How shameful? As soon as India lost their one day match at Durban, the less than honorable politicians of our parliament start berating Sharad Pawar to gain some cheap publicity.
Read Nirmal Sekhar's excellent article in the Hindu about this issue.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
Guru - ARR's Latest - Music Review
The magical duo of Rahman-ManiRathnam is back with their latest offering 'Guru'. Way back in 1992 they redefined the musical landscape with the trendsetting 'Roja'. After many much memorable hits, the show still goes on.
The album starts with 'Barso Re', sung beautifully by Shreya Ghoshal. She has been very prolific in recent films, and Rahman uses her sweet voice perfectly in this number which looks like a typical heroine introduction song. It reminds me of 'Konjum Mainakkalae' from Kandokondein, partly because of Aishwarya Rai being the common factor in both. The 'Na Naa rey' part is the obvious highlight of the song.
The next song is definitely the crown jewel of the album. 'Tere Bina' is a wonderful song. Instantly catchy, unlike Rahman's many other compositions, it also establishes the singing talents of Rahman. I think he is one of the best singers around to do 'aalaps' in a song. He is beautifully complimented by Chinmayee in this song. This duet is going to last long in people's memories. Can't stop drooling over 'Dham Thara Dham Thara...'. Work of genius.
'Ek Lo Ek Muft' is a bit of a letdown compared to the previous two. Bappi Lahiri manages to bring the modulations of a drunken singer into this song. Looks like a situational song, so should fit nicely into the film. But for a separate listening, it can be passed as a good song, but not an exceptional one. Having said that, as most of you will know, Rahman's average number is much better than the best of others.
'Mayya Mayya' is an experimental song that succeeds. Rahman has been inspired by Arabic influences in some of his latest albums like 'Rang De Basanti' and 'Bose'. Mayya Mayya is one such number, and a truly scintillating one. This song is fast paced and absolutely seducing to listen to. Given that Mallika is supposed to be sizzle for this on screen, it has sexiness written all over it. Credit to Maryem Toller's enthusiastic rendering. Watch out for the fusion at the end of this song, simply exhilarating.
'Ay Hairathe' sees Hariharan team up with Alka Yagnik for a blissful romantic melody. The 'Dham Thara Dham Thara' humming from the song 'Tere Bina' is repeated here, but in a manner that feels like a chanting. This is a song that has a soothing effect on you, especially if you happen to listen in a silent environment with your minds switched off.
'Baazi Laga' is a fast paced typical commercial song. It is definitely not in the same class as the other songs in the album. Udit Narayanan manages lends credibility to this peppy number. Might grow on you with further listening.
The album ends with the masterpiece 'Jaage Hain'. It has excellent orchestration blended with superb melody. This song edges out even 'Tere Bina' in terms of its quality, but as we know, great songs dont always turn out to be the most popular ones. This song might not top the popularity charts, but is definitely a collector's item.
Overall, the album is close to perfect. One or two songs dont stand up to Rahman's genius, but we should not be too harsh on the negatives alone. The quality of the other songs more than make it up. One of the best offerings from one of the most talented professional of our times. Definitely worth the wait.
Other reviews for this album can be found at:
IndiaFM
PlanetBollywood
The album starts with 'Barso Re', sung beautifully by Shreya Ghoshal. She has been very prolific in recent films, and Rahman uses her sweet voice perfectly in this number which looks like a typical heroine introduction song. It reminds me of 'Konjum Mainakkalae' from Kandokondein, partly because of Aishwarya Rai being the common factor in both. The 'Na Naa rey' part is the obvious highlight of the song.
The next song is definitely the crown jewel of the album. 'Tere Bina' is a wonderful song. Instantly catchy, unlike Rahman's many other compositions, it also establishes the singing talents of Rahman. I think he is one of the best singers around to do 'aalaps' in a song. He is beautifully complimented by Chinmayee in this song. This duet is going to last long in people's memories. Can't stop drooling over 'Dham Thara Dham Thara...'. Work of genius.
'Ek Lo Ek Muft' is a bit of a letdown compared to the previous two. Bappi Lahiri manages to bring the modulations of a drunken singer into this song. Looks like a situational song, so should fit nicely into the film. But for a separate listening, it can be passed as a good song, but not an exceptional one. Having said that, as most of you will know, Rahman's average number is much better than the best of others.
'Mayya Mayya' is an experimental song that succeeds. Rahman has been inspired by Arabic influences in some of his latest albums like 'Rang De Basanti' and 'Bose'. Mayya Mayya is one such number, and a truly scintillating one. This song is fast paced and absolutely seducing to listen to. Given that Mallika is supposed to be sizzle for this on screen, it has sexiness written all over it. Credit to Maryem Toller's enthusiastic rendering. Watch out for the fusion at the end of this song, simply exhilarating.
'Ay Hairathe' sees Hariharan team up with Alka Yagnik for a blissful romantic melody. The 'Dham Thara Dham Thara' humming from the song 'Tere Bina' is repeated here, but in a manner that feels like a chanting. This is a song that has a soothing effect on you, especially if you happen to listen in a silent environment with your minds switched off.
'Baazi Laga' is a fast paced typical commercial song. It is definitely not in the same class as the other songs in the album. Udit Narayanan manages lends credibility to this peppy number. Might grow on you with further listening.
The album ends with the masterpiece 'Jaage Hain'. It has excellent orchestration blended with superb melody. This song edges out even 'Tere Bina' in terms of its quality, but as we know, great songs dont always turn out to be the most popular ones. This song might not top the popularity charts, but is definitely a collector's item.
Overall, the album is close to perfect. One or two songs dont stand up to Rahman's genius, but we should not be too harsh on the negatives alone. The quality of the other songs more than make it up. One of the best offerings from one of the most talented professional of our times. Definitely worth the wait.
Other reviews for this album can be found at:
IndiaFM
PlanetBollywood
Friday, November 10, 2006
Microsoft VP's Interview in rediff
Makes a good read
I especially liked the points he made about what needs to be done to make India a leader.
Think about it, isn't it true that we have very few universities of sustained excellence while most of them exist just to make up the count.
I especially liked the points he made about what needs to be done to make India a leader.
What India should do to be a leader
One problem area, according to me is that people get to be project managers too soon. After that, it is very hard to be technically focused. So, we struggle to figure out R&D experts in the middle and senior level. That is one area we have to focus on as an industry and figure out how we can nurture technically strong people.
I am also not sure about the quality of students across India. Whatever we can do to improve the quality of the students will be fantastic.
Think about it, isn't it true that we have very few universities of sustained excellence while most of them exist just to make up the count.
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