‘Tezaab’ maker finds new ‘Ek do teen’ crass
By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai– “Tezaab” filmmaker N. Chandra is irate over the reworked version of his film’s popular song “Ek do teen”. He says it is crass and that there must be laws against such creative vandalism.
N. Chandra says it was the original song’s choreographer Saroj Khan who informed him of a new version, which has Jacqueline Fernandez stepping into Madhuri Dixit’s shoes. The track features in the upcoming “Baaghi 2”.
Now that the new “Ek do teen” is out, Chandra said: “I can’t believe they’ve done this to ‘Ek do teen’. It’s crass beyond imagination. And Jacqueline Fernandez doing Madhuri Dixit’s number? Give me a break! It’s like turning the Central Park into a botanical garden. Madhuri danced with such grace and innocence.”
Chandra feels there need to be strict laws against such creative vandalism.
“Anyone can do anything to your creation just because there are no laws to protect our property. I remember some years ago, R.D. Burman’s ‘Dum maro dum’ had been similarly vandalised.”
He was referring to Rohan Sippy’s “Dum Maro Dum” in which Deepika Padukone had done an item number performing on the legendary Asha Bhosle number “Dum maro dum” from the film “Hare Rama Hare Krishna”.
Chandra said Saroj Khan and he “are definitely taking action”.
Amitabh gives A-Capella twist to ‘Sar jo tera chakraaye’
Mumbai– The iconic song “Sar jo tera chakraaye” from the 1957 film “Pyaasa” has got an A-Capella twist by megastar Amitabh Bachchan for a special music video.
The veteran actor sang and shot for this unique recreation for Navratna Cool Oil earlier this year. It has been digitally released on Youtube.
“Dangal” director Nitesh Tiwari, who was behind the camera for this video, said in a statement: “Amitabh Bachchan got instantly enthusiastic on learning about this idea and promptly agreed to lend his voice to this experimentation.
“It has been a wonderful experience for all of us and we have released the music digitally to connect better with today’s consumers who are digitally active and also love Bollywood music.”
For the uninitiated, A-Capella is group or solo singing in choral style which is without instrumental accompaniment. In this, the background music is usually created by beats made by the human mouth, usually one linking to the other one, like hitting the floor, then the desk, then the wall to make a beat that goes together, while actually singing the song.
Tiwari added: “The music format of A-capella is growing in popularity among the young music lovers of today. We found that the rhythm of A-Capella style of singing has a very direct correlation with the rhythmic sounds and actions created by barbers while giving relaxing ‘champis’ to their clients.”
Saroj Khan refuses to comment on Jacqueline’s ‘Ek do teen’
Mumbai– Veteran choreographer Saroj Khan, who is reportedly planning to take action along with “Tezaab” maker N. Chandra against the reworked version of their song “Ek do teen”, is in no mood to share her views on the song.
The new version — described by Chandra as “crass” — is a part of “Baaghi 2” and has been filmed on Jacqueline Fernandez. The original hit featured Bollywood’s graceful dancing queen Madhuri Dixit, who was given signature steps by Saroj.
But ever since the new song released, it has been under the scanner as social media users have slammed it for its picturisation.
Asked about her views on the song, Saroj told IANS in a curt tone over the phone: “I am not commenting on it.”
On reports that she and Chandra are planning to take legal action against it, she said: “No comments”.
She kept repeating it to avoid further queries.
During the shoot of the new version, it had emerged that Saroj, Ganesh Acharya and Ahmed Khan came together on the set of “Baaghi 2”.
Starring Tiger Shroff, the film is a sequel to the 2016 film “Baaghi”.
The film, which also stars Disha Patani, is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banner name Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and presented by Fox Star Studios. It will release on March 30.
Shahid Kapoor’s special message for PM Modi
Mumbai– Actor Shahid Kapoor says everyone is trying to keep India clean and politicians should also try to do the same.
The actor expressed his views when he became part of Colors Infinity show “BFFs with Vogue”, read a statement from the channel.
When the show’s host Neha Dhupia asked Shahid to give a message for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said: “We are all working towards swachhta (cleanliness), and we promise that we will keep things ‘as clean as possible’.
“I think politicians should do the same.”
On the work front, he is busy with his next “Batti Gul Meter Chalu”. The film is a social drama on the electricity issue faced by people in the country, and also stars Shraddha Kapoor and Yami Gautam.
Rahman launches Irshad Kamil’s INK Band music series
Mumbai– Oscar winning A.R. Rahman, on the occasion of World Poetry Day on Wednesday, launched lyricist Irshad Kamil’s INK Band music series, via which eight music videos consisting of the writer’s non-film songs will be released.
Kamil, who has penned songs like “Matargashti”, “Agar tum saath ho” and “Aaj din chadeya”, has carved a niche for his kind of film lyrics — poetic, melodic and yet conversational.
His brand of poetry is carried forward with The INK Band, which performs verses recited by Kamil interspersed with singing, and music, making for unusual but easy listening.
Having performed at events and live gigs since 2015, and having garnered a tremendous positive response, The INK Band will now release eight music videos consisting of the writer’s non-film songs. This collective will form Season 1 and subsequent seasons will follow.
The first video “Vo Ladki” was launched digitally by Rahman.
“What will life be without poetry…What will Hindi film industry be without Irshad Kamil… Some of the songs he has written have become iconic in people’s hearts. I wish him the very best for his new venture, sharing his gift of imagination with all of us,” Rahman said in a statement.
Sanjay Dutt set for new multi-starrer comedy
Mumbai– Veteran actor Sanjay Dutt has signed up to feature in a multi-starrer comedy entertainer “Blockbuster”. He says he loves the comedy space.
“I have always loved doing comedy. It is the genre that makes me feel at home. The scale of ‘Blockbuster’ is huge and multi-starrers always connect well with audiences,” Sanjay said in a statement.
The “Munna Bhai” series star will be directed by Ajay Arora and Lovely Arora for the film, to be produced by Sandeep Singh.
Singh said it was his “dream” to make a comedy to Sanjay, whom he lovingly calls Baba.
“There are few people who can make you laugh like he does. It’s not just his timing that is perfect, it’s the expressions he gives that are hilarious. It’s Wonderful to be working with Ajay and Lovel who bring years of experience and creativity to Bollywood,” he said.
The director duo said it’s a huge opportunity for them.
“All the directors from Rajkumar Hirani to David Dhawan who have debuted with Sanjay have had fabulous success. We are very excited and even more so because it’s Sanjay that we would be directing for our debut.”
Mohit Malik loves Marathi actors
Mumbai– Actor Mohit Malik says he looks up to Marathi actors like Atul Kulkarni and Makarand Deshpande.
“I am married to a Maharashtrian (Aditi Shirwaikar) and have been watching a lot of Marathi cinema and shows. Marathi actors like Atul Kulkarni, Makarand Deshpande are some of the finest in the industry and as an actor, I look up to them,” Mohit said in a statement.
At the moment, Mohit is seen as a rockstar in the TV show “Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala”.
He has been learning Punjabi for his role and has also been watching a lot of regional cinema as a part of his training.
“When you are close to your own language, you are more attached to your craft and better connected to your roots. I think that is what works so well for these actors and I am glad the audience appreciate them for this. A lot of our Hindi actors cannot compete with these artistes.”
“Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala”, which airs on Star Plus, tells the story of seven-year-old Kullfi (essayed by Aakriti Sharma) and her talent of making a song on every situation.
Set in a village near Pathankot, it is about how Kullfi gets happiness and positivity in any situation with her songs.
Krushna Abhishek back with new season of ‘OMG! Yeh Mera India’
Mumbai– Comedian and actor Krushna Abhishek will once again take on the host’s mantle for the new season of reality TV show “OMG! Yeh Mera India”, which will bring forth untold stories from different corners of India.
The show’s fourth season will go on air on History TV18 on Thursday, read a statement.
“‘OMG! Yeh Mera India’ is easily one of the most successful shows of my career. In every shoot, I learn new things about India, and that leaves me completely spellbound. Even today, I have goosebumps talking about some of the stories,” said Krushna.
“It’s truly an honour to present unknown facets of this great country in all its glory. This new season will feature some great content which will undoubtedly be a visual treat for the audience,” he added.
Avinash Kaul, Managing Director of A+E Networks | TV18 and President at Network 18, says India is a versatile treasure trove for the show.
“It is really no surprise that the show has been very successful and we’re delighted to continue the franchise. True to our brand ethos, we will continue to innovate and create great content which works for both viewers as well as our partners,” Kaul added.
Varun Dhawan fought stage fright
Mumbai– Actor Varun Dhawan, a confident dancer and versatile actor, says stage fright was a hiccup he overcame by observing veterans in the industry.
The makers of Rani Mukerji’s “Hichki” are promoting the film uniquely by asking prominent personalities to share their untold weaknesses and how they eventually converted them into massive strengths.
On this, Varun said in a statement: “When I walked up onstage for the first time, I just froze. Seeing Madhuri Dixit, the late Srideviji and so many cinema idols in the front rows, I lost my tongue for some time.
“And when I did speak, I spoke so fast that I was barely coherent. Since I had never faced issues while facing the camera, this ‘hichki’ came up quite unexpectedly. I decided to address it by listening to and observing my idols.”
The star of films like “Badlapur” and “Badrinath Ki Dulhania” said this didn’t work in his favour immediately.
“But gradually, I did learn how to tackle this challenge. I practised on it and eventually, could perform and speak onstage well. Setting your mind to it, I think, all of us can overcome all these hiccups,” he said.
Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra and produced by Maneesh Sharma, “Hichki” will release on Friday. (IANS)
