Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

Label: YASH RAJ MUSIC

Genre: Drama

Director: Karan Johar

Music Director: Shankar Ehsan Loy

Leading Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta, Shahrukh Khan

After the success of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham and Kal Ho Na Ho,  Karan Johar is back with one of the most anticipated films of 2006 – Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, featuring the finest from Bollywood including Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta, Arjun Rampal and Kirron Kher.

Shankar Ehsan Loy’s music with Javed Akhtar’s lyrics makes this sound track special.

The album opens with a soft but sad number, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, by Sonu Nigam and  Alka Yagnik. The beautiful lyrics by Javed Akhtar Tumko Bhi Hai Khabar, Mujhko Bhi Hai Pata; Ho Raha Hai Juda, Dono Ka Raasta Door Jaake Bhi Mujhse, Tum Meri Yaadon Mein Rehna; Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna outlines the tale. The notes of the Piano and Violin tug the heart strings.  Sonu Nigam's and Alka Yagnik's singing brings out the perfect emotions, making for a great title song.

The next song Mitwa, features Caralisa, Shafaqat Amanat Ali, and Shankar Mahadevan. The song is a mix of Pakistani/Indian style classical singing with a touch of the West. The number opens with Carlisa singing 'Love will find a way'. It is the first time I have heard Shafaqat Amanat Ali and I must say his rendition is very impressive. He has a great voice.  Director Shankar Mahadevan also joins in. The song has a great remix version later in the album.

After the sad and the romantic comes Where’s The Party Tonight, a disco number that is fairly danceable.  The number will be appealing to the youngsters, though it may not be considered a hit. Loy Mendoza, Shaan, Shankar Mahadevan and Vasundhara Das do a great job with the piece. This is followed by yet another romantic number, Tumhi Dekho Na, again by Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik. The song is pleasing and the lyrics are beautiful.

The final song in the album is perhaps the best offering. Rock N’Roll Soniye by Mahalaxmi Iyer, Shaan and Shankar Mahadevan may quite hit the spot. With a old time feel to it, I think it will have many of the uncles and aunties doing the 70s dance alongside the young Uns. Mahalakshmi Iyer is excellent and the piece really does rock.

It is clear that Kal Ho Na Ho was a big inspiration for this creation. Whether or not this becomes a super hit is to be seen but the track does leave a good impression.

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