Sunidhi Chauhan’s Bollywood career has been on the rise lately, and it’s great to see her name on four songs in the album Jubilee. These songs truly showcase her versatility as a singer. One of my favorites from the album is “Babuji Bhole Bhaale,” which has a light-hearted and Western-influenced orchestration reminiscent of songs from the 50s. Sunidhi’s exuberant vocals shine in this track, and Amit Trivedi’s arrangement, with its use of horns and dholaks, is impressive.
Another standout track in the album is “Voh Tere Mere Ishq Ka,” a solo act by Sunidhi that pays homage to Khayyam’s ghazal-infused work. The song features fine use of traditional instruments like the tabla, harmonium, sarangi, and sitar, adding to its nostalgic charm. Sunidhi’s vocals are spotless and captivating.
“Nahin Ji Nahin,” a duet between Papon and Sunidhi, is a flirtatious song with a strong European influence in its orchestration. The waltz rhythm and call-response nature of the song add to its playful charm. The melody carries shades of the kalavati/valachi raaga, and the accordion and violin-flute combination contribute to its catchy tune.
Amit Trivedi pays tribute to iconic composers Shankar-Jaikishan in Jubilee, and it’s most evident in songs like “Itni Si Daastaan” and “Na Koyi Mera.” “Itni Si Daastaan” opens with an accordion-led waltz that reminds me of “Jeena Yahaan,” while “Na Koyi Mera” brings to mind “Ye Raat Bheegi Bheegi.” Both songs beautifully capture the essence of the bygone era.
“Dariyacha Raja” starts with a Marathi folk track before delving into the Shankar-Jaikishan folk zone, reminiscent of songs like “Ramayya Vastavayya” and “Barsaat Mein Hum Mile.” “Chandu Naacha” is a riddle-filled song with Swanand Kirkire posing musical questions. The inclusion of a children’s chorus and the reference to “Ichak Dana” add to its charm. Swanand Kirkire’s singing style perfectly complements such kiddie-style songs.
“Udankhatole” and “Itraati Chali” transport us to earlier eras with their percussion template, but they also infuse contemporary elements. Mohammed Irfan and Vaishali Made showcase their vocal prowess in both songs. “Dil Jahaan Pe Le Chala,” which has a horsecart rhythm, pays tribute to O.P. Nayyar, and Kausar Munir’s lyrics remind me of “Main Zindagi Ka Saath.” The song comes in two versions, sung by Amit Trivedi and Shahid Mallya. I personally prefer the latter for its lighter arrangements that suit the carefree mood of the song.
The album’s longest song, “Saare Ke Saare Akele,” is a soulful piece sung by Devenderpal Singh. It feels like a nod to two songs composed by S.D. Burman for Guru Dutt. With its waltz rhythm and gradual buildup of intensity, the song showcases Singh’s emotional vocals. The instrumental accompaniment, especially the woodwinds and violins, enhances the melodic beauty of the song.
Amit Trivedi has once again delivered a retro-flavored soundtrack with Jubilee. The album stands out for its tribute to the giants of yesteryear Hindi film music. Trivedi’s personal touch takes a backseat in favor of authenticity, resulting in an enjoyable and accessible set of songs. It’s great to see the Amit Trivedi-Vikramaditya Motwane team come up with another exceptional soundtrack.