her voice still sounds a bit too high-pitched. The tune is nice, and not too repetitive. However, the music intervals, like in the first song, are misfits, and detract from the overall mood of the song.
Rating: 7/10

3. Har Kisike Dil Mein:
A more upbeat song to add to the soundtrack, once again sung by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik. They both do well in their respective parts, as they usually manage to do. The English lyrics are apparently situational, and really should be done without. The background music has a more rustic feel to it, especially with the instrumentation. The tune is a bit repetitive, and, at times, sounds like "Mohabbat Ne Mohabbat Ko" from Ek Rishtaa.
Rating: 6.5/10

4. Teri Ankhon Ka Andaz:
The song starts off with a soft introduction, before the song builds back up into a normal love duet. Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik render this one well, though both of their voices sound a bit sadder than in the previous song. The instrumentation is quite interesting, which is one thing that Nadeem-Shravan are particularly noted for. The music throughout has a feel of being early-90s in feel, and less modern. The tune sounds run-of-the-mill, and nothing different from previous Nadeem-Shravan numbers.
Rating: 6.5/10

5. Hum Pyaar Hai Tumhare:
Another version of the title track, except rendered by Kumar Sanu, instead of Udit Narayan, along with Alka Yagnik. Alka Yagnik does her normal job in this song, while Kumar Sanu does a commendable job. At times, this song is quite similar to "Tum Dil Ki Dhadkhan" (Kumar Sanu version) from Dhadkan, especially at the beginning, and in some of Kumar Sanu's parts. The rest of the song is on par with the original, and, in fact, carries the mood a bit better (though, once again, the English intervals are unnecessary).
Rating: 8/10

6. Mubarak Mubarak:
A solo number by Udit Narayan, which seems to be sung at a shaadi. This is probably a song that will be used at the climax of the film, and the mood works well to convey that. Udit Narayan's sadness is conveyed quite well along with the background chorus. His delivery is equally as nice as the lyrics he delivers. The background music really lacks substance, until the end of the song, when it bursts into the main refrains of "Haan… Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya", where Udit Narayan renders his lines with the right touch of emotion.
Rating: 7/10

7. Zindagi Ko Bina Pyaar:
Alka Yagnik's version of the Kumar Sanu-Sarika Kapoor duet turns out to be quite the same. Alka Yagnik's voice sounds very nice when isolated, and this song is no exception.
Rating: 7/10

8. Teri Ankhon Ka Andaz (Instrumental):
As the name would imply, this is the instrumental version of the fourth track without the vocals to really support it. Unfortunately, since the original relied so heavily on the main vocals, the instrumental version sounds quite empty, if only because of the emptiness of the instruments used throughout.
Rating: 6/10

Overall Music and Instrumentation:
Instrumentation is one of Nadeem-Shravan's high points. Their innovative use of different instruments throughout works to really highlight the mood, and give a different feeling with each track. Unfortunately, music isn't as attended to. The songs work well enough to rest on the strength of the vocals, but they don't feel complete without actual background music, and, unfortunately, all that is contained is a simple, rhythmic beat to keep tempo.
Rating: 7/10

Overall Singing:
As is typical with Nadeem-Shravan albums, very few singers are used throughout. Only Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, and Kumar Sanu. Overall, they do a good job in their songs, as they usually do. Sarika Kapoor's vocals don't sound mature enough, but they have potential to be soft and soothing.
Rating: 8/10

Overall:
This soundtrack is very similar in overall feel to Nadeem-Shravan's previous "Dhadkan", but doesn't turn out as well. Special commendation goes to Sameer for his work on the lyrics throughout, which turn out to be a vast improvement over the typical lines he spouts out.

Overall Rating (Not an average): 7/10

REVIEWED BY RISHI J