Paisa Vasool

Maqbool
One wonders why Music Today kept Bollywood at an arm’s length till recently. The music of their first Hindi film venture Maqbool is terrific.

Gulzar’s earthy, sufiana-flavoured poetry (especially the Daler Mehndi-rendered qawwali Tu Mere Ru-bar-ru) reminds you of Chappa Chappa Charkha Chale (Maachis). While classical vocalist Ustad Sultan Khan, in an inimitable husky voice, creates magic with Rajasthani folk (Dheemo Re), the wedding number Jhin Min Jhini (Sadhna Sargam, Anuradha Siriram, Ustad Sultan Khan and Rakesh Pandit) peps you up.

Opening with saint-poet Amir Khusrau’s Rang, the tracks make for a melodious medley. ‘‘The music helps in the narration of the story,’’ said music director Vishal Bhardwaj (he’s also directed the film) at Maqbool’s music launch.

If Shakespeare’s masterpiece Macbeth-inspired Maqbool works, credit must also go to its spectacular music. It’s a whiff of fresh air amidst the junk-filled ‘‘jingles’’ being bombarded into our ears. At Rs 55 per cassette, it’s also paisa vasool!