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The golden dusty sand dunes, colorful ethnic outfits, soulful folk music mixed with competent performances makes way for Nagesh Kukunoor's 'Dor'. Fresh from the spectacular success of 'Iqbal', the talented director forays into land of ethnic and beautiful Rajasthan in 'Dor'. Once again it will be successful combo of actor Shreya Talpade and director Nagesh Kukunoor in 'Dor' with Ayesha Takia and Gul Panag in lead roles. 'Dor' is a women-oriented film that shows the deglamourized Ayesha Takia as village belle whereas Gul Panag will don urbanized character. The trendy music composer duo Salim-Suleiman unravels their unexplored music prowess in this album by delivering brilliant Indian classical music. Salim-Suleiman did a splendid job in 'Iqbal' with chartbuster tracks "Aankhon Mein Sapna" and "Aashayein" and promises another competent show in 'Dor'. Actor Shreyas Talpade's debut performance of deaf-mute boy in 'Iqbal' won him accolades and 'Dor' will be another feather in his cap. It will be first time that Ayesha Takia will be doing deglamourized role in this heart warming social saga. Ex-Miss India-turned-actress Gul Panag has lackluster journey in Bollywood with offbeat film 'Dhoop' and disastrous flop 'Jurm'. This film holds importance in her career to have stronghold in the film industry. 'Dor' is exclusively conceived to cater class or niche audience, so box-office expectations will be low and grim. 'Dor' music has the gloss and fragrance of colorful ethnic folk music of Rajasthan with a strong feel of Indian classical music. The original soundtracks of 'Dor' can be heard on Universal.

YEH HONSLA: A song for hope, trust and optimism about love and life with mellifluous folk touch and mesmerizing vocals soothes senses in "Yeh Honsla". Shafaqat Amanat Ali Khan (lead vocalist of Pak pop group "Fuzon") emanates the soulful and heart-throbbing sentiments with vocal exuberance. It's a listening treat to hear this Pak pop prodigy after the stupendous success of this year's biggest rock ballad "Mitwa" ('Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna') in this classical singing attire. Mir Ali Husain is thematically inclined and metaphors with the characters and theme of the situation in the film. The brilliantly executed lines "Yeh Honsla Kaise Ruke, Yeh Aarzoo Kaise Kate…" with echoing folk tunes and chorus speaks for sandy ambience of deserts. Shafaqat's varying voice modulates with the sentiments of "antaras" and leaves an indomitable mark on mind. Undoubtedly, this soundtrack has shown the intellectual aspect of Salim-Suleiman and will positively get appreciation from niche listeners.

The mood turns somber and morose as Shafaqat's voice softens and gets sluggish in the sad version of "Yeh Honsla". It starts off with gloomy music followed with depressed sentiments of the protagonist with some finely rendered lines.

IMAAN KA ASAR : Soft "n" subtle "Santoor" and "Jaltarang" notes bring festivals of fraternity, hope and friendship as Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal harmonize their vocals in "Imaan Ka Asar". This impressive number has the conventional feel of Indi-Pop music where singers unite to sing song for friendship, harmony or unity. Mir Ali Hussain's lyrics are beautifully penned in lines like "Jalti Dhoop Mein Halki Hawa Chal Gayi, Mila Bharosa Yaar Ka Jaan Phir Sambhal Gayi…..Shaayad Hai Yeh Dosti, Ya Imaan Ka Asar" and signify the theme in poetic ways. Shreya and Sunidhi display their mettles as their voice gels well and gives a spectacular feel of friendship song. Salim-Suleiman's optimum usage of orchestration is apt for this lovely number that will catch pop genre's attention.

KESARIYA BALMA : The rustic folk lore of Rajasthan "Kesariya Balma" brings in the inhibited emotions of beloved in the form of sentimental ballad. Karsan Sagathiya rural folk style voice emanates this lovable track with delectable use of "Manjiras", "Sarangi", "Dhapli" and "Jaltarang" (Rajasthani folk musical instruments) in a mellifluous way. This folk number has been played endlessly for years where the visitors in Rajasthan are blessed or welcomed in traditional style. It brings the visuals of dusty golden sand dunes of deserts, the carefree camel work and lovable ambience of beautiful folk culture. "Kesariya Balma" is a collector's addition item for the listeners who treasure quality folk music.

DOR THEME : Salim-Suleiman's proficiency in background scores has given them hot seat in Bollywood and they materialize their talent with style in "Dor Theme". The soft violin chorus, free flowing flute, signifying piano beats, loud drum beats and animated rustic male chorus set the tempo for the theme music of 'Dor'.

PIYA GHAR AAYA : Rajasthani folk music galore as celebration time begins with pomp and show in loud and energetic soundtrack "Piya Ghar Aaya". Folk singer Pratichee sings spontaneously the rustic folk lore that epitomizes the welcome return of the beloved ("Piya"). It colors the occasion with loud rendition of "dhol", "manjiras", "ektara", "pakhawaj" mixed with mandolin and violin strings in tandem. Pratichee sings in loud pitched nasal twang to give a rural and folk ambience with traditional lyrics. It's narrative about the home-coming and displays various event happenings in folk style. After "Kesariya Balma", it's another classical folk number that will get maximum appreciation from class audiences.

ALLAH HOO : In grandeur of "Allah" (God Almighty), a sacred Sufi "Qawaali" "Allah Hoo" comes with conventional set up of classical music. After Himesh Reshammiya, it's composer-turned-singer Salim Merchant holding mike and displaying his Sufi singing flair. The soundtrack comes with traditionally pious lyrics, fine usage of "tabla", "shehnai" and piano beats in background. In the present context where Sufi music is gaining momentum the soundtrack is likely to get acceptance from mature listeners. Salim-Suleiman's fine mixing of keyboard generated trendy music with classical musical set is brilliant. In Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's immortal melodies, "Allah Hoo" as one of the precious rendition and has been plagiarized many times in films and pop albums.

EXPRESSION OF LOVE : Indian classical music shines brightest with "Expression of Love", rendered by music perfectionist Trilok Gurtu. It's a fine piece of classical work where the singer has glorified the usage of ethical "sur", matching "taal" and melodious "raag" in churning out this number. It's completely textbook style number where listeners with musical intellect will connect. The "jugalbandi" of harmonious "Sarangi", tuneful "tabla" and melodious harmonium forms the ethical backdrop of this number. It comes out as priceless achievement from the music duo and will entertain class listeners.

'Dor' proves another path-breaking success for director Nagesh Kukunoor and music composers -- Salim-Suleiman. In an era where hip-hop, rap and Sufi pop is ruling the charts they have dared enter the territories of quality musical entertainment. The album deserves applause for being ethical, folksy, classical and pure in terms of content and style. It will have limited takers from class audiences but will be counted as the finest classical composition in recent times.

SIMPLY CLASSIC!!!