Puli's actual release date depends on ARR

Puli's (telugu movie starring Pawan Kalyan & Kareena Kapoor) shooting is under progress in Hyderabad. Director S J Surya is trying to wrap it up by December so that it can be released in January 2009. The film's actual release date is depended on music director A R Rehman who normally takes his `own sweet time' to give tunes and provide background music.

Source

Drona music "inspired" from Rahman

The title track "Drona", rendered by Dhruv in an A.R. Rahman sounding vocal style, is created keeping a "superhero/legend" theme in mind.The widely-televised "Oop Cha", picturised on an irate-looking, leather-clad Priyanka Chopra dancing with an entourage, starts with every imaginable sound effect, right from breaking glass to water drops, taking a lot of influence from "Raga Dance" (Taal). The timely usage of harmonies and a variety of electronic elements keep the listener engaged on this track, which is carried well by Sunidhi's vocals.

The cool jazz track, "Khushi", has a theatrical aura to it, reminiscent of ARR's "Tu Bole Main Bolun" (JTYJN).

Source

Fergie follows Snoop Dogg into Bollywood

After Snoop Dogg's title track for "Singh Is Kinng" rocked charts all around, we now have Fergie all set to take Bollywood in her stride! The hot and happening international star, and lead singer of the hit band Black Eyed Peas, will soon star in a music video for the Akshay Kumar and Sanjay Dutt starrer "Blue" (Music by AR Rahman).

It seems our Akki is hot property at the moment because this will be his second feature with an international star in a very short span of time after "Singh is Kinng". However, fans can be excited for something different from this international star?s appearance in Bollywood. Unlike Snoop Dogg, Fergie will be flying to India to shoot this music video.
Mumbai Mirror?s source confirmed that plans have been made to arrange both the recording and shooting of the song to take place in Mumbai. The video promises to be rather impressive and eye catchy following the trend of all Fergie videos. Ashtivinayak is producing "Blue" and Anthony D?Souza will be seen behind the camera as the captain of the ship. Word has it that the deal has been finalized between Fergie?s label and the producers.

So it looks like Bollywood is very much on the map nowadays with many other international mergers also being announced quite recently (Sony with Saawariya, Warner Bros with Chandani Chowk To China and Saas Bahu Aur Sensex and Disney with Roadside Romeo). Indian cinema is all set to take over the world! Keep visiting us as we bring you updates on all the latest news about this great adventure!

Akon Loves India

Hip Hop artist Akon's manager is in the city. And he is here ith a message for A R Rahman. Akon's manager boarded the flight from Boston to Mumbai a few days ago. A source said, "Akon is quite impressed by Indian music especially the bhangra songs, which are in vogue these days. Considering the popularity of Indian music, Akon has expressed a desire to sing Punjabi songs, Hip Hop and R&B for his Indian fans. And he'd like to work with Rahman whose work he really admires."

As soon as he decided to work with A R Rahman, Akon sent his manager and partner to discuss and finalise a few projects, which the singer and composer can work together on. And that's not all. "Given Akon's popularity, a pivotal player like Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) is also in talks with Akon. ADAG will soon be flying off to the US to have a meeting with Akon," said the source.

"Akon's manager had a fruitful discussion with Rahman. Rahman will soon meet Akon in Atlanta to finalise an action plan. They have a few things in mind that will be executed soon. Akon is also looking forward to working with solo singers like Sonu Nigam and cut more albums for Indian audiences," added the source.


Source

Theatrical promo of Subhash Ghai's Yuvvraaj to be screened before Drona

Subhash Ghai's mega musical extravaganza Yuvvraaj is all set to showcase its trailer to the audience along with the release of Drona on October 2. The musical extravaganza Yuvvraaj stars Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Zayed Khan, Katrina Kaif and Boman Irani in the lead roles and has been shot in various picturesque location of Europe, Mumbai etc.

The music has been scored by maestro A.R. Rahman while the lyrics have been written by Gulzar. This musical entertainer has been written by Subhash Ghai himself and sharing the screenplay with him is Sachin Bhowmick and Kamlesh Pandey. Kabir Lall is the cinematographer while the production design is being done by Omung Kumar.

Yuvvraaj is being produced by Mukta Arts Entertainment and is slated to release on November 21, 2008.

Source

Yuvvraaj website is UPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YUVVRAAJ : a Subhash Ghai film :: Official Website

Quotes of Yuvvraaj music -

"Subhash Ghai is very different from other directors. He has really worked hard on the visuals. They look really colourful and really romantic. It's almost treated in a musical way where it's more realistic than just background music."
-A. R. Rahman
"When I saw the songs of Yuvvraaj on screen , I sent a message to Rahman saying that they were magnificent, and this is a very honest opinion of his songs and picturization. Great showman puts up a great show! I think the performances of Subhash’s Yuvvraaj will go a long way in carrying this film ahead .it touches your heart."
-Gulzar
"When Rahman and Subhashji come together, they give you the best music. The music of Yuvvraaj is outstanding. Its very soulful, peaceful and carries a sweetness of its own with powerful lyrical value."
-Salman Khan
"I think its gonna rock, well, its gonna orchestrate... It’s going to reach a lot of people... and touch their minds and souls…"
[/url]-Shridhar (Sound Engineer – Yuvvraaj)

How Rahman introduced Naresh Iyer to music industry

Naresh Iyer Interview (Voice behind Munbe Va, Paathshala, Rubaroo, Khalbali, Tu Bin Bataaye, Pappu Cant Dance etc)

"It was a surprise when AR Rahman sir summoned me", says Naresh Iyer

Naresh Iyer, after his grand entry with mayiliragE won Hubbers hearts and souls and was voted as best singer of 2006. Recently, TFM Page conducted an interview with him where he shared his background, experiences and other intimate details.

Excerpts from the three-hour interview....


Q: We have read that AR Rahman spotted you during the Super Singer contest and thus your film music career was born. Can you elaborate?

Naresh: Samsung Super Singer competition is an all-India effort to identify and promote talented singers. The competition was organised by Channel V and the crew went to all parts of India to conduct the tests. In total there were 24,000 contestants!

This huge number was filtered through a series of tests before the final 50 contestants were shortlisted. Of these 50 people 25 were further shortlisted, based on their previous performances and I was one of the 25 selected.

Q: Which song did you sing in front of ARR?

Naresh: I sang in front of AR Rahman sir and Adnan Sami sir, who was the host of the programme. The song I had chosen was Chaiyya chaiyya from Dil Se and I also sang a keertanam.

The day before, all 25 contestants had to go through vigorous training which included yoga, mental strengthening and physical exercises. On the day of selection itself, each contestant were called to perform before AR Rahman sir. By the time I was called to sing, it was evening and I was exhausted both mentally and physically. Besides being tired, I had also lost my voice and felt that I had not given my best, In fact, to tell the truth I had no hopes of getting selected.

Q: What happened then?

Naresh: AR Rahman sir addressed me and said that he had both good and bad news and asked me which one I wanted to know first.

I was quite speechless and blurted that it didn't matter. Then he told the good news; he will be using me for his forthcoming films. The bad news was that I was not selected to be in the last 15.

I had mixed feelings about this and was rather sceptical of the offer and felt that AR Rahman sir was saying that to just console me. I was dejected for a couple of days and just as I was feeling normal, the call from Chennai came.

Q: What happened to the competition?

Naresh: I think the shortlisting continued and from 15, 10 were selected and then a final five. The five were then given training for two months and were asked to sing for a specially composed song by Hrimesh. If I remember right the finalists also were given the opportunity to record a pop album. Ravindra Upatiyai was the eventual winner, but it is sad that I lost contact with all participants when I lost my cell phone.

Q: You got eliminated but won bigger! Did you get any inkling about what ARR likes in you?

Naresh: I think only AR Rahman sir can answer this. Honestly, to this day I have no idea why he chose me to sing in his films. I consider myself to be lucky and am forever grateful to AR Rahman sir for the opportunity.

Q: How and when did you meet AR Rahman next?

Naresh: AR Rahman sir's Engineer Mr. Aditya Madhi called me on the 20th of January 2005 and conveyed that ARR sir requested me to come to Chennai for a week. I met ARR sir on the 24th and he told me that he will see what song suits me. At that point of time I had no idea whether I will be singing a Tamil song or a Hindi song or any other details.

Q: Tell us your experiences recording for Mayilirage.

Naresh: It was in early February that I sang this song. I had no experience whatsoever doing recordings and every experience was new for me. But once I was in the studio AR Rahman sir treated me like a friend and made me totally comfortable. He was joking and laughing a lot and there was absolutely no tension. The recording was in the evening and besides me, there were Vaali sir, SJ Surya sir and Madhushree madam. Amidst these giants I felt like a kid!

I was asked to sing the pallavi first. There were no tracks and AR Rahman sir guided me through the pallavi. Then Madhushree madam sang the first saranam. I observed her singing and learnt some techniques. Since the song was not completely written, the recording continued the next day.

Thinking back to those days, I am amazed with so many things. Mayilirage is still a favourite song of many people till today; it is such a beautiful song. All credits must go to AR Rahman sir. Having talents is one thing, but when people enjoy the product; there is nothing more beautiful than that.

Q: How old were you when the song was recorded. There was talk that you were only a teenager then.

Naresh: (Laughs) I think there must have been some misinformation. I remember seeing that in the Hub. I was 23 when I sang that song.

Q: The song was picturised interestingly. Did you see it?

Naresh: Yes, the concept was quite unique and the song was visualised by the director in relation to the subject. Since I had always lived in Mumbai, I had no idea on the genius of SJ Surya sir. Only later I came to know of his previous records in Vaali, Kushi and New.

Q: How did Innisai alaibedaiye happen?

Naresh: Again it was a surprise for me when AR Rahman sir summoned me.It was quite tough for me to sing the song as I hardly understood the lyrics.

It was Vairamuthu sir who explained the lyrics to me. It was a very challenging and intensive song to sing. In one line, three different "ra's" appear and since there was no track, I had to sing the song withthe help of the seniors around me. We began recording in the late afternoon and finished late into the night.

Unfortunately the film got delayed and I feel that affected the reach of the song.

Q: Some people critiqued after hearing mayilirage that you cannot sing in high octaves. You debunked them by clearly reaching the upper Ma in the ending of Innisai.

Naresh: I regard singing each and every song as a learning experience. I admit that there are some things I can do and some I cannot. Maybe the critiques are partially right. I appreciate people pointing out my mistakes so that I can rectify and improve myself.

However, Rang De Basant in which I sang four songs had higher octaves. In innisai I sang in F but in RDB I had to sing up to A tone. Again, I could do this only with the guidance of AR Rahman sir and honestly all credit should go to him. My challenge I believe is when I am called to sing in low pitch - that I think may be a problem.

Q: Let us shift over to Bollywood. Tell us your experiences singing 'aye saala' with AR Rahman.

Naresh: This was the first song I sang in Hindi after Mayilirage. Rang De Basant featured a big cast and I met many of its stars including Amir Khan, Madhavan and Sidharth. This experience was the ultimate for me as I recorded four songs for the
movie. AR Rahman sir was great. I love his voice and his singing and it
was an honor to sing alongside him.

Q: How was your response when none of your songs were picturised fully in Rang De Basanti.

Naresh: Again it was a different concept by the director. Initially I felt a little disappointed but then I changed my point of view. I am sure even AR Rahman sir would have done the songs knowing on the amount of usage. I am grateful to the lyricist and director of the movie for their guidance in singing these songs.

Q: You have begun singing for other MDs now such as Sabesh-Murali (aasai kanave - Imsai Arasan) and Imaan (Nee en thozhiya - Rendu). Your thoughts?

Naresh: All music directors are nice and helpful. I consider myself to be very lucky. You know, I am a big fan of Vadivellu sir and I love his comedy. Never
in my wildest dreams did I think that one day I will sing for him. I even collected his autograph!

Q: Who was Naresh Iyer before the contest?

Naresh: I have always loved music and was learning till I was in 6th standard. Then my interest waned and I was more keen in playing cricket, etc. I resumed learning music at the age of 21.

In the meantime, I used to participate in many college competitions. Eventually I began doing stage shows. Mind you I was singing totally Hindi songs. I did my B.Com. Strangely my ambition was to be a chemical engineer but I landed in Commerce. I also did CA at my father's urging. In spite of all these, my passion for music was always there. Although I was involved in a lot of stage shows and life was hectic, I derived lots of satisfaction. My parents cooperation also helped me to sustain my interest in music.

There are four of us in the family - my father Shankar, mother Radha and my younger sister.

Q: Who has influenced your singing the most?

Naresh: My grandmother, Madam Jayalakshmi was the prime mover behind my music. She had always wanted me to become a playback singer and gave me lots of encouragement. My deepest regret is that she passed away (in 2003) before she could see my foray into fim singing. If I could get one wish from God, it would be bring back my grandmother to life.

Q: Do you do composing or songwriting?

Naresh: No. I am quite happy to just sing.

Q: Were you in touch with Tamil film music before your foray here?

Naresh: Unfortunately not much. Having lived all my life in Mumbai, I hardly had any exposure to Tamil music. I would say, very irregular.

Q: You must've listened to Ilayaraja songs.

Naresh: I have utmost respect for Ilayaraja and my father is a great fan of him. I have listened to his music in Sadma (Moondram Pirai in Tamil) and just love the songs.

Q: Who is your favorite MD?

Naresh: Quite obviously I am partial towards AR Rahman sir. I would include people like Ilayaraja, Madan Mohan and many others.

Q: Favorite Singer?

Naresh: SP Balasubramaniam, Chitra, Swarnalatha, KK, Udit Narayan, Shreya Ghosal, Sonu Nigam. The list goes on and on.

Q: What do you think is the difference between filmy singing and classical?

Naresh: I am relatively new in this field and as such cannot really say. For your info I cannot sing a katcheri!

Q: Which genre of music interests you the most?

Naresh: Nothing in particular actually. I am open to all styles and as long as the music pleases my heart, I am happy.

Q: Any favourite raga?

Naresh: I haven't learnt enough to have an opinion on this. (Laughs) In fact my Guru says, "varnam - ivanukku varanum!"

Q: What are your upcoming movies?

Naresh: I have recorded for several movies both in Tamil and Hindi, but they are yet to be released. Chennai Kaadhal is one movie that will be released soon. (Listen to Silusilukkum silumishi from Chennai Kaadhal.)

Q: How many songs have you recorded so far?

Naresh: About 15 in thamizh, four in hindi (few more unreleased), and about three each in telugu and kannada, which are yet to be released.

Q: Who have you worked with so far?

Naresh: Besides AR Rahman sir, I have also worked with Srikanth Deva, Vijay Anthony and Deva sir.
One of my most memorable moments was singing together with Shreya Ghosal madam for the song munbe vaa in Sillunu Oru Kadhal.

Slumdog Millionaire Promo 2 (Alaap in background music by Rahman)

YouTube - Slumdog Millionaire London Film Festival Teaser

Yuuvraaj Teaser

YouTube - Yuvvraaj Teaser Trailer

DILLI 6 postponed again !

Though there was no official word on the release of Rakesh Mehra directed DILLI 6 throughout the year, there was speculation galore that the film would manage to arrive this year. A couple of months back, UTV did eventually come up with 23rd January as the D–day for the film's arrival. It was all official and all eyes were set on this Abhishek Bachchan starrer which was touted to be the one of biggest films of January 2009.

However, the latest development on the film is that it has been moved to the month of March. Though the final date on this is yet to be penciled in, one wonders if DILLI 6 would be further pushed to avoid the school/college exam season.

Source

Ghajini Delayed Again

By movietalkies
Monday Sep 29 12:13 PM
The buzz doing the round is that the Aamir Khan starrer Ghajini, may just be delayed yet again. The film which was nearing completion, was all set to hit the theatres by December 25. But it seems that nothing is going as scheduled.
In all probability, the film is likely to be pushed back till February or March of next year. The main reason for that is the selection of Aamir's Taare Zameen Par as India's Oscar entry. The film, which is Aamir's first as a director, will need him to be present in Hollywood to promote his movie so that it grabs the attention of the committee members and they vote for it. The actor is no stranger to this as he had done the same for his film Lagaan as well. But, like we said, it is a time consuming process and the actor will have to spend considerable amount of time in the US to be able to push his film. Taare Zameen Par is now at the top of Aamir's agenda. What this amounts to is that the actor will not be able to give time to Ghajini and the film is likely to get delayed again. It has already been delayead a couple of times, first due to Aamir's decision to direct Taare Zameen Par. Then there was nephew Imran Khan's debute venture Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, which he promoted in a big way. In between, Aamir also hurt himself during the shoot of Ghajini. So, the film has been held up quite s few time already. And with Aamir's focus changing again, the delay in its release seems almost inevitable.

Source

Today, got news that 2 of movies got delayed.. will it get any worse?

NOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally the moment has arrivedddddddddddddd : :

when we get to watch 1st promo of Yuvvraaj

It is 1 min promo.. i just watched for the first time.. breath taking wohooo
cinematography is amazinggg

Have a look yourself - First Look

Will post some comments later, after watching it like 10-15 times

cant wait for the yuvraaj album to come out

crazy !!
katrina looked gorgeous! .. nd Salman was lookin quite young .. I liked everyone's looks .. the music was awesome! .. just want the album now!!!

hehe.. okie after watching like 20 times

damn!! Katrina looked amazing.. personally i never found her that good looking in any of her movie, and that hair style looks really good. Anil looks cute when he laughs..and Sallu he looks so young Shooting sets also look promosing. Everything is so classy and musical...*takes a breath*

Vocals that you hear in promo - K.K. (i think) & Shreya Ghoshal (for sure)

Music releasing in 3rd week of October.. looking forward to song promos now

Yuvvraaj Promo 2 -

Song "Tu Hi To Meri Dost Hai' - YouTube - YUVVRAJ

This is same song, which's prelude was heard in Theatrical trailer. Now one hear to vocals as well, it is definitely not KK, seems lie Benny Dayal to me.

Audio Release Date - 17th Oct

Ghai's response to first look of Yuvvraaj - Link

Music looks great