It is important to know the line which divides cheap from classy

It is important to know the line which divides cheap from classy
Saturday, April 19, 2008 13:35 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
It's no longer the monopoly of themes, storylines or titles of Bollywood flicks that hog the headlines. Bollywood music directors too are in the news many times for wrong reasons, the latest being the 'Krazzy4' case

If it was the "Choli ke peeche kya hain" song that had the judiciary intervening, the use of the title "Sholay" too reached the corridors of courts for justice, along with plagarism which is as old as the industry, but now it is the increasing boldness in use of suggestive words and slang that for sure will keep Bollywood music in the limelight for reasons other than melody, feel experts.

The lingo of Indian music industry is changing. While this new phraseology is inevitable, there is a line of difference between being classy and crass, feels expert.

While words like 'mirchi', 'bidi', 'daru' etc are being used, suggestive words like 'kiss me', 'touch me', 'craving for your body' etc are also being extensively used nowadays in Bollywood music, especially in item songs.

"There is a clear demarcation between what is contemporary and what's crass. I'm all for experimentation but certainly there should be no allowances for undermining the diginity of a language.

If the intent itself is wrong or undiginfied then that will get reflected in the language the lyrics the expressions and the entire song," says Prasoon Joshi, lyricist of 'Fanna', 'Rang de Basanti' and 'Taare Zameen pe.'

Agrees lyricist Neelesh Misra. "'Mukhdas' or the opening verses are sometimes peppered with such words to make them catchy -- and, perhaps, because there might be a view that shock value might work better for the song," he says.

Ehasan of Shankar-Eshan-Loy trio says, "In item songs anything goes so people make use of different catchy and provocative words at times to catch the attention of the audience but still I feel it depends on the usage," he says.

Pyarellal of Lakshmikant-Pyarellal, who composed the song, "Choli ke Peeche kya he" in 'Khalnayak' says, "At times such provocative music or lyrics are being used in a song because the character or the script might demand so.

A film is a director's baby, he is the person who knows about the subject. For example in 'Khalnayak', the character of Sanjay Dutt was very cheap and Subhashji felt it needed such lyrics and composition and so we did the song accordingly."

Moreover along with suggestive words shockingly even some regional slangs are now making its way into the Bollywood lexicon.

Songs like "Ganpat chal daru la" from 'Shootout at Lokhandwala', "Dum Laga" from 'Dil Dosti Etc' and the background score of 'One two three' are some examples were certain offensive words were used. "It is important to know the line which divides cheap from classy. It is all about being intelliegnt without sounding crass. I feel by making such compositions they are actually ruining the song, which otherwise would have been greater hits," says Pritam, the composer of 'Metro,' 'Jab We Met' and 'Race.'

Neelesh Misra says, "Even if such words are not often offensive as in offending people on racial or religious grounds, they are certainly tasteless in many songs." But are such offensive words unavoidable?

"It is certainly not unavoidable. A bad song never writes itself. We write it. And we have the choice of not writing it," says Misra.

"It depends on the execution of the song, how one uses it that matters. Even in the past in songs like jaane do na... from 'Sagaar', the music had sexual overtones but they were executed in such a way that you do not feel cheap," says Pritam.

"There is nothing wrong in being experimental but It should be proper used. For example, we have given music in Don, but there was nothing provocative or offensive in that," says Ehasan.
'Tere Mere Darmiyan' from Vikrant Massey's 'The Sabarmati Report' Captures the Pain of Heartbreak!

The soulful song 'Tere Mere Darmiyan' from the upcoming film 'The Sabarmati Report' starring Vikrant Massey was released on Wednesday. Featuring Vikrant Massey and

Thursday, November 14, 2024
Vicky Kaushal to Portray 'Eternal Warrior of Dharma' Chiranjeevi Parashurama in 'Mahavatar'!

Bollywood sensation Vicky Kaushal is set to take on one of the most iconic roles of his career as Chiranjeevi Parashurama in the upcoming mythological epic "Mahavatar," directed by

Thursday, November 14, 2024
'Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein' Season 2 Trailer Unveiled: A Thrilling Ride of Kidnapping, Betrayal, and Revenge!

The much-anticipated trailer for the second season of Netflix's hit streaming series 'Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein' was released on Wednesday, offering fans a glimpse into the

Thursday, November 14, 2024
Ananya Panday Turns Up the Heat in Sizzling Bikini Photos from Dubai Vacation!

Ananya Panday recently took to social media to share glimpses from her Dubai vacation, captivating her fans with stunning beach photos. The Bollywood actress posted a

Thursday, November 14, 2024
Shraddha Kapoor Shares Her Views on Success, Failure, and Everything in Between in Filmfare's November 2024 Edition!

Shraddha Kapoor, a powerhouse performer known for her charm and versatility, continues to dominate Hindi Cinema, a journey that has rightfully landed her on the cover

Thursday, November 14, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT