By Ruchika Kher
Film: “8×10 Tasveer”; Music Director: Salim-Sulaiman and Bohemia; Lyrics: Irfan Siddique, Sameer and Bohemia; Singers: Vishal Dadlani, Mohit Chouhan, Tulsi Kumar, Neeraj Shridhar and Bohemia; Rating: ***

Riding high on the success of “Fashion” and “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi”, the musical duo of brothers Salim and Sulaiman Merchant are ready with the soundtrack of Akshay Kumar-starrer “8×10 Tasveer” and they seem to have brought together quite a different genre.

They have also presented a mix of both fast-paced peppy numbers and free-flowing, soft melodies.

The first song “Aaja maahi”, crooned by Neeraj Shridhar and Tulsi Kumar, starts with a western feel and English lyrics. Even though the words lack punch, the song is melodious and worth listening.

The remix version of this song adds nothing but beats to the original.

Up next is “Haafiz khuda”, which has all the qualities to win listeners’ hearts with its soulful, melodious music and free-flowing vocals by Mohit Chauhan. In this number, Mohit is joined by Tulsi Kumar behind the mike. The rendition is bound to make listeners sit up and take notice.

“Haafiz khuda” too has a remixed version, but the original is more appealing.

An Akshay Kumar film and a rap number seem to go hand in hand these days. After teaming up with Bohemia in “Chandni Chowk To China”, the actor has shared vocals once again with the US-based hip-hop and rap star in “8X10 Tasveer”.

The song ” I got the picture” is a peppy number with the same feel of the rap song in “Chandni Chowk…”.

The remix of the same track, which is high on beats, is sure to be a hit on the DJ consoles.

“Kuchh is tarah”, which is once again in Mohit Chauhan’s and Tulsi Kumar’s voice, is a hummable number that pulls one’s heart strings. Soothing to the ears, this romantic track brings out the best in Chauhan.

The remix version too doesn’t disappoint with appropriate musical arrangements.

Easily the best song of the album, “Nazaara hai” sets the adrenalin pumping with its strong musical backing and powerful vocals by Vishal Dadlani of the composer duo Vishal and Shekhar.

The number is soaked in the flavour of rock music. The predominance of the electric guitar, especially in the middle of the song, makes it a sure shot hit with music buffs.

The remix of “Nazaara hai” is average, nowhere close to the original.

On the whole, Salim-Sulaiman have kept up their good work in “8×10 Tasveer” and are definitely emerging as one of the best in the business.