Salman Khan

That A R Rahman is a master composer is no biggie. What is truly commendable is that he has earned an unblemished reputation of someone whose name alone sends promises of astounding melody. And so, at the risk of gushing, I'd say any soundtrack by him is like an event itself, more significant than hugely popular stars and their purported demigod status.

This year, he took us on a breathtaking tour of royalty and romance with the majestic Jodhaa Akbar and followed it with the frolic-filled, foot-tapping trendiness in the youthful beats of Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na

Next, he helms Subhash Ghai's lavishly-staged, Yuvvraaj, inspired in soul and element from European and Indian classical as well as Rahman's exclusive library of imagination. Being a wide-ranging musical, Yuvvraaj, starring Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Zayed Khan and Anil Kapoor, like Ghai's Taal, is every music-aficionado's delight.

Here's why:

Besides the CD layout, there's not much Yuvvraaj shares in common with Taal. The latter was deliberately theatrical and consisted folk-tune flavours. This one is marvelously smooth and meadow-fresh, conjuring lilting images of Prague and Austria, where it has been extensively filmed. At the same time, it packs in enough complex emotions of its own.

The soundtrack opens with Main hoon Yuvvraaj, wherein Salman Khan spews hard-to-miss sarcasm, introducing himself as the proverbial 'bad boy' against the etched-in-every-memory Fifth of Beethoven (performed by The Chennai String Orchestra). He has a point to prove, a notion to dispel. And he does it, with spirit, beauty and Benny Dayal (of Pappu can't dance saala fame)'s striking vocals, through Gulzar's wistful poetry and Rahman's inventive intricacy of Tu meri dost hain.

The lingering rhythm of Tu meri dost is swapped for the zingy, retro, disco-friendly beats of Shano Shano. An animated line-up of singers, right from Sonu Nigam, Srinivas to Sunaina, Vivienna Pocha bring the house down in this club-meets-lounge ditty. �Its remix by Krishna Chetan, featuring Ember, is a dry and darker rap-inclusive interpretation of the racy original.

Tu muskura is a lyrical delight sending a wave of goose bumps across the enamoured listener. Gulzar's vivid wizardry pours its heart out through verse like, 'Sharir see yeh muskurahatein teri. Badan main sunti hoon main aahatein teri.' Needless to say it takes Rahman's exquisite touch to cast these delicate words into the silhouette of his melodies.

Sonu Nigam lends his characteristic velvetiness to the peppy hues of Mastam mastam, again overflowing with Gulzar's graphic thoughts (Bheje mein bhochal hain, pairon mein paatal hain). Effortlessly free-flowing, Mastam's USP lies in its being entertaining and silvery, at once.

Misty-eyed poignancy breathes effectively through the melancholic realisation of Zindagi. Rendered with excellent restraint and stirring sentiment by Srinivas, against Rahman's deft play of woodwinds and breezy strings, this is easily one of Yuvvraj's best compositions.

Piano, cello and other participants of a grand orchestra and powerful chorus create a vision of escalating drama of sibling bonding under Rahman's intense guidance and signature alaap. Dil ka rishta is his brand of symphony, generating a state of big-screen showmanship and mellifluous festivities.

The vigorously classical notes of Manmohini morey, with a conspicuous stamp of Rahman's whiz-kid personality, are grippingly and flawlessly translated by Vijay Prakash.

Ultimately, Yuvvraaj is a triumphant score from the maestro. For all its meticulous arrangement and old-world grandeur, it's essentially deep-rooted in timeless melody, which seldom disappoints.

One heard of the film '27 Dresses' but guess what?

Reportedly, Katrina Kaif tried over 200 gowns for one particular scene in Subhash Ghai's 'Yuvvraaj'.

A source revealed, "Katrina's look on 'Yuvvraaj' is very classic and very regal with the emphasis on empire line waistlines and Grecian gowns. Before starting the schedule of 'Yuvvraaj', Katrina tried over 200 different gowns spending the entire day with Delhi based designers Gauri and Nanika."

The source said that the reason for Katrina tiring out the gowns was because she wanted to have that perfect look. "Each gown aave a different effect. Katrina wanted to then zero in on gowns that would make a very fairy tale kind of impact on screen."

Katrina's princess look made the entire unit's jaws dropped. Says a source, "She Looks so beautiful in Yuvvraaj almost as if an angel had arrived on the sets."

Salman Khan - “When Rahman and Subhashji come together, they give you the best music. The music of Yuvvraaj is outstanding. Its very soulful, peaceful and carries a sweetness of its own with powerful lyrical value.”

IT’S OFFICIAL! By some astonishing miracle, 2008 WILL be a memorable year for music. Yes indeed! But that miracle has come solely by way of Allah Rakha Rahman (ARR). Because without the outstanding music of Jodhaa Akbar, Ada…A Way of Life and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, the year is arguably one of the worst in recent times littered with mediocrity and devoid of what we all know and love to be the ‘essence’ of music, it’s soul and passion. This is largely due to the complacency of other music directors who have lost their focus but let’s not dwell on them. Because this is the era of Rahman and this is the year of a maestro who has truly been a ‘godsend’ (no pun intended) for all music lovers.

And thankfully there has been little delay with his latest, Subhash Ghai’s much anticipated Yuvvraaj , a musical about family bonds, love and the arrogance and overconfidence of contemporary youth (sold under the banner “everyone want’s to be a rock star!”), in particular three siblings (Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor and Zayed Khan) and a lead cellist (Katrina Kaif). So just as with Taal, Rahman’s music is expected to feature in a big way, says the director:

Subhash Ghai- “Like Taal, Yuvvraaj is based on music. I've told Rahman, Yuvvraaj belongs to two people, Rahman and Subhash Ghai, in that order. All the main characters are musicians in Yuvvraaj."

After such an emotionally draining roller coaster that was Tu Muskura one feels the need for a break and a diversion. Rahman duly obliges with Mastam Mastam, a delightfully uplifting track that also ranks as the most innovative of the soundtrack and also one of the best of 2008. The music is simple yet oozes witchcraft (the dhol and cello in tandem, play mind games on you like you have never heard before!), playful but at times melancholy, witty but with an underlying message. The interaction between the singers, Sonu Nigaam (outstanding as ever), Alka Yagnik, Naresh & Benny, is another highlight as are the incredibly unique and diverse lyrics, hats off to you Gulzar saab! Where Mastam Mastam lacks in instant attraction or a catchy melody, it more than makes up for after repeated listening and becomes an extremely enjoyable outing. Just be ready to click your fingers to one of Rahman’s most underrated song of 2008.