Music Director: A.R. Rahman
Lyrics: Nusrat Badr and Raqueeb Alam
Our Rating: 3/ 5
Ada certainly reflects the versatility of ace music director A R Rahman. It has a soothing feel to the music, but cannot be slotted as one of his best works. The musician has dished out some magical albums like Guru, Rang De Basanti and Jodha Akhbar. Ada is an album with eight songs and an instrumental, sans remix versions of any.
Ishq Ada hai definitely tops the chart, but Meherbaan and Gulfisha will follow soothe. Only if the lyrics were taken care of Ada could have been another legend of Rehman. Getting a personal copy of the album is not a bad idea for the music lovers.
Title track Ishq Ada is an out and out romantic number. Newbie Rashid Ali's voice is heart rendering and mesmerizing. The simplicity of the music lies with the lower notes played in the base guitar and the old sound of the accordion.
Rahman's lead guitarist has used the platform very well. The song also has a female version sung by Parul Mishra The female version has been given a classical touch with higher notes in base guitar and drums.
Hawa sun hawa is sung by Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik. Though music is different and has a fresh feel, it is a wee bit too slow. The song can be rated as average.
'Gum sum gum sum' is crooned by Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik, again. The song doesn't sound novel. The listeners would definitely expect something more from the song.
Here's some breather for the music lovers after those gloomy tracks! Gulfisha hits the right chord. The background score and harmonious beats will set your heartbeat racing. Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan's unique voice sets the song apart from the varied mixes in the album.
Rahman's melodious voice is meant to soothe the ears. Meherbaan, an ultimate romantic track and creates imagery while listening to it. The lyrics are exceptionally good.
The three minute long song is sure to leave the listener spellbound. Listeners are bound to fall in love with the song every time they turn it on. The older the song is to the listeners ears it sounds new to the ears. The instrumental version is equally beautiful.
Tu Mera hai brings Chitra, Sukhwinder Singh and Naresh Iyer together. The track has an exceptional music but average lyrics. They don't have the same impact as his other songs.
Hai Dard is a gloomy track of the album. The music doesn't touch the heart. However, Udit Narayan's vocals pep the song to some extent. The lyrics of the song are pretty good.
Alka Yagnik and Jayachandran give a soulful vocalization of Milo wahan wahan. Their vocals complement each other and are sure to have an impact on the young hearts.
Ada may not be every music lover's pick, but it has the melodious quotient intact.
Courtesy: radioandmusic.com
Showing posts with label Naresh Iyer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Naresh Iyer. Show all posts
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
A.R.Rahman adds more sweetness to the 'Sugar Cube'
The unit of the new film 'Sakkarakatti' can be assured of peppy, spicy, groovy and addictive music to do service to the ears of the audience as Rahman's compositions have done several times before being a big support factor to the success of the movie.
Getting A.R.Rahman to use his skills in a film is a very difficult task given his busy schedule and if the music maestro selects a movie then definitely he must have found something fascinating in the story of the film.
So the Job of building an aura around the potential of 'Sakkarakatti' a movie targeted at the youth has already been half done.
And when Rahman goes for something, he makes it the best.
A Singer Veena Bharatwaj was flown specially from London to record a song in this new film.
Other singers are Naresh Iyer, now a Rahman regular, Madhu sree, and Benny among others.
The audio tracks of a perfect blend of classical and hip hop music boasts of a song titled "I Miss U Da" which has been given sounds and tones that has never been heard before in Indian Films.
The director of the film himself admitted to have got hooked up with a youthful and inspiring ambiance in A.R.Rahman's studio when the songs were recorded.
The director of this youth oriented and colourful movie Prabhu who also happens to be the son of the famous producer Kalaipuli.S.Dhanu has taken a bold step in directing a movie just with the film making Knowledge that he has gained from his father and not by being an assistant to other directors.
The boldness to take the plunge just on their self belief shown by certain young directors in Kollywood has certainly triggered off a trend among the younger lot of aspiring directors to follow their dreams with oozing self confidence.
Director Prabhu follows the marks left back by the success story of another filmmaker who also happens to have "Prabhu" in his name.
The first time lucky director of 'Chennai 600028', Venkat Prabhu is already wrapping up his second project after hitting the Jack pot in his first attempt itself, that too without any prior experience to back up.
A.R.R's music comes as bonus in the true sense for any soon to be released movie.
Same in the case of this film too, but still it has a heavy luggage of making careers of two.
Other than a new director the film also marks the entry of Santhanu, son of the acclaimed actor/director Bhagyaraj into the film world as the leading man.
The audio C.D of the film comprising of 6 tracks will hit the music stores on June.
The countdown has started as all the scenes except the video of a song have been canned.
Wait and watch to see how the new Prabhu has tried to hit the bull's eye with his directorial debut.
Courtesy: indiaglitz.com
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Spell Bound, Courtesy : A R Rahman
All roads led to St.George�s School grounds on sunday evening for A.R Rahman fans. The Times of India, Changing Notes concert was a tremendous and splendid event for the concert thirsty Rahman Fans... With the crowd of more than 50,000, the area was jam packed even before the scheduled time. The gates were closed by 6.30 and the late comers were not let in... Swaying to the music, grooved in the set-up!Rahman started the show by stating that the crowd and the cheering was awesome� With a terrific line up of singers and orchestra the show had no pit falls... The concert began with Ella Pugazhum - ATM and had all marvelous numbers by the maestro. Concluding songs were Antha Arabic Kadaloram � Bombay and the song which kindles patriotism amongst all Indians- Vande Maataram.
The who�s who of the music fraternity (especially those loyal singers of ARR) gave their power packed performance. A live show by our Chennai Mozart after a long gap proved to be a real treat for fans who were longing for such an event. The concert had Shivamani, Hariharan, Shankar Mahadevan, Blaaze, Nithyashree, Sadhna Sargam, Madhushree, Javed Ali, Naresh Iyer, Karthik, Aslam and chinmayee.
Shankar Mahadevan, Hariharan sang two of their hit numbers� The crowd went ga ga over Newyork Nagaram song by our very own A.R.R. Some of the note worthy performances were Munbe Va by Naresh Iyer and Chinmayee, Jaage Hain, Varaha nadhikkarai oram by Shankar Mahadevan, Dil Se by Javed Ali, Vaji Vaji song took the crowd to their feet by the stunning performance of Hariharan. , Girlfriend by karthick was also renditioned well.
Certain Hindi songs were also equally enjoyed by the fans� After all world is an oyster for ARR. Songs like Mayya Mayya, Rubaroo, Jashne Bahar, In Lamhon Ke, Chaiyya Chaiyya, were a huge hit among the audience.
Kannodu Kaanbadhellam, was a very special presentation by Nithyashree as she sat on the stage to present it in the typical carnatic way� Valayapatti Thavil and drums sivamani gave their bit of performance too without the singers. Steve on the guitars had a solo performance which was followed by Girlfriend song of Karthick.
The entire setup was amazing and so was the crowd. A land erected for the crazy fans of A.R Rahman. The lightings, the sound system, the stage setup, everything was just awesome and was done to perfection by the event coordinators.
Fans sitting next to me were more than delighted to even explain their happiness. He�s the best, that�s what most people said before, after and during the concert.
Courtesy: chennaionline.com
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Rahman – The January Secret.
The month of January seems to turn the Musical Wizard on; there is a special connection between Rahman and January. Whenever he has had an album or a movie release in January it has for sure gone on to rock the charts for months, maybe an entire year altogether. Not impressed, well then the last three Januaries (2006, 2007 & 2008) have been nothing but Rahman, not in Kollywood but definitely so in Bollywood.
2006 - On the 26th of January, the movie Rang De Basanti released. Now if you have not heard Rang De Basanti (which is quite close to impossible) then you possibly do not know that Rahman is very close to the best in India when it comes to delivering high energy Punjabi numbers. The Rang De Basanti song which had Daler Mehendi in full throttle with the desi drums for company pumped adrenalin into the farthest corners of our body. Then there was the ‘Paathshala’ which might be called the ‘School of Rock/Rap’ for Indian film music, something never heard or tired before. Then Khalbali with the distinct Arabic feel that made you want to dance. And of course, there were the signature Rahman melodies, Roobaroo (the song that unearthed Naresh Iyer) and Tu Bin Bataayein that left a lump in your throat- January 2006.
2007 - We need not tell you what was unleashed in January 2007. For the ones not so fortunate with their memory- Guru. Another Mani Ratnam-Rahman combo that gave us everything that we needed for our hearing pleasures. Maiya Maiya, again an Arabic touch but very cleverly tweaked to suit our tastes. But then this was just the average part of an album that had two lilting melodies- Tere Bina and Aye Hairathe, the latter especially making us linger on in the sweet symphony of Hariharan’s voice as it blended with the subtly used tables. Not to forget the thundering background music that gave us the thrill.
2008- The music is just catching on in some parts of India but Rahman has definitely scored a hat-trick of hits in successive Januaries. Jodha-Akbar has sealed the love story of Rahman and January (Jodha Akbar Music was released in January). It may not be the ‘first time love’ kind of songs but Rahman has given one of the finest albums in recent times. Jashn-e-Bahara is definitely the most ‘melting melody’ that has come out since Aie Hairathe- the perfect use of Sonu Nigam’s sweet voice. ‘In Lamhon Ke Daaman’ too makes us lose ourselves in layers of finely crafted sound. But the cake is really taken by the instrumental versions where the flute replaces the vocals-mesmerizing. And for the thrill, hear Azeem-o-shaan shahenshah with its resounding drums.
So, what’s for January 2009- we cannot wait.
Courtesy: behindwoods.com
2006 - On the 26th of January, the movie Rang De Basanti released. Now if you have not heard Rang De Basanti (which is quite close to impossible) then you possibly do not know that Rahman is very close to the best in India when it comes to delivering high energy Punjabi numbers. The Rang De Basanti song which had Daler Mehendi in full throttle with the desi drums for company pumped adrenalin into the farthest corners of our body. Then there was the ‘Paathshala’ which might be called the ‘School of Rock/Rap’ for Indian film music, something never heard or tired before. Then Khalbali with the distinct Arabic feel that made you want to dance. And of course, there were the signature Rahman melodies, Roobaroo (the song that unearthed Naresh Iyer) and Tu Bin Bataayein that left a lump in your throat- January 2006.
2007 - We need not tell you what was unleashed in January 2007. For the ones not so fortunate with their memory- Guru. Another Mani Ratnam-Rahman combo that gave us everything that we needed for our hearing pleasures. Maiya Maiya, again an Arabic touch but very cleverly tweaked to suit our tastes. But then this was just the average part of an album that had two lilting melodies- Tere Bina and Aye Hairathe, the latter especially making us linger on in the sweet symphony of Hariharan’s voice as it blended with the subtly used tables. Not to forget the thundering background music that gave us the thrill.
2008- The music is just catching on in some parts of India but Rahman has definitely scored a hat-trick of hits in successive Januaries. Jodha-Akbar has sealed the love story of Rahman and January (Jodha Akbar Music was released in January). It may not be the ‘first time love’ kind of songs but Rahman has given one of the finest albums in recent times. Jashn-e-Bahara is definitely the most ‘melting melody’ that has come out since Aie Hairathe- the perfect use of Sonu Nigam’s sweet voice. ‘In Lamhon Ke Daaman’ too makes us lose ourselves in layers of finely crafted sound. But the cake is really taken by the instrumental versions where the flute replaces the vocals-mesmerizing. And for the thrill, hear Azeem-o-shaan shahenshah with its resounding drums.
So, what’s for January 2009- we cannot wait.
Courtesy: behindwoods.com
Monday, February 11, 2008
Rahman’s pick
TWENTY-five-year-old Naresh was just another free-spirited youngster who enjoyed music, did a bit of singing for himself and longed for a career in chartered accountancy.
Although he had won a few inter- collegiate music competitions, Naresh believed it was nothing more than good luck.
But when the winning became consistent he wondered whether he actually had a flair for music.
In 2005, Naresh found himself amongst the last 25 contestants of Channel V’s music talent hunt show V Supersinger.
The show turned out a dream run for the young man who met musicians of the likes of A R Rahman and Adnan on the sets. But the honeymoon was not to last long and Naresh was soon out of the show.
Not empty-handed, though, he had a singing offer from Rahman, which again he thought was too good to be true. But in a few months Roobaroo happened and life changed forever for Naresh Iyer.
Three years later, Naresh is a national award-winning playback singer. This website’s newspaper caught up with the velvet-voiced pick of Rahman who rendered many of his recent cult hits, including Roobaroo, Patshala and Munbe Va.
“I never thought that Rahman sir was serious when he made the offer that day. I thought he was only trying to console me as I was out of the show. But within four days, his engineer called me and I was flabbergasted,” says the 27-year-old singer with his trade-mark smile intact on his boyish face.
Ever since that classy Rang De Basanti number hit the charts there has been no looking back for this youngster from Mumbai. The song won him the National Award for best play back singer for 2006.
Today, Naresh juggles his time between stage shows and recordings. Something he never dreamt of three years ago.
“I was just a guy who dreamt of becoming a CA and was happy with my studies. Although I was training in music under Susheela Mani and Chintamani Gore, I was not really serious about a career in music,” Naresh swears.
Interestingly, it was his parents who coerced this studious boy into music. Naresh’s mother actually wanted him to participate in Indian Idol.
“I was kind of bored with reality shows and wanted to pursue studies rather than music. But when V Supersinger happened, my family almost pushed me out of the house to participate in it,” he says.
Little did he know then that he was about to be hand-picked by Rahman for an enviable musical career.
Rahman not only gave Naresh his first playback song (Mayilerege for Anbe Aaruyire) and his first Bollywood break (Roobaroo) but also made him part of his team for world tours.
Naresh has by now shared many stages with the legendary composer. “It is tough when you are sharing the stage with artists’ of this stature because the expectations are always very high. Being part of that team itself is a challenge,” says Naresh.
However, unlike stage shows recording with AR is an entirely different experience, he says.
“He is a treasure house of knowledge, and you always come out having learnt something after each session. He always keeps his sessions relaxed and when you are done with a song you feel like starting it all over again.”
Naresh has also worked with other leading Tamil composers, including Harris Jayaraj and Deva. He is now looking forward to singing for Ilayaraja and Vidyasagar.
Naresh, who is a native of Palakkad, has only sung one Malayalam song for the film Heart Beats. He is now looking forward to his next Hindi project with Anu Malik, which is set to begin soon.
“I still feel like I am living a dream. I just don’t want it to end.” That's very unlikely, going by his run in tinsel town so far. Nevertheless, touch wood !
Courtesy: Newindpress.com
Although he had won a few inter- collegiate music competitions, Naresh believed it was nothing more than good luck.
But when the winning became consistent he wondered whether he actually had a flair for music.
In 2005, Naresh found himself amongst the last 25 contestants of Channel V’s music talent hunt show V Supersinger.
The show turned out a dream run for the young man who met musicians of the likes of A R Rahman and Adnan on the sets. But the honeymoon was not to last long and Naresh was soon out of the show.
Not empty-handed, though, he had a singing offer from Rahman, which again he thought was too good to be true. But in a few months Roobaroo happened and life changed forever for Naresh Iyer.
Three years later, Naresh is a national award-winning playback singer. This website’s newspaper caught up with the velvet-voiced pick of Rahman who rendered many of his recent cult hits, including Roobaroo, Patshala and Munbe Va.
“I never thought that Rahman sir was serious when he made the offer that day. I thought he was only trying to console me as I was out of the show. But within four days, his engineer called me and I was flabbergasted,” says the 27-year-old singer with his trade-mark smile intact on his boyish face.
Ever since that classy Rang De Basanti number hit the charts there has been no looking back for this youngster from Mumbai. The song won him the National Award for best play back singer for 2006.
Today, Naresh juggles his time between stage shows and recordings. Something he never dreamt of three years ago.
“I was just a guy who dreamt of becoming a CA and was happy with my studies. Although I was training in music under Susheela Mani and Chintamani Gore, I was not really serious about a career in music,” Naresh swears.
Interestingly, it was his parents who coerced this studious boy into music. Naresh’s mother actually wanted him to participate in Indian Idol.
“I was kind of bored with reality shows and wanted to pursue studies rather than music. But when V Supersinger happened, my family almost pushed me out of the house to participate in it,” he says.
Little did he know then that he was about to be hand-picked by Rahman for an enviable musical career.
Rahman not only gave Naresh his first playback song (Mayilerege for Anbe Aaruyire) and his first Bollywood break (Roobaroo) but also made him part of his team for world tours.
Naresh has by now shared many stages with the legendary composer. “It is tough when you are sharing the stage with artists’ of this stature because the expectations are always very high. Being part of that team itself is a challenge,” says Naresh.
However, unlike stage shows recording with AR is an entirely different experience, he says.
“He is a treasure house of knowledge, and you always come out having learnt something after each session. He always keeps his sessions relaxed and when you are done with a song you feel like starting it all over again.”
Naresh has also worked with other leading Tamil composers, including Harris Jayaraj and Deva. He is now looking forward to singing for Ilayaraja and Vidyasagar.
Naresh, who is a native of Palakkad, has only sung one Malayalam song for the film Heart Beats. He is now looking forward to his next Hindi project with Anu Malik, which is set to begin soon.
“I still feel like I am living a dream. I just don’t want it to end.” That's very unlikely, going by his run in tinsel town so far. Nevertheless, touch wood !
Courtesy: Newindpress.com
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The Reel Thing
Kailasa has been a wondrous blend of Sufi and folk music with a contemporary twist to it since its inception in 2006 and Kailash Kher has been the face of it. But now the long-maned, beads-wearing, guitar-strumming trio are all set to go the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy way, calling themselves Kailash-Paresh-Naresh as they enter Bollywood.
“We have composed music for two films and their sounds are different from the Kailasa sound,” says Kher. While one of the films is Chandni Chowk to China, directed by Nikhil Advani and starring Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone, the other is Allah Ke Bande directed by Farooque Kabir. “We are doing a track in each film and both are in the anthem format,” says Kher. While the track in Chandni Chowk... is power-packed, AR Rahman will sing the title track of Allah Ke Bande “which is like a prayer to God”.
But their music doesn’t stop there. Kailasa are working on their third album that will be released in mid-2008. “This album is going to be intense and will have a strong ballad feel to it with a high emotional quotient,” says Kher, who, in all probability, will be singing with rock group Pearl Jam’s singer Eddie Vedder by the end of the year in a concert that will be a tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Vedder had collaborated with Khan for a track in Dead Man Walking.
Amid the busy tour schedules and recordings, Kher has taken up social causes as well. As a participant in the reality show Mission Ustaad, Kher is singing about UN’s Millennium Development Goals. “I don’t want my music to cater to entertainment alone but also create awareness among people,” says Kher, who, along with the other participants, composed songs on 11 issues, including human trafficking and poverty. The compilation will be released in April.
Courtesy: ExpressIndia.com
“We have composed music for two films and their sounds are different from the Kailasa sound,” says Kher. While one of the films is Chandni Chowk to China, directed by Nikhil Advani and starring Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone, the other is Allah Ke Bande directed by Farooque Kabir. “We are doing a track in each film and both are in the anthem format,” says Kher. While the track in Chandni Chowk... is power-packed, AR Rahman will sing the title track of Allah Ke Bande “which is like a prayer to God”.
But their music doesn’t stop there. Kailasa are working on their third album that will be released in mid-2008. “This album is going to be intense and will have a strong ballad feel to it with a high emotional quotient,” says Kher, who, in all probability, will be singing with rock group Pearl Jam’s singer Eddie Vedder by the end of the year in a concert that will be a tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Vedder had collaborated with Khan for a track in Dead Man Walking.
Amid the busy tour schedules and recordings, Kher has taken up social causes as well. As a participant in the reality show Mission Ustaad, Kher is singing about UN’s Millennium Development Goals. “I don’t want my music to cater to entertainment alone but also create awareness among people,” says Kher, who, along with the other participants, composed songs on 11 issues, including human trafficking and poverty. The compilation will be released in April.
Courtesy: ExpressIndia.com
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Mission Ustaad Salutes Women
Mission Ustaad Salutes and spreads the message of Women Empowerment. A power-packed performance by 8 singing sensations who lend their voice for ‘Women Empowerment’
What’s common with the stars of Mission Ustaad – Mahalaxmi Iyer, Sunali Rathod, Shweta Pandit and Vasundhara Das? Well, they all have a reason to smile and give their best in this week’s episode of Mission Ustaad. Kailash Kher, Roop Kumar Rathod, Naresh Iyer and Mohit Chauhan also join their respective team members to lend their voices to some of the most popular film songs. From the latest hits like ‘Chote Chote Sheheron se’ to the evergreen songs like ‘Aaj phir jeene ki tammanna hai’ and many more, the 8 versatile and talented singers enthralled the judges and audience. Catch the power-packed performance with one mission…. The Mission to salute and spread the message of WOMEN EMPOWERMENT this Friday & Saturday, December 28th & 29th, at 9 pm only on 9X.
Week on week, Mission Ustaad contestants take the responsibility of spreading awareness to make our country and the world a better place. This week too, it will continue its endeavour with yet another wonderful theme of ‘Women Empowerment’. Mission Ustaad will treat viewers with exciting performances by the singers who will enlighten viewers about women empowerment through their soul-rendering songs based on this week’s theme - ‘Nari Shaktishali toh desh Gauravshali’
The episode will kick start with a mind-blowing performance by Roop Kumar Rathod and Sunali Rathod who lend their melodious voices to ‘Aaj phir jeene ki tammanna hai’.’ Vasundhara Das & Mohit Chauhan choose ‘Mann Ke manjire’ to get the message across to the viewers. Naresh Iyer and Shweta Pandit the youngest Jodi, will further enthrall the judges and audiences with their splendid performance. Last but not the least Kailash Kher and Mahalaxmi Iyer sing ‘Mein yaar manana ni’ to spread the message of Women Empowerment.
And if you thought women empowerment is all about serious performance from these stars, all are in for a surprise. Saturday’s episode will start with an engrossing performance from the ‘Chak De’ girls on ‘Baadal per paao hai’ from the most inspirational movie of the year ‘Chak De’. Kailash Kher and Mahalaxmi Iyer will further get audience gyrating to ‘Nachle’ from Lakeer. This will be followed by Naresh’s and Shweta’s stupendous performance on ‘Oolalala’ from Sapney. The remaining two jodis - Roop - Sunali Rathod and Vasundhara Das - Mohit Chauhan will further treat the viewers with foot-tapping compositions.
Amidst all the zeal, emotion and excitement the singers also make some thought provoking statements and voice out some very strong opinions on women empowerment. Will the judges be moved by their opinion? Will Roop & Sunali’s logic to choose the song be justified to the theme? Will Vasundhara Das & Mohit Chauhan impress the judges? Will Naresh & Shweta succeed in spreading the message across the viewers? And who will be the Ustaad Jodi? All this and much more on MISSION ustaad on Friday, December 28 & Saturday, December 29, at 9 pm only on 9X.
Courtesy: India-forums.com
What’s common with the stars of Mission Ustaad – Mahalaxmi Iyer, Sunali Rathod, Shweta Pandit and Vasundhara Das? Well, they all have a reason to smile and give their best in this week’s episode of Mission Ustaad. Kailash Kher, Roop Kumar Rathod, Naresh Iyer and Mohit Chauhan also join their respective team members to lend their voices to some of the most popular film songs. From the latest hits like ‘Chote Chote Sheheron se’ to the evergreen songs like ‘Aaj phir jeene ki tammanna hai’ and many more, the 8 versatile and talented singers enthralled the judges and audience. Catch the power-packed performance with one mission…. The Mission to salute and spread the message of WOMEN EMPOWERMENT this Friday & Saturday, December 28th & 29th, at 9 pm only on 9X.
Week on week, Mission Ustaad contestants take the responsibility of spreading awareness to make our country and the world a better place. This week too, it will continue its endeavour with yet another wonderful theme of ‘Women Empowerment’. Mission Ustaad will treat viewers with exciting performances by the singers who will enlighten viewers about women empowerment through their soul-rendering songs based on this week’s theme - ‘Nari Shaktishali toh desh Gauravshali’
The episode will kick start with a mind-blowing performance by Roop Kumar Rathod and Sunali Rathod who lend their melodious voices to ‘Aaj phir jeene ki tammanna hai’.’ Vasundhara Das & Mohit Chauhan choose ‘Mann Ke manjire’ to get the message across to the viewers. Naresh Iyer and Shweta Pandit the youngest Jodi, will further enthrall the judges and audiences with their splendid performance. Last but not the least Kailash Kher and Mahalaxmi Iyer sing ‘Mein yaar manana ni’ to spread the message of Women Empowerment.
And if you thought women empowerment is all about serious performance from these stars, all are in for a surprise. Saturday’s episode will start with an engrossing performance from the ‘Chak De’ girls on ‘Baadal per paao hai’ from the most inspirational movie of the year ‘Chak De’. Kailash Kher and Mahalaxmi Iyer will further get audience gyrating to ‘Nachle’ from Lakeer. This will be followed by Naresh’s and Shweta’s stupendous performance on ‘Oolalala’ from Sapney. The remaining two jodis - Roop - Sunali Rathod and Vasundhara Das - Mohit Chauhan will further treat the viewers with foot-tapping compositions.
Amidst all the zeal, emotion and excitement the singers also make some thought provoking statements and voice out some very strong opinions on women empowerment. Will the judges be moved by their opinion? Will Roop & Sunali’s logic to choose the song be justified to the theme? Will Vasundhara Das & Mohit Chauhan impress the judges? Will Naresh & Shweta succeed in spreading the message across the viewers? And who will be the Ustaad Jodi? All this and much more on MISSION ustaad on Friday, December 28 & Saturday, December 29, at 9 pm only on 9X.
Courtesy: India-forums.com
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Rahman to sing to Kailash Kher's tunes
Singer Kailash Kher, who is known as the blue-eyed boy of music director AR Rahman, is all set to rope him in for a project. Kher wants Rahman to perform the title track of the film Allah Ke Bande, which he has composed.
This will be the first time that Rahman will lend his voice to tunes composed by someone else. The film also marks the debut of the trio Kailash-Paresh-Naresh of the band Kailasa as composers.
“He has already heard the tune and the lyrics of the song and was impressed with it when we went to meet him last month. He asked us to complete the song. We will go to Chennai next week,” says an excited Kher.
Is Rahman going to sing the song finally?
“I hope so, because I share a special bonding with him. After hearing the tune he said Insha Allah and I know what these words mean when it comes from someone of the stature of Rahmansaab. I am like his brother and he has never turned me down,” says Kher.
The song has been written and composed by Kher and will be picturised on the band and Rahman, along with 1,000 children. “Rahmansaab has given me an informal assurance, as we share a relationship that is different from the one he has with others,” he says. The film directed by Faruque Kabir deals with juvenile crime and has Atul Kulkarni as the male lead.
After hearing the tune he said Insha Allah and I know what these words mean when it comes from someone of the stature of Rahmansaab-Kailash Kher
Kher who has sung for Rahman in films such as Swades, Mangal Pandey-The Rising and Kisna and is also a regular member of Rahman’s group, sees his dreams coming full circle.
“That’s why I have kept the title track for him. It’s a positive song, almost like a prayer to God but has the folk-rock flavour for which Kailasa is known,” he says.
However, this is not the only film that the composer trio has in its kitty. It is also scoring the music for Nikhil Advani’s Made In China, which has Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone in the lead. “It’s an inspirational song,” says Kher.
The trio will also start recording for Mahesh Bhatt’s assistant Hirdesh Kamble’s directorial debut, Pranali, which is based on devdasis. The choreography will be done by Birju Maharaj. “It’s an offbeat subject,” he says.
As of now, after the success of their last private album Kailasa Jhoomo Re, the band plans to focus on films. Kher will be heard singing in movies such as Crazy 4, Sarkar Raj, Mittal vs Mittal and a couple of untitled projects that will release next year.
Courtesy: Hindustantimes.com
This will be the first time that Rahman will lend his voice to tunes composed by someone else. The film also marks the debut of the trio Kailash-Paresh-Naresh of the band Kailasa as composers.
“He has already heard the tune and the lyrics of the song and was impressed with it when we went to meet him last month. He asked us to complete the song. We will go to Chennai next week,” says an excited Kher.
Is Rahman going to sing the song finally?
“I hope so, because I share a special bonding with him. After hearing the tune he said Insha Allah and I know what these words mean when it comes from someone of the stature of Rahmansaab. I am like his brother and he has never turned me down,” says Kher.
The song has been written and composed by Kher and will be picturised on the band and Rahman, along with 1,000 children. “Rahmansaab has given me an informal assurance, as we share a relationship that is different from the one he has with others,” he says. The film directed by Faruque Kabir deals with juvenile crime and has Atul Kulkarni as the male lead.
After hearing the tune he said Insha Allah and I know what these words mean when it comes from someone of the stature of Rahmansaab-Kailash Kher
Kher who has sung for Rahman in films such as Swades, Mangal Pandey-The Rising and Kisna and is also a regular member of Rahman’s group, sees his dreams coming full circle.
“That’s why I have kept the title track for him. It’s a positive song, almost like a prayer to God but has the folk-rock flavour for which Kailasa is known,” he says.
However, this is not the only film that the composer trio has in its kitty. It is also scoring the music for Nikhil Advani’s Made In China, which has Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone in the lead. “It’s an inspirational song,” says Kher.
The trio will also start recording for Mahesh Bhatt’s assistant Hirdesh Kamble’s directorial debut, Pranali, which is based on devdasis. The choreography will be done by Birju Maharaj. “It’s an offbeat subject,” he says.
As of now, after the success of their last private album Kailasa Jhoomo Re, the band plans to focus on films. Kher will be heard singing in movies such as Crazy 4, Sarkar Raj, Mittal vs Mittal and a couple of untitled projects that will release next year.
Courtesy: Hindustantimes.com
Thursday, December 13, 2007
9X's Mission Ustaad theme changes to Khwaaish
After last week's performance where husband-wife duo Roop Kumar Rathod and Sunali Rathod won the Ustaad Jodi title for the week, 9X's Mission Ustaad is all set to enter the next week with a new theme.
On 14-15 December at 9 pm on 9X, the theme is Khwaaish, which symbolizes the desire to reduce disparity. Starting the episode in the patriotic spirit, feature writer and poet extraordinaire Javed Akhtar will recite a poem which he recited on the occasion of India's 60 th year of Independence.
Kick starting the Friday episode will be winner of last week- Roop Kumar and Sunali, who will belt Ruk Jaana Nahin Tu from the movie Imtehaan, followed by the next jodi comprising of Kailash Kher and Mahalaxmi Iyer who will lend their voices to sing Tere Mere Sapne. Naresh Iyer and Shweta Pandit , who make up the third jodi, will together croon Dil Chahata Hai and the fourth Jodi comprising of Vasundhara Das and Mohit Chauhan of Silk Route fame will end the evening with Adnan Sami's hit number Lift Karade.
Also, the viewers will see the jodis perform on popular. The youngest singer duo - Naresh Iyer and Shweta Pandit will kick start with Lagaan's Mitwa, followed by Vasundhara Das and Mohit Chauhan's Do Deewane Sheher Mein. Kailash Kher and Mahalaxmi Iyer will sing Yuhi Chala Chal Rahi from Swadesh while Roop and Sunali will sing the track Aa Bhi Ja from the movie Sur.
The four jodis will be judged by A R Rahman, Javed Akhtar and Lara Dutta to vie for the 'Ustaad Jodi' title.
Courtesy: Businessofcinema.com
On 14-15 December at 9 pm on 9X, the theme is Khwaaish, which symbolizes the desire to reduce disparity. Starting the episode in the patriotic spirit, feature writer and poet extraordinaire Javed Akhtar will recite a poem which he recited on the occasion of India's 60 th year of Independence.
Kick starting the Friday episode will be winner of last week- Roop Kumar and Sunali, who will belt Ruk Jaana Nahin Tu from the movie Imtehaan, followed by the next jodi comprising of Kailash Kher and Mahalaxmi Iyer who will lend their voices to sing Tere Mere Sapne. Naresh Iyer and Shweta Pandit , who make up the third jodi, will together croon Dil Chahata Hai and the fourth Jodi comprising of Vasundhara Das and Mohit Chauhan of Silk Route fame will end the evening with Adnan Sami's hit number Lift Karade.
Also, the viewers will see the jodis perform on popular. The youngest singer duo - Naresh Iyer and Shweta Pandit will kick start with Lagaan's Mitwa, followed by Vasundhara Das and Mohit Chauhan's Do Deewane Sheher Mein. Kailash Kher and Mahalaxmi Iyer will sing Yuhi Chala Chal Rahi from Swadesh while Roop and Sunali will sing the track Aa Bhi Ja from the movie Sur.
The four jodis will be judged by A R Rahman, Javed Akhtar and Lara Dutta to vie for the 'Ustaad Jodi' title.
Courtesy: Businessofcinema.com
Friday, December 07, 2007
'If you have the talent, you will go far' - A.R. Rahman
The Musical Maestro, A.R. Rahman feels excited to be a part of the Musical Reality Show Mission Ustaad on 9X. Here is A.R. Rahman talking about music and everything related to music..
He had a brief affair with Channel V’s Super Singer as judge. And then A.R. Rahman didn’t bite the bait for any of the reality TV shows that followed. Though
music is his passion, he always made it clear he had nothing to do with those on the small screen. But then 9X made it possible as it roped in the music maestro to be on the jury of their recently started Mission Ustaad.
Mission Ustaad, an Endemol-UN-9X collaboration brings together four singer jodis – Sunali and Roopkumar Rathod, Mahalaxmi Iyer and Kailash Kher, Shreya Pandit and Naresh Iyer, Vasundhara Das and Mohit Chauhan – who will make their own songs. But since the UN is involved, the songs will have an inherent message too. Each week,the jodi will get judges’ marks and audience votes, but there won’t be any elimination. At the end of 13 weeks, the scores of each pair would be accumulated and those with the highest marks will be declared the Ustaads.
Ask the reticent Rahman why he chose to take up this particular show when he might have been offered others in the past and he says, “Yes, I was, but a few months ago I had composed an anti-poverty anthem for the UN. The video had been appreciated and that’s when the concept of doing something more musically came up to talk about their millennium development goals. India had pledged with the UN to fulfill the goals of removing poverty, ensuring education to each and every child and other such issues by 2015. Since we haven’t had too much progress on that front, it was time to remind everyone about those goals."
"Just talking about them would have been boring, preachy stuff, but when you combine them with music and turn into an entertaining show, we just might get the people to listen in”, adds Rahman..
Unlike other music shows, in Mission Ustaad the ratings of the jury will matter more than the voting public. So was that another reason to accept it? “Yes, that too. I haven’t watched other reality shows, but I have heard that when the judging is left to the viewers, the judges’ position doesn’t hold any importance, the good singers tend to get affected and voted out and everything becomes a mess.”
Reality shows are often marked by heated arguments among the jury. Has he had any differences with the other judges, Javed Akhtar and Lara Dutta? (Laughs) “Yes, I believe they do, but in our show though we have different opinions, there are no pretensions to get the TRPs.” Does he think reality TV shows do any good to talent especially when it tends to get overshadowed by judges, gimmicks and controversies? “To me, more these shows, the merrier. When we see so much of violence, hatred and negativity around, in our everyday lives we can definitely watch shows with new talent, and which do music a lot of good. That alone is the saving factor, not the bickering judges or the unfair audience vote.”
Today’s films have hardly any music. Hasn’t it then become a case of too many singers and too less to sing? “I agree with you completely. There’s too much of a clutter there but at the same time, it’s no longer about anybody just making it. You have the talent, you will go far. Nothing more than that.”
His presence on the show was touted to be his grand debut by the channel. Has he enjoyed all the attention? Will he take up more television? “(Laughs) I enjoyed it more than I expected. Actually, if it’s music then I definitely feel excited. I will take up other shows if it’s going to be any good for music or if it takes music to the next level.” He says he liked “a couple of songs from Om Shanti Om and Saawariya and I liked them…though I didn’t sit and analyse what was right or wrong with them, I enjoyed listening to them.” Coming up next is Ashutosh Gowariker’s Jodhaa Akbar, “Jaane Tu Jaane Na which Aamir Khan is producing, it’s a young love story and a film called Ada. They all should come out in the next three four months,” he signs off.
Courtesy: India-forums.com
He had a brief affair with Channel V’s Super Singer as judge. And then A.R. Rahman didn’t bite the bait for any of the reality TV shows that followed. Though
music is his passion, he always made it clear he had nothing to do with those on the small screen. But then 9X made it possible as it roped in the music maestro to be on the jury of their recently started Mission Ustaad.
Mission Ustaad, an Endemol-UN-9X collaboration brings together four singer jodis – Sunali and Roopkumar Rathod, Mahalaxmi Iyer and Kailash Kher, Shreya Pandit and Naresh Iyer, Vasundhara Das and Mohit Chauhan – who will make their own songs. But since the UN is involved, the songs will have an inherent message too. Each week,the jodi will get judges’ marks and audience votes, but there won’t be any elimination. At the end of 13 weeks, the scores of each pair would be accumulated and those with the highest marks will be declared the Ustaads.
Ask the reticent Rahman why he chose to take up this particular show when he might have been offered others in the past and he says, “Yes, I was, but a few months ago I had composed an anti-poverty anthem for the UN. The video had been appreciated and that’s when the concept of doing something more musically came up to talk about their millennium development goals. India had pledged with the UN to fulfill the goals of removing poverty, ensuring education to each and every child and other such issues by 2015. Since we haven’t had too much progress on that front, it was time to remind everyone about those goals."
"Just talking about them would have been boring, preachy stuff, but when you combine them with music and turn into an entertaining show, we just might get the people to listen in”, adds Rahman..
Unlike other music shows, in Mission Ustaad the ratings of the jury will matter more than the voting public. So was that another reason to accept it? “Yes, that too. I haven’t watched other reality shows, but I have heard that when the judging is left to the viewers, the judges’ position doesn’t hold any importance, the good singers tend to get affected and voted out and everything becomes a mess.”
Reality shows are often marked by heated arguments among the jury. Has he had any differences with the other judges, Javed Akhtar and Lara Dutta? (Laughs) “Yes, I believe they do, but in our show though we have different opinions, there are no pretensions to get the TRPs.” Does he think reality TV shows do any good to talent especially when it tends to get overshadowed by judges, gimmicks and controversies? “To me, more these shows, the merrier. When we see so much of violence, hatred and negativity around, in our everyday lives we can definitely watch shows with new talent, and which do music a lot of good. That alone is the saving factor, not the bickering judges or the unfair audience vote.”
Today’s films have hardly any music. Hasn’t it then become a case of too many singers and too less to sing? “I agree with you completely. There’s too much of a clutter there but at the same time, it’s no longer about anybody just making it. You have the talent, you will go far. Nothing more than that.”
His presence on the show was touted to be his grand debut by the channel. Has he enjoyed all the attention? Will he take up more television? “(Laughs) I enjoyed it more than I expected. Actually, if it’s music then I definitely feel excited. I will take up other shows if it’s going to be any good for music or if it takes music to the next level.” He says he liked “a couple of songs from Om Shanti Om and Saawariya and I liked them…though I didn’t sit and analyse what was right or wrong with them, I enjoyed listening to them.” Coming up next is Ashutosh Gowariker’s Jodhaa Akbar, “Jaane Tu Jaane Na which Aamir Khan is producing, it’s a young love story and a film called Ada. They all should come out in the next three four months,” he signs off.
Courtesy: India-forums.com
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Musical message
9X and the United Nations are ready to deliver the universal message of progress and development through their joint-venture Mission Ustad
X the new general entertainment channel from INX Media can take pride in its new musical competition show, Mission Ustad. Indrani Mukerjea, CEO, INX Media has joined forces with the United Nations (UN) and come up with a noble concept for their new musical show. Mission Ustad(MU), pairs eight professional singers from the Indian film industry as they compete against each other for the title of Ustad jodi. But, as clichéd as it may sound, the good thing about 9X’s new show is it’s for a noble cause. The prize money and generated revenue at the end of the show will be forwarded to the UN Millennium Development Fund and subsequently used for the development of India’s needy population.
In 2000, United Nations members pledged to eradicate poverty and usher development all around the world under the UN Millennium Development Goals programme. Their objective was to achieve their goals by 2015 and the resident coordinator UN in India, Maxine Olson revealed MU was a big step in achieving their target. “Mission Ustad is the perfect way to speak to millions of people and deliver our message of development and prosperity,” said Olson. Indrani Mukerjea, said the show would use entertainment as a vehicle of spreading awareness about this UN programme.
Developed by Endemol, a company which has worked on shows like Big Boss, Deal Ya No Deal and The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Dwitiya, MU has all the key elements of a singing competition. It’s got established singing pairs like Roop Kumar and Sunali Rathod, Kailash Kher and Mahalaxmi Iyer, Vasundhara Das and Mohit Chauhan and Naresh Iyer with Shweta Pandit. These jodis, who have already established themselves as successful singers, will compose original music for selected themes related to the UN Millennium fund and the best scores will make it to the Mission Ustad album. The couple that contributes the maximum number of songs will be the eventual winner. The show like any other reality based programme has a panel of judges. AR Rahman, Javed Akhtar and Lara Dutta form that panel. Rahman particular to judge the music of the compositions, Akhtar for the lyrics and Lara represents the UN as she is the official UNFPA ambassador.
It’s all too familiar for a viewer to see reality shows going overboard with emotional angles and contestant conflicts, but as AR Rahman said “MU is devoid of any histrionics. The contestants will have verbal debates about their opinions and issues, but end of the day it will all be dignified and in the country’s interest”. As a part of the show’s format the contestants will be given a chance to justify their choice of song with respect to the theme involved. Javed Akhtar added to the same saying, “The camaraderie on the show sets apart any cynicism and bitterness of the competition. MU will be a great source of inspirational programming”.
Incidentally, the show that will be hosted by Simone Singh has a rocking theme song Jaago India. The song in a sense embodies the idea behind Mission Ustad, which is to let the Indian masses know about an International programme that will help the nation’s development. And all that nobility will be delivered on 9X from December 1 in the form of an entertaining and refreshing new show.
Courtesy: Screenindia.com
AR Rahman likey to sing for band Kailasa
A R Rahman
After stamping their mark in the music industry with two successful albums, the composer trio of popular band Kailasa are now expanding their domain into Bollywood and are in talks with the Mozart of Madras, A R Rahman, who may sing for them.
Band leader Kailash Kher, together with Mumbai-based Kamath brothers, Paresh and Naresh, are set to compose music for two Bollywood films.
"Yes, me and my colleagues of my band Kailasa, Paresh Kamath and Naresh Kamath, will be composing music for upcoming films Made In China and Allah Ke Bande," said Kher during a telephonic conversation with PTI.
"Together we will be known as Kailash-Paresh-Naresh" he added. The trio who joined hands together in 2006 had brought a whiff of fresh music and regaled audiences with Sufi elements in their first album 'Kailasa' followed by Kailasa Jhoomore a few months ago.
The songs Teri Deewani and Tauba Tauba from the album Kailasa, and Bam Lahari and Saiyaan from Kailasa Jhoomore turned out to be huge hits.
Made in China directed by Nikhil Advani and produced by Ramesh Sippy stars Akshay Kumar [Images] and model-turned-actress Deepika Padukone [Images]. This multicomposer film will also have musicians Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy as well as veteran Bappi Lahiri.
The title track will be done by Kailash-Paresh-Naresh.
"Shankar Mahadevan [Images], who is the main composer in the movie will also sing a track tuned by us," said Kher. 
Kailash, who rose to popularity with Allah Ke Bande in the film Aise Bhi Hota Hai, is excited about the possibility of getting A R Rahman to sing for his composition in the upcoming Allah Ke Bande, by debut filmmaker Farooqe Kabir.
"I share a special bond with Rahman and I never miss a chance to work with him. He is blessed by God. His spirituality and simplicity attracts everyone," says Kailash.
The trio is working on a Sufi song and have already discussed it with Rahman.
"Rahman likes the idea and if things fall in line he will be singing this song," adds Kher.
Kher, who is an admirer of late sufi singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, says Khan has a great influence on his life.
"I liked his (Nusrat's) selection of songs. All his songs have a philosophical touch. There was an yearning to reach the almighty," said Kher.
Kailash Kher is also associated with a television show titled Mission Ustaad, which will be aired on the new entertainment channel 9X.
"This programme we will entertain people for a cause," said Kailash about the programme which envisages propagating the message of United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
"I'm very excited to be a part of this show. I'll sing, make people happy and ask them to help people in need," said the singer.
Courtesy: Rediff.com
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Rahman all the way, dil se
It was one of the grandest shows Delhi has ever seen.
The set was majestic, with yellow lights embellishing the red eye-catching décor. But on the whole it was all about the music at the very successful Fever 104 FM’s big AR Rahman concert.
Delhi turned up in all its might at the West Delhi District Centre Ground, Raja Garden. Approximately 25,000 people attended the event.
Accompanied by an army of musicians, the maestro painted vivid musical landscapes to a bewitched crowd. There were several high points of the evening: one of them saw Rahman speak from his heart on various topics close to his heart.
He did not restrict his renditions to Hindi or English and also had some Tamil favourites thrown in, which were lapped up by the crowd. Surprisingly, some fans sang along in Tamil. His star performers too left no stone unturned to ensure that this concert is etched in the memory of all those who were here.
Chitra, Hariharan, Kailash Kher, rapper Blaze, Naresh Iyer and Kailash Kher, among others, were truly spectacular. There were sounds of violins, flutes, awesome percussion and Rahman himself with his jukebox, synthesiser.
There was Chaiyya Chaiyya, Tu hi Re, Khabali, Chanda Re, Roja, Bharat Humko, Maiyya Maiyya and Rahman even gave a sneak peak into his upcoming movie soundtrack of Jodha Akbar that had percussionist Sivamani jamming with over 20 drummers on stage.
When it was time for the Fever 104 winner to come on stage, Parul Mishra put her best foot forward. “This is one concert I could come to with all my friends. Usually, it tough to have them all together at the same place as they all have different choices in music. But Rahman is a common favourite,” said 23-year-old Kamakshi Rao, who came from Gurgaon.
From six-year-olds to sixty-year-olds, they were all keen to wave their hands and shake a leg. After all, you don’t get to see the maestro in action every day.
Courtesy: Hindustantimes.com
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