Hindi Music Review: Krrish

In 2003, young blood Hritik Roshan took Bollywood by storm when he bagged the prestigious Filmfare Award, India’s most important film award, beating out stalwarts like Ajay Devgan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan (called the King of Bollywood, or King Khan), and reigning emperor Amitabh Bachchan. (Visualize this: Heath Ledger winning best actor over the likes of George Clooney and Marlon Brando).

The film? A story about a mentally challenged boy who befriends an alien. At the helm of this project, entitled Koi…Mil Gaya, was father Rakesh Roshan. The music director was uncle Rajesh Roshan. The lyrics were done through a collaborative effort between Ibrahim Ashq, Dev Kohli, and Nasir Faraaz.

This year, Hritik is all geared up to repeat his phenomenal performance from Koi…Mil Gaya (translated- I found someone) in the sequel, entitled Krrish (no real translation here- it’s a name). Here, he plays the son of the main character in Koi Mil Gaya.

If Koi…Mil Gaya was a pioneer for Indian cinema’s foray in to science fiction films, Krrish is touted to be a steady blend between action and science fiction with magic, and superheroes, and of course, romance. What is a Bollywood film without romance?

This film boasts a talented star cast. Aside from Hritik, the cast includes the ethereal Rekha as Krish’s grandmother, Nasseruddin Shah as a doctor, and Miss World 2000 Priyanka Chopra as Krish’s love interest. On a side note, has anyone noticed that Priyanka is slowly but steadily becoming one of the most talented and sought-after actresses in Bollywood. I think Aishwarya Rai is in danger here! This girl’s the real thing. Imagine Scarlett Johanssen giving Julia Roberts a run for her money! Well, those things actually do happen in Bollywood.

The music in Krrish is composed by Rajesh Roshan. Nasir Faraaz, Ibrahim Ashq and Vijay Akela have written the lyrics.

Pyaar Ki Ek Kahani- Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal

The album opens well with this song, which has been shown in the trailers of the movie. He’s saying, “Come, let me tell you a love story about a boy and a girl.” You can pretty much guess the rest. This is a typical Bollywood number, made memorable by the unique touches that Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal add to the song. Somehow, we never tire of these songs, and this one isn’t one to disappoint us. It’s good.


Koi Tumsa Nahin- Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal

This was supposed to be the title song when the movie was named “Koi…Tumsa Nahin.” But even though the name of the movie changed, this is still potentially the album-selling title song. He’s telling her that there’s no one like her in the world, and she’s telling him right back. Pretty straightforward, simple lyrics so commonly known in Bollywood. After the title song in Koi Mil Gaya (which I really liked), this one doesn’t quite meet the mark. But still a good number overall.


Chori Chori Chupke Chupke- Udit Narayan, Shreya Ghoshal

This song is slightly reminiscent of O Re Gori from the disastrous film Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage (the songs were good…right? Maybe?) It has a distinct Rajesh Roshan feel to it. This is an okay song. My main gripe is not with the song itself, but with the name. Can someone please stop telling Bollywood that Chori Chori Chupke Chupke is a great catch phrase- it’s not! (Even translated, it means secretly, softly, twice—I think!) Again, the music really stands out because of the various instruments being used. Gotta give Rajesh-ji credit for creativity in that department. Udit Narayan and Shreya Ghoshal really get into the skin of the song and deliver commendably. Can anyone believe this gal is as young as she is! She’s a pro. The lyrics are not out of the ordinary, but they are work overall.

Dil Na Diya- Kunal Ganjawala

This song is supposed to be the sequel version to “It’s Magic” from the Koi Mil Gaya. It’s catchy and fun. Kunal Ganjawala’s voice suits such an upbeat number. Like Sunidhi Chauhan, Kunal Ganjawala is slowly climbing the ladder to success in Bollywood. Again, the lyrics are not extraordinary, but the music doesn’t require poetry. The lyrics are functional, placing the focus more on the music and of course, the centerpoint- Hritik’s dancing, which is unrivaled by any other male actor in Bollywood. Overall, a fun song which will probably gain popularity when Hritik shakes a leg to it!

Main Hoon Woh Aasman- Ustad Rafaqat Ali Khan, Alka Yagnik

The first thing that stood out in this song was Ustad Rafaqat Ali Khan’s new and refreshing voice. After hearing the same big names doing all the same songs, his voice is pleasant to listen to. Alka Yagnik never ceases to impress me. She blends well with the track. The chorus and music in this one is actually fantastic. I think this was my favorite track out of the whole album. It’s haunting and powerful and serene all at the same time. And from the trailers of the movie, it seems the perfect fit for the (almost Batman-ish) atmosphere that is created. Really good.


Big Band Mix- Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal

The token remix to an original. But what makes this song stand out is the jazz base, which is seldom heard in Hindi music. It’s a fun foot-tapping piece. Not extraordinary, but a valiant effort. Sonu Nigam is hardly recognizable, in a good way. As always, Shreya Ghoshal delivers.


Mystic Love Mix- Ustad Rafaqat Ali Khan, Alka Yagnik

The remix to Main Hoon Woh Aasman. I like what they’ve done to this remix, but probably because I like the original. Nothing else to really say about this one, except that it’s a remix.


Overall, this is a pretty good album. Nothing really stands out as an extraordinary fare, except for Main Hoon, but it’s likely to do well, especially after the movie releases. I might not buy the album, but I would go watch the movie!

Portrayals of sexual violence in popular Hindi films, 1997-99

The incidence of sexual violence against women is greater in societies that have male-dominated ideologies and a history of violence, as is the case in India (Burt, 1980; Check & Malamuth, 1985; Linz & Malamuth, 1993). The number of registered cases of sexual crimes against women in India increased from 67,072 in 1989 to 84,000 in 1993 ("Crimes Against," 1996). In 1995 alone, more than 25,000 cases of molestation and 12,000 cases of rape were reported in the capital city of New Delhi (West, 1996). It is estimated that well over 80% of sexual crimes go unreported ("Atrocities Against," 2002). For example, only 7,643 of the estimated 50,000 instances of violence against women were reported to the police even in Kerala, a South Indian state with the highest women's literacy rate ("Atrocities Against," 2002).

One specific form of sexual harassment called "eve-teasing" is prevalent, especially in urban India. (3) The term eve-teasing is used to refer to sexual harassment of women in public places such as the streets, public transportation, parks, beaches, and cinema halls. This type of public harassment by a lone man or gangs of men includes verbal assaults such as making passes or unwelcome sexual jokes; nonverbal assaults such as showing obscene gestures, winking, whistling, and staring; and physical assaults such as pinching, fondling, and rubbing against women in public places ("Eve-teasing," 1999; Stevens, 1984). In addition, in several instances eve-teasing has been followed by more violent assaults such as rape and murder. In trying to construct the profile of an eve-teaser, it is interesting to note that about 32% of eve-teasers are college students ("Films," 1998).

Awaaz second most watched Hindi News channel - DMS

Awaaz, the consumer channel from the TV18 group has become the second most watched Hindi News channel amongst all decision makers. More corporate professionals are opting to watch news-based programs followed by business shows and current affairs on CNBC TV 18, the survey reveals. Awaaz is watched by more than 43% of India's decision makers, ahead of established news channels, second to Aaj Tak, which is run by the TV Today Network and has maintained its position as the No. 1 News Channel from past 6 years.

"The findings from the Decision Makers Study conducted by A C Nielsen corroborate the fact that editorial competence and quality of programming are key to getting the loyalty of audiences that are extremely discerning. It is due CNBC TV18's sustained thrust on cutting edge programming, depth of coverage and innovation in programming formats that we have the continued patronage of decision makers. The fact that Awaaz, which is a much more broad based platform also reflects the changing preferences of upscale Hindi viewers." says an TV18 source.

Corporate Decision Makers across sectors also watched Awaaz, which also confirms the findings of a study conducted by Synovate on Awaaz's viewer profile, whose research brings out the fact that Awaaz delivers many more affluent people per viewership point than any other Hindi news channel and is neck-to-neck with business news on the parameter of delivery of quality audiences.

For record note, the DMS 5 brings together a composite understanding of the media habits and lifestyles of Indian business leaders. A successor to the popular DMS 4, the current survey was conducted among senior executives designated as General Managers and above across India's top 500 private companies, top 100 public sector and 100 leading financial sector companies including banks, merchant bankers and foreign institutional investors (FII). The DMS helps marketers understand the role of various channels in communicating to these high profile consumers and provides insight into their media habits - newspaper and magazine readership, TV viewership, radio listenership and Internet usage – as well as lifestyle behavior and product ownership.