“Kaun Banega Anchor” of KBC

There are some rapidfire developments taking place on India’s most popular game show.

The slots devoted to KBC are being used for re-runs and ‘Best Of KBC’, as host Amitabh Bachchan is unlikely to resume anchoring in the near future. Star Plus’ declaration that he will resume KBC in February end, seems like wishful thinking.

 Says AB, “I do have to complete some episodes. But if my health doesn’t permit I don’t know what will happen.”

 Says Star’s CEO, Samir Nair, “To resume shooting, KBC requires a lot of preparation . We’ve to bring audiences in from all over the country, etc. At this point of time Mr Bachchan is unable to confirm when he’d be able to shoot KBC. That’s perfectly understandable. We’re having discussions with Mr Bachchan. But I guess things are pretty unsure right now.”

Efforts are on to persuade junior Bachchan to step in. Says Samir, “It could be a great solution…the son stepping in to help his father. Moreover, there’s a huge interest-level in Abhishek. And it would be truly wonderful for him to have him take over for the rest of this season. If at all there has to be a stand-in it can only be Abhishek. No one else can do it, or w want to do it. Only Abhishek can dare to step into the big man’s shoes, and have the public’s support. He is the Shravan (the mythological ideal son) of 2006. And viewers would see him that way on KBC.”

One of the problems is Abhishek’s dates. Having spent as much time in the hospital as his father, Jr AB just doesn’t seem to have the time. Says Samir Nair, “He’s a busy actor in his own right. Realistically, we need to take a call on this issue shortly. We’ve commitments to advertisers, and the audience. But it can’t be helped. Neither us, nor our host is responsible. It’s just one of those things. But yes, it’s a disappointment all-round.”

It seems unlikely that KBC can continue… unless Abhishek is persuaded to do the needful.

IN TUNE WITH THE TIMES: A.R. Rahman

With his debut film, `Roja,’ A.R. Rahman redefined the sound of Indian film music, won the National award and made himself heard in the Indian music industry. However, Rahman, the person and the musician, remains unchanged. Fame and adulation rest lightly on his shoulders.

From `Roja’ to `Rang De Basanti,’ Rahman’s evocative music has captivated listeners and inspired zillion clones who attempt to duplicate the Rahman magic in vain.

Excerpts from a freewheeling interview with the maestro who says that coming to Kerala opened a flood of memories.

What kind of memories?

My father R. K. Sekhar had worked for the top music directors in Malayalam – Devarajan master, Dakshinamoorthy sir, M.K. Arjunan…

There was a `thinnai’ outside my house and I remember some of the top directors and assistant directors of those times waiting for my father… He would work on eight to nine films at a time – compose music for a film, arrange the music for another… I believe it was overwork that killed him. His memory still lingers in the minds of people whom he helped. They tell me even now how he helped them, gave them a break and so on. That influenced me a great deal.

You have made the career of many new singers?

It is not me trying to help. They also contributed. I merely tapped their talent. Take the case of Srini [Srinivas]. He got a break with `Padaiyappa’ because he is talented. He used to sing all my tracks. Rajanikant listened to the track of `Padaiyappa’ and then, later, when I played him the same song sung by a famous singer, he suggested we retain the voice that had sung the track. When new people come in, they feel I can make them a star. I cannot, unless they have the voice and the talent.

 But some of them were raw when they came in… ?

But they had the talent. Anupama in `Chandralekha’ was incredible at that time. Now, many people imitate her.

How do these singers come to your notice?

 When I was doing commercials, I discovered these talents as they were singing jingles for me. So, when I started doing movies, I knew exactly who could do what.

Patriotic songs and the Rahman touch?

 The old school was different. It was very straight. And let us face it, not everyone wants to listen to patriotic songs. I get into the mindset of those people and try to find out what they would like to listen to. What would connect with them and make the songs interesting. When I do something, I have to like it. If I don’t like it, I am sure people won’t like it. I have to be convinced that it is good.

Success of `Rang de Basanti ‘?

`Rang de Basanti’ was a risky film. It was a gamble. There are very few films where all the heroes die and people leave the theatre with hope in their hearts and praise the film. The format of the film is so abstract and it worked. It is a first of its kind.

How do you select a singer for a particular song?

 For instance, Hariharan for `Uyire.’ I had three options for that song. SPB sir, Jesudas sir, Hariharan. Then I imagined all of them singing it. Since I had not heard Hari in a non-ghazal kind of song, I decided to take the gamble. Then when he did , he had a whole new flavour for the song.

How about movies? You must be flooded with offers?

For me, it is not about the money or the project. It is the experience. So, I look at the team; if I can have a good work experience with them, I agree to work with them.

`Bombay Dreams’ and Andrew Lloyd Webber?

I didn’t think it was going to be so big. I was a zero in theatre. It was an introduction to the world of theatre. And that too at the best of theatres. It was a blessing. Later, I realised that Asians considered it as a status symbol, something of theirs… More than the success, it was the pride of Asians that humbled me.

Playing with Michael Jackson in Germany?

It was a good experience until he got hit by a crane and had to be hospitalised. I was supposed to have a meeting with him. It did not happen. I think he is one of a kind. He is not the Beatles, he is not Elvis… he is Michael Jackson. He has inspired so many young musicians. His personal life is his, but nobody can deny that he is not a phenomenon in the world of music.

What kind of music do you listen to?

When I am deep into film music, I listen to classical music. Pure Qawalis, music of Kumar Gandharv, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Veena Sahasrabudhe… I listen to pop songs too. Whatever is on the top of the charts… To know what is happening.

It is reported that you work on your music only after sunset?

 I work from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m. When you get a fantastic idea, you have to finish it or it goes away. Now the tunes come first and then the lyrics. Modern music has to be like that. But that is not the only formula. Certain directors want to hear the tunes. They will fit the lyrics later. Shanker and Mani Ratnam are like that. Sometimes, you have the concept and form the lyrics and tunes together.

In `Boyz,’ for example he said he wanted a song for `I want a girl friend.’ We worked on the lyrics and tune together and the song was a hit.

Any movies in Malayalam after `Yodha.’?

There are several offers. But I can’t reveal them now.

Future Plans?

India is so rich in culture and it has so much to give to the world – ethics, music, fashion… The rest of the world has been clouded by the American dream. But now we can give to America. That is very interesting. I am waiting for the day when we get an Oscar, Grammy… all simultaneously. The day is not far away.

Courtesy:The Hindu

Confession of a kid….

 

Little Bobby came into the kitchen where his mother was making dinner. His birthday was coming up and he thought this was a good time to tell his mother what he wanted. “Mom, I want a bike for my birthday.”

Little Bobby was a bit of a troublemaker. He had gotten into trouble at school and at home. Bobby’s mother asked him if he thought he deserved to get a bike for his birthday. Little Bobby, of course, thought he did.

Bobby’s mother wanted Bobby to reflect on his behavior over the last year. “Go to your room, Bobby, and think about how you have behaved this year. Then write a letter to God and tell him why you deserve a bike for your birthday.”

Little Bobby stomped up the steps to his room and sat down to write God a letter.

Letter 1

Dear God,I have been a very good boy this year and I would like a bike for my birthday. I want a red one.

Your friend,Bobby

Bobby knew that this wasn’t true. He had not been a very good boy this year, so he tore up the letter and started over.

Letter 2

Dear God,This is your friend Bobby. I have been a good boy this year and I would like a red bike for my birthday. Thank you.

Your friend Bobby

Bobby knew that this wasn’t true either. So, he tore up the letter and started again.

Letter 3

Dear God,I have been an “OK “boy this year. I still would really like a bike for my birthday.

 Bobby knew he could not send this letter to God either. So, Bobby wrote a fourth letter.

Letter 4

God,I know I haven’t been a good boy this year. I am very sorry. I will be a good boy if you just send me a bike for my birthday. Please!

Thank you,Bobby

 Bobby knew, even if it was true, this letter was not going to get him a bike. Now, Bobby was very upset. He went downstairs and told his mom that he wanted to go to church.

Bobby’s mother thought her plan had worked, as Bobby looked very sad. “Just be home in time for dinner,” Bobby’s mother told him.

Bobby walked down the street to the church on the corner. Little Bobby went into the church and up to the altar. He looked around to see if anyone was there. Bobby bent down and picked up a statue of the Mary. He slipped the statue under his shirt and ran out of the church, down the street, into the house, and up to his room. He shut the door to his room and sat down with a piece of paper and a pen. Bobby began to write his letter to God.

Letter 5

God,I’VE KIDNAPPED YOUR MAMA. IF YOU WANT TO SEE HER AGAIN, SEND THE BIKE!!!!!!!!!!

Mohan Sithara-Shining Star In Malayalam Music World.

  Mohan Sithara,one of the great music directors of malayalam film industry is an outstanding expert who can churn out hit music for the films.He began his musical career as a music director in film industry since 1986 with the film “Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare”.The song “Raree Rareeram Raro” from this film was a big hit and thus he reserved his place in the array of music directors in Mollywood.Then came big hits from him like Deepasthambam Mahasharyam,Mazhavillu, and so on… After a small gap,he had a bumper return with the grand success of songs in the Kalabhavan Mani starrer “Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum”.Each and every songs of this film were super duper hits and a glittering period of his career followed.More and more hits came from him like Karumaadikuttan,Ishtam,Rakshasa Rajavu,Mr.Brahmachari,Nammal,Kootu, Kunjikoonan,Sadananthante Samayam,Meerayude Dukhavum Muthuvinte Swapnavum, Swapnakoodu,War & Love,Kazcha,Raapakal,Thanmathra etc….. Sithara is famous for the folk touch in his songs,but also the western touch in his songs from Nammal,Swapnakoodu,Hridayathil Sookshikkaan etc. were also acclaimed by music lovers. At present Sithara runs a music college at Thrissur,which is his native.Still he continues as a shining star among music directors in Mollywood.