Ghazal guru
An invincible music maestro to music lovers, philanthropist to the needy NGO projects and a fine human being, Jagjit Singh has undeniably been reigning supreme as the Ghazal King for over half a century. Experts believe that nature and man seemed to have forged a happy alliance to create the celestial musician if his rising from a modest beginning to the success he achieved is to go by.
Credited with over 60 music albums, music direction and playback in films, thousands of music concerts in India and abroad, Padmabhushan Jagjit Singh is not complacent but in high spirits to scale the horizons. His latest album of Ghazal and Nazm is awaiting release. With no godfather or family support Jagjit Singh not only carved a niche for himself but also emerged a trendsetter as an innovative improviser especially in the genre of ghazal. In city on the invitation of Durga Das Foundation in association with The Tribune, the maestro shared his views on contemporary music scene. "From the Vedic period to modern era Indian music had always been a progressive and dynamic art and its aesthetic appeal has influenced the masses over the centuries. But all along, the traditional structures of music were subjected to substantial changes as inspired by the social fervour of the time," says Singh. The present state of affairs seems to be substantially out of proportion, which has raised many eyebrows, he observes, "To be an achiever in music or any performing art and staying at the peak is a life long affair and not an overnight gimmick, which the current bunch of reality TV shows promise to the budding aspirants." Speaking from his experience at a popular TV show he says that youngsters today are too naïve to understand the commercial considerations involved behind the scene. "Rather than cramming songs and depending on results to be decided by an SMS, our age old Guru Shishya tradition can help budding singers much better," he says. On the crowd of singers in music industry compared a very few names in ghazal singing, he maintains that ghazal, with poetry at its heart, has a proper paradigm of words and is not easy to comprehend for an artiste generating music on lap tops. You need profound knowledge of music, literature, parameters of behar, kafia, radeef in a ghazal composition. On Pakistani singers making money in India with no reciprocation for Indian artistes on work visa or concert permits he opined that India needs a definite cultural policy. About his latest project of Gurbani sung in four albums, he says, "It's an attempt to bring alive the essence of the didactic wisdom enshrined in the holy Guru Granth Saheb. It was indeed a soul searching and soul nourishing experience." lifestyle@tribunemail.com
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Weird or wacky
For a first timer, it would be absolutely impossible to fathom. For someone, who has been following it for quite sometime, would still find it eerie. And well, for those who are the brainchild behind it, it is creativity at its best. Names of Punjabi music albums can put anyone in a dilemma. 'How on earth do these people come with such 'weirdly unique' names.'! Not convinced, check out the list-Motor, Romantic Jatt, Kali Gypsy, Gera De De, Safari Boys, Amplifier, She Is From Punjab, Driverji, Gym, Kand Mishri, Fauje Ate Driver, Motor, Chuk Chuk Gaddi, Pencil Di Khed, Petrol Pump, Tractor, Chal Cinema, Classroom, Board Dey Paper…. Howzz it! A great combination of creativity and eccentricity! Wouldn't you want to know the inspiration behind and the great brains making the effort? But before we get you an insight into the 'brilliant minds', it is our prerogative to remind the readers that their exits something called 'poetic license.' So, what say! Punjabi singer Jeet Jagjit of Jaan Mere also marvels at the titles of some Punjabi albums. "A title is reflective of the mood or the theme of the album. It captures the essence of the songs. However, some singers sum up with such funny and weird names to attract the listeners." He laughs, "I don't know what are they thinking of when decide on names like Tractor and Vyah Wali Car. I guess they just want their album to sound different, and end up making it sound completely funny." For the Dildaarian fame singer Amrinder Gill, "The name of an album is a collective decision taken by the singer as well as the company. Every time I come across a title like Chaa Da Cup or Parali, I wonder about the thought process of the singer at that time. As a trend, some singers also Google for the unique names for their albums, without considering if the name would go with the theme of the album. I guess a funny name gives a distinct identity." Funny it maybe, but it is also a gimmick for survival. "The established generation of the singers wouldn't keep names like this. This a trend followed by new singers.These singers have either come from abroad or they spend money without putting their mind in the album. Tittles like Vella Munda are meant to attract listeners," says Pradeep Gangal, Director MH One. jasmine@tribunemail.com |
In the fast lane
The word adventure often ends with freak. Normal, sane people have nothing to do with it. But Gul Panag doesn't like being called a freak. She is extremely normal, extremely adventurous and participating in SJOBA for the first time. "I like adventure sports and its nothing new for me. I participated in Lavasa Women Car Rally in Mumbai last year for cancer awareness, but it was on a smaller scale," says the actor. For someone, who traveled to Ladakh on a BMW bike long before it became a popular summer time destination for hitchhikers and adventure travelers, didn't SJOBA came a little late? "Well, I had to have time for participating in a highly competitive event like this. It was only possible this time since it coincided with my plans to spend sometime with my family in Chandigarh." And that is what she will be doing while she changes gears and pushes through the rough terrain! "My team also includes my two cousin sisters and my 63 year old aunt." She will be participating in the TSD/ car Category, which will take into account the time, speed and distance covered to finish the rally, she seemed as prepared as someone can be for a sporting event. "Stamina is not a problem for me as I have been participating in marathons and have always kept my sporty side active. You can calculate before hand but at the end all depends on how you perform," she says. Fit and fast, she is positive on winning, "Of course, I want to win, but I'll have fun too." Apart from the live action, what pumps her up is the fact that SJOBA has highest number of women participants this year. "It's the year of the women. The event will grow every year, so the bigger it gets, the better it becomes. And its great to know that so many women are participating and getting into the action." Well, then we suggest the company of Shuchi Thakur, a senior woman rallyist from city, who is competing in the Extreme/Jeep category. And while in action, will she be tweeting the experience as well? "Oh, I don't think I would get time for that as you have to be fast and on a roll. Maybe after I win." For the time being, Gul Panag is busy taking the on the world from behind the wheels, charting up the adventure graph. As for her career graph, she has two movies lined up, Fatso and Mukta Arts, Hello Darling. nehawalia@tribunemail.com |
Hello Tunez Prince (TIPS): A lot of experimentation is going on in private albums. But when it comes to film playback, most directors tend to play it safe and refrain from doing anything radical. But this film is an exception. It treads a new path which may appeal to the teen crowd considerably. What seems to have helped is that this film is made by the Tips company itself, and they know what kind of music sells. Composer Sachin Gupta has not failed to deliver, despite giving a chance to newcomers. Among the male singers, it is the monopoly of Pakistani pop singer Atif Aslam who figures in almost all the songs. Among the women, the honour is shared by Shreya Ghoshal, Alisha Chinai, Hard Kaur and Garima Jhingon. Atif, who released his first album Jal Pari in 2004, has sung two popular songs in the film Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. These are Tera hone laga hoon and Tu jaane na. Prince has given him greater exposure. The album rightly opens with O mere khuda by Garima Jhingon and Atif Aslam, which is the most haunting song of the lot. Monali Thakur has got a solo, Ishq mein but does not leave much of impression. Needless to say that each of the seven songs happens to have a remix version. In fact, many have more than one, especially by DJ Suketu. There are thus nine remixes in all. Sachin Gupta himself sings one such version of Tere liye, which is originally sung by Atif Aslam. Lyrics are by Sameer. He is only average in songs like Aa bhi ja sanam. |
Shabad (TIMES MUSIC): When he was at the peak, Pankaj Udhas hardly sang anything religious. He has now made amends, that too by signing Shabad from Guru Granth Sahib. To his credit, his rendering of Punjabi is very good. Obviously, a lot of effort has gone into creating this album, whose music directors are Gunjan Jha and Vaibhav Saxena. There are eight Shabads in all: So din safal ganeya, Maango ram te, Puchho sant mero, Dhan dhan hamare, Das tere ki bainti, Jap man mere, Tu sabni thai and Tujh bin awar naahi. — ASC |
Tarot Talk
ARIES: You will start off in a confident, optimistic mood. Family members are congenial & co-operative. Romance could lead to much turmoil & upheaval. At home, all is likely to run on well over wheels. Get more rest.
Tip of the week: Focus new light on your emotional and spiritual place. Lucky color: Ruby.
TAURUS: Do not be afraid to get things off your chest. Go along with the wishes of your family members. Don't be too demanding from loved ones. Frank discussion could clear the air on Friday. : Think long term. Not try to rush others people.
Tip: Be determined and increase your self confidence which will be on trial.
Lucky color: Golden brown GEMINI: Enduring relationships can be formed with new people who live at a distance. Stick to your regular job as the best way of boosting your reserves. Give your creative talent an airing. Hobbies will give you much satisfaction.
Tip: Be articulate to prevent people for making their own conclusion.
Lucky color: creamy white. CANCER: Love affairs could easily start as the result of a journey. Pleasure comes through measuring your accomplishment. Peace & calm should reign. Friends will be easygoing and willing to fall in with your plans. Do not gamble at all.
Tip: Do not let anyone get the advantage over you. Lucky Color: Orange. LEO: It is a week to forget worries of the work. Let your hairs down and enjoy yourself. Your ability to keep a secret is likely to be very helpful. Time to get away. Loved ones will be difficult and moody on Tuesday.
Tip: You must realise that it's important to enjoy your dreams but be sure you don't play tricks on yourself.
Lucky color: Green. VIRGO: Be prepared to plod along slowly. Focus on planning and creative work. There will not be any great pressure placed upon you. Cash crisis resolves after Tuesday. Luck will be with you. Consider well before acting.
Tip: Change the status quo both at work and relationships by voicing your feelings.
Lucky color: Brick Red. LIBRA: Creative work is favoured over mundane routine jobs.
Teenagers : you may meet someone Monday who set your heart aflutter. Partnership favoured on Wednesday. Life is not likely to run according to plan. Tip Now is the need to question the value judgment which has shaping your money aspects.
Lucky Color: Metallic grey. SCORPIO: An excellent week for romance. Avoid gossiping; because it can spoil your chance of success. Be thinking with the future in mind. Discuss investment on Thursday. Real estate matters may suffer.
Sportsmen: get more exercise to keep yourself fit. Tip: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power.
Lucky color: Pale yellow SAGITTARIUS: You need to spend more time on repair work around the home. Vitality may be little low. You will get satisfaction from new work. Health of your spouse need attention on Wednesday. A pleasant week for dealing with family affairs.
Tip: Do not let anyone get the advantage over you. Lucky Color: Black. CAPRICORN: You will find people generally hard to pin down. Buying & selling is a salient feature. Do not bury disturbing emotions but work through them. An early night sleep good for you on Monday. Trend carefully with your money.
Tip: Unfinished business will unleash new problems. Lucky color: Scarlet. AQUARIUS: You are noted for your resiliency. You are refused to be between even when the odds are against you. Romance takes a turn for the better. Keep extra cash in hand to cope with additional expenses. You might find that your work load is increased.
Tip: Try a new off beat style of handling things. Lucky color: Sky blue. PISCES: Tuesday will become rather sensitive for marital relationship. Give more attention to your health. Do not take on chores that would take you physically. Love life takes back seat. You are in a position to move and motivate others.
Tip : Be cautious in your action and speech. Lucky color: Olive.
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