#43 Maachis: Top 100 Bollywood Albums

Music: Vishal Bhardwaj

Lyrics: Gulzar

Label: Sony Music 

Director: Gulzar

Gulzar's 1996 directorial venture marked the composing debut of Vishal Bhardwaj, in the process also kicking off another long and prolific partnership for the veteran. The timing was quite fortuitous too, given that the lyricist's previous prominent musical associate Pancham had passed away just a couple of years back. Gulzar and Bhardwaj had of course worked together outside of movies before Maachis, creating such memorable kids' show ditties like Chaddi Pehenke Phool Khila Hai, Chipkali Ke Naana Hai etc. The movie's folk-flavoured songs had none of that lightness though, the political drama that it was. The composer featured classical musicians like Ronu Majumdar (there is the veena featured in a couple of songs, not sure who the player is), a practice he would continue in his future works as well.

Best Song of Maachis: Although carrying a sombre tone, Chappa Chappa Charkha Chale is something of a respite from the soundtrack's even darker soundscape. Even Gulzar's lyrics seem to imply that break from all the strife for some friendly banter. Bhardwaj's arrangement, while rooted in Punjabi folk, also beautifully captures the refreshing highland feel in the song's geographic setting.

1. Chhod Aaye Hum (Singers: Hariharan, Suresh Wadkar, Vinod Sehgal, KK)
2. Tum Gaye (Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Sanjeev Abhyankar)
3. Yaad Na Aaye (Singer: Lata Mangeshkar)
4. Aey Hawa (Singer: Lata Mangeshkar)
5. Pani Pani Re (Singer: Lata Mangeshkar)
6. Tum Gaye (Singer: Hariharan)
7. Bhej Kahaar (Singer: Lata Mangeshkar)
8. Chappa Chappa (Singers: Hariharan, Suresh Wadkar)
9. Maachis Theme Opening (Instrumental)
10. Maachis Theme Closing (Instrumental)

Listen to the entire album of Maachis here:

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

#44 MASOOM: TOP 100 BOLLYWOOD ALBUMS