In the truest sense, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is an auteur. Few in the movie industry can boast of his vision. It’s no wonder then that he makes his debut as music director. Guzaarish is truly an experimental film and its music is no different. Mostly conversational and with minimal music, the soundtrack captures the essence of the film.
Tera Zikr by Shail Hada and Rakesh Pandit is probably the best instrumental song of the album. Shades of Sufi music with ‘ghazal-gayaki’ are apparent in this charming song. The lead track of the album Guzaarish is a brilliant composition sung by Kay Kay. The masterful utilisation of raindrops and radio renders it a classic touch. One of the most moving compositions in the soundtrack comes in the form of Saiba delivered by Vibhavari Joshi, Francois Castellino and Shail Hada. The album keeps getting richer with its vital, lilting music. Influence of Portugese culture is only too apparent here.
Kunal Ganjawala’s Sau Gram Zindagi is off the beaten track. The lyrics may sound silly and frivolous at first, but Sau Gram Zindagi has philosophic undertones. Udi in the vocals of Sunidhi Chauhan and Shail Hada reminds one of Maiya Maiya from Guru. Udi successfully captures the Spanish flavour.
Harshdeep Kaur makes an impressive singing debut with Chaand Ki Katoori. Keh Na Saku by Shail Hada sounds eerily similar to the other tracks in the album, and differs only in the fact that it is successful in creating a mood of romantic melancholy.
The songs are more inclined towards verse that’s fresh and expressionist. However, it could take a while before one gets ‘hooked’ to the music, as the tunes are anything but catchy or foot-tapping. These songs are more like quicksand, pulling you slowly into them if you listen to it enough number of times.