Darling Music Review: Himesh's 'Tadap' & Pritam Work Wonders

Darling is a departure for Ram Gopal Varma in that the film is very strong on music. Most of Ramu's recent cinematic forays haven't really used music as other Hindi film directors generally do. Somehow his films never had much use of songs. Well, at least not in the traditional Hindi film way. But Darling seems to be a exception in this regard. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the film has been co-produced by T-series. The music of Darling has been composed by Pritam along with guest composers Himesh Reshammiya and Prasanna Shekhar.

The album opens with the very passionate and heartfelt 'Tadap Tadap', rendered by Himesh in his inimitable style. Himesh has done what only he can do. Keeping him company is Tulsi Kumar, who is in perfect tandem with her partner. Both the singers bring out the fervour and the passion of the song superbly. Sameer's lyrics find a perfect partner in Himesh's music. So the rendering matches the lyrics and the song is bound to do very well. 'Tadap Tadap' has a slow but powerful rhythm to it. In its remixed version, the song has more pace, and a lot more business where arrangements are concerned and it turns out to be quite a good dance number too.

After Himesh's bold statement with 'Tadap', Pritam takes over the baton with 'Aa Khushi Se Khud Khushi Kar Le' sung by Shaan and Sunidhi Chauhan. This song was a part of 'Bhagam Bhag' but for some strange reason was not used in that film and so finds itself in this album. Both Shaan and Sunidhi do a very good job with the track. Adding flavour to the song is the female chorus in the background, singing in English. This number too has a remix, and for once the remixed version turns out very well indeed with generous dollops of the zing thing.

Pritam's next composition is 'Saathiya' sung by Adnan Sami and Tulsi Kumar. Adnan is melodious as ever but Tulsi fails to leave an impact. As the number is very high on melody, Adnan's excels since his voice is possibly the best voice for such songs. But having said that, the number still lacks the vitality and zing of an 'Aa Khushi' or the passionate feel of a 'Tadap'. Its remixed version is quite average too. 'Akele Tanha' sung by Tulsi Kumar is an absolutely different kind of number. It has a blues-cum-lounge feel to it. Tulsi is a revelation in this number and Pritam excels with his innovative approach in this number.

'Awaaz Koi' sees the third composer Prasanna Shekhar leave his mark in the album. Prasanna imparts a haunting effect to the song and Priyadarshini's voice just enhances that quality.

Shaan and Tulsi team up for 'Hasaye Bhi Rulaye Bhi', which is another soft romantic number, again very high ion melody. The mood is romantic and there is none better than Shaan to bring out the romance in the song. The remixed version adds some more rhythm and pace to the song but does not really improve on the original.

The music of album works very well. Varma's device of using three composers for the album works well in his and the film's favour. Himesh and Pritam have both left their mark on the album. If the music of Darling is to remembered, it will surely be for Himesh's 'Tadap' and Pritam's 'Aa Khushi'. Himesh probably has a slight edge. His single 'Tadap' has such an electrifying impact that it is a tough act for Pritam and Prasanna, who follow him in the album. Varma definitely has a winner here in the music of Darling.