Zero song 'Issaqbaazi': Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan draw whistles with this electrifying desi number

Filmmaker Aanand L Rai has made a name for himself telling stories based in the hinterland. His taste has been reflected in his music too as the flavour of Uttar Pradesh was seen in the Tanu Weds Manu franchise and Raanjhanaa (2013). His soon-to-be-released Zero (2018) is based in Delhi and his dwarf protagonist Bauua (Shah Rukh Khan) speaks with a Delhi accent.

Delhi shares a border with Uttar Pradesh and like Punjabi music, the music and language of UP is quite popular among Delhiites.

In 'Issaqbaazi', Rai and music directors Ajay-Atul have come up with a fine track that is a nice mix of Hindi and the UP lingo. The highlight of 'Issaqbaazi' is Salman Khan and Shah Rukh in one frame. Shah Rukh had made a special appearance in Salman’s Tubelight (2017) and now Salman returns the favour with a special appearance in Zero.

Actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Dilip Kumar have been appreciated for featuring in songs with a tinge of Bhojpuri. Dilip Kumar drew whistles for the 'Nain Lad Jai Hai' song from Gunga Jumna (1961) and Bachchan cast a spell on all with 'Khaike Paan Banaraswala' from Don (1978).

Shah Rukh also regaled audiences with the 'Khaike Paan Banaraswala' reprise in the remake, Don: The Chase Begins (2006). Shah Rukh now gets a taste of the UP lingo again in 'Issaqbaazi'.

'Issaqbaazi' has a charm of its own. Ishqbaazi is an Urdu word, but the Bhojpuri and traditional folks from UP have a tendency to pronounce it as issaqbaaji.

Bauua is over the moon after popular actress Babita Kumari (Katrina Kaif) kisses him on the lips. For a man who has been the butt of all jokes, Bauaa must celebrate this achievement and has Salman Khan for company. The two Khans are basking in each other's company.

The song is penned by Irshad Kamil and scored by Ajay-Atul. “Jiya re chaknachoor hain issaqbaazi se” has a sense of euphoria. Bauaa, Salman and the listeners can just soak in the fun.

Ajay-Atul’s music has a rustic tone to it, but the duo also lace it with some contemporary pop music. There is also an element of qawwali-style music. All in all, Ajay-Atul do well to give a highly entertaining score. For those who swear by desi music, 'Issaqbaazi' is the ideal foot-tapping number.

The song is crooned by Sukhwinder Singh and Divya Kumar. Sukhwinder Singh is the voice of Bauua while Divya Kumar sings for Salman Khan. The two have unique voices, but they complement each other well here.

Sukhwinder Singh being the more powerful singer naturally outperforms Divya Kumar. Both Bauua and Salman Khan appear to be fans of Babita Kumari and the antara sees the duo having a little lyrical tiff.

Fine lyrics backed by great singing and score, but it is really the unconventional, carefree dancing by the two Khans that draws whistles.

Salman Khan has seldom looked comfortable while dancing, but it appears that Shah Rukh's infectious energy has rubbed off on him as he chips in with a respectable performance.

In terms of dance, the song clearly belongs to Shah Rukh, who revels in the music. Remo D’Souza is credited as the film’s choreographer, but we see choreographer Ganesh Acharya in the video. Was this a collaborative effort? We will know in due course.

All said and done, Issaqbaazi is a song that is music to the ears and a sight to behold. Zero will be released on 21 December.

Watch the song below and tell us whether you are waiting eagerly to watch this film.