RATING: 4 Salaam Namaste is a lighthearted romantic comedy set in Australia. The movie has Saif Ali Khan playing a chef and Preity Zinta playing a radio jockey. The film tells the story of love-n-spat relationship between these two characters after they start living together in the same apartment.
The movie, being made under Yash Raj banner, marks the directorial debut of Siddharth Raj Anand who assisted Kunal Kohli during the making of Hum Tum.
Given the youthful theme of Salaam Namaste, its music has the necessary pep and zing. Composer duo Vishal-Shekhar have churned out an exuberant score. Newcomer Jaideep Sahni has written some catchy lyrics. However, some of the compositions in the album bear striking resemblance to the songs of Hum Tum.
The title song Salaam Namaste has a fine blend of bhangra with pop. Even some of the words in the song are Punjabi. But somehow the melody and rhythm of the song lacks the punch that sets your foot tapping. Singers Kunal Ganjawala and Vasundhara Das have sung this track with full gusto and spirit.
The album later has a 'Dhol Mix' version of the same song remixed by Nikhil Chinappa and Naved. The remix version has a slightly fast pace and tempo, with a few beats added here and there.
Compared to the title song, 'My Dil Goes Mmmm' is a much better composition with a very catchy and croonable melody. Although the song has a strong Hum Tum hangover (it bears resemblance to Ladki Kyon Najane and has similar boy-girl teasing lyrics), but it still makes an impact particularly because of its lilting music and soothing appeal.
There are two more versions of this song in the album. There is DJ Aqueel's English club version and instrumental theme.
Youthful exuberance fills the funky number 'What's Going On'. The song is more like a conversation with simple, funny and straight-out-of-life lyrics. The music of this song is reminiscent of R D Burman's style of 70s. And credit for making this song work should be given to the singers Kunal Ganjawala and Sunidhi Chauhan who show their vocal modulations to the hilt to lend a pleasing mischief to this track.
Soft and silky number Tu Jahaan is a love ballad with lilting melody. Sung effectively by Sonu Nigam and Mahalaxmi, the song is a romantic mushy track bearing a slight resemblance to Adnan Sami's number Sun Zara from 'Lucky.
All in all, the music of Salaam Namaste is full of youthful exuberance and a bit of mushy romance too.
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Music Review : Zingy (4/10) Salaam Namaste is a lighthearted romantic comedy set in Australia. The movie has Saif Ali Khan playing a chef and Preity Zi...