Antarnaad (Inner Voice), brings together, for the first time, India’s two high profile personalities. The Voice of India, Lata Mangeshkar, gives life to lyrics penned by our Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Whether it is because of the election commission or the personal will of the two personalities, the publicity for this album has been amazingly subdued. If this album does not make it, it would be a tragedy. The greatness of the album lies in the spirit of the people behind it. Two indians, who, by sheer grit and determination continue to make history at ages where people seek solace in retirement.
About the singer:
For all those of you who have passed off the melody queen as being over the hill, this album is sure to be a revelation. Without the pressure of having to playback for a sixteen year old, the diva is at ease here. At 75, the effort does show a little and if you are ready to overlook that, you will find this, magic!
To give melody to lyrics which are more prose than poetry is no mean thing. That Lata Mangeshkar (LM) takes up this onerous task and makes a success of it speaks volumes for her dedication to her chosen art.
With minimal support from the orchestra and chorus (in some of the songs), the lady blazes her way through the selections.
About the lyricist: I have never read the works of our Prime minister except for his moments of inspiration on the floor of the house, when he delves into spontaneous poetry.True to the image he projects, his poems are a reflection on his thoughts about our country and into himself. Like the singer, he gives away very little of his personal thoughts, even in his poems. A little insight into what makes him is all that one gets.
About the music director: Mayuresh Pai does his second album with LM after Sai Bhajans. He has done a decent job of his department although one does get the feeling that it could have been a tad better.
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Album: Antarnaad
Artiste: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Music: Mayuresh Pai
Company: Musicurry (Krunal Music) Price: Rs. 54
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The album begins with a personal tribute by Lata Mangeshkar to the prime minister followed by a shlok from the Bhagvad Gita.
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Aao man ki gaanthe Khole: (Let us untie the knots of our heart)
This song is a reflection of the poet’s childhood. He speaks of his village, his parents and the dawn of a new era.
Heavy duty lyrics and Mayuresh is no pancham. He does a decent job and Latadi gives him adequate support.
Yamuna tat teele reteele
Ghaas poos ka ghar daande par
Gobar se leepe aangan mein
Tulasi ka birwa, ghanti swar
(On the banks of the yamuna, the mounds of sand
A house made of the remanants of plants
Adorned by plastered cow dung
The Tulasi plant and the sound of the bell)
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Geet naya gaata hoon: (I sing a new song)
A relatively simple song to tune and the bharat ratna goes the last mile in making it create an impact. It is about the will to survive, to struggle against odds and succeed. Optimistic in tone and tune, it highlights the light that burns in the heart of the poet despite winds of change that try to extinguish it.
Toote hue sapne ki kaun sune siski
Antar ko cheer vyatha palkon par thithki
(Who hears the sighs of broken dreams?
The tearing of the insides which traverses to the eyelashes?)
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Jang Na hone denge: (We will not let war happen)
Upbeat tune, a robust chorus and Lata Mangeshkar in her element. This is the highlight of the album. Like a small kid holding a placard of peace, the diva’s rendition here is par excellence. Patriotic songs have always brought about the best in her. And when she sings the first few lines, it makes one’s hairs stand on end.
Kabhi na kheton par khooni swaad phailegi
Khalihanon mein nahin maut ki fasal khilegi
Aasmaan phir kabhi na angaarein uglega
Atom se nagasaki phir nahin jalegi.....
(Never again will there be the flavor of blood in the soil
Never again will the fields harvest death
Never again will the sky spit fire
Never again will Nagasaki face the atom bomb)
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Apne hi man se bole:
Reflective in nature and tuned like a bhajan, reminds one of the Surdas album sung by LM.
Janam maran ka avirat phera
Jeevan banjaaron ka dera
Aaj yahan, kal kahaan kucch hai
Kaun jaanta kidhar savera
(The cycle of life and death, life is a place for nomads. Not knowing what lies ahead, where the next sunrise will come from)
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Pehchaan: This poem is not tuned and it is read out by LM. First time I have heard her recite poetry. For a fan, it is easy to say that she has done a marvellous job of it. So, you hear and decide!
Chhote man se koi bada nahin hota..
Toote man se koi khada nahin hota
(No one becomes a big man with a small heart. No one can stand up with a broken heart)
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Aao phir se diya jalaaye:
Assisted by a chorus of girls, LM does another version of ’’Ek tu hi bharosa’’ from Pukar. About rekindling hopes and relations, it is pleasing on the ears.
Aahuti baaki Yagna adhoora
Apnon ko vighnon ne ghera
Antim jay ka vajr banaane, nav dadhichi haddiyan galaye....
(I find myself stuck in translation...so if someone can do help me in the comments section, I would be grateful)
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My opinion: If meaningful lyrics and simple music is what you are looking for, you will find Antarnaad highly gratifying.
Antarnaad is a testimony to the never say die spirit of two people who have persevered and reached the top when most others have fallen by the wayside. Of personalities, who leave their work do all the talking for them. If I am able to do half of what they continue to achieve at their age, I will consider myself blessed.