Tribute to O P Nayyar

The talented music composer, O.P.Nayyar's first death anniversary falls on January 28th. A tribute to the legend.

Aaoge Jab Tum O Saajana: Jab We Met

Amidst the roaring success of the foot-tapping Mauja Hi Mauja and the melodious Tum Se Hi, another gem from the movie Jab We Met has gone unnoticed.

Aaoge Jab Tum O Sajana is melodious and has a classical touch to it. Sung beautifully by Ustad Rashid Khan, this song is four and a half minutes of sheer pleasure.

Aaoge Jab Tum O Saajana,
Angana phool khilenge
Barasega saawan, barasega saawan, jhoom jhoomake
Do dil aise milenge

This song is composed by the guest composer, Sandesh Shandilya, who has given us songs like Suraj Hua Maddham from Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam, Bhaage Re Man from Chameli, Laree Chootee from Ek Chalis Ki Last Local.

The song is slow and melodious. Irhsad Kamil's words are simple and sweet. The best thing about the song is certainly singing. Ustad's voice has a folky touch and works well with the song. The song opens with his powerful alaap. Ustad sings with ease. The way he ends the 'phool khilenge' and 'do dil aise milenge' is as if he is lazy to complete the lines, and that adds a special effect to the song. His expressions are so genuine, one can feel the longing for the beloved. The song ends with a flute piece and Ustad's sargam. A perfect end to a great song.

Song: Aaoge Jab Tum O Saajana
Movie: Jab We Met
Composer: Sandesh Shandilya
Singer: Ustad Rashid Khan
Lyrics: Irhsad Kamil

You can listen to this song on Dhingana.

My thoughts on Saawariya

I know I am not famous enough to be on Koffee with Karan, but if I was asked by the honorable host as to which movie I would choose to watch between Om Shanti Om and Saawariya, I would have answered without blinking, "Saawariya, of course." True to my answer, I went and watched Saawariya this weekend.

The movie is based on Fyodor Dostoevsky's short story 'White Nights'. How far can you stretch a short story to make into a 3 hour movie? Owing to this, the story is not the best part of the movie and some people might even find it boring. What makes the movie come alive is the direction, music and Ranbir - in that order.

To create a dream world so beautiful and take your audience to this world and make them forget that they have left a real world behind is not easy. Sanjay Leela Bhansali does this and he is a genius. For as long as the screen was lit up, I was mesmerized. The whole movie is shot in a set which mimics a small town around a lake. By interval time, you feel you are a part of that town. There is one shot where Sonam is reading from a book and her aunt and her governess (??) are with her. The three women are shown in three mirrors and in between the focus shifts to Sonam and you can see the other women in two mirror. It's mind boggling to even think how SLB shot this!

If you are not fond of melodious music, do not watch this movie. It's like a Chitrahaar sometimes, with songs back to back and these songs add flavour to the movie. The first song 'Pari', so beautifully sung by Kunal Ganjawala is equally well crafted by SLB. I particularly liked the shots involving glass panes. Ranbir and the women are separated by a glass pane. The shot begins with Ranbir's reflection on the glass pane and the women slightly out-of-focus and as the shot proceeds, Ranbir fades out and you see the women. This technique repeats a couple of times all through the song.

Considering that it is Ranbir's first movie, he has done well. The whole movie stands on his shoulders and he carries it well. He comes across as this lovable, vivacious, naughty, lover boy who lives life to the fullest. His acting seems like overacting at times, but it is forgivable. He is exceptionally brilliant in his towel-clad act in 'Jabse tere naina'. He proves his dancing skills in the title song. It's the innocence on his face that takes your heart away. Sonam doesn't really have much scope to act. Moreover, with Ranbir hogging the screen, she failed to impress me.

There are certain places where the movie goes too far away from reality. Like the song 'Dekho chaand aaya'. The song is shot in a mosque and all the men are in white, except our Ranbir who is dressed in black. After the song, the men and women mingle and exchange greetings - which is sacrilegious in Muslim community. If this scene couldn't have been shot in any other way, SLB could have based this story in some other, more liberal community.

While the movie does have these far-from-reality pieces, it is closer to real life than most of our Bollywood movies. We are so used to seeing the male lead sacrificing his love for his friend and the female lead agreeing to marry her lover's friend for the sake of her love. In Saawariya, we actually get to see some real emotions, where the male lead places his own love above someone else's and asserts that man, after all, is selfish. I can't say much without marking it as a spoiler. People who have watched the movie will understand what I am talking about.

Even though it is not SLB's best, he definitely shines in this movie. If you are a romantic and sometimes let your heart overtake your head, then you will enjoy Saawariya.

Baavara Man Dekhne Chala Ek Sapna

Of all the numerous nasal songs and their even more nasal remixes coming out these days, there are very few songs that you want to go back and listen to. Evergreen songs so to say. One of these rare songs is one gem - Baavara Man Dekhne Chala Ek Sapna.

The first time I heard this song, I listened to it back to back for the whole day. I couldn't have enough of it. Thanks to my friend for introducing me to this song, otherwise my song collection would have had a big loss. It is from a movie Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, which I know nothing about.

The heavy classical touch, the hypnotizing voice, unique lyrics, beautiful orchestration - this song is as perfect as any song can be. The singer is in the right mood - he sounds aloof, yet passionate. The chorus adds a different charm to the song. The sitar (or sarod?), the peppering of violin, which sounds off-key at times and thus making the song even more beautiful. The best part of the song is arguably the lyrics. The deliberate repetition of the word 'Bavara' adds effect to the song.

Why waste time raving about it when one can actually relish it? You can listen to this song online on Music India Online. Music is by Shantanu Moitra. Lyricist and singer: Swanand Kirkire.

Music Review: Saawariya

Album: Saawariya
Music Director: Monty Sharma
Lyrics: Sameer
Album Rating:

With musical hits like Khamoshi and Devdas behind him, Sanjay Leela Bhansali can be trusted to give us a movie with good music. He doesn't disappoint us with his new movie, Saawariya. The much hyped launch pad of kids of industry's two big names, Rishi Kapoor and Anil Kapoor, has a good collection of songs. Romance, love, passion is oozing out of the songs. With songs being so hypnotic, I am waiting to see how they are taken to a new level by Bhansali's cinematic skills. I am sure it will be a feast for the eyes and ears.

Instead of giving us soft, monotonous songs, the relatively new director, Monty Sharma gives us songs with varying rhythms and notes. He has also given us two new noticeable voices, Shail Hada and Parthiv Gohil. Hada's Saawariya and Gohil's Yun Shabnami prove the singers' skills. In all, an album that deserves to be in your kitty.

Saawariya
Singer: Shail Hada

This song is doing the rounds on TV and is already a hit. We have a new singer, Shail Hada, who has an unusual voice. The song is a romantic, passionate number. Shail pumps energy and passion into the song. He carries off some yodeling too. An apt title song for the movie. Lyrics are nothing exceptional, but the simple tune of the song takes your heart away.

Jab Se Tere Naina
Singer: Shaan

Another romantic song, sung by Shaan. It wavers between mellifluous notes and passionate beats. Shaan modulates his voice well - going soft at times and oozing energy where required. Lyricist has not done anything extra-ordinary. One can find quite a few cliché phrases. A nice song to listen to, especially if you are in love. You would want to switch off the lights, sit back, close your eyes and relish the song.

Mash-Allah
Singer: Kunal Ganjawala
Lyrics: Nusrat Badr

Kunal is back with his enchanting voice. When you listen to this song, you go into a trance. The soft background music, Kunal's hypnotizing voice, the magical lyrics - the song is so romantic, you will fall in love, if you haven't already. No other singer could have carried it off so well as Kunal. Not even Sonu Nigam. This is an out and out Kunal Ganjawala song.

Thode Badmash
Singer: Shreya Goshal

It's the girl's turn to express her love through this song. Shreya Goshal tries hard to bundle enough naughtiness and love in this song, but she fails at certain points. When the song reaches high notes, her voice sounds strained. Lyrics are very ordinary.

Yoon Shabnami
Singer: Parthiv Gohil
Lyrics: Sandeep Nath

Yet another romantic number. What's with Bollywood and moon? From ages, the girl's beauty is being compared to the moon and the tradition continues in this song. Parthiv Gohil is a brilliant singer - his voice is literally dancing when he modulates.

Daras bina nahin chain
Singer: Richa Sharma, Shail Hada & Parthiv Gohil

The song starts with Richa Sharm'a alaap. Has she become famous as an alaap provider rather than as a singer? The music director's attempt at including a classical based song in the album. With Richa's commanding voice, the chorus, the male voice (Is it Hada and Gohil or both?), this song is very powerful. There is a haunting tune in the background. I couldn't identify the instrument used. Does anyone have an idea what instrument that is? It's a beautiful number which will make you get up and dance. It reminds me of the dance numbers in Devdas.

Sawar Gayi
Singer: Shreya Goshal

A Shreya solo. Another classical based song. A soft, slow number. Shreya sings this really well. Don't pay attention to the wordings, because they are nothing new.

Jaan-e-jaan
Singers: Kunal Ganjawala and Shreya Goshal

Probably the weakest song in the album. A judaai number, sung by Kunal and Shreya. Kunal sings well, but this is not his forte. Lyrics are very very ordinary. This song reminds me of the old song 'Tum mere ho, mere hi mere ho'.

Pari
Singer: Kunal Ganjawala

The hero is fantasizing about his loved one. He compares her to an angel. Lyrics become a little interesting here. 'Uski khamosh aahat ko sunta hoon mein'. Nothing new, but still makes your ears stand. This is a Kunal song and he makes complete justice. It doesn't have a catchy tune and it is difficult to sing. I don't see this song becoming a hit with the public.

Chabeela
Singer: Alka Yagnik

A change from the soft, slow songs. This is a fast, dance number sung by Alka Yagnik. Alka tries hard at modulating her voice, but sounds strained. Has she already lost the strength in her voice? It has a catchy tune, this is going to be a hit with the dance troupes.

Saawariya (Reprise)
Singer: Shail Hada

Shail is back with the title song and his magic. A perfect end to this great album.

Music Review: Om Shanti Om

Album: Om Shanti Om
Music Director: Vishal and Shekhar
Lyricist: Javed Akhtar
Album Rating:

Farah Khan’s next venture has the who is who of Bollywood. Considering this, I was expecting a few dozen songs in the movie. It manages to churn out one dozen. Her earlier movie, ‘Mein Hoon Na’ had some memorable numbers. The title song itself is still hummed at places. The peppy ‘Chale jaise hawayen’ is still fresh in people’s minds. Farah Khan had to present something good, if not better, but with this album is disappointing. This album lacks melody, noticeable tunes, interesting voices. The music composers have roped in some of the noteable singers (including Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Richa Sharma), but still fail to produce one memorable song. With its poor original songs and poorer remix versions, this album can be easily avoided.

Ajab Si
Singer: KK

A soft, melodious, romantic number. Interesting lyrics. “Dil ko banade jo patang saasen yeh teri woh hawayen hain”. For the first time, I see heart compared to a fly and breath to wind. Interesting! ‘Chandni teri roshani ka halka sa saaya hai’ - I loved this line. Javed Akhtar has given us a romantic song which is as fresh as a flower. KK sounds strained and nasal in some places.

Deewangi Deewangi
Singers: Shaan, Udit Narayan,Shreya Goshal, Sunidhi Chauhan,Rahul Saxena

The title song of the movie should have been more powerful. It will no doubt be compared to the evergreen Rishi Kapoor song ‘Om Shanti Om’. The song fails to make you sit up and take notice of the song. It’s very slow for a dance number and the voices sound all messed up.

Main Agar Kahoon
Singers: Sonu Nigam, Shreya Goshal

Remember Sonu Nigma’s popular album ‘Deewana’? This song could have been easily included in that album without disturbing its theme. The typical ball dance beats and the slow tempo and of course, Sonu Nigam’s voice - all of this remind you of his previous soft numbers from ‘Deewana’. It took some time to understand the words of the song, and that means Akhtar has worked hard on this!

Soona Lage
Singers: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Richa Sharma

When two voices as powerful as Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Richa Sharma come together in a song, you expect a magical song. Sadly, this song is far from it. The tune itself is not catchy - it falls flat on your ears. A classic case of wasting two great voices. Why are rustic voices like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Richa Sharma used only for melancholic songs? Maahi ve, Agle janam mohe, Maula mere maula mere are some examples.

Dhoom Tana
Singers: Abhijeet, Shreya Goshal

Abhijeet is back after a long time. His voice quality is so good and his singing is effortless - he is one singer wasted and the loss is ours. Compare Shreya’s and Ahbijeet’s singing in this song - you will know what I am talking about. Coming back to the song, the song searches for its identity - it can’t decide whether it wants to be called a wedding kind of song or a hip-hop or disco. Dhol, saxophone, hip-hop beats - one mixture which you are better far away from.

Daastaan-E-Om Shanti Om
Singers: Shaan

Its probably the scale of this song or the lyrics, this song reminds me of ‘Ek haseena thi, ek deewana tha’. Even the mood is similar. The song talks about treachery. Shaan’s voice is the saviour of the song and even he falters at times. The song is harsh on the ears and it doesn’t touch your heart.

Dard-E-Disco
Singers: Sukhwinder Singh

Don’t ask me what Dard-E-Disco means. Its probably the antonym of euphoria. Anyway, if you listen to this song, you will definitely be a victim of Dard-E-Disco. A remix which is a torture to your ears. Stay away from this song, you might even get a headache.

Deewangi (Rainbow remix)

Someone kindly explain what does rainbow remix mean. As if the original music wasn’t enough, this remix song tortures you till you can’t have enough.

Om Shanti Om (Medley Mix)

Take snippets of all the songs in the album, mix and match, throw in some beats and you have this song. Whats the purpose of this song? Ask the composers.

Daastaan-E-Om Shanti Om

Run as fast as you can. This song is dangerous for your health. Party goers will love this song, no doubt, but when it comes to me, I hate it.

Om Shanti Om Theme Music

After all the head-hurting remix songs, this is a welcome change. No shouting, no hard beats - small, soft clip which ends before you even start enjoying it.

Apart from the KK’s ‘Ajab Si’ and Sonu Nigam’s ‘Mein Agar Kahoon’, all the other songs are not ignorable. If I were you, I wouldn’t spend money on this.

Why I liked Chak De India

1. The movie is crisp. It actually reminds me of a freshly starched cotton saree. Very little time wasted on unnecessary things. Rarely do you watch a movie which is as focused as this. From the moment the movie begins and till it ends, it revolves around the Indian Women's Hockey team.

2. SRK is acting. Finally. You get to see a different angle of SRK. He is brilliant.

3. The girls. The whole world is going gaga over them. If you have caught sight of them on TV, you know how they are. I thought Vidya had the meatiest role and she wouldn't have done a good job. Contrary to my assumption, she has quite a small role and she has done complete justice to her role. The girls look well settled in their roles. Only the prominent roles are developed and the rest are just used as fillers.

4. Music. This movie has a full fledged album with quite a few songs. None of them are lip-synced. This was a big relief. What you see on TV are all for promotional purposes. None of them figure in the movie.

5. No female lead. Thank God, SRK doesn't have a girlfriend or a wife who he goes to and cries with his head on her lap. I was so happy the director was smart enough to leave this out.

6. The intent of the movie. It answers more than one question. On one hand, it talks about other sports being overshadowed by cricket. On the other hand, it talks about women not being taken seriously in the sports field. But what touched me is the fight a man put up to prove his innocence. No media coverage, no press releases, no appearances on TV - one single blow to all those people who maligned his name. At a lower level, the movie showcases how volatile public opinion is.

I am not saying this movie is perfect. With all the ignorable limitations it has, the movie is still good. The positive points outweigh the negative ones. If you haven't watched this movie yet, I urge you to do so.

Music Review: Laaga Chunari Mein Daag

Album: Laaga Chunari Mein Daag
Music Director: Shantanu Moitra
Lyricist: Swanand Kirkire
Album Rating:

With the huge success of Parineeta and Lage Raho Munnabhai weighing on his shoulders, expectations from Moitra are quite high. He tries to concoct a different mixture here, but fails to create the same magic. While Parineeta had periodic songs with a strong classical touch, Munnabhai was high on melody. The theme of this album seems to be fusion, but it doesn’t touch your heart. Compared to the nasal songs that top the charts these days, this album comes as a refreshing breeze, but still it doesn’t sound like it’s from the Moitra band.

Ik Teekhi Teekhi Si ladki
Singers: KK, Shreya Goshal

The album starts with this light-hearted, playful song. KK and Shreya Goshal add enough ‘natkhatpan’ into this song. KK’s singing is effortless and Shreya does justice. At one stage, the song’s mood changes and we hear Shreya’s digitized voice with some special effects. Apart from this, the song maintains its mood of light-heardedness throughout. Swanand Kirkire’s words are fresh.

Kachchi Kaliyan
Singers: Sonu Nigam, KK, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Goshal

This song starts with words from a folk song, but almost instantly changes to a fast song. This song is interspersed with English words and Hindi words sung in rap style. This song is an unusual mixture of fast, techno beats and folkish words. Apt for a wedding ceremony or a dance competition. Considering Moitra’s earlier works, this song is completely different. This peppy song is going to be surely a hit with the crowd. For me, probably the weakest song in the album.

Ehi Thaiyaa Motiya
Singer: Rekha Bharadwaj

Totally contrary to the previous song, this classical based song is slow and relaxing. Rekha Bharadwaj’s voice is husky and soothing. Sarod is prominently used in this song and it gives a mujra touch and makes the song sound authentic. With Kathak’s ‘taa-thaiyyas’ interespersed, this is a typical ‘kotha’ song.

Zara Gungunalein Chalo
Singer: Babul Supriyo, Mahalaxmi Iyer

A fast song which tries hard to cheer up the mood after the heavy classical song. Baabul’s voice creates magic, but Mahalaxmi’s singing sounds strained. The song is far from catchy. Moitra tries to give this song an exotic touch with Spanish words and guitar pieces. The tune is nothing exotic, though. Nothing extra-ordinary about this song.

Chunari Mein Daag
Singers: Shubha Mudgal, Meeta Vashisht

What’s Meeta Vashisht doing here? No idea. The combination of Vashisht and Mudgal brings back memories of Man Ke Manjeere. This song does sound similar. With those weird beats (no idea what they are called), this song is a fusion. The background music is kept minimal and Mudgal’s voice sounds great. This song is a different take on the immortal Manna Dey’s song.

Hum To Aise Hain
Singers: Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Goshal, Swanand Kirkire

Sung beautifully by Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Goshal, this fun-filled song defines the protagonist family. Sunidhi almost over-shadows Shreya. The tune and the words are catchy. With a prominent ‘dafali’ beat in the background, this song is soothing on the ears.

So, should you buy this album? May be not. Listen to the songs online and then decide whether you want this album for your collection.

The Blue Umbrella

It is seldom that a Hindi film meant for children makes news. The Blue Umbrella grabs your attention and rightly so. The film is based on a novella written by Ruskin Bond. Set in a small village in Himachal Pradesh, the story is about a girl possessing a bright blue umbrella which no one in the village has seen before. The girl, played by Shreya Sharma, is exultant because of her prized possession and does not waste any chance to flaunt it. Nandakishore, owner of a small shop in the village, has his eyes set on the umbrella and wants to get it at any cost. Does he get it or not? Watch the movie and moreover, that's secondary.

Vishal Bharadwaj showcases Himachal Pradesh in all its glory. The picturesque mountains, the snow fall, the snow capped houses - the story couldn't have asked for a better place. The simplicity of life, the innocence of the people, the clean and pure way the villagers lead their lives - these are the best parts of the movie. Music, by Vishal Bharadwaj, adds spice to the movie. Gulzar's lyrics is as original as ever. The first half is fast and tight, while the second half drags a bit.

Shreya Sharma does justice to her role, but it is Pankaj Kapur who walks away with the cake. His acting is effortless and brilliant.

The movie is entertaining and refreshing. Go watch the movie and awaken the child within you. If this is not a reason good enough for you, then the movie won this year's National Award for Best Children's Film. Now at least, go watch it.