Ajab Pritam ka Ghazab Music!

I always thought Pritam brought that extra zing to every song he does. He has a fine sense of music arrangement, enviable knowledge of technology and a good sense of rhythm. There is no doubt that he knows the pulse of Indian GenX and makes music that sets the FM channels on fire. Of course, his detractors say he copies left, right and centre. But it does not matter in today's world, where originality is as difficult to find as water in a desert. Pritam is free to get 'inspired' as long as he packages the right mix for Indian listeners. Every song of his in the past year has been a chartbuster (Life in a Metro, Gol Maal 2, Bhool Bhulaiya, Singh is King, New York, Love Aaj Kal)--and that is evidence enough that the audience loves his kind of music.

Methinks that his score in Ajab Prem ki Ghazab Kahani is a great effort, in terms of the variety it offers. Not only are the numbers instantly catchy but some of them like Tera Hone Laga Hoon work their magic better after many listens.

Of course, Pritam has competition in the form of Bollywood's talented duo Vishal Shekhar, who keep springing up surprises like Om Shanti Om, Tashan and Dostana, but they still don't have that consistency about them. The other duo Salim-Suleiman, have shown their mettle in background scores, but still have to give more hits to establish their niche. I don't want to forget Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy who have given memorable numbers during their reasonably long stint in Hindi film music. But despite Taare Zameen Par and Rock On, I still find it difficult to place them among the pop toppers.

As of now, Pritam rules the Bollywood roost (I don't want to bring ARR's name in the race, since he is not really in the competition and is a veteran compared to these younger guys. And to many of these wannabes, he is an inspiration..) Important question: Will Pritam have the staying power to be there at the top for a long time. My answer: I don't see him disappearing from the scene in the years to come. I only hope he evolves as a better musician who can explore new rhythms and melodies to keep music lovers addicted and happy.