Halla Bol - Goal by Pritam, Daler Mehndi

Halla Bol - Goal is the kind of song that earns its place in a playlist and then refuses to leave. Pritam sets the tone from the very first bar — it is clear from the opening notes that this song means business.

Pritam, Daler Mehndi brings a warmth to Halla Bol - Goal that no production choice could manufacture — it has to be felt, and here it is. The chemistry of John Abraham, Arshad Warsi, Boman Irani, Bipasha Basu is embedded in every moment of Halla Bol - Goal, making it as much a performance as a song.

2007 was a strong year for Hindi music, and Halla Bol - Goal was among the reasons why. It fits the playlist for almost any occasion, which is rare — most songs have a narrow emotional window. This one does not.

The concision of Halla Bol - Goal — just 5:05 — is part of what makes it work. There is nothing here that should not be. The track stands as evidence that Pritam, Daler Mehndi and Pritam, working together, are capable of something well above the ordinary.