Saturday, April 22, 2006

Water, water everywhere

I went to see Water amid forecasts of rain and walked in to the theater slightly wet from the drizzle and walked back home fully drenched. I for one, never felt that the movie was happening in Benares (true because it was filmed in far away Sri Lanka). But some of my other American friends seem to have had no problems in believing it was Benares from what they have heard and known about Benares. For me the ghats were the ones that gave away. Apart from the art direction, there were some good performances from Seema Biswas (Shakuntala), Sarala (Chuiya) and Manorama (Madhumathi). Especially Sarla who plays an exuberant child widow, who does not comprehend her widowhood and is waiting to be sent home. Surprisingly Lisa Ray played the doe-eyed Kalyani pretty well.

More -
Wikipedia on Water
Water at imdb.com

Monday, April 17, 2006

Kandisa

A decade ago, the only instrumental music I liked was the Soundscapes series released by Music Today. Then came enigma in college and later on at work, Indian Ocean. Today I went to their concert in DC. It was splendid. They are a lively group with effervescent Rahul Ram with his funny anecdotes.

The first album I heard of them was Kandisa and I was hooked, especially the song Kandisa. It has vocals in Armaic, the old language of Jesus's time. Its a beautiful soothing song and the words, though I could not understand, I could sense peace and tranquility in them. There are other songs that are qually good like "Ma Rewa", "Hillele le" etc. Their latest song "Banden" for the movie "Black Friday" is also brilliant.

More -
Wikipedia on Indian Ocean
Indian Ocean Website
Listen to Kandisa on musicindaionline.com
Listen to some of their other songs

Wednesday, April 5, 2006

Khoon chala

Silkroute stormed the Indian music scene in late 90's with their amazing video Dooba Dooba. Once you got past the video you realise that the lead vocals are heavenly, which belong to Mohit Chauhan. Their music reminds you of the hills. Their songs are simple with beautiful lyrics and haunting melodies. Just listen to Boondein or Humsafar or Sapnay, you will know what I mean.

Its been 4 or more years since they released Pehchaan. I was googling on them to know latest news about them and came up on this song Khoon chala from Rang De Basanti sung by Mohit Chauhan. It is a beautiful song with nuances that evoke courage, hope and pain sung majestically in a silken voice. I can't see anyone else be able to sing this song and evoke similar emotions.

More -
On Silkroute
Listen to Khoon chala
Listen to Boondein, Pehchaan