Asha Bhosle arrived at a time when older sister-the irrepressible Lata Mangeshkar-was the one ruling the roost in the Hindi film industry. Bhosle did a quiet detour and opted to do cabaret numbers. But through a journey that began in the middle of last century and continues till today, the singer has proved that her voice has an unlimiting range-she can sing them all with consummate ease.

Safar—A Journey is a compilation of four albums and chronicles the singer's inspiring and astonishing journey from the 1950s through to 2001—from Eena meena deeka (Aasha) to Kambakht ishq (Pyar Tune Kya Kiya). Bhosle's range never ceases to amaze. But what strikes a keen listener is the inclusion of only two of the songs she sung between 1999-2001-perhaps a reflection of the times or the inability of composers to exploit her talent. If the album showcases Bhosle's superlative range, it is also a study of the vast talent of the Hindi movie's music industry. If she sung for O.P. Nayyar, C. Ramchandra, Madan Mohan-composers of yore-she does equal justice to the contemporary A.R. Rahman and Sandeep Chowta. It also features Ambar ki ek pak suraha (Kadambari) composed by sitar maestro Ustad Vilayat Khan who rarely put film lyrics into music. But the album somewhat falters. Bhosle's duets with Kishore Kumar and songs from private albums with Jaidev find no place. Besides, while R.D. Burman has been heavily favoured, Laxmikant-Pyarelal are entirely ignored. Nevertheless, a worthy collection is encapsulated in these four albums.

Q&A: PANDIT CHHANULAL MISRA
"Nothing is Inferior in Music."

An interview with thumri maestro Pandit Chhanulal Mishra, whose latest album Purab Ang (Music Today) has just been released.

Q. Do you agree that thumri is fast disappearing from concert stages?
A. Yes. Students don't want to learn thumri. They think it is inferior to khayal but nothing is inferior in music.

Q. How can we make thumri popular?
A. Musicians have to make an effort to sing and to teach their students. The government should give special scholarships for students who want to study or learn thumri.

Q. Why do you present short compositions in concerts?
A. Because the audience today doesn't have time and patience to listen to long renditions. One has to be selective and present the best of one's repertoire to the audience in the given time.

ARRIVALS

PT RAVI SHANKAR

HMV
Rs 70
The maestro plays short compositions in 11 ragas, including his own invention, raga Tilak Shyam. A collector's item.

SOCH

Universal
Rs 45
Refreshing melodies and imaginative orchestration by Jatin-Lalit. Yaadein Bani Parchaiyan is an unmissable duet.

SARHADEIN

Sony music
Rs 55
A unique compilation of songs featuring the classic and contemporary musical greats of Pakistan and India. Sheer delight.

-S. Sahaya Ranjit