Pritam seems to have become the Punjabi specialist of Bollywood. After his successful jaunt with 'Singh Is King', followed by the recent 'Love Aaj Ka', the composer seems to have become the latest 'Bhangra guru' of Hindi films. Yash Raj Films get him to repeat the flavour with their latest offering 'Dil Bole Hadippa'. The film's value has shot up considerably in recent times and it is not because of the presence of Rani Mukherjee. The recent success of Vishal Bhardwaj's 'Kaminey' has catapulted its hero Shahid Kapur among the front rank of heroes in the industry. His rise started with Imtiaz Ali's 'Jab We Met', but it took a 'Kaminey' to really establish him as an actor of repute. Today, Shahid has truly come of age as an actor and his presence in 'Dil Bole Hadippa' should work to Yash Raj's benefit as well. Let's face it, even Rani needs a good hit desperately to keep her career afloat and 'Kaminey' could not have happened at a better time.
Coming back to 'Dil Bole Hadippa', the film's music is soaked in the Punjabi flavour but there is just one grouse that one has against its music and that is its lack of variety. While there is no taking away from the fact that the music is authentic, robust, energetic but it is more of a play on rhythm and less on melody. And most of the tracks in the film's album just seem to reinstate that fact. All the numbers are of a certain type, hence there is hardly anything different from one number to the other. But on the plus side, it has verve, is vibrant, and should make for excellent viewing as well. This Anurag Singh directed movie sees Jaideep Sahni pitching in with lyrics for Pritam to work his magic on. There are five original tracks in the album and two remixes. One of the most outstanding things about this album is the innovative lyrics that have been penned by Sahni. Just check out the numbers, you have a 'bhangra bistar', a 'gym shim' and a 'discowale khisko'!
The album begins with the best number of all, 'Hadippa' which is sung with real verve by Mika. It kind of sets the tone for what is to follow. The music is steeped in authentic Punjabi sounds and Pritam is bang on target with his choice of singer. Mika is perfectly suited for the job and he gives a flawless rendition. The phrase, 'Hadippa' makes this song extremely catchy.
This number has been remixed excellently by Sandeep Shirodkar, who brings in Sunidhi Chauhan to give Mika company. This is one of those rare remixes which does not just stop at adding beats to the original. Shirodkar adds his bit to the number and only serves to enhance the song's catchy quotient.
The high energy tone is reflected in the second song, 'Discowale Khisko' as well which has been sung by KK, Sunidhi Chauhan and Rana M. The mood is celebratory with all the trademark dhols and fast beats being roped in to create the right mood. Sunidhi is well supported by KK and Rana and the trio do a great job of keeping the momentum initiated by Mika going. It has been remixed by Abhijeet Vaghani and sung by Master Salim. In the hands of Vaghani, the number seems to become even peppier.
The mood seems to turn a little mellow with the third number, 'Ishq Hi Hai Rab,' which has Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal singing a soft, romantic number. Both are class singers and do a wonderful job with this song as well. However, Pritam stays consistent with his brief in this number as well and the robust Punjabi flavour is evident in this number too.
The next number has a title which really gets you thinking if it is actually coming from the Yash Raj banner. The name 'Bhangra Bistar,' has one slightly unsure of what to expect. But rest assured, the good natured lyrics of the number should set one at rest. The number is all woman outfit with Sunidhi joining ranks with Alisha Chinoy for a number which is extremely catchy and very enjoyable. Hard Kaur chips in with the rap stuff and keeps the mood going.
The final song in this album is 'Gym Shim' which is composed and sung by Joshilay. It rounds up the Punjabi tadka served up by Pritam. There is little that one can add about this song, as it seems to be cast in the same colours as the rest of the songs in this album. The energy levels are high in this number and its most outstanding feature is actually its innovative lyrics. Sahni has indeed done a superb job in this album.
At the end of the day, 'Dil Bole Hadippa' is definitely not Pritam's best in the Punjabi genre. He has delivered more thumping tracks for 'Singh Is King' and 'Jab We Met'. There is no discounting the high energy and catchy flavour of each of the tracks featured in this album, but the exultant high is missing here. Except for the title track, 'Hadippa' which has that extra quality about it, the rest of the numbers only end up sounding like each other. But the flavour of the title track is bound to have everyone going 'Hadippa.'
