Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Raavan Music Review


It’s simply amazing how every time the talented duo of filmmaker Mani Ratnam and master composer A R Rahman come up with some scintillating music. Their latest film ‘Raavan’ is their tenth collaboration since Roja and every time we have been treated to some of the most fascinating pieces of music. This eagerly awaited movie stars Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Vikram as its lead players. Going by the music of the movie, you can assure yourself of a treat. If Rahman’s music was not enough, you have Gulzar’s lyrics as well. Now, you can’t go wrong here.

The first song of the album, ‘Beera’ is an eclectic mix of rustic flavor and thumping beats. Vijay Prakash and Mustafa Kutoane along with Keerthi Sagathia are sure to take your breath away with their zealous verve. Song makes an instant connection with the listeners. ‘Behne De’ by Karthik is a complete mood changer. The lyric of the song is nothing but passionate and the song definitely packs a punch.

Sukhwinder Singh has always been a consistent member of Rahman’s gang and here again; he has delivered a masterful performance in ‘Thok de killi’. The song has enough firepower and drum and drama to make you fall in love with its feeling. Next comes, ‘Ranjha Ranjha’ in the soulful voices of Rekha Bharadwaj and Javed Ali. Gulzar is simply terrific here and Rahman has concocted his magic once again. The song has romantic overtures and is kind of a free-wheeling melody.

‘Khili Re’ sung by Reena Bhardwaj has amorous and soft feelings to it. ‘Kata Kata’ is a delightful rendition of upbeat bigul and has ethnic flavor to it. Rendered by Ila Arun, Sapna Awasthi along with Kunal Ganjawala, the song has teasing, earthy and raunchy undertones.

Rahman remains what he is; simply Rahman and you just can’t afford to miss this exquisite outcome.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Musical Gift Ideas

Music plays a very important role in our lives. This is something which we can always relate to during any point of our lives. Whenever we are stressed or tired or in a certain frame of mind, listening to good music soothes us. A number of social and personal occasions are incomplete without including songs and dance sequences. Almost all of us like to listen to good songs but some music lovers are simply passionate about this wonderful form of art.

Music can be a wonderful gift as well. How about compiling a selected collection of songs for your loved ones? Surely, it sounds appealing. If someone in your life has a fetish for songs, you can always make a wonderful collection of songs and make your relationship stronger. There are several corporate gift ideas for music lovers.

First of all, you should make a complete compilation of your loved one’s favorite artists. If in case, the person is more inclined towards a particular singer, then it would be a better idea to specifically make a CD of that artist. Instrumental music is another form of music loved by number of music lovers. One can gift instrumental music of flute, table, violin or guitar as well.

So how about gifting a walkman or portable CD player or even a good music system? Surely, it would make for a gift worth cherishing. Need some more gift ideas? It could be season tickets to a concert series or an invitation pass to any music show. Autographed picture or poster of favorite music artist can be an exciting option as well. Other wonderful music gifts that you can think of; a music book, gig bag for hauling music, musical notebook, or a musical instrument like guitar or piano etc.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Tips for Writing A Song

So you are a music fan and love listening to a wide range of music? I assume, you are. Welcome to the world of music fans where you are standing together with millions of people all across the globe. The truth is, almost everyone loves music and though the language and type of music may differ yet it will be nigh impossible to come across a person who is not fascinated by the power of music.

Many of you must be interested in writing your own songs. The idea itself is creative and fascinating enough. But then, when it comes to penning down lyrics, you start struggling for right set of words. There is nothing to worry if you are facing this particular problem. The important thing is you are passionate about writing songs. Secondly, if you have the ability to express yourself in words and are willing to be patient, the job is half done.

The basic thing to know is music theory and for that either you can consult someone who knows about writing music or there is always the option of internet surfing. Plenty of sites will describe in detail about nuances of music theories. Technicalities of a song are another important factor that is very important to know. It will also include different structure of a song.

You must be a good listener of music where you should be able to focus on individual parts like lyrics, tune, beats etc. Pick one of your favorite subjects which could be love, sadness, life, comedy etc and focus on that. Carrying a pen and paper is very important because anytime you can come across a wonderful note or idea or line. Most of the times, just a certain part of the song comes in the mind. Focus on that and learn to integrate it into the structure of the entire song at appropriate places. Try to hum your written lyrics in different rhymes. Go over your entire piece over and over again. This will give you a better idea of the total feel of the song. The last step will be getting the feedback from other persons.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Allauddin Khan

Indian classical music is blessed with numerous gems. One of the most prominent figures in Indian classical music was Allauddin khan. He was born in 1862 at Shibpur village in Brahmanbaria (located in modern day Bangaldesh) and kept enthralling people with his mesmerizing talent as long as he was alive. He is believed to be one of the greatest musicians Indian people have ever seen. He was primarily a Sarod expert but at the same time, he was equally good at playing other instruments as well. He had a great influence on Maihar gharana of Indian classical music. Allauddin Khan was the court musician of Brijnath Singh, the Maharaja of Maihar Estate in the Central Province.

To his credit, Baba Allauddin Khan gave birth to music stalwarts like Ali Akbar Khan and Annapurna Devi. Other great Indian musicians like Ravi Shankar, Nikhil Banerjee, Vasant Rai, Indranil Bhattacharya, Pannalal Ghosh, Wazir Khan etc took their training in music from baba Khan only. His introduction to music happened courtesy his brother Fakir Aftabuddin. Later on, he learned fine nuances of music from singer Gopal Krishna Bhattacharya.

His interesting life journey took him to another music legend Amritalal Dutt who further finetuned his skills. He also learnt European classical violin from a Mr Lobo. Later on he fell in love with Sarod and decided to study Sarod. He learnt Sarod from Asghar Ali Khan and later on Wazir Khan Beenkar who was among the last direct descendants of the legendary Tansen.

Soon, Baba Allauddin Khan became the court musician of Brijnath Singh and completely transformed the Maihar gharana of Indian classical music. He also set up the Maihar College of Music during the year 1955. Baba was recipient of several prestigious awards including Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1952, coveted Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India during the years 1958 and 1971 respectively.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Indian Karaoke Music

Indian Karaoke music is quite popular among Indian people. And why only Indian people? It has also got a massive fan following in many other parts of the world. Hindi karaoke songs have been in existence since long and they form an important part of Indian music history. Indian karaoke songs came to the limelight during the decade of the eighties. It was no less than a revolution that completely changed the musical landscape of the country. Earlier, it was more of classical songs based culture that took a definite turn with advent of karaoke music. One distinct element of Hindi karaoke songs is clear influence of Indian folk music. Indian music thrives on different folk traditions and most of them have been used in the mainstream music. This has proved beneficial to both the popularity of folk music as well as karaoke.

Hindi karaoke songs have also been extensively used in Hindi films. The Indian beats have been greatly used with western genres like Hip-Hop and Rap and the output of music comes simply great. Punjabi sounds in particular have been extensively used in music. True fan of Hindi karaoke music must be aware of historical equipment widely used in these songs. The common instruments being used are, Rabab, Kartal, Naggada, Nal, Daf, Dholak, Ektar, Saringda, Santur, Bansuri, Chimpta, Pung, Magadi Vina, and Shankh. These are the traditional instruments and yet they have gained massive recognition in the advanced musical tradition. All in all, the growing popularity of Hindi karaoke music proves that it is here to stay and flourish.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Famous Songs by Mukesh


Indian music industry has produced several jewels. One of shining names in the glorious list of Hindi playback singers is Mukesh. His unique voice was enough to make an entire generation tune to his songs. He was the leading voice of many top class bollywood actors; foremost among them was showman Raj Kapoor. We are going to give you some of memorable songs sung by Mukesh in his heydays.



  • Itna Husn Pe Guroor
  • Pyar Ka Ye Mahurat
  • Dekh Sakte Nahi
  • Hindustan Hamara
  • Chaand Si Mehbooba Ho Meri
  • Bina Badra Ke Bijuria
  • Baharo Ne Kiya
  • Ek Hasrat Thi Ke
  • Ek Din Bik Jaayega
  • E-Dil-E Awara Chal
  • Jinhe Hum Bhulana Chahe
  • Main Aashique Hu Baharon Ka
  • Kisi Ki Muskarahato Pe
  • Dost Dost Na Raha
  • Jo Pyar Tumne
  • Chand Si Mehbooba
  • Meri Tamannaoki Taqdir
  • Taro Main Sajke
  • Kabhi Kabhi
  • Chand Ko Kya Maloom
  • Zuban Pe Dard Bhari
  • Jane Kahan Gaye Woh
  • Tauba Ye Matwali
  • Koi Jab Tumhara
  • Jane Chale Jaate
  • Laut Ke Aaja Mere Meet
  • Barkha Rani
  • Jo Tumko Ho Pasand
  • Chal Akela
  • Sajnwa Bairi Ho Gaye
  • Deewano Se Mat Poocho
  • Chand Ki Deewar
  • Do Phool Khile
  • Dheere Chalo
  • Aansoo Bhari Hain
  • Aawara Hoon
  • Baharoein Ne Mera Chaman Lootkar
  • Bhooli Hui Yaadoein
  • Bol Radha Bol Sangam Hoga Ke Nahi
  • Chod Gaye Baalam
  • Duniya Banane Wale
  • Haan Deewana Hoon Main
  • Hum Us Des Ke Vasi Hain
  • Hum Tumse Mohabbat Karke Sanam
  • Humne Apna Sab Kuch Khoya
  • Jaoon Kahan Bataye Dil
  • Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan
  • Jhoom Jhoom Ke Nacho Aaj
  • Jo Pyar Tune
  • Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe
  • Aa Laut Ke Aaja Mere Meet
  • Main Aashiq Hoon
  • Mujhko Yaro Maaf Karna
  • Mere Toote Hue Dil Se
  • Mujhe Tumse Kuch Bhi Na Chahiye
  • Mujhko Is Raat Ki Tanhayee Main
  • Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo
  • Saranga Teri Yaad Mein
  • Teri Yaad Dil Se
  • Zindagi Khwaab Ha

Monday, October 26, 2009

Bhojpuri Songs

All the regions in India thrive on their songs in the native languages. India is a country with numerous languages and even more dialects. That explains why in India the culture of folk and tribal music has kept on thriving since centuries. One of the popular regional dialects is Bhojpuri which is basically a regional dialect of Hindi. Bhojpuri is spoken in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the Hindi heartlands of India. From the days of obscurity, Bhojpuri has traveled a long way. It has kept enhancing its popularity in recent times. Bhojpuri songs and movies have found their way into Bollywood as well. Little known Bhojpuri stars are getting good opportunities in Hindi movies as well.

Bhojpuri is a dialect of Hindi and is based on Devnagri script. The growing popularity of Bhojpuri songs has greatly encouraged the young talented folks from Hindi heartland to try their luck in Indian music industry. Bhojpuri songs are becoming popular across few countries as well. Nations like Fiji and Mauritius have large numbers of Bhojpuri speaking population and that explains why these songs are so popular across the boundaries.

Some of the notable singers of Bhojpuri songs are Manoj Tiwari, Sharda Sinha etc. The former one has reigned supreme in Bhojpuri music as well as film industry. He has also churned out several blockbuster albums. Sharda Sinha is a veteran in Bhojpuri music industry. She is hugely popular and has also sung for Hindi movies. One of the recent emergences is Guddu Rangila who has done some great works apart from making funny videos.