Posts tagged Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Why Pooja was nervous while shooting for Commando’s romantic number

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2 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

 

Sneha Mahadevan (BOMBAY TIMES; March 30, 2013)

 

Former Femina Miss India Pooja Chopra, who makes her Bollywood debut in Vipul Shah ’s Commando, is currently a bundle of nerves. The actress had to recently shoot for a romantic track, Saawan Bairi, with the male lead Vidyut Jammwal. While shooting a romantic song didn’t seem very difficult, Pooja got nervous when she was informed that the song would be shot in slow motion on phantom camera. Says the actress, “Shooting on phantom camera meant that there would be 500-800 frames per second. I couldn’t afford to go wrong even for a second. Plus, the song was to have this exotic feel to it and was to be shot in Kutch. I have only smiled for pictures all my life. But this time I wasn’t required to smile in front of the camera and that scared the daylights out of me.”

So how did she prepare? “I had five days to prepare. I watched a couple of videos that I thought could help — Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You and Madonna’s Frozen. That helped me gauge the mood I was required to be in. After that, I decided to do a photo shoot. This was the first shoot in my life where I haven’t smiled in the pictures at all,” explains Pooja. She’s clear that she won’t do any raunchy numbers, as she asserts, “If it was a raunchy number, I don’t think I could have pulled it off. It is a romantic track sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and there is no vulgarity or sexiness.”

No raahat for Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

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3 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

Subhash K Jha (DNA; March 7, 2013)

 

In spite of his constant pleas of unconditional amity with India and the Indian entertainment industry, Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan remains out of bounds here. Bollywood composers who wish to record their numbers with the maestro (who happens to be the late legendary singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s nephew) have to proceed to Dubai for the recording.

The latest Bollywood song to be recorded with Rahat in absentia is the number Dil ko aaya sukoon for Priyadarshan’s Rangrezz written by Sameer Anjaan and composed by Sajid-Wajid. This love ballad also marks the debut of singer Hiral Brahmbhatt, who is a very well-known singer in Gujarati cinema. While she recorded her part of the song in Mumbai, Sajid-Wajid flew to Dubai to record Rahat’s part of the duet.

Apparently producer Vashu Bhagnani tried every trick in the book to get Rahat to India for the recording, but to no avail. Hiral says, “Unfortunately I couldn’t record the duet with Rahat saab. Sajid and Wajid recorded with him in Dubai. No one would be able to tell that the two singers were apart when they sang this song. But I would love to sing with him at some point.”

As for the inability to bring Rahat into India, sources say the status quo is unlikely to change in the near future. “Relations between the two countries have worsened. And then Rahat is a special case. He was alleged to have been involved in FERA violations in India and would therefore be even more wary of coming More >

I will return to India-Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

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3 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan talks about singing in Bollywood, his detention at Delhi airport, and the need for brotherhood

Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 23, 2013)

 

Lately, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has been on a high, what with several hit Bollywood songs to his credit and plans to kick off the second leg of his world tour, starting April 4. The singer spoke to us from Lahore on Thursday. Excerpts…

Do you think Bollywood does justice to Sufi music by presenting its own version of Sufi pop and rock? I think the Hindi film industry is giving people what they want.

Why have you maintained the same style of Sufi ballads? How do you plan to break away from this mould? I don’t think I am repetitive. As I said earlier, supply depends on demand. As for the second part of your question, I am soon coming up with my own album, which will be plain Sufi.

So, market considerations compel you to sing in a particular way? Fortunately, I have not been pressurised. Besides, I always offer two to three options in a particular track. At times, options have been merged to form one song.

With so many concerts across the globe, have you ever had any unpleasant experience? Thankfully, no. I think I can attribute it to the fact that people love me so much and there is no negativity around me.

Some people say that Pakistani artists should not be singing in Hindi cinema. Comment. I definitely don’t like it. We need to propagate brotherhood. I wish controversies of this kind will end.

Yesteryear More >

Salman-Priyanka’s Dubai concert turns out to be a flop show

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5 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

Empty seats, losses running into crores left organisers dumbfounded

Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 25, 2012)

 

It was an ambitious experiment by organisers Creative Hub Events to bring the current box office ruler Salman Khan and his lady of choice Priyanka Chopra to the shores of UAE to celebrate the National Day at the Dubai Festival City. Unluckily, what was expected to be roaring hit fell a little flat. The auditorium that had a capacity of 18,000 and was expected to house that many on the special night of December 2, had only 7000 odd people cheering for the actors.When contacted, Fatima Hayat, CEO of Creative Hub Events told us, “Yes, it’s a shocker. Salman, Priyanka and the others (Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Zarine Khan) could definitely have pulled it off much better.”

According to an official from the events company (who requested for anonymity), the response at the ticket windows was disheartening. While that could also have been because of the exhorbitant pricing of AED 6000 (INR 75000) per stub, the official blamed it on ‘lack of caution’.

“We tried every trick in the book to reach out to people but failed. We wish we had paid heed to some of our well-wishers who had warned us not to have the show on such a large canvas,” the official added.

Salman’s last show in Dubai was organised right after Wanted hit the theatres in 2009. And reportedly, that wasn’t a money churner either. “The guy who organised the show hails from south India and has vowed never to More >

Hit songs of Bollywood; Made in Pakistan

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7 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

Most Pak artistes who sing for Hindi films record their songs outside India

Piyali Dasgupta (BOMBAY TIMES; October 24, 2012)

 

Roping in Pakistani singers to sing for Bollywood movies is nothing new, but it is still very rare to find a Pakistani artiste recording a song in India. Most of them record their songs in Pakistan, Dubai or London, and that too, via internet tools. While some artistes believe that it is more economical to record songs in Pakistan, some believe that issues like visas and permissions come in the way. BT talks to some of these Pakistani artistes to understand this process.

I WASN’T CALLED FOR THE RECORDING Arif Lohar, who gained popularity in Bollywood with tracks like Jugni-Dum Gutgoo (see right) from Cocktail, says, “Jugni was already a hit, so it was because of the popularity of this song that I got entry into Bollywood. When I was offered to sing for Cocktail I didn’t know the recording schedule. Unhone kaha ki bas aap gaana bhej dein phir hum usse film mein fit kar lenge. I wasn’t called to Mumbai to record the song. Humne Lahore se hi hamare gaane ka thoda sa modified version banakar music composer ko de diya.”

WE DON’T KNOW WHICH ACTOR WE ARE SINGING FOR Shafqat Amanat Ali (left) says that most often, the singers are told about the situation of the song, but not who they are singing for. He tells us, “It is sometimes difficult to modulate the voice according to a song requirement as we don’t know whom we are singing for. Most of the times More >

Sajid-Wajid out of Son Of Sardar?

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1 year ago
by Fenil Seta in

Sajid-Wajid are out of Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardar after a rumoured fall out, Sandeep Chowta will replace them

Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 7, 2012)

 

After all the excitement around Sajid-Wajid composing the music for the upcoming Ajay Devgn starrer Son of Sardar, now comes the disappointment. With just one song recorded, the duo is suddenly out of the project. What’s more, Sandeep Chowta has taken over as composer and even begun work on the title track of the film. A rather surprising turn of events, this… Word is that the composers, known for their proximity to Salman Khan, had a fallout with Devgn.

When contacted, Wajid candidly told Mirror, “The way it happened, we had to leave the project. The timings didn’t gel. No problem. We’ll work together again. In fact we’re doing Ajay’s next and have tremendous respect for him and his work.”

Ribbed about being unceremoniously dropped from the project, Wajid explained, “We were busy and then Son Of Sardar was pushed ahead. We were expected to deliver within an impossible deadline and it just didn’t work out. To add to our woes, our dadajee passed away. He was 105 but so agile till the very end that it was rather unexpected. His death threw our schedule further off-course.”

Although Wajid was quick to add, “It isn’t the end of the world. Like every grain goes to someone, similarly, every song has the name of the composer ingrained on it. We’ve composed one beautiful song rendered by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and as far as we’re More >

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan sings for free for Blood Money

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1 year ago
by Fenil Seta in

The singer did not charge a fee for a song in Mahesh Bhatt’s Blood Money

Amrapali Sharma (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 26, 2012)

 

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan normally charges Rs 1 lakh for lending his voice to songs. But not for the Bhatts. Rahat, who remembers and respects Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt for supporting him when he needed it the most has sung for their upcoming film Blood Money for free. The song, Chahat is his way of paying back for their kindness, says the singer.

According to a source close to Sony music, the song was recorded in Dubai a few months back since Rahat at the time was unable to come to India. “He had made it clear that he did not want any fee for the song strictly due to emotional reasons,” said the source.

Speaking to Mumbai Mirror from Pakistan, Rahat confirmed the news and added, “Bhatt saab supported me and gave me an opportunity when nobody really knew me in the industry. Later, when I got embroiled in legal hassles, he was the only person to come forward and give me support. At the time, others were simply avoiding me since they did not want to get into trouble. Apart from that, Bhatt saab has also played a major role in trying to rebuild Indo-Pak relations. I hold him in very high regard.”

Talking about his relationship with the singer, Mahesh Bhatt said, “During Paap, my daughter Pooja’s husband identified Rahat’s song Mann Ki Lagan. Pooja included it in her film though well-wishers advised her otherwise. Later, in Kalyug, Rahat sang Jiya Dhadak More >

Aadesh loses brother in an accident

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2 years ago
by Fenil Seta in
Noyon Jyoti Parasara (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 09, 2011)

 

Still fighting his way out of cancer, Aadesh Srivastava received yet another blow in the form of his brother’s death, yesterday.

Chitresh Srivastava who had been Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s manager for the last few years and had been managing his tours worldwide met with a car accident and died on the spot, in Chicago where they were travelling for a concert.

“Chitresh’s car was trailing Rahat’s when the incident happened. Chitresh died on the spot while three others including Rahat’s cousin were severely injured,” informed a friend. “The other’s have been admitted to a hospital and they are arranging to fly down Chitresh’s body to India in a couple of days for the cremation,” he added.

Before turning Rahat’s manager Chitresh had also assisted his brother as a budding musician. He had worked as an assistant music director in films like Zameen, Aankhen, Major Saab, Kunwara and Veergati.

Music Review: READY by JOGINDER TUTEJA

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2 years ago
by Fenil Seta in

By Joginder Tuteja, April 25, 2011 – 21:13 IST

EXPECTATIONS

Now this is what one calls a perfect project in the making. Salman Khan, Anees Bazmee, Pritam, Bhushan Kumar and that promise of an out and out entertainer – one strongly believes that the music of Ready can’t really go wrong. There are movies that are termed as popcorn entertainers; now here is a soundtrack which one believes would be the kind that would be best enjoyed when being a little high. Though four different lyricists – Amitabh Bhattacharya, Neelesh Misra, Ashish Pandit and Kumaar – are roped in for a song apiece with Devi Sri Prasad also chipping in as a guest composer, you look forward to whether Ready indeed has enough ‘dum’ in it to be the biggest commercial soundtrack of the year so far.

MUSIC

BY BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM

Pritam lends a fantastic start to Ready with ‘Character Dheela‘ and what actually catches your instant attention is the fact that despite this being a Salman Khan entertainer, the song has the trademark sound that the composer is known for lending to his songs. If one has liked the kind of tunes that Pritam has composed for Shahid in films like Kismat Konnection, Jab We Met and Badmaash Company, he is bound to totally lap up ‘Character Dheela‘ due to the Salman element being cleverly integrated by Amitabh Bhattacharya through his smart lyrics (don’t miss that reference to ‘Munni‘ and ‘Sheila‘).

Going totally by Salman’s on/off screen image which in any case is hardly More >

Nominations for IIFA Awards 2011

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2 years ago
by Fenil Seta in

By Bollywood Hungama News Network, April 5, 2011 – 09:51 IST

Best Film Band Baaja Baaraat Dabangg My Name Is Khan Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Raajneeti

Best Direction Maneesh Sharma – Band Baaja Baaraat Abhinav Kashyap – Dabangg Sanjay Leela Bhansali – Guzaarish Karan Johar – My Name Is Khan Milan Luthria – Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Vikramaditya Motwane – Udaan

Performance In A Leading Role Male Salman Khan – Dabangg Hrithik Roshan – Guzaarish Shah Rukh Khan – My Name Is Khan Ajay Devgn – Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Ranbir Kapoor – Raajneeti

Performance In A Leading Role Female Anushka Sharma – Band Baaja Baaraat Kareena Kapoor – Golmaal 3 Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – Guzaarish Vidya Balan – Ishqiya Katrina Kaif – Raajneeti

Performance In A Supporting Role Male Mithun Chakraborty – Golmaal 3 Arshad Warsi – Ishqiya Emraan Hashmi – Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Arjun Rampal – Raajneeti Manoj Bajpayee – Raajneeti

Performance In A Supporting Role Female Amrita Puri – Aisha Dimple Kapadia – Dabangg Ratna Pathak Shah – Golmaal 3 Shernaz Patel – Guzaarish Prachi Desai – Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai

Performance In A Comic Role Paresh Rawal – Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? Johny Lever – Golmaal 3 Riteish Deshmukh – Housefull Anil Kapoor – No Problem Pradhuman Singh – Tere Bin Laden

Performance In A Negative Role Naseeruddin Shah – Allah Ke Banday Sonu Sood – Dabangg Emraan Hashmi – Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Manoj Bajpayee – Raajneeti Ronit Roy – Udaan

Music Direction Salim – Sulaiman – Band More >

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