Jhoom bloom this summer
P. ANIMA
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Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy on why ‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom’ is meant to set the dance floor on fire.
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New rhythms: Abhishek Bachchan and Lara Dutta in ‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom.’
Every few minutes Amitabh Bachchan in a colourful jacket and a plumed hat pops up on the channels strumming his guitar.
Soon, four high-octane stars set the screen on fire with their gyrations. Like it or not, ‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom’ and its promos are all over the place and hard to ignore.
Up the charts
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s music is already racing ahead in the popularity charts, continuing a rich tradition of the Yashraj banner scoring with its music.
Remember ‘Kabhi Kabhie’ or ‘Silsila’? Or the more recent ‘Tara Rum Pum’ whose music still plays at multiplexes?
Even Shiv-Hari, otherwise almost absent from the Hindi film world, have given music to the banner’s offerings in the past.
The irrepressible trio of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy steps into some well travelled shoes.
‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom’ is no different. “The music is being played three to 10 times everyday at the clubs and the kids love it,” says singer and music director Shankar Mahadevan on the feedback to the album.
Purists may frown, but the public is lapping it up, setting up a nice initial base for the film that is releasing at cinema halls across the country. “It is doing well in the U.S. and the U.K.,” says Loy enthusiastically.
The music makers of ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ have given tunes with something for everybody.
Ten years as a team
Into the tenth year as a team, they know the expectations are high, especially with Shaad Ali Sahgal’s ‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom.’ “There is always the pressure to maintain quality,” says Ehsaan, adding,
220;It is needed to produce good work.”
Soft numbers from Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have always been eminently hummable, but ‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom’ is surely for the dance floor and is an out-and-out party. ‘Bol Na Halke Halke’ rendered by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Mahalaxmi Iyer is the only exception.
But Shankar is quick to defend the album. “The one melody is equal to 10,” he quips. The singer among the three adds that their music strictly goes by the requirements of the script.
“This is an absolutely crazy dance film, and deeply intense music will not suit it,” explains Shankar. He is seconded by Loy.
“We write to the storyline. We often sit and debate. Shaad understands our style of working and he gives us our space,” says Loy.
Anyone who listens to the soundtrack cannot miss the strong Punjabi flavour. “There is a strong Sufi Punjabi influence to the music,” confides Ehsaan.
Be it the popular ‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom’ number and its different versions, ‘Kiss of Love’ or even ‘Ticket to Hollywood,’ no one can miss the Punjabi beats. “The Punjabi element was inevitable as the movie is about the Punjabis in Southall,” says Shankar.
But the trio is not bothered about the Bhangra overdose in the album. “We have tried some new grooves, especially in ‘Kiss of Love.’ There are new rhythms but it will take some time to sink in,” says Shankar. “Even ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ took time before it went on to become popular. The music will grow on you.”
Along with the banner, cast, music and curiosity about the story, the movie has been in the news for a rather unpleasant reason, with singer Daler Mehndi going to court on being dropped from the music album.
But the trio wants to steer clear of controversies and refuses to divulge anything on the matter.
While Ehsaan is cryptic when he says their job is to make music, the usually forthcoming Shankar is equally reticent to discuss the matter.
“I don’t want to say anything on the issue. The matter is in court,” he closes the topic.
“At the end of the day one would want the job to be done to the best of one’s ability. There are no hard feelings towards anybody,” explains Loy.
Keeping the controversy at bay, all three vouch the making of the album was a memorable experience, especially working with the veteran lyricist and poet Gulzar, who has penned the words.
Loy also recounts the experience of recording with a live orchestra for the background score.
“It was part retro and part modern,” says Loy. “A lot of senior musicians were part of the orchestra and we recorded for three days together. It was a moving experience,” he adds.
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have also tried out some new voices in their latest endeavour. Neeraj of Bombay Vikings and Vishal have sung for the trio in ‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom.’
Many summers later, people may not shake a leg to the music of ‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom’ but for the moment, no party-hopper is complaining.
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