Fairytales seems to be the flavour of the season. After Aladin‘s Bollywood makeover this month, the screens will be graced by Aao Wish Karein. The movie stars Aftab Shivdasani (Acid Factory), Aamna Shariff (TV’s Kahein To Hoga and Aloo Chaat) and Johnny Lever. Made under the banners of Mumbai Mantra and Rising Star Entertainment, Aao Wish Karein is directed by Glen Baretto (Jaane Hoga Kya) and is produced by Aftab Shivdasani. Aao Wish Karein is arguably inspired by the 1998 Hollywood film Big starring Tom Hanks about a boy who wishes to be big and his wish is granted, making him an adult overnight.
Music has been given by Ankur Tewari, Mike McCleary and Xulfi (of Pakistani band Call), while lyrics have been penned by Ankur Tewari, Xulfi and Danish Khan. The album has 8 tracks and features the talents of Kunal Ganjawala (‘Bheege Hooth Tere’ – Murder), Sunidhi Chauhan (‘Beedi’ – Omkara) and Xulfi (‘Laree Chootie’ – Ek Chalis Ki Last Local).
The fairytale comes true on 13th of November 2009.
The album starts off with Sabse Peeche Hum Khade, a delightfully sweet number sung by the man with the golden voice, Kunal Ganjawala. A contemporary track which is easy on the ears, ‘Sabse Peeche Hum Khade’ is well composed and equally well written by Ankur Tewari.
Reh Jaane Do, a beautiful sad number composed, written and sung by Xulfi who is fresh, innovative and immensely talented with an incredible set of vocals. Musically the track is fantastic as the violins and the cello take your breath away with soul-stirring lyrics to match.
Kunal Ganjawala and Sunidhi Chauhan head up Tum Mere Ho, a melodious romantic duet that warms up your heart in a second. Ganjawala and Chauhan’s vocals sound simply magical together and one cannot imagine the track any other way. Ankur Tewari and Mike McCleary compose a brilliant number that will make you believe in fairytales again, if you have fallen off the wagon. Tewari’s pens beautiful lyrics once again.
Xulfi graces us with his presence again with Kuch Aisa. Another amazing number from the talented band member of Call, who has also composed the number himself (the amazing guitar work has been done by him as well) and co-written the lyrics with Danish Khan, an ex-band-member of Call. The track soars to new heights just before the song ends with the uplifting finale and is undoubtedly the crowning glory of the number. The lyrics though slightly sad and hopeful, have something beautiful and optimistic about them and have been well penned by Danish and Xulfi.
Sabse Peeche Kyon Khade is a response to ‘Sabse Peeche Hum Khade’ sung by the incredible Sunidhi Chauhan who just oozes charm and oomph into the number. This track could have easily been a mere mirror image of ‘Sabse Peeche Hum Khade’ but Tewari just infused new life into it with a joyous and enthusiastic composition supported by the energetic vocals of Miss Chauhan. Lyrically, Tewari scores yet again with this well penned number.
Next is Sab Yahan Hai, which can be simply described as fun and games. Featuring music fit for a hilarious circus show, ‘Sab Yahan Hai’ is a fun-filled number sung enthusiastically by Kunal Ganjawala and well composed by McCleary and lyrical and musical extraordinaire Ankur Tewari.
Sabse Peeche Hum Khade – Reprise is a slower version of the original number, but do not think it is a bore. It is actually quite far from it. Kunal Ganjawala’s amazing rendition of this vocally potent number is out-standing and not to be missed. Tewari’s soft composition this time round for ‘Sabse Peeche Hum Khaden’ is simply beautiful and he definitely deserves another commendation for the lovely lyrics he penned for the number.
The album ends with Xulfi’s Kuch Aisa – Sad Version. Though termed as sad, the very short track is surprisingly uplifting.
In short, Aao Wish Karein, is a beautiful, fresh sounding album courtesy of the talented Xulfi, Mike McCleary and Ankur Tewari. It is easy listening and you will be hearing some of the sweetest sounding numbers of 2009. Xulfi’s ‘Kuch Aisa’ and ‘Reh Jaane Do’ are the highlights of the album followed by the various versions of ‘Sabse Peeche’. It is a must have for fans of Kunal Ganjawala, Sunidhi Chauhan and Xulfi. Arguably, it may not be one of those high-profile albums with the pre-release hype, but Aao Wish Karein is beautifully composed and equally well-written, and it definitely deserves a shot. Aao wish karein that many other music enthusiasts feel the same way.
