Sohail Sen’s music impresses in ‘What’s Your Raashee?’ (IANS Music Review)

Film: “What’s Your Raashee?”; Music Director: Sohail Sen; Lyricist: Javed Akhtar; Singers: Aslesha Gowariker, Shaan, Bhavya Pandit, Sohail Sen, Marianne D. Cruz, Tarannum Malik, Rajab Ali Bharti, Bela Shende, Ashutosh Gowariker, Pamela Jain, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan and Madhushree; Rating: ***

Ashutosh Gowariker’s films are synonymous with A.R. Rahman’s tunes, but for his “What’s Your Rashee?”, which has Priyanka Chopra and Hurman Baweja in lead roles, the director has got on board a new composer, Sohail Sen - who has done a commendable job.

From fast pacy numbers to romantic songs to Arabic and folk tunes - Sen, son of music composer Sameer Sen, has packed interesting compostions in the album.

The film has 13 songs, one each for the 12 zodiac signs and one is a mix of all. The young composer has roped in the director as well has his sister Aslesha to sing.

The album kickstarts with a pleasing and soft number “Jao na” crooned by Sen himself along with Tarannum Malik. It is quite intriguing and the part where the song suddenly gains momentum works well for it. It will surely appeal to the younger generation.

Up next is “Aaja lehrate” that has vocals by Shaan and Bhavya Pandit. It is quite fast-paced and has western influences with English lyrics thrown in here and there. But the peppy number doesn’t stand out in the album.

“Bikhri bikhri”, sung by Sohail Sen and Marianne D. Cruz, will have a tranquilizing effect on you. A soft, soothing and melodious number, it immediately strikes a chord with the listener.

Then we have “Mannunga mannunga”. Director Ashutosh Gowariker himself goes behind the mike along with Pamela Jain to sing the song. But the track is unappealing and unexciting.

“Sau janam”, a love ballet by Udit Narayan, Madhushree and Sen, is one of the best songs in the album. A mushy number, it has a strong musical backing and stays with you long after. A great composition.

Next in line is “Aa le chal”. Sung by Aslesha Gowariker, it is nothing extraordinary. An average number.

“Pyaari pyaari” is another feel-good song with some amount of sweetness in it. It is crooned by Alka Yagnik and Sen.

Then there is “Su che”. Soaked in Gujarati flavour, it is sung by Sen and Bela Shende and is a fact-paced track. It was meant to be a fun song but fails to make a mark.

The next number, “Salone kya”, is a song with an Arabic feel. It is sung by Sen and Tarannum Malik. Even though the music is captivating, the lyrics are a big put off and take away the zing from the song.

“Dhadkan dhadkan” has edgy music with a strong musical backing. Once again Sen and Tarannum team up for the song that has a haunting feel to it. The number does impress.

“Pal pal jisko dhoonde” has influences of jazz music. A soft and free flowing number, it is sung by Sen.

“Koi Jaane na” is an interesting number sprinkled with folk flavour. A poignant song, it is sung very well by Rajab Ali Bharti and Bela.

Finally, there is “Chehra jo dekhe hain” by Sen again that is the title track of the film. The song includes samples from the other 12 songs.

On the whole “What’s your Raashee?” is a decent album, even though long. The budding composer has done a good job.