‘Saathiya’ is a remake of Mani Ratnam’s Alaipayuthe. For those who have heard the Tamil original or the Telugu Sakhi, listening to this album will create a sense of dejavu as most of the tunes are familiar. But for those who have not heard the original version, it is worth checking out.
A.R. Rahman gives a fine blend with a `contemporary’ feel to Gulzar lyrics. The songs to listen to are the ones on Side A. Saathiya (sung by Sonu Nigam that is appearing on television), Aye udi udi (the nageena number sung in a new light by Adnan Sami) and Chup ke (the snehitane/snehituda number which somehow does not sound as impressive as the Tamil original.)
Sadhana Sargam’s voice seems too soft for Rani Mukherjee, the main protagonist.
Side B has foot-tapping numbers for youngsters like O Humdum Suniyo re (like an Indipop’ with a classical beat) and Mangalyam (which has the marriage mantra Mangalyam tantuna dena mama jeevanahetunam… interspersed with Suniyo re… )
A.R. Rahman croons the sufi-sounding Mera Yaar Mila de. Naina Milaike sounds “classical” and like one of the numbers of yesteryears. Chori Chori by the indomitable Asha Bhonsle and Karthik has a `funky’ sound.
