The Soulful Symphony Of Love - A Deep Dive Into The Music Of Laila Majnu (2018)
Bollywood’s Laila Majnu (2018), directed by Sajid Ali and written by Imtiaz Ali, was a poetic retelling of the legendary love story. However, what truly amplified its essence was its music—an album composed by Niladri Kumar and Joi Barua, with Irshad Kamil’s evocative lyrics painting every shade of love, longing, and heartbreak. The soundtrack is an immersive experience, rich in classical undertones, contemporary influences, and deeply heartfelt vocals. Let’s delve into each song and uncover the intricate details that make this album a musical masterpiece.
1. Aahista – A Whisper of Love
Singers: Arijit Singh, Jonita Gandhi
Music: Niladri Kumar
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil
Aahista is a song of quiet romance and unspoken confessions. Arijit Singh’s voice, tender and introspective, is beautifully complemented by Jonita Gandhi’s delicate harmonies. Niladri Kumar’s santoor adds an ethereal charm, evoking the serenity of a love that grows at its own pace. The instrumentation is intentionally soft, allowing the lyrics and vocals to shine. Acoustic guitars, a subtle tabla rhythm, and faint orchestral strings provide a lush yet minimalistic soundscape. The song feels like a whispered conversation between two lovers, drenched in the warmth of twilight. Kamil’s lyrics emphasize the beauty of taking things slow, capturing the magic of anticipation in love.
2. O Meri Laila – A Free-Spirited Serenade
Singers: Atif Aslam, Jyotica Tangri
Music: Niladri Kumar
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil
Atif Aslam and Jyotica Tangri deliver O Meri Laila with an infectious energy that transports listeners to the carefree days of youthful love. The song exudes a sense of rebellion—echoing the protagonists’ journey of defying societal constraints. Atif’s signature textured voice adds depth to the track, while Jyotica’s breezy vocals inject a playful charm. The melody is driven by rhythmic acoustic strums, punctuated by vibrant percussion and a spirited violin section. Niladri Kumar’s sitar glides seamlessly through the arrangement, bringing a blend of folk and contemporary flavors. The song is not just about romance; it’s about the exhilaration of finding one’s soulmate and embracing the adventure of love.
3. O Meri Laila (Radio Version) – A Nostalgic Reprise
Singer: Joi Barua
Music: Joi Barua
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil
Joi Barua’s rendition of O Meri Laila is stripped down to its raw emotional core. This radio version feels intimate, almost like a personal letter sung aloud. The acoustic guitar replaces the grand instrumentation of the original, allowing Joi’s evocative voice to take center stage. Subtle harmonies and restrained percussion enhance the song’s reflective mood. There’s a sense of nostalgia and longing in his delivery, making this version perfect for quiet introspection. The song becomes less about the thrill of love and more about cherishing its purest moments.
4. Sarphiri – The Melody of a Restless Heart
Singers: Shreya Ghoshal, Babul Supriyo
Music: Niladri Kumar
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil
Sarphiri captures the ecstatic madness of falling in love. Shreya Ghoshal delivers one of her most expressive performances, bringing out the excitement and chaos of love. Her playful, lilting vocals are complemented by Babul Supriyo’s smooth rendition, creating a duet filled with contrast and chemistry. The song’s arrangement is dynamic, blending folk rhythms with contemporary beats. Niladri Kumar’s use of strings, santoor, and tabla adds a dreamlike quality, enhancing the whimsical nature of the track. This is the song of a mind consumed by love, drifting between reality and fantasy.
5. Tum (Atif Aslam Version) – The Essence of Longing
Singer: Atif Aslam
Music: Niladri Kumar
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil
Tum is an aching ballad of separation and yearning. Atif Aslam’s voice, drenched in sorrow, transforms the song into a heartfelt plea. The slow, measured pace of the track allows every word to linger, deepening the emotional impact. The orchestral arrangement, rich with strings, soft piano interludes, and gentle percussion, heightens the intensity of longing. The song embodies the pain of unfulfilled love—where memories become both a comfort and a curse.
6. Tum (Javed Ali Version) – A Classical Resilience
Singer: Javed Ali
Music: Niladri Kumar
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil
Javed Ali’s rendition of Tum brings a touch of classical depth to the song. His controlled vocal modulations highlight the poetic nature of the lyrics. This version feels more resigned to fate, as though love is slipping away but must be accepted. The instrumentation leans towards traditional Indian elements, featuring the sarangi and subtle tabla flourishes, reinforcing the song’s timeless appeal.
7. Tum (Jyotica Tangri Version) – A Woman’s Lament
Singer: Jyotica Tangri
Music: Niladri Kumar
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil
Jyotica Tangri’s version of Tum adds a new emotional dimension. Unlike Atif’s impassioned plea or Javed’s classical rendition, Jyotica’s version is filled with a quiet strength. Her voice carries a soft vulnerability, making this rendition feel deeply personal. The orchestration is slightly stripped down, allowing her delicate yet resolute voice to take center stage. With a melancholic piano foundation, gentle flute, and distant echoing strings, this version resonates differently—expressing not just longing, but also the sorrow of unspoken words and unfinished love stories.
8. Hafiz Hafiz – A Mystical Echo
Singer: Mohit Chauhan
Music: Niladri Kumar
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil
Hafiz Hafiz is the heartbeat of the album—an intense, Sufi-inspired track that embodies the madness of love. Mohit Chauhan’s powerful vocals infuse the song with a raw, almost trance-like energy. Niladri Kumar’s electric sitar weaves a haunting melody, reinforcing the spiritual depth of the lyrics. This is not just a song; it’s an invocation of passion, surrender, and divine love.
9. Katyo Chuko – A Song of Farewell
Singer: Muhammed Muneem
Music: Niladri Kumar
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil
A deeply poetic song, ‘Katyo Chuko’ explores themes of separation and yearning. Muneem’s hauntingly soulful voice gives it an almost mystical quality, painting vivid imagery of a lover left behind. The minimalist instrumentation emphasizes the depth of emotion, making every note feel raw and poignant. The slow-burning sitar sections add to the song’s meditative, almost Sufi-like essence, making it one of the most profound tracks in the album.
10. Lala Zula – A Folksy Celebration
Singers: Frankie, Joi Barua, Sunidhi Chauhan
Music: Joi Barua
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil
A fusion of Kashmiri folk with contemporary beats, ‘Lala Zula’ is a high-energy celebration. Sunidhi Chauhan’s dynamic vocals contrast beautifully with Frankie and Joi Barua’s more rustic tones, creating a rich soundscape filled with excitement and tradition. The interplay of traditional Kashmiri instruments with modern percussion gives the song an electric charm, making it an enthralling folk-inspired dance number.
11. Gayi Kaam Se – A High-Energy Number
Singers: Dev Negi, Amit Sharma, Meenal Jain
Music: Niladri Kumar
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil
This mischievous track stands apart from the rest of the album with its playful vibe. Featuring lively beats and quirky lyrics, it adds a refreshing contrast to the album’s otherwise intense emotional depth. The singers infuse it with energy, making it a fun and engaging listen, driven by fast-paced instrumentation and an infectious rhythm.
Final Thoughts
The soundtrack of Laila Majnu is not just a collection of songs but an emotional journey through love, longing, rebellion, and heartbreak. With a unique blend of Sufi influences, folk elements, and contemporary styles, the music elevates the film’s narrative to a transcendent level. Each track is intricately crafted, ensuring the emotions linger long after the music stops. In an era of fleeting hits, Laila Majnu’s music stands as a timeless, heartfelt masterpiece.
About the Writer
Shashank Terence Richard is a sound engineer, music composer, and singer-songwriter who understands the nuances of music production, composition, and sonic storytelling. His expertise in the field allows him to dissect and appreciate the intricate layers of music that make ‘Laila Majnu’ a timeless soundtrack.
