Director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan revealed at the music launch of Anamika The Untold Story, that his wish list for the film included composer Anu Malik. Mahadevan was looking for music that would be high on melody and be popular at the same time. He could not think of anyone better than Malik, who has created some very popular music for films like Baazigar and Border. His wish was granted and the music album of Anamika sees lyricist Sameer and Malik coming together to create music that is easy on the ears and catchy at the same time, vintage Malik, one could say.
The album opens with Shaan crooning 'Shagufta Dil'. The number has a remixed version as well. This number packs quite a punch. It is very interestingly written by Sameer and its music is catchy. The extra punch is added by Shaan's rendition. The song receives an extra dose of zing in the hands of Jatin Sharma, who remixes the song. Shaan continues his foray into the album with the second song as well. Titled 'Aashiqui,' the song sees Shaan at his best. The number is romantic in tone and has a very hummable quality to it. One can easily see this song doing exceptionally well as it seems to have all the ingredients of a hit number.
Malik seems to have reserved his best for Sunidhi Chauhan. The first number that she sings in this album is 'Aayo Re', which has a remixed version as well. The number begins with the famous 'kesariya balaam padharo mare des', a Rajasthani folk number (The film is supposed to be set in Rajasthan.). It has been sung with great feeling and precision by Sunidhi, keeping all the classical nuances intact. Malik manages to retain the folk flavour of 'kesariya balaam' and yet manages to give it a very contemporary tweak. The remixed version which appears first, is definitely going to create a wave at the dance floors. It's the beats that Malik adds to this traditional number that gives it a flavour that is very 'today.' This is one of those remixed versions which really works very well. And it won't be a surprise if this version works better than the original.
The original version, also sung by Sunidhi, is definitely one of the highlights of this album. It begins with a semi classical rendition of 'kesariya' before the song melts into the number titled ' Aayo Re'. Sunidhi easily moulds her voice into both styles effortlessly and gives a flawless rendition. It is definitely one of the better numbers sung by Sunidhi.
Anu Malik lends his voice as well to a number called 'Saath.' It is a duet which Malik sings along with Sunidhi. This number too has a remixed version. Like the other numbers in this album, this number, without being or sounding exceptional, has a very peppy feel to it and is definitely easy on the ears.
'Laagee Laagee,' sung by Sunidhi and Krishna brings up the end of the album. It has a very quiet beginning with the tempo gradually building up. The underlying beat of the song is quite catchy, and the number, which has been exceptionally well written, manages to capture the emotion of love, without sounding too mushy or overly sentimental. In fact, it is the use of beats and rhythm in the song which manages to give it the contemporary tweak. The actual words and style of this song are very quaintly old fashioned with a liberal use of words like 'chand chakor' and 'bairi zamana.' But it is creditable, the manner in which Malik moulds this seemingly old fashioned song and renders it contemporary.
The music of Anamika has everything that one would expect from Anu Malik. The numbers are, without exception, all very tuneful and make for very easy listening. The music is bound to catch on as it has both melody and contemporary beats. Both Shaan and Sunidhi do an excellent job with their respective numbers. In fact, there are more than a couple of numbers from this film which should figure prominently on the popularity charts. Kudos to Anu Malik for a job done very well. A word here for lyricist Sameer, without whose lyrics there would have been no room for Malik to create his magic. Anamika's musical album is definitely a winner.
