Kishore Kumar was a genius. And, it was his birthday about 10 days ago (4th August). I had wanted to do a little blog piece on my favourites sung by him. But, there were so many of them, and it was so difficult to make a choice that I went into some sort of a analysis paralysis. And then, about 5 days ago it struck me. Classical Kishore. We all know about the rock & Roll Kishore (hum to mohobbat karega), and the playful Kishore (eena meena dika) and the Romantic Kishore (Phoolonke rang se) - but somehow - despite a solid body of work based on Classical Ragas - we consider him to be a singer purely of fun and contemporary work…But, KK had a fair body of work that was classical.

So here goes my favourite Kishore numbers based on Classical Ragas - again in no particular order of preference ( i love them all) …

1) Aap Ke Anurodh Pe - Kishore’s voice glides effortlessly through the scales. The composition is in Raga Yaman . The film is Anurodh - starring Rajesh Khanna. I have faint memories of the film and all I can remember is two good songs and terribly boring inbetweens ! Music is by Laxmikant Pyarelal, and lyrics by Anand Bakshi

Other great film songs in this Raga include -Aansoo Bhari Hai (Parvarish);Na Jaao Saayiaan (Sahib, Bibi aur Ghulam)

2) Pagh Ghungroo Bandh - Kishore Kumar having fun singing for Amitabh Bachchan in Namak Halal. Music is by Bappi Da and lyrics by Anjaan. The Raga is Darbari Kanara. The film was a fun outing about missing identity, treasures, duty, loyalty and a incredible rain dance by Amitabh and Smita Patil.

3) Mere Naina Sawan Bhadon - Kishore Kumar in a wistful mood singing this compositon in Raga Shivranjani. The song has another version by Lata Mangeshkar, but I always preferred this variation. Music is by R.D.Burman and lyrics by . The film is Mehbooba starring Rajesh Khanna & Hema Malini.

Other famous Hindi Film songs in the same Raga are Dil Jalta Hai by Mukesh from Pehli Nazar, O Duniya Ke Rakhwaale by Rafi for Baiju Bawra

4) Khilte Hai Gul Dil Yahaan - based on Raga Bhimalpaasi, this song is also sung separately by Lata Mangeshkar, but once again I prefer the Kishore version of it. Music is by S.D.Burman, lyrics by Neeraj. The film is about twins - one good and one evil (played by Rakhee) who both fall for Shashi Kapoor. The film is a good romantic thriller with a great sound track.

Check out the fabulous Naino Me Badra Chhaye from Mera Saaya - its in the same Raga.

5) Koi Humdum Na Raha - Film is Jhumroo. I haven’t seen the film, but i kind of like the song. The composition is based on Raga Jhinjhinoti.

other famous songs in this raga are Ja Ja Re Ja Balamwa from the film Basant Bahar sung by Lata and Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya from Guide sung by Rafi.

6) Tere Mere Milan ki Yeh Raina - a duet in Raga Khamaj sung by Kishore and Lata. The story is about two talented people who marry in haste, only to find that the husband’s ego (abhimaan) at her being more acclaimed leading to a fissure in the relationship. Againa a sound track with songs like Meet na Mila re Manka, Teri bindiyaa, Nadiyaan Kinare.

Another great Kishore song in this Raga is from Amar Prem - the fabulous Kuch to Log Kahenge

Other famous songs in this Raga are O Sajna by Lata from Parakh, Aise to na Dekho by Rafi from Teen Deviyaan.

7) Payal Wali Dekhna - Raga Maru Bihaag. Film Ek Raaz.He sings for himself on screen. I haven’t seent this film either.

Other famous songs based on this Raga are Meethe Bol Bol by Lata and Bhupinder in Kinara and the next song which is also by Kishore Kumar

Zindagi ke Safar Mein Bichar Jaaate Hai - film is Aap ki Kasaam. Starring Rajesh Khanna, Mumtaz and Sanjeev Kumar. A film about love, envy, jealousy and break down. A fabulous sond track. Other gems in this film include Jai Jai Shiv Shankar, Aap Ki Kasam

9) Jeevan Se Bhari - A whimsical Kishore in this great song from the film Safar. The film stars Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore. For its times it was a seriously grown up love story. The Raga is Rageshwari.

Other famous songs based on this raga are Nain So Nain Nahi Milao, and Na Jiya Lage Na from Anand.

10) Woh Shyaam Kuch Ajeeb Thi - The film is Khamoshi - starring Rajesh Khanna, Waheeda Rehman and Dharmendra. The story is of a nurse in a psychiatrist ward and her relationship with her charges. Somehow I think that they made better films in those days than they do now. And a great sound track. One of my all time favourites. The Raga is Yaman.

11) Meri Bhigi Bhigi Si - Kishore sings this great composition based on the Raga Kirvani.The film is Anaamika staaring Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri.
Music is by R.D.Burman lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri

Other great Kishore Kumar classical hits are Karvatein Badalte Rahe (Aap Ki Kasaam) in Raga Pahadi; Kanchi re Kanchi (Hare Rama Hare Krishna) in the same Raga; Kaise kahe Hum Pyaar ne Humkse, Kya Kya Khel Rachaye (Sharmilee) in Raga Tilang; Choo kar mere man Ko (Yaarana) - Raga yaman; Is Mod se Jaate Hai (Aandhi) - Raga Yaman.
if i have got any of the ragas wrong (quite likely) do let me know !

Batman is possibly one of the most fascinating characters in fiction. His origin is universal - he could be anyone anywhere who witnessed his parents being murdered and swore that if it possible no one else will suffer his losses- he could be in any time period and still work. And, there is no deux ex machina about his powers. Bruce Wayne - the man behind Batman - is who he his, and does what he does because he has trained himself to, he has achieved - not because some god or alien or something else gave him powers. He has a great rogues gallery - Joker, Penguin, Ras Ul Ghul, Riddler, Bane …, and a wonderful supporting cast - from Robin to Gordon,

I have enjoyed most movie adapations of Batman -except the terrible Batman and Robin. I have enjoyed the animated series, and the comics. However, Dark Knight is more than a Batman movie. It is cinema.

Dark Knight follows Batman Begins and further explores the character of Bruce Wayne and his mission to clean up Gotham. Bruce Wayne is no Tony Stark who has ventured into the superhero space by accident, nor is he Peter Parker bitten by a radio active spider. He is not the last son from a planet that gives him earth shattering powers, nor is he someone who was gifted a ring by a dying alien. Everthing that is, and everything that he does is driven by his demons. He would be the Batman even if didn’t have shit loads of inheritance. He is someone has planned this since he saw his parents murdered. He is dedicated, committed and longs for a day when he doesn’t have to wear a Bat Suit and jump of buildings.

This isn’t a movie about a superhero. It is a movie about a man who does the right thing. He has cool gadgets to do it with, but, the story is not about the gadgets. Director Christopher Nolan - in fact is rather compact with his gadgets & action sequences. There are no long lingering stylised action sequences. The action is compact, short and brutal. People get killed, maimed and brutalized . And, it is not pretty. If anything it is realistic and stomach churning. After, the last few superhero flicks where scenes seemed to be fillers between action sequences, this was definitely a relief. The action is an inherent part of the story, not its core. At its core the story is about three men who believe in justice in their own way and follow the rules.

• there is Bruce Wayne - who is dedicated to being Batman. He believes in Order. He fights on the line, without ever crossing it. Both the cops and the cons know that although he is brutal, ruthless and relentless, he doesn’t kill. Christian Bale reprises his role of Bruce Wayne /Batman and breathes layers and complexity into the role. In the comic books, Batman is often Bruce Wayne. I suppose writers find it easier to write the driven superhero. However, in both the films it is Bruce Wayne who is Batman. Bale infuses the character with power, pathos, and passion. Yet, there is a surprising vulnerability about character. You want him to win not because he wears a flashy costume and drives an array of great vehicles. You want him to win because he is a man trying to do what is right.
• There is Harvey Dent who is the District Attorney. He believes in the Law. He cannot be scared away and has been waging a one man crusade against organised crime. If Batman is Gotham city’s Dark Knight, Dent is its white knight. And both the Dark and the White Knight are in love with the same girl - Rachel Dawes.
• There is Commissioner Gordon - who is dedicated to being the only honest cop in Gotham. He believes in Batman. However, as someone working within the system - he tries to follow it as best as he can. He doesn’t live in a world where he can trust too many people.

And then, to wreck havoc in all their lives and in the lives of the inhabitants of Gotham city arrives the Joker - a completely amoral individual with no rules. The Joker in this film is not mad. He just has no values, norms or rules to tether him. All he does is what he wants - and that is unpredictable.There are no grays in his character Heath Ledger has created one of the most chilling villains in film history. . there is no pathos, no back story, no abused childhood. Nothing. He comes into the film as a fully formed force of nature and turns lives upside down. He makes everyone question who they are, what they stand for, and how far will they go. He changes the rules of the game.

If Batman represents Order, Joker represents Chaos. And they are locked in battle for ever

Batman : Why do you want to kill me?
The Joker: I don’t want to kill you. What would I do without you?

Despite Heath Ledger’s brilliant performance, the film is not the Joker’s story. It is the story of Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent and the choices that they make when pushed to the corner. Will they really cross the line?

The premise of the film is simple. The concept of a masked vigilante attracts all sorts of nutcases. There are those who honour him and imitate him. And, there are those who are out to destroy him. The Batman’s appearance has both intended and unintended consequences. The intended consequences are the system feeling empowered to go after crime. Harvey Dent is an example of that. The intended consequences is also the mob running scared. But, the unintended fallout is the Joker

Bruce Wayne: I knew the mob wouldn’t go down without a fight. But this is different. They crossed the line.
Alfred Pennyworth: You crossed the line first, sir. You hammered them. And in their desperation they turned to a man they didn’t fully understand. Some men aren’t looking for anything logical. They can’t be bought, bullied, reasoned or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.

And watch it burn he does. He wrecks Dent’s life and face and then goes on to corrupt his sense of decency. He plays a bizarre variant of the Milgram experiment with the citizens of Gotham. He taunts, prods and torments Batman till he almost crosses the line.

The film is engrossing. The acting is superlative. You believe that this city exists as do its denizens. You feel for them.  The  action sequences were great. They seemed to the point and real. The film has a depth and realism that moved the characters beyond a comic book into the world of flesh and blood. The violence is very real and is brutal . The only thing that I didn’t like too much was the theme music. I really liked the themes used in the earlier films and the cartoon series.

pics: ign.com

Technorati Tags: Batman Begins, Peter Parker, Christopher Nolan, Christian Bale, Harvey Dent

It is Monsoons The streets look washed. There skies look silver and grey. The trees are swaying. The air smells fresh. There is a cool breeze that refreshes. The world looks great.

The monsoons have always been my favourite season. Traffic jams, water logging not withstanding — the moment i see a rain cloud my heart sings. The smell of fresh earth at this time of the year drives away any irritation at being stuck indoors. I am known to do silly things like walk in the rain to get wet …. it is almost like the rain is renewing me along with renewing the earth.

And of course, there is hot masala chai, pakodas - grandma used to make these great rava pakodas - and hindi film music. There is not much else you need in life :).

My favourite rain songs from Hindi films — in no particular order of preference

Aaj Rapat Jaaye to Hame Na Uthayo - Amitabh Bachchan and Smita Patil sizzle in this rain song from Namak Halal. Making out on a hand cart never seemed more appealing :). Brilliant music by Bappi Lahri and great lyrics by Anjaan.

Barsaat Mein Humse Mile Tum Sajan - A very young Lata Mangeshkar singing for a even younger Nargis. The film is the classic Barsaat. Music by Shankar Jaikishen, lyrics by Shailendra.

Dil Tera Deewana Hai Sanam - Thunder, Lightening and Rain seem to be a good combination for hormones to start acting up. In this song Shammi Kapoor declares undying love for Mala Sinha. The film is Dil Tera Deewana. Music is by Shankar Jaikishen, Lyrics are by Shailendra

Dum Dum Diga Diga - from the movie Chaliya. The director was Manmohan Desai - who gave blockbuster hits like Amar Akbar Anthony, Naseeb, Dharam Veer etal. It was loosely based on Dostovesky’s White Nights but set in the post Partition refugee space. Nutan and Raj Kapoor Star. Rehman has a wonderful cameo as Nutan’s husband. Music is by Kalyanji Anandji, and lyrics by Qamar Jalalabadi.

Ek Ladki Bhigi Bhagi Si - Kishore Kumar and Madhubala and a broken down car. The chemistry between the actors is sweet and playful. An indicator of a much more innocent era. Music by SD Burman, lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri.

Ghanana Ghanana Ghir - The fabulously energetic rain song from Lagaan. A.R.Rehman as his best. The song is relief, joy, yearning, all melded together with great melody, rythmn and a folksy quality that translates to the people’s link to rain. Lyrics are by Javed Akhtar

Koi Ladka Hai - from the film Dil to Pagal hai. The song has a great sense of innocence and reflects a great sense of the joy of life that has been rejuvenated by rains. The singers are Lata Mangeshkar and Udit Narayan. Music is by Uttam Singh and lyrics by Anand Bakshi. SRK and Madhuri and a gaggle of kids feature in this feel good song on the rains.

Mujhe Jaan Na Kaho Meri Jaan - a lovely romantic song by Geeta Dutt. Music is by Kanu Roy and Lyrics are by Gulzar. There is something about a rain drenched Mumbai and romance. The film features Sanjeev Kumar and Tanuja and their post marital ups and downs. The film is Anubhav and the director is Basu Bhattacharya who has the recurrent thread of marital discord running through his films.

O Sajna Barkha Bahar Aayi - Lata Mangeshkar at her sweetest best for this song from the Bimal Roy film Parakh. Music by Salil Choudhary.

Rhim Jhim Gire Sawan - there are two variations of this song, one by Lata Mangeshkar - featured on Amitabh Bachchan - who looked so yummy in this song - & Moushmi Chaterjee and Mumbai in the rains. and the other by Kishore Kumar. The film is Manzil, the music is by R.D.Burman, and lyrics by Yogesh ( not Majrooh Sultanpuri as posted earlier. Thankyou Vinay)

.

The Kishore Kumar variant.
and the Lata Mangeshkar variant

Zindagi Bhar Nahi Bhooli woh Barsaat ki Raat - Bharat Bhushan serenading a woman he met in the rain. And, a very wet Madhubala is the object of his music. The music is by Roshan Sahaab, and lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi. The movie is Barsaat ki Raat.

The 1950's and 1960's possibly had the best in terms of musical talent in the Hindi Film Industry. The kind of music that was created was superlative by any standards. And, there was choice - there was classical, rock, jazz, folk, fun, … the lot. Amongst the greats of this era was Manna Dey. Not as prolific as either Mohammed Rafi or Kishore Kumar, he managed however to sing some of the best songs in Hindi films. May 1st was his birthday. Here are some of my favourite songs from his repertoire.

a) Yeh Raat Bhigi Bhigi - a lovely romantic duet from the film Chori Chori, starring Raj Kapoor & Nargis. sung by Manna Dey and Lata Mangeshkar, the music is by Shankar Jaikishen & lyrics by Shailendra. Although Mukesh was considered the definitive voice of Raj Kapoor, the duets by Manna Dey were all superaltive. There are two other songs from this film - Jahan Mein Jaati hoon vahi Chale aate ho, and Aaja Sanam Madhur Chandini Mein hum, and two from Shree 420 - Pyaar Huva Ikraar Huva and Mud Mud Ke na Dekh … which are in my list of top songs of all times.

b) Na to Karvan Ki Talaash Hai - My favourte Qawalli from Hindi Films. Manna Dey, Asha Bhonsle, Mohd. Rafi and others. The song runs for almost 10 minutes. Manna De opens the classic piece and Rafi ends it… both are at their best in this song. Roshan Sahab (the father of Rakesh & grand father of Hrithik) composes a masterpiece, lyrics are by Shailendra -

c) Zindagi Kaise Hai Paheli - Manna De in the film Anand, singing for Rajesh Khanna. the muisc director is Salil Choudhary and lyrics are by Yogesh. The film is about a cancer patient, who has no hope of survival and the joy that he brings to people in his life. Possibly Rajesh Khanna’s best performance. The soundtrack is full of gems - Na Jiya Lage Na, Meine Tere Liye Hi saath rang ke sapne chune, Kahi Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye

d) Kaun Aaya Mere Dil Ke Dwaare - Manna Dey sings for Anoop Kumar (trivia - Anoop Kumar is the brother of Ashok Kumar & Kishore Kumar) for the film Dekh Kabira Roya. The film, despite its name, is a comedy. A story of three struggling men and their quest for their muses. Music in the film is by Madan Mohan and lyrics by Rajendra Kishen

e) Pucho Na Kaise Man Rain Bitaye - the film is Meri Soorat Teri Ankhen, the song is picturised on Ashok Kumar. The music is by S.D.Burman and lyrics by Shailendra. The story is about an disfigured abandoned child, who grows up to be a disfigured singer (Ashok Kumar). And, then he falls in love with Asha Parekh !

f) Ketaki Gulab Juhi - a duet with Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. The song is a competition between the two singers, and in typical Hindi Film ishtyle … Pandit Bhimsen Joshi loses. If your mind can overcome this fact… listen to the song…

The other great Manna Dey number from this film is Sur Na Saje, Kya Gaoon Mein.

g) Tu Pyaar Ka Saagar Hai - I always had a crush on Balraj Sahani - and in a way I still do. Everytime I see him on screen, my heart flutters, it truly does. And, it flutters a lot more in this song than in his other on screen appearances. Although, this song is sung as a Bhajan, for me it was a love song … which Balraj Sahni is singing to Nutan. Music by Shankar Jaikishen, Lyrics, Shailendra.

h) Laga Chunri Mein Daag - the film is Dil Hi to Hai. Music by Roshan & Lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi. The song is picturised on a very bearded Raj Kapoor. The film is about mistaken identity, honour, love and misunderstandings … in short it could be any Hindi film except that Roshan’s music lifts it above its own mediocrity.

i) O Meri Zohra Zabeen - the Film is Waqt - the first of the last and found sagas …. The song is picturised on Balraj Sahni (be still my fluttering heart),the music is by Ravi and lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi.

j) Phir Kahi Koi Phul Khila - the film is Anubhav - a complicated tangle of marital relationships. It has a wonderful sound track. Other classics in this film include the brilliant number by Geeta Dutt - Mujhe jaan na Kahon, meri Jaan. The film stars Sanjeev Kumar and Tanuja as the newly married couple with more than than their share of problems.

k) Mud Mud ke Na Dekh Mud Mud Ke - Asha and Manna De in this fabulous number from Shree 420. Picturised on Nadira & Raj Kapoor. The music is by Shankar Jaikishen and lyrics by Shailendra. The film is about a young idealist Raj Kapoor, who is seduced by wealth, fame and fortune - represented by Maya (nadira) … and brought back to the straight and narrow (not to mention poverty) by Vidya. The song marks the turning point in the film when Raj Kapoor goes over to the evil side….

And, here is Raj Kapoor with Vidya (Nargis) in one of the most famous songs of Hindi Films

Technorati Tags: Hindi Film Industry, Manna Dey, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Salil Choudhary, Madan Mohan, Balraj Sahani

Last week marked the 50th anniversary of one my favourite films of all times Madhumati. Directed by Bimal Roy and starring Dilip Kumar, Vyjantimala and Pran, Madhumati was the story of eternal love that cant' be separated by death. One of the key ingredients that has made this movie an all time favourite is the sound track composed by Salil Choudhary.

Salil Choudhary had composed, what for me, is the finest songs in any film. Starting with the peppy Suhana Safar aur yeh Mausam Hasi, to the haunting Mein to Kab se Khadi is Paar, to the earthy Daya re Daya Jangal Chad Gayo Papi Bichua (tnx Kuffir), to the soulful Toothe huve Khawbon ne, to the flirtatious Dil Tadap Ke Keh Raha Hai Abhi Ja, to the drunken Jungal mein More Nache to the lovely mujra Hum Haal-e-Dil Sunaaye ge - the film is full of songs that have endured the test of time…..

But, in a way that was Salil Choudhary's expertise. The music that he composed transcends time…. Here are my favourites from his repertoire. in no particular order of preference

• Suhana Safar aur Yeh Mausam Hasi - sung by Mukesh with lyrics by Shailendra. Picturised on a very young Dilip Kumar - full of hope and a joy for life as he takes on a new assignment working for the villanous Pran. Film Madhumati. The film is full of ever green songs, a fabulous background track and an atmosphere that can very rarely be replicated.

• Aa Jaa Ri Aaa, Nindiya Tu Aa - sung by Lata Mangeshkar, with very basic accompaniment . The song is a mellifluous lullaby. Lyrics by Shailendra. The film is Do Bigha Zameen, and the dierctor Bimal Roy. The film had other wonderful songs like Dharti Kare Pukar Ke, Ajab Tore Duniya O Rama. The story is of a farmer who tries to redeem his Do Bigha Zameen (two measures of land) from the landlord (debt). The movie still resonates with poignancy today, especially in the light of farmer suicides over debt. And, no corporatisation is not the answer.

• Kahi Door Jab Din Dhal Jaaye - Sung By Mukesh, Picturised on Rajesh Khanna for the film Anand. Director Hrishikesh Mukherjee. (Trivia: Hrishikesh Mukherjee was mentored by Bimal Roy). The movie is an absolute tear jerker. I remember sobbing my way through the film. Other gems in this movie are Meine Tere Liye Hi Saat Rang Ke Sapne Chune (mukesh), Zindagi Kaise Hi Paheli (Manna De), Naa Jiya Lage Na (Lata)

• Jaago Mohan Pyare Jaago - sung by Lata Mangeshkar, picturised on Nargis, lyrics by Shailender. Directed by Amit Mitra. Prouced by Raj Kapoor - one of the few commercial disasters that he produced. The film is Jaagte Raho and the story is a of a man in search of drinking water in the city. I don't think that Lata's voice has been sweeter in any other song. I get gooseberries everytime I hear this song. The other masterpiece from this film is Zindagi Khwaab Hai (Mukesh)

• Tasveer Tee Dil Mein, Jis Din Se Utari Hai - a lovely romantic duet sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi for the film Maya. The song is picturised on Dev Anand and Mala Sinha. Lyrics are by Majrooh Sultanpuri. The other song from this film that is an all time favourite is Ja Re Ud Jaa Re Panchi (sung by Lata)

• Itna Na Mujhse Tu Pyaar Bada - sung by Lata Mangeshkar & Talat Mehmood for Asha Parekh and Sunil Dutt. Lyrics by Rajender Kishen. The film is Chhaya. Other great songs in this film are Aanknon mein Masti Sharaab Ki, Aansoon Samajh Ke Kyon Mujhe (both by Talat Mehmood)

• O Sajna Barkha Bahar Aayi - sung by Lata Mangeshkar and picturised on Sadhna. The film is Parakh and the lyrics are by Shailendra

• Koi Hota Jisko Apna - sung by Kishore Kumar, the film is Mere Apne. Lyrics by Gulzar

• Jane Man Jane Man - sung by Yesudas and Asha Bhonsle for Amol Palekar & Vidya Sinha. The film is Choti si Baat directed by Basu Chaterjee. The story is of two shy people who come together.  The film had other lovely numbers including Na Jaane Kyon, Hota hai Yeh Zindagi ke Saath (Lata), Yeh Din Kya Aaye, lage phul hase (Mukesh)

• Rajngandha Phool Tumhare - Sung by Lata , picturised on Vidya Sinha. the film is Rajnigandha. Like many Basu Chaterjee movies this too focused on the complexities of a man woman relationship and the feeling that the grass in greener elsewhere. Check out the Mukesh number in this film - Kahi baar yuhi dekha hai…yahi man ki seema rekha hai….
• Nain Hamare Saanj Saakare .. a whimsical number sung by Mukesh. The film is Annadata starring Jaya Bhaduri and Anil Dhawan. I found the movie terribly dragging — but its soundtrack is superlative. Other lovely numbers in the film are Raton ke Saaye (Lata), Guzar Jaye Din Din (Kishore)

There are other great numbers from movies that I haven't seen…. Ai Mere Pyaare Watan (sung by Manna De for kabuli wala), Baag Mein Kali Khili (sung by Asha for Chand aur Suraj), Kanha Bole Na (sung by Lata for Sangat); Ni Sa, Ga Ma Pa Ni, Sa Re Ga, Aa Aa Re Mitavaa (sung by Yesudas). The list is quite large. 

These are some of my favourites…. But, the trouble with Salilda's music is that every song that you hear of his you think to yourself ….. but that is my favourite….

Also check out The World of Salil Choudhary for his entire collection of his compositions  in all languages. 

Technorati Tags: Madhumati, Salil Choudhary

For the last 4 weeks or so we have been hard at work on our business plan. After 4 years of running our own business, it is time to get some cash infusion to do bigger and better things… Part of putting any business plan together is looking at shitloads of industry specific research as back ups for your own projections. Normally, in stuff like this you quote industry body reports on growth, returns, expectations etal… And normally one tends to use one of the two reports that are put out by the industry FICCI Frames or the Confederation of Indian Industries reports…..

However, this year the number of flaws and errors in the FICCI Frames report makes it virtually unusable. The TV portion is vague .. their content market figures estimated at 9 billion INR (900 crores) seems grossly underestimated, especially given that last year's hours of original content was pegged at 32,000 hours+ hours of programming. On an average a large General Entertainment Channel (GEC) spends about 250 to 300 + crore rupees on content. This doesn't include regional, niche and other channels including news. With news one can take the stance that the costs don't really come into content but into personnel and infrastructure, and even if you discount news the figure is a lot higher than 900 crores. More likely to be INR 1500+ crores ( we did a back of the envelope calculation, and once it is validated I will post that). But, their figure can be defended.

But, what cant' be defended and what is a truly glaring piece of erroneous research is the following :

(source : page 107 of the FICCI Frames: Indian Entertainment & Media Industry Report, 2008) 

My serious suggestion is click on the JPEG to see the figures it will show the following gems :

Andaman & Nicobar and Arunachal Pradesh (we won't even go into the logic of this clubbing) has 1546 Cinema  screens.

Tamil Nadu has 6 Cinema  screens

Uttar Pradesh has 3  Cinema  screens

And the rest are equally ridiculous. Maharashtra (excluding Vidarbha) , according to the report has  95 Cinema  screens. (aside - i wouldn't be surprised if the Mumbai suburbs has 95 cinema screens

I can only surmise that the reason that China wants to take over Arunachal Pradesh and the reason why Andaman and Nicobar is sinking and the reason why Uttar Pradesh has so much crime is because of the number of cinema screens. With this kind of data, we are going to end up with equally wonky causality :) 

Technorati Tags: FICCI Frames, Confederation of Indian Industries, FICCI Frames, China, Andaman and Nicobar, Uttar Pradesh

Ficci Frames 2008 began yesterday in Mumbai. This year's theme was sustaining development.

As, usual it was great for the networking. I caught with quite a few people that I had lost touch with. Met some new ones. Bonded with old colleagues. Drank lots of coffee. attended loads of talks where i felt like a school back bencher … some gems from yesterday…

• non working housewife - ahem housewives work. They don't get paid for it.. but, they work
• Yash Khanna — addressing Yash Chopra
•  the market capitalisation of all Indian media companies is 15 million USD … ahem, can i turn monopoly

The panel on the Resurgence of Regional Media was good. At the end of the day, the take away was that Hindi is just another regional language — in the context of audiences and media. That product, social and religious marketeers had begun to understand the power and value of regional audiences and did not disdainfully write them off as 'vernacs'. It was one of the few panels where the panelists had bothered to prepare for the audience that they were addressing.

This year FICCI Frames seems to have gone eco friendly. Instead of printing out 180 odd pages of the media report, they gave a short exec summary that was printed and the rest of it on cd… and unlike previous years the report was not plastic wrapped. 

all in all felt like being back at an alumni meet….. :) 

Technorati Tags: Ficci Frames 2008, Mumbai

… with a title that seems to have been penned by Kazuo Ishiguro.

I had heard a decade ago, when License to Kill came out, that its original name was “License Revoked” but the studios decided to change it because they were afraid that people won’t understand revoked :). I can quite believe it..

Quantum of Silence Solace, by comparison, is easy !!

Technorati Tags: Kazuo Ishiguro

I had earlier posted a version of this post on Blogbharti, as a part of the spotlight series . Today, on the 58th Republic Day, I thought that it may be appropriate to post it on my blog… This version has pics… and a couple of other songs…

One of the things that interest me is this entire concept of Indian identity. After all, there is nothing that we really have in common - not language, nor culture, not religion or even gods, or even a common philosophy, theology, or even a view of the world. Our multi-party democracy and our zillion paths and our seeming anarchy will drive any one seeing the country right up the proverbial wall. Yet, we know who we are. We may not be able to define it in specific words, but most of us know what we mean when we say we are Indian.

On Republic Day - the day, we the diverse people of India, agreed on the terms and conditions of cohabiting with mutual tolerance, I thought it would be nice to have a list of songs from Hindi Film Music that represent this Indian-ness;not the national identity or the citizenship part of us but something that we recognise in ourselves and others as being ‘Indian’. Why only Hindi Film Songs? well because I have limited exposure to songs in other languages. Here is my top 15, do add to the list.

1) Sare Jahan se Achcha Hindustan Hamara - Written by Iqbal way back at the turn of the last century, the song that, I hope, really defines India. Not just the nation state, not even the geographical land mass, but the spirit of the space. There is a stanza in the song,

Mazhab nahin Sikhata, aapas mein bair rakhna….
Hind hi hai hum, Hind hi hai ham vatan hai,
Hindustan hamara

More than anything else this symbolises secularism in India for me. Not secularism in the western sense of separation of organised state and organised religion, but secularism in the sense of mutual tolerance, acceptance and co-existance. The irony is that Mohammed Iqbal became one of the strong proponents of division on religious lines. I am not really sure if it was ever used in a film, in its entirety. The new version of it for the Incredible India campaign is also worth hearing.

The Gateway of India, Mumbai

2) Chino Arab Hamara, Hindustan Hamara Rehene Ko Ghar Nahin hai, Sara jahan hamara. Written by Sahir Ludhianvi and sung by Mukesh, for the film Phir Subah Hogi the song possibly is an anti thesis to Sare Jahan se Achcha. It captures the dispossession of the dispossessed. Written for the film made in 1958, the songs lyrics are still valid today. Check out this stanza

Jitni bi buldinge hai, Sethon ne baant li hai,
Footpath Mumbai ke hai aashia hamara

While the number of home owners has definitely increased since the film was released, so has the number of homeless footpath dwellers. There is another song in this film, also sung by Mukesh, that deals with similar feelings - Aasman Pe Hai Khuda, aur Zameen pe hum.

The Little Beggar Girl, Mumbai

3) Sajan re Jhooth Mat Bolo, Khuda ke paas Jaana Hai - Mukesh waxes philosophical in this folksy number from Teesri Kasam. Picturised on Mukesh, the lyrics are by Shailendra, and music by Shankar Jaikishen. Check out this stanza

Bhalaa Kije Bhalaa Hoga
Buraa Kije Buraa Hoga
Wahi Likh-Likh Ke Kya Hoga
Yahin Sab Kuch Chukana Hai

At a very core level this is so true. I remember a ricksahawaalah telling me when HKL Baghat died, aise log na aise hi saad saad ke marenge. But, the flip of it is true too. You hear of people giving complete strangers shelter after a downpour, people who risk life and limb to help strangers, water being given away on streets to pilgrims & passers-by.

4) Aurat ne Janam diya Mardon Ko, Mardon ne use Bazaar Diya. Lata Mangeshkar in a rant against a system that is male skewed. At the core, India is still very much a man’s world, with women as an after thought. It is still a country where a Prinyanka Todi is not allowed to exercise her choice, and a Priyanka Bhotmange is gang-raped to teach her a lesson, it is a society which is OK with terminating a girl child and a system where women are offered the ‘chance’ to marry their rapist. There are success stories, but by and large she is still property. This has Sahir at his revolutionary best, music by N.Dutta. This film also contains the great Geeta Dutt number Ramji ke Dwar Pe, Tora Manva Kyon Gabraye Re…. Lakh deen dukhiyaare saare, Jag mein mukti paaye. Check out this stanza for its poignancy

mardon ne banaayee jo rasmen, unko haq kaa farmaan kahaa
aurat ke zindaa jalane ko, qurbaani aur balidaan kahaa
kismat ke badle roti di, aur usko bhi ehsaan kahaa

(woman - Marathwada)
5) Vande Maatram.The film Anand Math, Music by Hemant Kumar and sung by Lata Mangeshkar. There are many versions of this song, including the one on All India Radio, and later by A.R.Rehman but, this remains my favourite rendition. It takes a rare genius to take a song about the beauty of the mother goddess and convert it into a marching song.

sapta koti kantha kalakala ninaada karaale
nisapta koti bhujaidhruta kharakarvaale
ka bola ka noma eith bole
bahubal dhaariniin namaami taariniim
ripudalavaariniin maataram
vande maataram …

What does it mean -Aurobindo translates its as -

Glory of moonlight dreams, Over thy branches and lordly streams,
Clad in thy blossoming trees, Mother, giver of ease
Laughing low and sweet! Mother I kiss thy feet,
Speaker sweet and low! Mother, to thee I bow.

6) Yeh Mehlon, Yeh Takhton, Yeh Tajon Ki Duniya - Mohd. Rafi singing for Guru Dutt in one of the most famous scenes from Hindi Films. A silhouetted Guru Dutt singing to a bunch of men and women who have sold their souls for something else Yeh Duniya Agar mil Bi Jaaye to Kya Hai. One of those songs that resonate deep within your soul. The other great songs in this film were - Jinhe Naaz Hai Hind per woh Kahan Hai Kissi.

The newspaper vendor

7) Kissi Ke Muskurahato pe Ho Nisaar - Bringing joys to those around you. Mukesh in the film Anari. India is full of men and women who just give up material things to bring happiness to others. Look at the number of NGO’s and the good that they are doing at the grassroots - the people who serve without recognition, because they want to. People who help those less fortunate than themselves:

Maana apni jeb se fakeer hain, Phir bhi yaaron dil ke ham ameer hain

I remember a Dalit activist telling me that he works with the Pardhi’s because they have even less than him. And those stories abound, people who just help each other.

(A Pardhi school - Maharashtra, run by volunteers. Read more - here)

Chodo Kal Ki Baatein, Kal Ki Baat Purani, Naye daur mein likhenge milkar nayi kahaani Sung by Mukesh for the film “Hum Hindustani”. At a very basic level this epitomises our view of history. While it is a great philosophy to move on, it also means justice sometimes doesn’t get delivered. Check out this stanza:

Aaj puraani zanjeeron ko tod chuke hain
Kya dekhe us manzil ko jo chhod chuke hain
Chaand ke dar pe jaa pahuncha hai aaj zamaana
Naye jagat se hum bhi naata jod chuke hain
Naya khoon hai, nayi umangein, ab hai nayi jawaani

9) Chitthi Aayi hai - Sung by Pankaj Udhas, music by Lakshmikant Pyarelal, lyrics by Anand Bakshi. I remember hearing this song when I was a student abroad, and for some peculiar reason, my eyes filled up. For as long as I lived abroad, this song moved me and on my return I found it cloyingly sentimental. There is something about India as ‘home’ that draws us back. How many of us know people who still call India home after living for donkey’s years in firangland and with firang citizenship? This is the stanza that used to reduce most people to tears :

Saat Samundar Paar Gaya Tu, Humko Zinda Maar Gaya Tu
Khoon Ke Rishte Todh Gaya Tu, Aankh Mein Aansoo Chhodh Gaya Tu
Kum Khaate Hain Kum Sote Hain, Bahut Zyaada Hum Rote Hain
Chitthi Aayi Hai …

10) Mera Jootha hai Japani - Mukesh for Raj Kapoor in a song that is us. In a modern era it may be educated in London, with an Australian citizenship and a home in Spain. But phir bhi dil hai Hindustani. I love the modern reworking of this song too. Udit Narayan sings for Shah Rukh Khan in Phir bhi Dil Hai Hindustani. Check out this stanza for the new Indian chutzpah…

Thode anari hain thode khiladi, Ruk rukke chalti hai apni gaadi
Humein pyaar chahiye, Aur paise bhi
Hum aise bhi hain, Hum hain vaise bhi

11) Mera Rang De Basanti Chola - I love practically every version of this song, utilised in the Hindi Cinema. From the Mukesh & Mahendra Kapoor version in Shaheed to the Sonu Nigam version in the Legend of Bhagat Singh. While the title track from RDB is not strictly mera Rang de Basanti Chola, it too, for me, fits in. Somehow the song represents that part of us that revels in Independence. The modern Indian republic is the first time all of us have been equal stakeholders, and this anthem for me represents not just that part of us that knows that we are free, equal, and independent but the part of us that is willing to fight to keep it that way.

12) Choti si Aasha. We all hope, and we will wish for a better tomorrow. Small little hopes that we wish would come true. Sung by Minmini for the film Roja, the music director is A.R.Rehman. For me this song was more the Indian ethos than the patriotic Bahrat hamko jaan se pyaara hai. This is a new India, where everyone can hope, dream and hopefully can make it. It is the India, where the maid sends her children to an English medium school, where sachets rule the roost in rural India, and where the gardener, the carpenter and the milk man own a mobile to boost their own business, it is an India where we all have small dreams that can be realised.

I will be a pilot — says the girl to her brother….

14) Hum Honge Kamyaab - the ultimate optimists song. I remember it right through school, when DD was the only channel, and the song was religiously trumped out on national occassions. The song then always had a wistful prayer to it….. I heard it again this morning on DD - a new avtaar of the old number, and there is a vigour to it…. It is no longer just a prayer but a possibility.

14) Allah tero Naam, Iswar tere Naam - Lata Mangeshkar in one of my favourite Bhajans from Hindi Films. Music by Jaidev, for the film Hum Dono. Tolerance as secularism - a very Indian ethos. And despite Modi, Hindutva and a fatwa per minute, despite Khalistan, moral police and the hardening of stands across the board — that value still persists. Watch ordinary people of all shapes & sizes, and all persuasions passing by religious monuments or on festival days … they still share …. the elite have moved away from this, but the bulk are still ’secular’ - in their faith.

15) Chak De India - the Indian way of saying Just Do It. This is the India not of the class system or the caste system or the old aristocracy. This is the India of a Sunil Mittal, an Irfan Pathan, a Mahindra Singh Dhoni, a Shah Rukh Khan, the Mayawati. Men and women with no famous lineage, a modest background achieving dreams achieved within their own lifetime, while they are still young. This is the India of the small town IAS officer, the India of, hopefully, the new meritocracy. An India, where we as members of the Republic take charge of our own destiny and move ahead, despite the system.