Music Review - Om Shanti Om : The Power of Love and Music

Om Shanti Om is easily one of the most complete scores by Vishal-Shekhar and Javed Akhtar.

Expectations. Expectations. And some more expectations. This is how one looks forward to the music of Om Shanti Om from which one expects nothing but the best. And why not?

After all:
a) This is the biggest ever film starring Shah Rukh Khan.
b) This is the second directorial venture for Farah Khan who made a smashing debut with Main Hoon Naa.
c) The film has created huge buzz accompanied by immense hype ever since it was launched.
d) Vishal-Shekhar and Javed Akhtar saab are expected to bring on table a massy popular score.
e) Last but not the least, the film travels decades which makes one look forward to variety in the soundtrack.


Farah Khan: I am re-introducing Shah Rukh Khan

Are these expectations met? Well, very much as each of the seven unique tracks bring on a variety that makes Om Shanti Om a winner all the way.

It is a truly unconventional beginning to Om Shanti Om as instead of an expected 'Beat-one-Beat-two' beginning from Vishal-Shekhar, one gets to hear a rather serene 'Aankhon Mein Teri' which turns out to be an extremely soulful hear. On hearing it initially, it is the sheer 'different' factor due to which it takes some time to follow the composition. But once you have heard it closely with lights switched off and no interference around you, 'Aankhon Mein Teri' turns out to be an irresistible piece of melody that lingers on for hours.

There are number of factors which go in making 'Aankhon Mein' a song that would be remembered for time to come. First and foremost it is the re-discovery of Vishal-Shekhar who create an unconventional tune that breaks the norms which they had themselves set for them. Furthermore, Vishal himself writes lyrics for this track which turns out to be a unique experience since it shows the sensitive romantic side of him. But the biggest of all is K.K. who showcases once again that he is THE most versatile singer who we have in the Bollywood musical scene today!

Well, those who love the dance numbers coming from Vishal-Shekhar don't have to wait for long with the arrival of 'Dard-E-Disco'. This is the very track which is much talked about for Shah Rukh Khan.

Khan's 'perfect-six-abs' and unlike 'Aankhon Mein' which grows immensely only after a few hearings, it is an instant hit from the word go. Reminding of the style, rhythm and the funk of 'Kaal Dhamaal' [Kaal], 'Dard E Disco' is a 'jump-on-the-dance-floor' number which has a Persian touch to it even as overall feel of the song stays on to be Western.

From the title of the song, one would have expected 'Dard-E-Disco' to belong to the 80s era with a Mithun hangover it but that's not the case as the song turns out to be pretty contemporary. Sukhwinder Singh is in his element for this track that has some spicy writing by Javed Akhtar. Marianne, Nisha and Caralisa come together for backup vocals who give the song a perfect disco feel. Later in the album arrives the 'remix version' which makes for a justified presence due to the song's theme and keeps the entertainment alive.

One would have expected the graph of the album to at maximum stay steady after 'Aankhon Mein' and 'Dard-E-Disco' but it shoots up amazingly with 'Deewangi Deewangi' which hooks you within first one minute itself. A sure shot chartbuster which could well have been the opening number for the film's promotion, 'Deewangi Deewangi' is what qualifies as a trademark number which could have been lapped up by Yash Raj Films or Dharma Productions.

The coming together of Shaan, Udit Narayan, Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan and Rahul Saxena (heard in Indian Idol) ensures that there is not a single dull moment in this instant-attention-grabbing track. Boasting of the innocence in melody that was witnessed in the 70s and now presented in the 21st century 'avtar' with a fusion of 'qawalli', 'bhangra' and western arrangements, 'Deewangi Deewangi' that also incorporates the sound of Om Shanti Om will definitely light up the screen when it is played. It's 'Rainbow Mix' only confirms the thought as it helps in consolidating the sound of the song.

If you have ever been in love, you wouldn't have missed out the dancing-couple-on-a-glass-floor gift item that has a sweet sounding tinkling sound which compliments their moves! This is the sound that marks the beginning of 'Main Agar Kahoon' which reminds one of the 60s era when songs like these were in vogue. Picturised on the likes of Rajendra Kumar and Shammi Kapoor, they were mostly sung by Late Mohd. Rafi.

This is the very reason why Sonu Nigam has been roped in to croon 'Main Agar Kahoon' which required the kind of rendition which would succeed in getting you nostalgic about the music of the era gone by. With Shreya Ghoshal in tow who is just the right fit for a song belonging to this genre, 'Main Agar Kahoon' gives a completely different flavor to the album by bringing some 'thehrav' to it after a rocking outing experienced in the last few songs.

Names like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Richa Sharma are good enough reasons to expect a quality offering from Vishal-Shekhar in the song 'Jag Soona Soona Lage'. Written by guest lyricist Kumaar, this painful yet mellow track about separation has it's beginning borrowed from the opening sound of 'Main Agar Kahoon'. Both the singers are highly competent in this beautifully written number that shows an altogether different facet of the composer-duo. A track which has a thorough Indian base to it and makes for a passionate outing, expect it to make multiple appearances during the film's narrative.

It's time for the world of 'Tohfa Tohfa Tohfa' [Tohfa] as 'dhols' and 'ghunghroos' come together in unison to create the sound of late 70s and early 80s. With a Lakshmikant-Pyayelal patent all over 'Dhoom Taana', it is only consolidated further as Shreya Ghoshal sings the song in a style that was made famous by yesteryear singer S. Janaki in Jeetendra-Sridevi-Jaya Pradha films. Roping in of Abhijeet too seems to be done with a purpose since it only brings the nostalgia of Kishore Kumar in spite of no conscious effort by the singer to do so.

All through this vintage song, the 'dhol' beats accompanied by the chorus of 'Dhoom Taana' is hard to be missed though there is a shift in mood mid-way with rock-n-roll. Just recently there was news around Deepika Padukone shaking a leg with Sunil Dutt, Jeetendra and Rajesh Khanna, courtesy SFX. Well, 'Dhoom Taana' seems to be just the candidate for that setting! A winner which should definitely have the house on fire as it unfolds on the big screen. Especially watch out for the crescendo towards the song's end.

Finally comes a track which seems to be set in accordance to the reincarnation theme of the film. Set as a tribute to 'Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha' [Karz] with even the lyrics taking a cue from the classic track by Lakshmikant-Pyarelal, 'Dastaan-E-Om Shanti Om' is set in exactly the same story telling mode. The styling of this Shaan rendered track follows the same mode as one expects a high voltage dramatic narration when the song is on.

High on orchestra, 'Dastaan-E-Om Shanti Om' is an elaborate number which has a lot to convey through it's lyrics by Javed Akhtar. With its 'mukhda' based on the film's theme music, the song makes an appearance again towards the end of the album. In it's 'remix version' as 'Dastaan - The Dark Side Mix', it is pepped up further with additional arrangements.

Another remix track which takes the album towards its completion is 'Om Shanti Om - Medley Mix' which basically is an amalgamation of all the tracks from the film presented in a 'club-mix' avtar. A good way to wind up the album. Finally comes a minute long theme piece which is titled 'Om Shanti Om - Themes'. Played on a piano, it leaves a lasting impact even as one can revisit the sound in at least half the tracks in the album.

Credit must go to Farah Khan who mixes the commercial elements of the movie with an inherent class which she wanted to lay out in the soundtrack for Om Shanti Om. This is why a fine balancing act is done in the album with hardcore massy tracks like 'Deewangi Deewangi' [best of the lot], 'Dhoom Taana' and 'Dard-E-Disco' presented along with touching tracks like 'Aankhon Mein Teri', 'Main Agar Kahoon' and 'Jag Soona Soona Lage'. And then there is always a 'Dastaan-E-Om Shanti Om' to bring the nostalgia of 'Ek Haseena Thi' [Karz'].

Source: IndiaFM

Overwhelming Response to Om Shanti Om's Promos

It’s not even a week since the first look of ‘Dard-E-Disco’ was out and the song, especially due to ‘perfect-six-abs’ of Shahrukh Khan, is already the talk of the town. Composed by Vishal-Shekhar and written by Javed Akhtar, ‘Dard E Disco’ is a ‘jump-on-the-dance-floor’ number which has a Persian touch to it even as overall feel of the song stays on to be Western.

“I am thrilled with the kind of reactions the song is fetching. As the teaser suggests, this is my way of re-introducing Shahrukh Khan”, quips Farah Khan, director of this year’s most awaited film Om Shanti Om.

Re-introduction it certainly is, considering the fact that after ‘Kaal Dhamaal’ [Kaal] where he danced in designer sleeveless vests with Malaika Arora, Shahrukh Khan has shed his inhibitions further and gone the Monty route, even if it is only half the way!

“Well, full credit to Shahrukh for attempting something like this which showcases him in an altogether different ‘avtaar’”, talks Farah fondly for her superstar friend, “The idea was to give him a much leaner look, while refraining from making it all look artificial.”

“Shahrukh has a good physique but when you are required to remove shirt for the camera and the entire world is expected to watch you, extra care has to be taken”, explains Farah about the effort which went behind the makeover of 40 years plus King Khan.

She adds, “We never wanted a beefy look for him, that wouldn’t have worked. Instead, what you see is a body which befits that of a swimmer. Also, it was not just the physique part on which we concentrated. Even his hair has been done differently to give him a real makeover.”

A contemporary track with Sukhwinder Singh in his full elements and Marianne, Nisha and Caralisa coming together for backup vocals, ‘Dard-E-Disco’ is a true-blue dance number, as expected from Vishal-Shekhar. Still, one can’t help but ask Farah whether a situation like this was absolutely required in the film?

Justifies Farah, who is dabbling between paying visits to doctors and supervising media campaigns for her November 9 release, “As we all know, the film has Shahrukh Khan as junior artist in the 70s followed by being a superstar of 21st century. These are the times when every superstar is removing his shirt with a physique to die for. It is imperative for the character played by Shahrukh Khan also to dabble in something similar”, she smiles.

Meanwhile first promo of the film has reportedly settled down with the audience too. “It was always expected that it would be very well received across multiplexes. People were clapping and cheering aloud while it was played first. You have to be there to witness the noise level when the promo was on; one could barely hear what was being played on screen”, informs Farah about the crowd reaction.

“What further thrilled me was the response from theaters across UP and Bihar. After being elated with the tremendous response, distributors have not stopped calling ever since”, cheers Farah.

JoginderTuteja, IndiaFM

The most-ripped body in Bollywood

A recent Rediff India Poll reveals all !

It's interesting how times have changed. We asked our readers, a few days ago, about which of our superstars is the studliest, which man has the best body.

We highlight the three most popular choices:


1. Shah Rukh Khan

Now, Sanjay Dutt and Akshay Kumar don't even make it to the top three, thanks to the new Om Shanti Om song and a post-40 Shah Rukh Khan startling the world by turning out to have the most-ripped body in Bollywood.
This is one helluva sculpted body is surely making every other Hindi film actor sweat.



2. Salman Khan

It's probably because of the fact that he doesn't need the slightest provocation to whip off the shirt, but Sallu's chest has left an imprint on our collective memories. Among the best looking heroes out there, Salman's body always scores high.



3. Hrithik Roshan

Beefcake is the word for this muscleman, with tremendously oversized biceps and a puffed up chest. While that narrow waist might not entirely match up, this man fills out a singlet pretty darned well.

Source: RediffIndia

Shah Rukh Khan's 'Chak De' continues relentless box office run

While making the movie, probably, neither Shah Rukh nor director Shimit Amin or writer Jaideep Sahni realized that they are making a landmark film. I call it landmark because with subtle sophistication, the movie ends up packing in lots of lessons.

To begin with, the film has many positives. Lessons in team building and leadership qualities make for superb management case studies. Similarly, virtues of patience (the final scene when Balbir Kaur tells her mom, "Bebe, gussa karma accha nahin hota") and putting nation above individuals ("Mujhe states ke naam na sunayie dete hai, na dhikaie dete hai, Sirf ek mulk-a-naam sunayie deta hai, I-N-D-I-A") make for lovely school text book lessons.

The film holds up the mirror to our society in many places. For instance, when Molly Zimik is not pleased to be addressed as a guest and questions, "Apne hi desh mein mehman?" - the alienation of North-East comes to the fore. Or insensitivity of North towards the varied cultures and languages of the South makes Nethra Reddy remark, "Tamil or Telegu mein utna hi fark hai jitna ki Bihari or ….". Or Our Gennext's cluelessness about places like Jharkhand reflect sharply on the current scenario and corrections to be made.

The magical power of Chak De can be gauged by the cheering and clapping in the theatres. Mr Narayan Murthy, Chief Mentor, Infosys technologies is the latest to join the Chak De fan club. After watching the movie, he comments, "I wish more and more of our leaders see 'Chak De' and learn these precious lessons".

Source: SAWF News

SRK flaunts six-pack look, charms Sania Mirza

Despite having turned up two hours late to promote the Sunfeast Open Tennis Championship, the superstar immediately began to work his magic - first on his co promoter tennis champ Sania Mirza.

"These people are absolutely wonderful, take pictures I'm touching her," he said.

And then, he also had a word for all the women in the room who were waiting for the superstar to arrive. "I love women. And it's true I love them the most, I love all of you, " he quipped.

When the conversation turned to sports and tennis, he let Sania take centrestage.

"I can assure you one thing, as athletes and I think I speak for all of them, when we step out on the court or on the field, we are giving our hundred per cent. We are human, we cannot win everything," she said.

Shah Rukh too chipped in with his opinion here. "They are fantastic but we need to encourage them and accept that it's sports. I think we mustn't forget that sports is about winning and losing. One can't win all the time," he said.

The talk once again veered to SRK's fit new six-pack look. In his usual sporting manner, he gave a witty reply to the shirtless hype. "Now they are asking for pant-less Shah Rukh, which i am kind of thinking about," he said.

Pants off...err...hats off to that!

Heres the link to watch the video:

Click Here To Watch

Source: CNN-IBN

I can act without taking off my shirt : Shah Rukh Khan

Notwithstanding his six-pack abdomen which is in the limelight, Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan feels he is capable of acting without taking off his shirt.

"In 'Om Shanti Om' I play a hero of today. I felt that everyone in the film world looks cool these days and we went for this look," Khan, who attended a event with tennis star Sania Mirza to promote an upcoming tennis tournament, said.

Khan said he had received praise from fellow actors like Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan for his new look. But Salman had also told him he was looking too thin.

The star said he had great respect for sportspersons and had taken up an exercise regimen after shooting for his recent hit "Chak De India", which centres round the game of hockey.

Asked if he had any regrets about not doing the Oscar- nominated cricket-based movie "Lagaan", Khan said, "After watching the film, I thought only Aamir (Khan) could have done justice to it. However, I did manage to do 'Chak De'."

Khan parried questions on whether there had been renewed interest in hockey following the success of "Chak De India".

"I want to make it clear it is not because of the film that we are doing well in sports. Instead it is because they (sportspersons) are doing well that such movies are made," he said.

With more sports-based movies expected from Bollywood in the near future, this could become a new genre in the film industry, he remarked.

Source: EconomicTimes

‘SRK is a director’s dream’, says his Guru

Excerpts from the interview :

He left his hometown in the West and settled down in India, to teach acting. After setting up an acting school in Delhi and teaching the nuances of the profession for over 36 years, world renowned acting teacher (popularly known as the ‘theatre guru’) has now shifted base to Mumbai, because, according to him, “Mumbai is the ultimate destination; Mumbai is Bollywood.

Speaking of actors, one of his most-famed students happens to be the King Khan of Bollywood — Shah Rukh Khan — among others like Shiney Ahuja and Kunal Kapoor.

So, when he was training Shah Rukh way back in the early 80’s, did he realise the potential that SRK had?

“He had an unmatched zest to learn, he was extremely committed and put in a lot of effort, just like he does today for any project. He’s a director’s dream,” smiles Barry, as he remembers how SRK’s work in theatre was “energetic, lively and witty.” But is the ‘actor’ in him misjudged because of his ‘star’ status? “The actor versus star debate will always plague big artists. But Shah Rukh has proved his worth as an actor,” says Barry.

Nicole Dastur,TNN