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It is easy
to crumble under pressure, especially when one is attempting to follow
up a supremely successful debut. It is here that composer Ismail Durbar
proves that he is no flash in the pan but a genuine talent. The melody
trapped in Devdas-the third Hindi cinematic recreation of the eponymous
classic novel by Sarat Chandra Chatterjee-is reminiscent of the pure music
of the 1960s when reliance on gimmicks was something unheard of.
 The
voice that stands out in the album-a mix of classical and traditional
music-is that of Shreya Ghosal's. Silsila ye chaahat ka combines her refreshing
voice and the wonders of orchestration. Kaahe chhed mohe in raga Basant
is written, composed and rendered by kathak maestro Birju Maharaj. A duet
with Kavita Subramanium, it is accompanied to the recitation of verses
by Madhuri Dixit. Udit Narayan smoothly renders Woh chand jaisi ladki.
Devdas-the theme, composed by Monty and rendered by Rashmi Sharma, Supriya
and Raghav, is haunting. Nusrat Badr's lyrics are rich in content. The
imaginative use of Indian instruments makes for a welcome departure. Apart
from the voices, the rich choral accompaniment plays an important role
in all the songs. Devdas is a delight for classical music buffs though
a casual listener could well find it bland.
Durbar, without an iota of doubt, has managed to live up to expectations.
For someone who debuted with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, that is no mean achievement.
 Q&A
PANDIT MADHUP MUDGUL
"What have the Kohinoors produced? "
Composer, classical vocalist and head of Delhi's Gandharva Mahavidyalaya,
Madhup Mudgal recently released his album, Inheritance. He was trained
under his father Vinay Chandra Maudgalya, Pandit Jasraj, Vasant Thakkar
and Kumar Gandharva.
Q. Who has influenced your gayaki the most?
A. Kumarji-his honesty and sincerity towards music appealed to
me.
Q. How do you balance being a performer, composer and administrator?
A. I have good co-workers and I trust their skills. Every performer
is a composer in his or her own way. Composing music was inherent and
came naturallly to me watching and being with Kumarji and Pitaji.
Q. Renowned musicians have criticised the role of institutions
for not producing performing artistes.
A. Ask these Kohinoors if they have produced others like themselves.
In an institution the student can learn compositions of various gharanas.
We are proud of having produced rasiks.
ARRIVALS
SURYA
Times Music; Rs 65
A soothing way to start the day with chants in praise of Surya in Ratan
Mohan Sharma's voice. Commentary by Harish Bhimani.
SHIVA STATION
Milestone; Rs 100
Mixing eastern rhythms and instruments with western melodies and a jazz
sensibility, Jai Uttal weaves magic. Exhilarating.
JAZBAAT
HMV; Rs 40
Lesser-known songs of the ever popular Kishore Kumar. An offbeat collection,
it includes songs from Pyaas and Namkeen.
—S. Sahaya Ranjit
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CURRENT
ISSUE MAY 6, 2002
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