A decade of Amit Trivedi, listen to his best songs

Amit Trivedi is the only contemporary composer who could possibly hold a candle to that musical God, A R Rahman.

His versatility is known to all, his work ranges from angry rock, authentic classical, honey-soaked melodies to novel fusion and some plain good music.

He began composing music at the age of 20. Ad jingles, background scores for plays and television shows, a one-off orchestra here and a local gig (with college band Om) there — he just about managed to remain on the fringes. His uneventful career chugged along with the occasional music label signing him for non-film albums.

Shilpa Rao introduced Amit Trivedi to Anurag Kashyap in 2008 who was looking for a composer who could give new sound to his uber cool version of Devdas. And just like Roja in early 90s, Dev D’s music went on to become the most radical music album in the history of Bollywood(National Award for best music direction as well).

Since then there has been no looking back.

As the man completes a decade in Bollywood, let us have a look at some of his best works:

Naav(Udaan)

What is inherently a traditional folk song which slowly turns on its head by Amit infusing the rock beats and percussion and the end result is similar to someone blindfolding you on a rollercoaster and consequently making the ride that bit more unpredictable and exciting!

Pareshan(Ishaqzaade)

This instantly catchy solo number by Shalmali Kholgade, alternates between a laid-back melody and racy beats. This periodic switch between tempos is what really makes this song a class apart. Amit Trivedi’s genius is on full display, as he plays around with the vocals and beats, resulting in an unpredictable but enjoyable listen.

Manja(Kai Po Che)

For this beautifully composed piece that is brimming with authentic instrumentation, Trivedi adds a masterstroke with intermittent beats that echo softly in your ears. The effect is simple but stunning. Enjoy flavours of Rural India with this.

Aga Bai(Aiyyaa)

Aga bai, sung by Shalmali Kholgade and Monali Thakur, is layered with traditional and western instrumentation. It starts off as a bhajan and blasts into a fast paced disco number. The Maharashtrian flavour of the film is kept alive in the song and has been fused with international sounds to make it a loveable mish-mash.

London Thumakda(Queen)

Sung by Labh Janjua, Sonu Kakkar and Neha Kakkar, this song is full of an inherent Punjabi-ness. This is a wedding song and very typical in approach. Amit Trivedi’s beautiful beats give the much needed thump to it.

Gal Mithi Mithi Bol(Aisha)

And while the song sung by Tochi Raina starts off sounding basic, a huge shot of bass kicks in a minute into the track, and we realise Trivedi is subverting club-Punjabi traditions without showing off. Well worthy of repeat listening, this one.

Monta Re(Lootera)

My ears perked up with this song. Swanand Kirkire whose songs clearly gloat of the man’s rustic appeal has given his playback plethora an unseen dimension with Monta Re. Blending in native Bengali tunes, especially with instruments used, the song has heavily referenced Baul music in this track. Adding hints of sweet toothed Bengali words enhance the song’s aura and effect. Is a Bengali hiding in the Gujju Amit?

Meethi Boliyan(Kai Po Che)

Aye zindagi hamen sohbaton ka nasha hai,
Yeh sohbatein yaaron ki,
Aye zindagi hame hosh ki na tu dava de,
Dua de, dua de.

Wow you will want to devour this song forever! Just close your eyes and put your hands out to your side as if to fly, then let “Meethi Boliyan” lift you up and away on a dreamy path towards bliss, this is a stunning effort!

Emotional Atyachar(Dev D)

You either love this or hate this.
Whichever side of the fence you jump onto, there’s no denying the sheer effort that has gone into the making of this song. And just for that, Amit Trivedi needs a pat on the back. This is brave music.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui joins the movie’s assistant director Nitin Chainpuri to perform an extremely memorable number which has poured out of many a spurned lover in an Old Monk-fuelled haze.

Coming to my personal favourites :

Ikk Kudi( Udta Punjab)

Ho surat osdi pariyaan wargi,
Sirat di oh mariyam lagdi,
Hasdi hai taan phul jharhde ne,
Turdi hai taan gazal hai lagdi.

Rendered by Shahid Mallya, “Ikk Kudi” begins with a mellifluous guitar bit that goes into a beautiful soft melody quintessential of Amit Trivedi. The guitar chords and embellishments throughout are enchanting and add dimension to the song. Play it on loop, and you will never get bored.

Zinda(Lootera)

This track unplugs the best of Amit Trivedi’s playback singing. Unsnapping the pathos of life, Zinda is plain and painful. It almost makes you feels the minute aches of life, yet the morose ambience it builds does not overpower its inherent beauty. I can safely say, Zinda will bring your taste buds in music alive despite the catastrophe it mildly hints at.

The best is saved for the last, it does inspire you to live as well.

Kabr par mere, sar utha ke khadi ho zindagi,
Aise marna hai mujhe.

Iktara(Wake Up Sid)

Amit Trivedi was a guest composer for Wake Up Sid, and he created this timeless masterpiece. Rendered superbly by Sufi singer Kavita Seth and lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya, this one expertly packages Kavita’s classical rendition in a modern setting, the highlight being the guitars.

Sun rahi hoon sudh budh khoke koi main kahani,
Poori kahani hai kya kise hai pata.
Main to kisiki hoke yeh bhi na jaani,
Ruth hai ye do pal ki ya rahegi sada.

Do share if you could find your favorite Amit Trivedi songs in here, also comment if you have your own favorites of him.

Till then keep listening to this musical genius.