#35 1942: A Love Story – Top 100 Bollywood Albums

Music: R.D. Burman

Lyrics: Javed Akhtar

Label: Saregama

Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra

The 1994 film marked the return of RD Burman to prominence, after a few unremarkable years. Unfortunately, the man did not live long enough to see the album's success, having passed away before its release. The composer's iconic romantic melodies found the perfect partner in Javed Akhtar's poetic lines, and in the process gave singers Kumar Sanu and Kavita Krishnamurthy songs that would among their career-best renditions. And the foursome deservingly received multiple accolades for their superlative efforts in the movie.

Best Song of 1942: A Love Story – Kuchh Naa Kaho had Pancham incorporate diverse influences (the flute refrain played by Ronu Majumdar apparently has its roots in an old SD Burman song, then there is the brief Jingle Bells reference in the second interlude) into a dreamy waltz, aided by Akhtar's poignant verse. The song works for me better in Sanu's voice. 

1. Ek Ladki Ko Dekha (Singer: Kumar Sanu)
2. Kuch Naa Kaho (Singer: Lata Mangeshkar)
3. Kuch Naa Kaho (Singer: Kumar Sanu)
4. Pyaar Hua Chupke Se (Singer: Kavita Krishnamurthy)
5. Rim Jhim Rim Jhim (Singers: Kumar Sanu, Kavita Krishnamurthy)
6. Rooth Na Jaana (Singer: Kumar Sanu)
7. Yeh Safar (Singer: Shivaji Chattopadhyaya)

Listen to the entire album of 1942: A Love Story here – 

(With contributions by Praveen VR, co-founder of musicaloud.com)

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