Rating – 7
Music Director – Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Lyrics – Prasoon Joshi
Film Director – Vipul Amrutlal Shah
Film Release – 30 October 2009
The 2009 Bollywood film London Dreams, starring Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Asin, features a rock-inspired soundtrack composed by the popular trio Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi. The music effectively captures the film’s narrative of two friends and their musical ambitions. The album includes powerful rock anthems like “Barso Yaaron,” which features vocals by Vishal Dadlani and Roop Kumar Rathod, and the melodious and heartfelt ballad “Khwab Jo,” sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shankar Mahadevan. Other popular tracks such as “Man Ko Ati Bhavey Saiyaan” and the haunting “Khanabadosh” add to the musical diversity, creating a powerful soundtrack that complements the film’s drama and musical rivalry.
Barson Yaaron (Vishal Dadlani, Roop Kumar Rathod) – 6
Man Ko Ati Bhavey Saiyaan (Shankar Mahadevan) – 7
Tapkey Masti (Feroz Khan) – 7
Khanabadosh (K. Mohan) – 9
Khwab (Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shankar Mahadevan) – 8
Yaari Bina (Roop Kumar Rathod, Milind Diwadkar) – 8
Jashn Hai Jeet Ka (Abhijeet Ghoshal) – 8
Shola Shola (Zubeen Garg) – 8
Khanabadosh Remix (K. Mohan) – 7
Man Ko Ati Bhavey Saiyaan Remix (Shankar Mahadevan) – 6
Tapkey Masti Remix (Feroz Khan) – 6
“Khanabadosh” is a powerful and anthemic track from the 2009 film London Dreams, which perfectly captures the ambition and nomadic struggle of its main characters. Composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy and sung by Mohan Kanan, the song’s title is a Persian word meaning “gypsy” or “nomad,” referring to one who constantly travels. This perfectly reflects the journey of Ajay Devgn’s character and his band members, who leave their home to pursue their musical dreams abroad. The lyrics, penned by Prasoon Joshi, evoke a sense of longing and hope, while the rich, layered instrumentation creates a concert-like feel. “Khanabadosh” stands out as a memorable, emotionally resonant piece that gives voice to the relentless pursuit of one’s aspirations.
“Khwab Jo” (meaning “the dream that”) is a melodic and melancholic song from the 2009 film London Dreams, which explores the power and purpose of dreams. Composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy and sung by Shankar Mahadevan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the track beautifully combines their voices to create a haunting and memorable ballad. Lyrically, Prasoon Joshi’s writing explores the difference between a true dream—one that keeps you awake and inspires you to take action—and a superficial one, which is forgotten when you wake up. It serves as an inspirational piece within the film, with its lush musical arrangement and soaring vocals adding depth to the characters’ struggles with ambition and purpose.
“Yaari Bina” from the 2009 film London Dreams is a folk-infused, Sufi-like track celebrating the essence of true friendship. Composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy and sung by Roop Kumar Rathod and Milind, the song begins with a more rhythmic and folk-based style before escalating into a Bhangra beat, with Rathod delivering powerful vocals in a higher register. The lyrics, by Prasoon Joshi, affectionately emphasize the preciousness of a bond that can overcome any worldly struggles. Within the context of the film, it serves as a dedication to the strong connection between the two friends, Arjun (Ajay Devgn) and Mannu (Salman Khan), before their friendship is tested by jealousy and ambition.
“Jashn Hai Jeet Ka” (translating to “The Celebration of Victory”) is a powerful and celebratory track from the 2009 film London Dreams. Composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy and sung by Abhijeet Ghoshal, the song captures a feeling of hard-won triumph. The lyrics by Prasoon Joshi emphasize overcoming obstacles alone and finding success through personal conviction, making it a song of encouragement and self-reliance. Musically, it blends a rock sensibility with an Indian flavor, incorporating a passionate vocal delivery from Ghoshal. The song serves as a moment of catharsis and pride for the characters, reflecting their journey of musical ambition and struggle.
“Shola Shola” is a rock-infused track from the 2009 film London Dreams, which adds a techno twist to the rock-heavy soundtrack. The song is composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy and sung by Zubeen Garg, with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi. The fiery and energetic lyrics of the song compare the listener to a “flame” that has been dormant, encouraging them to rage against injustice and make their voice heard. This powerful and motivational track captures the pent-up frustration of the characters, particularly Ajay Devgn’s character, as he struggles with betrayal and ambition within the band. Garg’s powerful and passionate vocals deliver the track’s raw emotion, making “Shola Shola” a highlight of the album.
