The crafty composer knits together a world of small details

A. R. Rahman composes this 2002 remake of the Tamil Alaipayuthey, bringing Gulzar’s earnest lyricism to a new audience. Title track “Saathiya” takes Rahman’s harmonic chorus to evoke wistful, mountaintop romance, while “Chhalka Chhalka Re” spins ethnic motifs around an elegant female ensemble. Adnan Sami croons over a brisk but subtle bass line on the tantalising “Aye Udi Udi Udi”; Sadhna Sargam lends airy vocals to “Chupke Se”. Sung by a playful Kunal Ganjawala, “O Humdum Suniyo Re” mixes uptempo rock and funk, capping off a bouncy album full of brightness and charm.