Farhan Akhtar’s Lakshya (2004) seamlessly integrates songs into the plot. When Karan (Hrithik Roshan) professes his love for Romila (Preity Zinta), they break into the lovely duet Agar Main Kahoon, which is set against heritage monuments in Delhi. And after he gets his heart broken by Romila and finally discovers his raison d’être, the spirited title track Lakshya plays out. But the most compelling song in the Shankar-Ehsan-Loy soundtrack is Main Aisa Kyun Hoon, a vivid exploration of the slacker hero’s escapist world.
After being ridiculed by his disapproving father (Boman Irani) for being unambitious, Karan seeks the company of his friends. But when he realises that even his plodding friends and his over-achieving girlfriend have dreams to chase, he is left alone.
A bowling alley turns into a wonderfully wacky imaginary world that reflect’s Karan’s state of mind. He helplessly tries to shrug off his straitjacket on an empty stage before an indifferent audience. He is soon joined by a pack of men, but he is still alone.
Clad in white, with a confused expression plastered on his face, Karan is in stark contrast with the background dancers, who are suavely dressed in black, resembling the corporate clones Karan fears he will become. “Lagta hai ab jo seedha, kal mujhe lagega ulta, dekho na main hoon jaise, bilkul ulta phulta,” he sings.
Karan’s nonchalance is as apparent in Shaan’s voice as it is in Hrithik Roshan’s expressions, Prabhudeva’s choreography and Javed Akhtar’s lyrics.
Not everything makes sense, though. In the end notes, which resemble the iconic Lalo Schifrin theme for Mission: Impossible, the synchronised dancers break out into an imaginary gun fight. This too, however, is indicative of the baffling state of Karan’s mind. In the end, he retires and sings “Main aisa hi hoon,” staying true to his character.