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Original controversy
Either it is rest of the world versus our music directors or our music directors (especially the privileged two - Pritam Chakrovorthy and Anu Malik), blaming each other for lifting tunes, but this isn’t the news because it is not something that we are hearing for the first time!
Whether it is Anu Malik alleging that Pritam lifted the entire tune of his Mohabaat naam hai kiska from Ajnabee and used it in the song Character dhila hai or the recent AR Rahman controversy where the original track-maker is under scanner for lifting or in this case finding inspiration for his track Challa (which is actually Jhalla according to the singer) sung by Rabbi Shergill in Yash Chopra’s movie Jab Tak Hai Jaan, allegations of such kind are indeed rife. When it comes to AR Rahman, you would want to dismiss it saying - ‘I don’t think it can be true’, but the fact is that Bollywood music directors have time and again been blamed for lifting music. They would like to say music knows no barriers or inspiration can drawn from everywhere, but is there a line to be drawn somewhere? Punjabi and Bollywood singer Jasbir Jassi has a candid take, “Singers and composers do get inspired; the problem arises when they refuse to give due credit to the inspiration.” Jassi admits this fact every time he sings the song ek geyda giddey vich hor on stage, “I acknowledge that I liked Punjabi singer Kaler Kanth’s and my song stemmed from there. “Bollywood music takes inspiration from here or there, but it is utterly wrong to lift a song; something which is already recorded and tag it as your own.”
Dictionary defines inspiration in more than one way. It is an agency, such as a person or work of art, that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention and it can be something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, which is inspired. Lifting a song or words…does that fit the bill here? “No,” this is the first word and the only word that sums it up for music director Uttam Singh of Dil To Pagal Hai fame. “How can you lift a song and call it inspiration? In fact, it is an insult to the subject that inspired you.” All legendary singers like RD Burman would have been inspired by some form of music or other! “Passing that inspiration as your own creation is cheating,” Uttam Singh sticks to his stance. Things make sense or they become a little more confusing when singer Rabbi Shergill makes it clear that the song and the word used in the movie is not Challa but Jhalla. “It is inappropriate depiction of Indian languages,” he says. Rabbi feels the line between inspiration and originality is increasingly getting blurred. “It is hard to think about originality in this scenario. For originality to prosper, we need to give it space and some ground. I guess the debate is more about originality and authenticity. I can give you 20 songs on the same instrumentation (challa as in jhalla), so it is how you treat the Indian languages.” Call it absurdity or originality, Bollywood music has time and again come under scanner for lifting tracks in the name of inspiration. Either we accept the fact or keep distance from the word original!
Copy Cat Hindi song: Koi Nahin Tere Jaisa (Keemat) Hindi song: Paayal Meri Jaadu (Rajkumar) Hindi song: Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye (Jurm) Hindi song: Suno Zara (Bada Din) Hindi song: Tu Woh Tu Hai (Beqaabu) jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Sailing against odds
Don’t be taken in by his youthful looks. Atish Mukhopadhyay, a young classical musician, a sarod player of considerable mettle, knows his music as well as the prevailing trends in the musical world of today.
Of course, much of what he encounters has him peeved. And disturbed too, as he rues the lack of patronage for classical music. He quips, “Look at the way mediocre Hindi film songs are projected. Constant hammering makes even average numbers super hits.” But when it comes to classical music, he feels, no one cares to propagate it. No wonder, in the west, he often encounters people who mistake Bollywood music for Indian music which bothers him no end. On the presumption that more people in the West appreciate Indian classical music, he says, “Well, not everyone out there is tuning to Bharitya shastriya sangeet but those who do listen, do so with rapt attention.” As he has just returned from performing at the 150th Anniversary of Saint Petersburg Music conservatory, he swears by the heightened curiosity levels of audiences abroad and their eagerness to know more. In comparison, he feels the Indian youth are not exposed to classical music. He adds, “So how would they be interested?” Actually he fears for the future of classical musicians. The going, he agrees, is tougher for musicians like him who don’t come from a musical family. Still he finds motivation in his guru Ustad Aashish Khan, son of the legendary sarod player Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. Since he has had the good fortune of learning from the late maestro too, he recalls him as an incredible man-down to earth with an amazing wealth of wisdom. Mukhopadhyay says, “When in doubt, I would often turn to Ali Akbar Khan Sahib. At that point his answers would not make any sense and the meaning would dawn many years later.”
For instance, when asked how he should use shudh madhyam in Raga Yaman Kalyan, he was told to employ it just the way a mole enhances the beauty of a beautiful woman. The answer to the question on Raag Bihag, in which the great sarodist used the analogy of “dewdrops on lotus flower,” he is still trying to fathom. Understanding and playing sarod, however, he avers, is not as arduous as it is made out to be. He uses a simple example, “Its like if you don’t know how to ride a bicycle even that is difficult.” On the illustrious Senia Maihar gharana that he represents, he is effusive, “It’s a complete gharana whose beauty is all encompassing.” And it’s this beauty, this empanelled musician with ICCR intends to capture through his music. Never mind the hiccups enroute… he will go the full way. nonika@tribunemail.com
Fusion isn’t confusion Though Atish Mukhopadhyay’s views on Bollywood music would have you believe he is a purist, he is more than open to experimentation. And fusion too as he has teamed up with jazz musicians and has collaborated with Japanese artists too. Between Japanese music and Indian, he agrees, there is an uncanny similarity as the octave of both, he says, “Is more or less the same.”
Futile exercise Atish Mukhopadhyay, who rues that today music has become a business, argues, “It’s not the job of an artist to go around seeking programmes. He has to focus on his riyaaz. If he spends time in public relations he might become a star artist but the quality of his music will suffer.” |
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On the House
Manpriya Singh
The resounding success of Sunburn is a constant reminder of the power of electronic music. While the music festival hosts a healthy mix of Indian and international artists, the genre House remains a constant. The genre of electronic dance music that originated as late as 1980’s has already come of age, the movement that started in Chicago has become a phenomenon the world over. While the early house music was mostly dance based with typical repetitive 4x4 beats, in the late 90s it further branched out into progressive house. Hall of fame
On and off, at the Sunburn festival if one stage has been dedicated to Trance, there’s always been one reserved for House. There might be a shift to other sub genres but the house remains a constant. If there’s electro house one year, there’s got to be tech house the next. Currently the producers like Daft Punk, David Guetta, Stardust, Swedish House Mafia, Deadmau5, Afrojack, Steve Aoki, Avicii, Fedde Le Grand, Benny Benassi and Dada Life, ensure that the genre stays where it is, right on top. Starting from David Guetta, an artist, setting example in how powerful music can be because of how dancey and funky it sounds. Further track Phantom by Justice brought electro house to the alternative India crowd. Moving on, electro house remix of Britney Spears, Circus by Mysto and Pizzi is worth a mention. Youngster’s take Some of the evergreen club songs happen to be biggest house mixes. Shares DJ Sash, city based freelance DJ, “This genre of music has always enjoyed considerable club based success. So much so that it spilled onto the mainstream scene.” He adds, “And till date, it retains a widespread popularity in all the major clubs throughout the world. Every producer worth his name, has got to have a popular house track on the list. That’s one of the musts for touring.” One of the artists rightly put, “House music is a feeling. A feeling that will never die.” manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Be a Giver & Receiver
Renee singh The CEO of a company walked into my office in this total frantic state, one look at him and I couldn't resist asking, “What's your problem?” “Life” he promptly answered. I thought this sounded slightly vague. I asked him to be more specific but he still insisted that it was nothing so special just that ‘life’ was beginning to get to him. “Are you stressed,” soon followed? ''That really got to him, he was very upset and retaliated strongly, “Why should I be stressed, I just want to straighten my life.” I could understand, he seemed to think stress was shameful. This is a common misconception. Stress is certainly a challenge but that does not imply that it is bad or wrong or shameful. Stress is only bad if we handle it badly, especially, if we block it, avoid it or lie about it. Time for change Personally I feel that stress invites you to change. There is something inside of you that tells you that change is urgently required. You need stress to give you the push which is much required. Recharge yourself As energy levels hit an all time low, due to the pressures of everyday life, we constantly need a shot of extra energy. We normally identify stress as a weakness but it is not so. It is just important information provided by our inner system to look into our lives more closely, so that we can find ways and means to deal with ''life'' in the best possible way. Listen to inner voice Learn to listen to your stress, don't block it. Try figuring what your stress is trying to tell you. Be open to accessing information about yourself. It pays to listen to your inner voice as it is guidance in how to deal with life. True the point Do not be guided by fear or by the ego. Try to listen to your intuition and your inner wisdom. What is stress all about and why we live in a state of constant stress is dependent on various factors: Fear factor This is a great accomplice to stress. Listen to the fear that is driving your stress and drive it away. A lot of times we fantasise and blow our fears out of proportion. Refrain from this. Be honest You are not in your true power when you are not honest with yourself. If you are a ‘people pleaser’, the self is always ignored and stress settles in. Learn to give True power comes from being committed fully to the present and giving of yourself wholeheartedly to a situation. Often what you are missing is what you are not giving. Believe in receiving One of the most relaxing feelings is in knowing how to be a receiver, whether it's a gift, a compliment or an emotion. Live in the freedom and joy of receiving it. Drop your pride and there is always help handy in every situation. It is very important that you realise the importance of being an open person and feeling joyful and stress free. To help yourself get there just ask yourself a few questions: What is the lesson here? How can I be smarter? What is my real goal? What is my measure of success? Answer to these questions will definitely help you choose your track. And, then stay on it. Stress is very often a self attack. If we know how to deal with life, choose to resist nothing and allow everything to just flow we can shed stress to a very large degree. And, have ourselves live in a state of joy and happiness on a stress free level. (Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist)
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Friendly fight?
Sometimes a happy moment may convert into a sorrow one. When everyone was having a gala time at Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor's sangeet ceremony held at Saif's residence Bandra, best friends Malaika Arora Khan and fashion designer Vikram Phadnis had a showdown. Not many people noticed but there are witnesses who have seen their loggerheads. A guest at the ceremony who witnessed the event says, "Vikram and Malaika came together for the event and were greeting other friends at the venue. After a while, their friendly banter went out of hand that had Malaika hit the roof in anger. Vikram looked pretty upset." However, when Malaika and Vikram were asked about the tiff, both denied even getting into an argument. Malaika replied, "Totally untrue and ridiculous!" Vikram wrote back, "Forget a fight, I don't even argue with her!" However, an eyewitness revealed that after their argument, Vikram looked very sad and he even moved into tears. Vikram left the function soon while Malaika exited much later.
One step closer to Bebo
PC, a friend indeed
I think she is a sweet girl and we both get along. I could be stuck in an elevator with her. I think she is one of the most talented actresses we have in the country and she has come such a long way. I wish her all the very best. Kat is gorgeous I find her sexy. She has a great body! If Dostana were to be made with actresses, then I would like to have Priyanka and Katina as my co-stars. All about Heroine I stand by the hard-work I put into Heroine, it took a lot out of me. Heroine was a mix of commercial elements, content, and performances. I looked spectacular and the same goes for my performance too. I think it was an award-worthy performance because it was bold, eccentric, and different. Vidya is a hero I was amazed at the way she pulled off The Dirty Picture and Kahaani. She is a hero and so very talented. There is nothing she cannot do. I like the way she has reinvented herself. She is quite bold too as I would not have been able to do The Dirty Picture. She shed her limitations and inhibitions and I admire her for that. I have my limitations and a certain image that I care about. Loyalty is a priority Loyalty and fidelity are very important to me. I think if you are content and happy in your relationship, you will not cheat, whether you are a guy or a girl. Saif makes me feel secure. He is not a regular guy. We are best friends and lovers. He has really changed me and made me feel happy and beautiful in my skin. Balancing act I don't think my marriage will affect my career. I have always had a professional life along with my personal life. I have had two relationships in ten years and everybody knows about them. Saif and I have been living together for five years and we do not interfere with each other's work unless asked to. I am Kareena Kapoor on screen and a different person off it. I have a life beyond doing the job that I love. —HRM
One for a cause
Aamir seeks blessings
Aamir Khan took his mother and other family members on a luxurious Haj to Mecca. They will be back in November beginning. Aamir is playing a dutiful son to his mother as he is going on the pilgrimage in the middle of shooting for Dhoom 3 and promoting Talaash. We wish them a peaceful and a blessed trip.
Nikhil’s banana basket
Nikhil Dwivedi, who plays a small town outlaw in Tamanchay, had to literally pay a price on the challenges of working in the realistic 'rehearse and shoot' mode in the film. And in a lighter vein, to have a strict visual director, a first in Bollywood, truly didn't help his cause either.
Recently Nikhil and the cast of Tamanchay were in the picturesque town of Tehri Garhwal in Uttarakhand. And whilst shooting in the local Kulna market near Tehri Lake, Nikhil had to flick some bananas from the fruit vendor on the sly. Many are not aware that Nikhil, in real life, is quite smooth with the hand tricks and in true Rajnikant style, flicked the bananas from his left hand behind to his right hand without looking behind. True that was the easy bit for him since he was an expert on that trick. But when he had to eat the bananas was the tricky bit. He had to get into 'rehearse and shoot mode' with the extras of the film, since they used the actual Garhwali's on the street to give it an authentic feel. And every time he ate the bananas, the watchful firangi visual director noticed something amiss with the extras and they had to shoot it again and again. And the kind of method actor Nikhil is, he lost count of the bananas he had to gorge and finally the shot was completed to the satisfaction of the director Bharat Ratan and the visual director. At the end to maintain the authenticity, Nikhil was literally forced to feed himself and felt as if he needed to throw up. He was stunned when he was told by producer Suryaveer that he had gorged over 75 bananas! And this time the producer did not seemed to mind, since the crew had a hearty laugh over it!
Going strong with hard work
Actor Jackky Bhagnani, who was launched by his father, veteran producer Vashu Bhagnani, in Kal Kissne Dekha, believes it helps being the son of a producer but rues that people do not see the hard work put in into the role. While Kal Kissne Dekha bombed badly at the box office, his subsequent film FALTU was loved by the youth. Jackky is now back with his third film Ajab Gazabb Love, produced by his father. "It is all profit to be his son.
The only minus point is people take away your hard work from you. Vashu Bhagnani is a big name but then he is my dad. People think that he will do something for his son," said Jackky. Incidentally, all three films that Jackky has acted in till date were backed by his father. But he says, "No it is not like that. At the end of the day, he is a businessman. He is not here to do charity. For my first film, he did back me as a father. But who would have been a better candidate for FALTU than me? If you would have taken a star, then it would not have worked out." Presently, he is looking forward to the release of Ajab Gazabb Love, directed by Sanjay Gadhvi of Dhoom fame. "It is a good thing to work with an established director. As in my two films, I have worked with new directors. So to work with an experienced director is a good thing, it helps you a lot in the process of doing the film," added Jackky. Jackky will be seen opposite south actress Nidhi Subbaiah. —PTI
A date with God
Bipasha Basu is a true-blue Bengali. She goes to Kolkata with her family to celebrate Durga Pooja every year. She skipped it last year because of her work commitments but is going this year to have a gala time at the Durga Pooja celebrations in
Kolkata.
Hands full
Shahid Kapoor is all set to get busy now. He will shoot Bejoy Nambiar's David, Rajkumar Santoshi's Phata Poster Nikla Hero, and Prabhu Deva's Namak back to back and he has a different look in all the movies. So Shahid fans will be pleased next year. |
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Celebration time
Back to the job
Beautiful Sanjeeda Sheikh will now be seen in yet another role on TV. She has been signed to play Surpanaka, Ravaan's sister in Life OK's first extravagant project Ram Leela. She's glad to play the pretty princess who tries to woo Ram and Laxman in the forest.
A narrow escape
Last week, Manish Goel had a harrowing time when he realised his credit card was being misused. When he got the message about the transaction of Rs 1.5 lakh, he got the card blocked. Thankfully, the transaction wasn't processed. He later filed a police complaint too. Troubled by it, Manish wonders if carrying good old cash is the best way to be safe today
So far, so good
Sur Kshetra, a singing reality show, is getting good response from the viewers across the world. It has 12 amateur singing talents from India and Pakistan competing against each other. Among these singers, there is one from Kartarpur, Punjab, who has a melodious voice. Diljaan has the potential to be a winner of Sur Kshetra, which is the first reality show to be telecast on Sahara One, Colors and Pakistan Jiyo TV. Runner up of PTC Channel show, Aawaz Punjab Di (2006), Diljaan here talks about his journey on the show.
You are one of the talented singers of Punjab. How do you manage to work so hard? When you enjoy something, then it is not work because it comes from within. And for me music is not work, it is a form of meditation. I also riyaaz daily. Where did you get inspiration from? I got inspiration from my father Madan Lal Madaar, Ustad Puran Shah Koti, Salim and his brother Parvez Peji. They give me tips to improve my voice quality. How did you get selected in this show? I was chosen from 300 short-listed participants from Punjab, Himachal, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir. Gajendra Singh’s team liked my songs Chithi naa koi sandesh.. and sufiana song Aao Nee Sayyon… What are your memorable moments on the set? From childhood days, I had a dream to meet top singers and today I am performing in front of legendary Asha Bhonsle, Abida Parveen, Runa Laila and guest judges like Ghulam Ali, Suresh Wadekar, Ismail Darbar and Alka Yagnik. I also got standing ovation from Asha ji. How has been your journey so far? I am studying in BA final at DAV College Jalandhar. I have one devotional album to my credit. There is going to be a surprise with my second album with music director Sachin Ahuja. You will get to hear about it after this show. — Dharam Pal
Too many to handle
Amit Verma, of Khichdi fame feels that every new show has a new face, which makes it difficult for the audiences to remember them. Few years age, there were fewer actors, which is why they attained stardom while today after a show is over, people don't even recall the actors. Balancing TV and films, he hopes to bag interesting roles in both mediums.
Work over health
Acting has never been an easy profession. Lot of dedication and focus is needed. Recently, we got another example of work dedecation. Gopi Bahu aka Devoleena Bhattacharjee of Star Plus popular show Saath Nibhaana Saathiya was suffering from high fever and was supposed to take rest as per doctor's advice. But like a true hard worker, she said, "My shooting schedule cannot be disrupted because of me". And she actually shot for the entire day for Star Plus' Navratri special show, Dandiya - Dhoom Machi Dhoom.
When asked to confirm the news, Devoleena said, "Yes, I was suffering from high fever but I had already committed for the shoot and I didn't want my cast and crew to go through inconvenience. I am extremely thankful to the entire crew who supported me during entire shoot."
Twists and turns
Dil Se Di Dua... Saubhagyavati Bhava, on Life OK, is currently witnessing a lot of love and romance between Sia (Sriti Jha) and Raghav (Harshad Chopda). Well, there's a twist in the tale. Mentally unstable Viraj (Karanvir Bohra) is trying to woo Sia. This will create a rift between Sia and Raghav.
To check how truthful Viraj is, Raghav will try to examine him by creating a situation wherein Viraj will have to save Krish. Furthermore, it will be proved that Viraj is genuinely mentally sick. Later, when Raghav will try to sacrifice his life to save Viraj, Sia will stop him.
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Astro turf
ARIES: The temptation to help out a friend with a loan should be discussed with your partner first. A sexual relationship might have reached its climax. TAURUS: Your partner supports you. Right time to purchase something that adds to the value of your house. Working toward your goals may seem a little harder than usual. GEMINI: Do not try to hurry with jobs that require meticulous handling. Consult the experts when cash questions come up. Finalize plans early as your mood is likely to turn romantic.Tarot message: Use your instincts to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Red. CANCER: Spare time for family and children. Women patients: Do not neglect any health problems. Love stars look great. It should be much easier for you to meet your challenges. LEO: An irritating co-worker can push you to your limits. Practice deep breathing and you can maintain your composure. A desire to retreat to the comfort of your own home could be overwhelming. Tarot message: Must learn to accept responsibility for self and others. Lucky colour: Crimson. VIRGO: The card "The Moon" indicates an emotional setback. Stick to what you know and understand. Money problem will still prevail. Children: Enjoy with your friends. Legal suits turn in your favour. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky
colour: Orange. LIBRA: At work, a colleague steers you a new direction. Financial rewards may get delayed. Love stars are behind the clouds. A small celebration at home is likely. Professionals need a break. SCORPIO: Get cracking early. What you need now is energy. You must push yourself harder. Be careful with money. This is not the right day for writing official letters. Women shoppers may spend heavily. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Mauve. SAGITTARIUS: Your card reveals inner strength and enthusiasm. Do not take any risk on the road and drive carefully. Arguments may arise with your spouse or partner over money. Tarot message: Don't forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. CAPRICORN: Your card promises a progressive day. Health problems can be satisfactorily attended to. Personal plans are likely to progress without too much opposition. Be above board when dealing with employment affairs. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 50 AQUARIUS: Business is likely between you and your associates. Attempt to improve your health will be successful. Your mind can wander on the job and cause unnecessary mistakes. PISCES: Entrepreneurs will go through an anxious period. The married or those in love will find the day exciting. Neither borrow nor lend. A lot of energy will be spent on communication today. |
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The year ahead
If your birthday is October 22...
Your birthday falls this year on the Maha Ashtmi day of auspicious
Navratras. People have been skillfully and determinedly working on a way to deliberately disturb your peace of mind. Conflict between the old and new is going to be a clear battleground within the professional environment. Don't be surprised if someone asks you for advice. People realise that you're in a very practical and rational frame of mind, and that you're blessed with commonsense. Whether you're solving someone else's problems or tackling your own, you'll take a logical approach and will weigh all the pros and cons before reaching a conclusion. Simply ignore those who approach you for temporary loans. Do not let your relatives and friends manage your finances or you could soon be surpassing your budget. Today your love blooms to show what a beautiful deed you have done. Tax and insurance matters will need some attention. This is the perfect time to think about practical and financial matters. Right now, you'd rather take a sober and careful approach to things, rather than do anything foolish. It may not be terribly exciting but it will bring the sort of results you're looking for. You will shine at the work front. Finances may not see progress. Family life might not be good due to stress. Chances of health ailments such as cold are possible. There will be no last minute changes to your work situation but gradual ones are more likely. This makes it easier for you to get used to them. You appreciate the chance to observe and analyse your feelings and prepare for what is likely to occur. You won't let others impatience bother you. For once, the situation suits you more than others and you won't be in a rush to change it. Do not forget that in life nothing remains unchanged and everything evolves through transformation. You must learn how to evaluate every situation with the correct amount of modesty. If on the other hand you are waiting for a development, be patient. Aries, Libra, Leo or other Capricorn members may be a bit of a problem. Discipline issues need a lot of tact, especially near the end of the week. Mood: Excited and slightly over the top. Compatible signs: Scorpio, Cancer. Lucky
colours: Maroon, Olive. Lucky days: Sunday and Monday. Lucky numbers: 2, 8, 11, 14, 21
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Kitu Gidwani (October 22, 1967, Mumbai) starred in some movies as well as serials on Indian television. She became popular after the TV series, Air Hostess aired on Doordarshan in 1986, and received critical acclaim for her roles in Dance of the Wind (1997), Deepa Mehta's Earth (1998) and Govind Nihalani's Rukhmavati Ki Haveli (1991), Kamal Haasan's Abhay and Deham (2001), Fashion. The number four representing Rahu makes her life uncertain.