The time now is Tue 07 Sep, 2010 08:11
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Music
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New Delhi, September 03, 2010 A.R. Rahman's theme song for the Commonwealth Games (CWG) Jiyo Utho Badho Jeeto has been widely panned as just average, but lyricist Mehboob defends his work and says people forget it's an anthem and not a commercial Bollywood song.
"We have not received any intimation as far as rework on the song is concerned and I don't think we need to rework on it," Mehboob told IANS.
It took Mehboob and Rehman six months to finish the CWG song, which involved a bit of travelling as Rahman sits in Chennai and Mehboob in Mumbai.
"The song is getting mixed reviews but the negative side is being blown out of proportion. People are forgetting it's an anthem and not a commercial Bollywood song," said Mehboob.
 "Rahman's song are usually slow to pick up but have a mass appeal to them when they reach the peak. His music is like sweet poison it starts from the ground level and then reaches heights. I'm sure this song will grow, but the public needs to realise it is not a film song.
"Just because it has Rahman, people expect it to be a fast, peppy number but this has serious sentiments attached to it. The song is not based on a particular game, it is for all of them and we are the host, we are inviting 53 countries to our nation. People need to focus on the lyrics and visualise it." According to a recent report, former sports minister Shahnawaz Hussain has demanded a re-composition of the theme track. "I respect Rahman for what he has achieved but the track simply does not excite me. No one in the Organising Committee (OC) likes it except perhaps Suresh Kalmadi. It is nowhere close to Waka Waka (Shakira'S*** song for the football World Cup) and has failed to lift the sagging spirits of the CWG," Hussain was quoted as saying. "Either it is good music or bad. There is no middle way to evaluate the appeal of a Rs.5 crore (Rs.50 million) track, he can surely re-compose it," he added. Many disappointed fans have also posted their reactions on the micro-blogging site Twitter. "No way near to Waka Waka. We don't want classical wizards to compose for sports event. Five crore rupees went down the drain, time also wasted," a fan posted on Rahman's Twitter page. Another fan wrote: "Very average song..Definitely not worth Rs.5 crores.. Poor music is... well.... poor music... irrespective of where it comes from." "I love your approach to music and creativity you bring about in the Indian sub-continent. But this composition was for the nation and miss the 'deep love' depicting the true soul of India and its rich diverse culture. I dont understand why elements of Rap had to be here at all. It has got nothing to do with the true soul of India," read another post. Rahman and Mehboob have earlier collaborated on projects like Rangeela, Bombay, Doli Saja Ke Rakhna, Daud, Yuva Thakshak and Dil Hi Dil Mein. |
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Music
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Robot: Not Rahman's best, to say the leastSeptember 02, 2010  Sumit Bhattacharya reviews the music of Robot. Chitti Dance Showcase, the third song on the Hindi soundtrack for the Rajnikanth-Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer Robot, has A R Rahman written all over it in large, sonic letters. Despite the track crediting additional arrangements and programming to Pravin Mani, the incendiary cocktail of break-beats, drum 'n bass, bol-scatting and a soaring string break that would befit a western classical symphony is something only the Mozart of Madras can serve up. And macha, you can bet your last paisa that the Showcase will have some killer moves by Rajni, which generations in Chennai bylanes will pick up and to which's Boom Boom Robo Da refrain many an Andhra guy will breakdance to. But why start a music review with the third track? Because there's not much else to write to you about Robot's music. Sorry if that sounds blasphemous. The album begins with Naina Miley, sung by Rahman, Suzanne DMello, Lady Kash n' Krissy. It lies somewhere between Lady Gaga and Cher's Antares auto tune vocal effect (Believe) territory. It throbs, booms and is not entirely bad, but then that's about it. Pagal Anukan begins with swirling guitars, and is sung with apt sweetness by Mohit Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal. It's a nice song, with smart Rahman touches and lyrics like neutron electron bolo naino me kitney hai. After Chitti Dance Showcase comes Arima Arima, heavy on dramatic arrangement, sung by Hariharan, Sadhana Sargam, Benny Dayal and Naresh Iyer, and with lyrics like Atlantic pe dubah jakey agni par na bujhey. And despite the marching feel and distorted guitar dives that give it a suitable 'robotic' feel leading up to a melodic expanse, it isn't a song you will hum for the next two days.  Next up is Kilimanjaro -- robot goes to Africa or what? -- which again has rather strange lyrics like 'Kilimanjaro, ladki parbat ki yaro' and a strictly so-so melody.
Isaac Newton ki leela hai robo, declares track six, Boom Boom Robo Da, which seems to fuse everything from Punjabi folk to hip hop to power chord-guitar riffing to nylon string sophistication, and yet fails to sooth or excite. Last up is O Naye Insaan, sung by Srinivas D and Khatija Rahman (the maestro's daughter), which has a rather sparse, bubbling beneath the surface feel. Like the rest of the soundtrack, it's intelligent, but lacking in emotion. Which is a pity, because Robot's storyline -- which seems a bit like Bicenntenial Man, starring Robin Williams -- is all about a mechanical creation discovering human emotions. |
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Music
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ARR’s students leave listeners enthralled The air was filled with exquisite music, from Mozart’s symphonies to Beethoven’s entrancing melodies. Students of the KM Music Conservatory, the school started by India’s most famous music composer A.R. Rahman, showed their sublime skills and high musical standards at the KMMC piano recital. Their flair and passion for music was in evidence, as the students, of varying ages, showcased symphonies ranging from W.A. Mozart’s Arioso to special songs arranged by the Mozart of Madras A.R. Rahman himself. Dr Surojeet Chatterji, handpicked by Rahman, trained all these students in a short span of six months. “These students are my babies. They have learnt music in a little over six months. Rahman saab brought me from California to teach these students and it feels great to make a complete circle and come back to India after living so many years overseas.” Among the performers, there were many who stood out. Some of the hot favourites were P. Shridhar, who enthralled the audience by playing ‘Breakers on the Ocean’ and Jerine Joseph who played ‘Prelude’ in D-minor and received much applause. Then there was Prince Mulla, who moved his hands with skill and grace on the ivory keys and brought the piano to life by playing Webber’s Scherzo. Another whizkid was S. Arjun, whose composition dedicated to A.R. Rahman left the audience spellbound. Being visually challenged, he has overcome the world and proved his passion for music. Madam Fathima, A.R. Rahman’s sister, reports, “Every student’s recital was mind-blowing. Dr Chatterji is another diamond in the crown of KMMC. He has tapped every individual’s talent to the fullest extent.”
Pritpal Halwarvi, a parent proudly notes, “Dr Chatterji has brought the piano to life. The school provides a great platform for children to showcase their talent. KMMC should have many branches all over the country and every branch should have another Dr Surojeet Chatterji.”Adds Pietra Brettkelly, an expat and a documentarian from New Zealand, “It’s amazing to see the love for music in these students, it’s incredible. I had tears rolling down. When the students stated that they had a connection between their love for nature and music, it proved that their musical abilities were out of sheer interest. Now I am tempted to learn music from Dr. Chatterji!”
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Music
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Oscar winning music composer AR Rahman has come under heavy criticism for his latest composition which is the theme song of the upcoming Commonwealth games.
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Many politicians and fans of Rahman believe that the said theme song does not match up to the genius of Rahman. They are also miffed by the fact that it took six months and Rs 5 crore for Rahman to come up with such a shoddy composition.
Now, Rahman is re-working on the song since it lacks any appeal. The organisers now want Rahman to compose the CWG theme song on the level of the recent FIFA theme song waka waka which became an instant hit across the globe.
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Music
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Hindustan Times Email Author Mumbai, September 01, 2010 After Rangeela, Bombay, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Yuva, Mehboob has once again collaborated with AR Rahman on the Commonwealth Games theme song. The lyricist says that they have been working on it for almost six months, since the day the Oscar winning composer called to ask him to take the night flight out to Chennai. “Since then, I have made a few more trips to Chennai and occasionally, when Rahman was in Mumbai, we worked here too. We changed the words many times and also the tune. But eventually, we came up something that we both like,” says a jubilant Mehboob, enthused by the overwhelming response to the song. “Of course, there are those who don’t like it but that’s expected. I’m 100 per cent sure ‘Swagatham…’ will be really popular. ” Truly Indian anthem
Will it be as big a hit as Shakira’s FIFA chartbuster, ‘Waka, Waka…’? “Why compare? Shakira has her own place and Rahman his own. Today, when the world’s eyes are on our music, why do we need to draw parallels?” he retorts. Comparisons are being drawn with Palash Sen’s Delhi anthem that the state’s chief minister, Sheila Dixit, has said will continue playing long after the Games are over. In fact, a debate is currently raging about which one is the actual CWG anthem.
“I heard about this song only two days ago and haven’t listened to it yet. But I assume it has more to do with Delhi while our song is about India and welcomes friends to our country. So I’d think it’s the real anthem,” he argues. Mehboob points out that the song upholds the sporting spirit through the lines, ‘Yeh toh khel hai, Bada mel hai, Mila diya, O rukna rukna rukna rukna rukna nahi, Haarna haarna haarna haarna haarna nahi, Junoon se kanoon se maidaan maar lo… (This is a game that promotes togetherness, don’t stop, don’t lose, with renewed zest, following the rules, decimate the competition). He adds that in keeping with the colloquial Hindustani flavour, the lyrics are an amalgamation of different Indian languages. For instance, lines like ‘Laagi re ab laagi re lagan, Jaagi re mann jeet ki agan...’ are drawn from Rajasthani folk. “At the same time we are targetting the youth with simple, easy to understand English words like ‘Let’s go, let’s go, Play o jiyo heyo let’s go…’ And the basic theme in encapsulated in four words… jiyo (live), utho (stand up), badho (move forward) and jeeto (win),” he says. “There’s a lot of energy and excitement reflected in India’s biggest sporting event.” Mehboob had put his directorial debut on hold for this song but expects to flag it off this month. “It’s too early to give out any details about my film. It’s a beautiful script with a blend of commercial ingredients and a subtle underlying message,” he says. Will Rahman compose the music? “Now, you’re fishing,” he laughs. “All I can say is that you’ll be delightfully surprised.” Swagatham: CWG ’10 Theme Song Oh yaaro, yeh India bulaa liya
Diwaano yeh India bulaa liya (bulaa liya)
Yeh toh khel hai
Bada mel hai
Mila diya (mila diya) (2) Oh rukna rukna rukna rukna rukna nahi
Haarna haarna haarna haarna haarna nahi
Junoon se kanoon se maidaan maar lo Let’s go, let’s go
Play o jiyo heyo let’s go
Play o jiyo heyo let’s go (2) Parvat sa uncha hoon dhun toh yeh
Duniya salaami de
Sardil iraade na ho jaayein kahin
Dil toh bas suraj dale
Jiyo utho badho jeeto
Tera mera jahaan let’s go
Kaisi saji hai saji hai dekho maati apni
Bani rashke jahaan yaara ho
Kai rang hai boli hai kai desh hai magan
Yahin jag hai samaaya saara ho, Laagi re ab laagi re lagan,
Jaagi re mann jeet ki agan,
Uthi re ab iraadon mein tapan,
Chali re dholi chali ban than
Let the games take over me
We like the time , the will to win to thrill to drill
Play o jiyo heyo let’s go Kadamon mein ik bhanwar ka hai din
Jashn ka aaj din hai
Seeno mein toofan ka hai din
Baazu aasman yeh din hai
Yeh din hai, Yeh raat din hai
Tu zor laga chal aankh mila
Dhal na aaye din yeh
Jiyo utho badho jeeto
Play o jiyo heyo let’s go
Jiyo utho badho jeeto
Tera mera jahaan let’s go
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Music
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Posted: Wed Sep 01 2010, New Delhi:  Salman Khan pays the capital a visit with Sonakshi Sinha and Arbaaz Khan. After a weekend of hectic movie promotions for his brother Arbaaz Khan’s debut production, Dabangg, which releases on September 10, actor Salman Khan arrived in Gurgaon on Monday evening for the launch of IIFA Buzz Cafe, a Bollywood-themed resto-bar at the Kingdom of Dreams, the latest cultural address in Gurgaon. The over-the-top cafe, done up garishly with Bollywood movie posters serve a variety of Indian fast food, and is the third brand outlet in the country. Dressed in black, the actor kept the crowds and media waiting for three hours before arriving with his posse of bodyguards, and kept interactions to a bare minimum, post the controversy over his break-up with fellow actor Katrina Kaif. “No personal questions please. I have just come from a long studio interview. I will only talk about the film and nothing else. I wish this film all the success and Sonakshi (Sinha) luck, since she has shown such potential,” he glared, while hundreds of female fans jostled with the beefy bouncers for his autograph. Khan was accompanied by brother Arbaaz and co-actor Sonakshi Sinha. |
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Music
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Posted: Wed Sep 01 2010 New Delhi: After all the hoopla around the release of the Commonwealth anthem by Oscar winner AR Rahman, all it seems to be getting from critics is brickbats. While former sports minister Shahnawaz Hussain termed it “disappointing”, current Sports Minister M S Gill and Delhi’s Leader of Opposition V K Malhotra also lashed out against the theme song, released in Gurgaon on August 28. What’s more, politicians from Opposition parties are not the only ones to have given it the thumbs down. Members of the public, cutting across states and cultures, have come together on social networking sites to slam the song. The theme song Swagatham has already come under sharp public criticism with allegations that it lacks energy, and the much-required ‘wow factor’. “I found it quite useless,” Delhi-based photographer Raghu Rai said, adding, “Rahman is the brightest of the current crop of music directors, but the Commonwealth theme song is just not Indian enough. In India, where there is a different beat for every little nakhra, Rahman’s song is dominated by Western beats and, thus, lacks the Indian spirit it deserved.” |
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Music
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  Aug 30, 2010 Oscar and Grammy winner A.R. Rahman launched the theme song of the XIX Commonwealth Games in a glittering function held in Gurgaon attended by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda and the Organizing Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi among Others. Jiyo Utho Bado Jeeto (Live, Rise, Ascend, and Win) was Rahman's call to the athletes. The song was praised by all as it was full of energy, vibrancy of youth and spirit of athletes. But the song had a detractor in Mr. Vijaykumar Malhotra, who is the Executive board member of the Organizing Committee of the Commonwealth Games. Mr. Malhotra disagreed with the popular opinion of others by claiming that “The song has fallen short of expectations. We had expected a better song from a composer of Rahman's status.” He added that “He has given some very good songs like 'Maa Tujhe Salaam' but this song is not that impressive. We hope that the song is made better because there is still time left for the start of the Games.”
The launch of the theme song has already been delayed as the GoM overseeing the Games had asked Rahman to change the song.
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Music
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Suanshu Khurana Tags : talk, Chicago World Music Festival Posted: Mon Aug 30 2010, 03:48 hrs 
Indian classical music and dance will be in focus at this year’s Chicago Music Festival At the 12 th annual Chicago World Music Festival, one of the largest running music festivals in the United States, Indian music aficionados will have some reason to cheer. The week-long festival opens with a four-day India Calling series on September 21, that will have tabla maestro and Grammy winner Zakir Hussain and sitarist Niladari Kumar perform together on the first day. “I have never played in this festival before and it is an honour to play alongside a splendid artist like Zakir sahab. It is always a learning experience with him, both on and off the stage. I have been told that the audience in Chicago is very receptive to Indian classical music. I am sure they will enjoy our jugalbandi,” says Kumar who is already in the US. The popular festival has attracted over half a million concertgoers and has presented more than 500 artists and ensembles from over 75 countries since it began in 1999. The festival returns this year with over 80 artistes who will be performing at 30 venues across Chicago. |
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Music
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TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
‘Slumdog’ composer Rahman brings music of India to DCU Source:http://www.telegram.com Saturday, August 28, 2010
 AR Rahman, who has been called the “Mozart of Madras” and is perhaps best known for his work on the score for the Academy Award-winning film “Slumdog Millionaire,” will bring his show “Jai Ho: The Journey Home World Tour” to the DCU Center at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22 for its only New England stop. Tickets are now on sale.
The concert has some of India’s best singers, musicians and dancers and features Rahman’s hits. Rahman has sold more than 150 million copies of his work comprising more than 100 film soundtracks and albums.
For the tour, Rahman is collaborating with creative director Amy Tinkham, who has worked to create concerts for Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys and Mariah Carey. The concerts are described as a “theatrical experience” utilizing new technologies.
Tickets are $191 $141, $101, $81, $61 and $41, and are available at the DCU Center Box Office, Ticketmaster locations, by phone at (800) 745-3000 and online at ticketmaster.com.
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Music
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I was never a VJ: Vishal DadlaniAMRITA ROY CHOUDHURY , TNN, Aug 23, 2010
Says singer-composer Vishal Dadlani, even as he speaks to TOI about his latest music projects, his favourite musicians and about playing judge in a musical reality show
A composer, a singer, a VJ or a member of Pentagram — What do you enjoy doing most?
Many websites say that I was a VJ, but I want to make it clear, once and for all that I was never a VJ. I used to host a programme on rock music for a music channel, and that's about it. One should not believe anything and everything that's available on the Internet because it isn't always true.
Now, coming back to the question, I enjoy doing all three – that is composing, singing and being a member of Pentagram. The ultimate aim is to create good music for the listeners and that is what I am striving for, everyday. Basically, it's all the same and I don't see them as different job responsibilities.
What about being a judge of of music reality show?
I never consider myself a judge. My basic aim is to have some good time through good music and listening to some real good singing. This year's " Sa Re Ga Ma Pa" participants are phenomenal. You will get to see and hear some real talented singers this year on the show.
Post "I Hate Luv Storys", what are your forthcoming projects?
There's "Anjaana Anjaani" coming up. The promos are already on air. They are just a few days old, but we are getting a huge response for the same. Then there is " Tees Maar Khan", which is also coming up this year.
Recently, you tweeted about Amit Trivedi composing super scores for "Aisha". Who are the other composers of recent times that you really like?
There is a long list of names which includes – AR Rahman, who is a genius, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Pritam and Amit Trivedi, whose music I admire.
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Music
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Vishal's judging it right!AMRITA ROYCHOUDHURY, TNN, Aug 18, 2010
Vishal Dadlani, who was in town recently for a performance of Pentagram, talks to TOI about his musical preferences in the city and the recent composers, whose music he loves
What is the best and the worst part of performing in Kolkata?
The worst part is that all flights to Kolkata are really really early in the morning. We have to sacrifice our sleep in order to catch them. The best part is of course, the crowd and the mind boggling response that we get each time we play in the city. The same thing happened this time too. So we are very happy to be here each time.
What is the music scene like in Kolkata?
The music scene is pretty cool out here. There is whole bunch of Kolkata bands, whose music I admire, like Skinny Alley, Pink Noise, The Supersonics and Prachir. The urban music scene is also pretty strong in the city. Musically, this city has always been much ahead of others. It has been the breeding ground of some of the greatest musical talents that India has produced so far. Our National anthem too is from this place. Look at RD Burman, Kishore Kumar and even Shreya Ghoshal...they are all Bengalis! I wouldn't have been a composer if not for RD. He is a true legend. KKR still remains our (mine and Shekhar's) favourite team, no matter what. After composing the theme song, Korbo Lorbo Jitbo, for KKR many other teams approached us for their theme songs as well, but we said no to them, as we are both very loyal to KKR.
A composer, a singer, a VJ or a member of Pentagram — What do you prefer being most?
Though there are many sites like Wikipedia, which says that I was a VJ, I want to clear this once and for all. I was never a VJ. I used to host a programme on rock music for a music channel. That's it. Don't believe anything and everything that's available on the Net. It isn't always true. Now coming back to the question, I enjoy doing all three that is composing, singing and being a member of Pentagram. The ultimate aim is to create good music for the listeners and that is what I am striving for, everyday. Basically, it's all the same and I don't see them as different job responsibilities.
What about being a judge of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa?
I never consider myself a judge. My basic aim is to have some good time through good music and listening to some real good singing. This year's participants are phenomenal. You will get to see and hear some real talents this year.
Post I Hate Luv Storys, what are your forthcoming projects?
There's Anjaana Anjaani coming up. The promos are already on air. They are just a few days old, but we are getting huge response for the same. Then there is.
Recently, you tweeted about Amit Trivedi composing super scores for Aisha. Who are the other composers of recent times, whose music you really like?
There is a long list of names including, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Pritam, AR Rahman (he is a genius) and Amit Trivedi, whose music I admire.
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Music
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Shreya Ghoshal mesmerises New ZealandLast updated on: August 24, 2010 Reader Perdy Mohindru from Auckland, New Zealand , sent us this article and picture of Shreya Ghoshal concert in New Zealand recently. Feel free to mail us your write-ups, videos and photographs to |
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Music
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We are not entertainers: Amjad KhanIANS, Aug 20, 2010,
Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, whose new album attempts a unique mix of Indian classical and Western orchestra, says he is not an entertainer and likes to perform only for those who respect the art.
"I have performed around the world and one thing is constant everywhere, the audience comprises more youngsters, which is a very good sign. It shows that youth is equally interested in the sarod as compared to other instruments," Khan said.
His new album " Sarod Symphony" is unique as it combines the sounds of Indian classical and Western orchestra. The 64-year-old musician, who was born into a musical family and has been performing internationally since the 1960s, also stressed that he likes performing only for people who respect his art.
"We are not entertainers, we are only available for those who respect our art, culture and tradition," he said. "Sarod Symphony" is a presentation of some of Khan's timeless compositions in a symphony. It is also an attempt to present the magnificence of both styles of music while preserving the identity and purity of the Indian raga and the stately grandeur of Western classical music.
"The effect of the relationship between the sarod and the orchestra is unique. This kind of collaboration has not been done before with a sarod. It's a mix of both Western and Indian classical music," Khan said.
The Padma Vibhushan awardee describes the album as being close to his heart because it also includes work of his sons Amaan and Ayaan. The music is arranged and conducted by music arranger Stephen Devassy. "It was definitely special to do an album with my sons. When three of us play together, it's the greatest joy for me. It also gives a feeling of a strong family bond and our culture," said Khan.
The album was released Aug 9 by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh - something the musician calls an honour. "The fact that Manmohan Singhji decided to release our album shows that he has so much respect and love for our classical music. We are fortunate to have a prime minister like him, who is so graceful and humble. It was an honour to get the album released through his hands," he said.
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Music
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Single Anoushka confirms pregnancy!TNN, Aug 28, 2010
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