Welcoming the Dawn with Sonu Nigam’s Bhaee Bhor

Year of Release: 2007

Film: Dharm

Lyricist: Varun Gautam

Composer: Debojyoti Mishra

Debutant movie director Bhavna Talwar is looking for a classical singer to sing for her movie Dharm. She happens to mention it to Sonu's manager Ben Thomas, who is a family friend. He in turn, mentions it to Sonu. Bhavna is hesitant and not too sure about approaching Sonu as he is one of the costliest singers in the country. But Sonu goes out of his way to help her. Not only does he sing most of the songs, but also sings the alaap for the film. And all of them are recorded in a mere three days.

'Bhaee Bhor,' is the opening track. The phrase ‘bhaee bhor’ itself is such a gentle, old-world expression – it simply means the break of dawn, that soft moment when night finally loosens its grip. And that’s exactly the mood the song carries.

Listening to this soulful rendition first thing in the morning is a beautiful way to start the day. There’s a quiet dignity in the way Debojyoti Mishra has composed it – steeped in the serenity of morning ragas, with those delicate classical nuances that let Sonu’s voice take centre-stage. It shakes away all the remnants of sleep and fills one with renewed energy to take on the challenges of the new day, head on.

What I love about Debojyoti’s music here is its simplicity – no flashy arrangements, just a subtle, almost prayer-like soundscape that makes the vocals shine brighter. The other songs like 'Nadiya ke Sagar,' 'Naina Tumhi ko Dekhe,' 'Piya Bole' and 'Dharm' are equally soothing and ethereal.

A delighted Sonu says, “it was a very refreshing change. I had in fact forgotten that I'm the one who's sung 'Ishq Kameena,' 'Kal Ho Na Ho' and 'What is Mobile Number.' I had actually forgotten that I'm the same Sonu Nigam who sang all that and now I'm singing classical numbers for this beautiful movie.”

A quick word about the film itself – Dharm isn’t your typical commercial Bollywood fare. It premieres at the Cannes Film Festival and goes on to win several accolades back home for its bold, thought-provoking storyline. The film stirs up a bit of a controversy on release – as movies that question rigid mindsets often do – but that only brings more attention to its powerful message. And of course, Pankaj Kapoor delivers one of his most nuanced performances, the kind that stays with you long after the closing credits.

Do listen to the song. Better still, watch the entire movie, not just for its music but for the thought-provoking storyline and Pankaj Kapoor's superlative acting as well.

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