Creativity 101

They are the pioneers of their field. The big guns. We have known them for so long, that their names are almost fashionable and they command great respect. With all the brouhaha over creativity, think-out-of-the-box mentality that is pervasive today, have we ever given a thought to how it is lacking up there at the top. Or to be frank, those were the halcyon days of the past when people thought 'in the box' and got it all right.

Founded: 1943

Really? If someone asks an ABC employee today, "Hey! Where do you work?", will that person say, "I work at American Broadcasting Company"?

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Founded: 1892

Engineers have never been associated with art and beauty. Only utility. Back in the day when Thomas Edison founded GE, he probably had no time for the lame branding and advertising concepts. Someone might have asked him while he was busy with his work:
"What are you going to call your company?"
Edison grunts. "What do you think? I do general electrical work. General Electric! There you go, and leave me alone."

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Founded: 1908

Someone asked William C. Durant the same question some 15 years later.
Durant: "Dont you remember what Edison said? He did electrical work, I do motors. General Motors."

Durant to himself: "What's in a name?"

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Founded: 1911

At the launch of the company, or it's christening at least, the presentation on it's name must have lasted only 10 seconds.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are the International Business Machines. You guessed it right, that's exactly what we do. We build international business machines."

Over the years, some public relations executive might have thought:
"Our name is too self-aggrandizing. We sound cocky. Let's make it hip. We are now the IBM. That's cute."

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Founded: 1949

Now, not many might know this Indian tire company, but they probably hired one of the best branding personnel in the market.
         They made their brand elite by sponsoring only three cricket players at the time: Sachin Tendulkar, Brain Lara and Steve Waugh. For those who don't follow cricket, these players are legendary akin to Michael Jordan, David Beckham or Tom Brady.
          For those who remember the awesome advertisements MRF created, in which the dilapidated cars sitting in a post-apocalyptic world are given a new life by the tire shaped spaceship zapping brand new MRF tires on the cars. And everyone lived happily ever after.

Turns out the company name is Madras Rubber Factory!

Tanu Weds Manu, United Six, Utt Pataang - Music Review

Tanu Weds Manu (2011)
Music: Krsna

The romantic comedy genre of the movie raised some hopes, however, the album fails to meet the expectations. The entire album has a rustic, idyllic mood with folklike songs. I cannot really recommend a single track, however some songs do have a soul and they might appeal to some.
Brownie points:
1. Sadi Gali - A fun Punjabi track made for the fun-filled weddings.
2. Yun Hi - Mohit Chauhan brings us his forte. Slow paced and romantic solo.
3. Piya - A pretty good sounding track for the Indian classical music connoisseurs by Shafqat Amanat Ali. Although I think Shankar Mahadevan would have brought more emotion to it.

Questions: What in the world does the word Rangrez means? Why has this suddenly become a popular word in Bollywood? Why is a drunken voice singing patriotic songs considered classical?

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United Six (2011)
Music: Pritam

Does Pritam disappoint us? Well, he does, but at least he knows not how to suck.
1. Booty Shake -----------------------------------------------7/10
It took me a while to like the song, however, it catches up on you after a while. Funny rap followed with peppy beats never lets the song to die down. And who better than Sunidhi Chauhan to add the necessary zest. Reminded me of Aye Bachchu from Ghajini. Booty shake, booty booty shake shake, really like the way you swing your body baby.....

2. Waha Bhai Waa, Waha Bhai Waa (Remix) ----- 6/10
Pretty standard, but has some entertainment value. Like the title track of Welcome.



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Utt Pataang (2011)
Music: Shamir Tandon

This is probably Shamir Tandon's best album so far. Since I don't remember what other movies he has composed music for, I am quite sure his past work hasn't been impressive. The album has only 2 tracks:
1. Utt Pataang -------------------------------------------------- 7/10
This is probably one of the nicest rock tracks Bollywood has produced so far. For comparison, it sits right in the company of Rock On!!. The lyrics are a little unimaginative and the playback singer not one of the best, but like I said, had this track been part of Rock On!!, it definitely would have been much more popular. The ending of the song is pretty good with overlapping lyrics. Give it a chance and skip the Remix.

2. Jaanu Na Jaanu Na --------------------------------------- 6/10
Shaan brings us a romantic melody, however it fails to touch our hearts enough. It should have had some more originality, otherwise it is not too bad.

Ciao!

7 Khoon Maaf, Aashiqui.in, For Real - Music Review

7 Khoon Maaf (2011)
Music: Vishal Bharadwaj

It is almost pitiful to think of Vishal Bharadwaj as a music director first and a movie director next. This is how he started his career. But there is a good reason I think, why he is doing more of the latter than the former. If you don't believe me, just listen to the soundtrack of this movie. A pretty poor album, in that not any song has a distinct quality that could make it nice in a particular genre or mood. The style of music very clichéd, the two rock tracks: Dil Dil Hai and O Mama are flat and the opera-like folk song Darling is plain annoying.

Strike 1.
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Aashiqui.in (2011)
Music: Nitin Kumar Gupta, Prem Hariya

This album perfectly fits the bill of a second rung movie with second in class style of music. The music is such that it feels that it was good enough for a take off, but just ran out of steam before it did.
Brownie points:

• Tere Bina and Ruk Ke Jaana are decent
• Lichu Lichu - I would never recommend anyone this song, however the cheesiness of this song is plain hilarious.

Strike 2.
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For Real (2010)
Music: Zakir Hussain, Deborah Mollison

Yawwwwwwn! Don't people understand the age of jazz is over? What kind of a time warp are they living in?

Strike 3.

Patiala House, Angel, Ramayana - The Epic - Music Review

Patiala House (2011)
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

There was a time when Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy brought to us fresh, foot-tapping music. And it was not too long ago, but over 2010, they seemed to have ceded their position of the most happening musicians in the industry.

1. Baby When You Talk To Me, Baby When You Talk To Me (Remix) --------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Probably, the most different song the album has to offer. It is pleasant and Suraj Jagan keeps alive his brand of lending his voice to atypical songs. The song has good beats and never hurries itself or the listener, although the opening is a tad slow and the song is repetitive. The beats of the song have driven me crazy, as they are very similar to 'some' English song, which I cannot pinpoint. The Remix and the original are pretty much the same.

2. Kyun Main Jagoon, Kyun Main Jagoon (Unplugged) -------------------------------------------- 6/10
This song reminds us of the magic the title tracks of Kal Ho Naa Ho and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna created. Very similar in style and mood. However, it is fails to resurrect the same charm. Melodious, but stale.

3. Aadat Hai Woh ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Another better sounding track, which fails to break the barrier of likability. The track has a pretty slow start and is pretty monotonous, although the climactic style of Vishal Dadlani helps to keeps the interest alive.

Final verdict - A pretty disappointing album, totally lacking any originality by the accomplished musicians. Most of the songs could be related to any of the songs from Shakar-Ehsaan-Loy's previous albums. The only reason it gets reviewed first, is to get more eyeballs on this blog, starting out with a major release :)

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Angel (2011)
Music: Amjad Nadeem

A new entrant into the music industry. Always exciting. And although the music in not the most memorable, it is good sounding indeed.

1. Phir Teri ---------------------------------------------------------- 7/10

Did I mention already that Sonu Nigam has been staging a quiet comeback. Another gem from the prolific singer, reminding us that, slow and soft melodies are his territory. Very pleasant and unassuming. Well done Sonu.

2. Rubaru (Kyun Faaslein Hai) ----------------------------- 7/10

Another soft melody from the new musician. Literally, because we get to hear him in this track. Not a great voice, nevertheless, it adds a new sparkle to the song. And not taking away anything from the track, it is just pleasant to listen.

3. Angel ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
A very pleasant song. Nothing new. But just melodious with two good playback singers: Karthik and Shweta Pandit. Shweta Pandit has an amazing voice, I must say. I almost thought she was Shreya Ghoshal, till I knew better. For some reason, this song reminded me of Baatein Hawaan from Cheeni Kum.

4. Tell Me Why --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
I don't remember the last time Neeraj Shridhar disappointed me in any song. Another hip track from the singer who has always helped us get dancing and lift the spirits. Yes, this is an energetic and fun song and it will not disappoint. Just don't expect to light the party on fire.

Final verdict - A very commendable performance by the lesser known Amjad Khan. Do get numbers 1, 2 while 3 and 4 are up to you. This is a typical album, where the liking for the songs will only develop after a little more exposure.
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Ramayana - The Epic (2010)
Music: Shaarang Dev Pandit

One of the umpteenth animation movies on one of the most popular Indian epic: Ramayana. The unfortunate fate of music of such movies, is their devotional overtures. Despite the handicap, Shaarang Dev Pandit succeeds in creating in energetic and contemporary music. Not that the album will earn much fame, but kudos to the effort. The smartest thing he could do was to get the best singers for the album.

1. Tu Hi Tu Hai --------------------------------------------------- 7/10
What an unexpected romantic song in this story. And boy, dare I say it was bad. KK and Shreya Ghoshal bring us an adorable, romantic track as good as anything they would.

2. Jaiya Ho -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Sukhwinder Singh is a maestro when it comes to evoking energy and emotion. A nice song obviously invoking images of Lord Ram's army marching towards Lanka with complete determination.

3. Sia Ram Ram ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
A boring devotional track? Hardly. Neeraj Shridhar just has the ability to add style to anything. Even a devotional song. Nice work.

4. Jungle Ke Raja ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5/10
It is was just funny to listen Mika Singh sing this one, and does he let us down! Of course, not. But the song is boring overall.

Final verdict: Get 1 above. If I were to watch this movie, I would know for sure, the songs would not add a boring stoppage to the story, but will only add a great effect to this epic tale. Thanks Shaarang Dev Pandit for adding the necessary spice to this otherwise brushed-aside-as-devotional genre.

Fool's gold

     Be grateful for the friends you have, be thankful to your family that helps you out in all situations. Be comfortable with the body you have, be calm with the weather outside as it is weaving another pleasant experience for you in this world. Do not fight the situations that you cannot ever change.
    
     Be happy for there are multitude ways to be unhappy. There are an awful lot of situations that will fill you with disappointment. For some reason, unhappiness lingers while joy fades like a rainbow. Like Edison quoted, when he found the right metal for his bulb: "I found 999 ways of not making a bulb", our life is filled with many more than 999 ways to sadness.

     Finding happiness and peace of mind has always proven to be a mirage. In fact, the quest for it has driven some people out their homes, leaving behind their possessions to find the answers. It is more unlikely than likely that most of us will ever bump into an answer.

     Life is like sailing a ship in an endless ocean with the sails catching the winds of emotions. Left loose our emotions will lead us, better, drag us in directions without us knowing where we are going. Just because the air is windy does not mean you set the sails high. While the answer to this is to not moor your ship in the middle of nowhere, it is not letting loose the sails all the time. Remember, the entire ship is yours. Set the sails free only when the wind is in the right direction, and most importantly, take control of your rudder.

     There will be choppy waters. There will be obstacles. But unless you understand these obstacles are the doors to continued joy, happiness will elude you. Had it been as simple as to walk through all the doors, there would have been no doors at all. Do not sit down thinking about how troubling it is unlock every door. Think about the joy of finding the right combination and move forward to achieve it, for an empty mind is a devil's workshop.
    
     The devil here is no mythological hideous creature with horns, sharp teeth, red eyes and a lust for blood. But it is the devil that will make you feel depressed. It is the dweller of nothingness. Do nothing and it will start to consume you. It will make you leave your ship and plunge into water. Do not ignore the help of others who throw the buoy at you, as they mean nothing more than help. They may not mean to get you aboard their ship, but help get you on yours. Do not turn away your well-wishers for their may be someone who might want to get aboard your ship. For their will be someone who will appreciate the beauty of your ship.

     The jewels of happiness are littered all around us. Lust them, want them, but do not fall for them. They might appear to be right in front of us, but be careful because there might be a strong current lying in your way that could wreck your ship. Test the waters, think if you can make it or can afford to take the risk. Talk to others to find if it is worth the trouble.

     And most important of all, do not worry. You will fall in water, you will sail uncontrollably at times, the jewels will elude you. But never let loose, for no one knows which direction to go, but you will more often than not, know where not to go. May be happiness just lies in sailing smoothly, helping the fallen and accepting the help, and taking a break at times. Not all jewels are meant to be had.