"Woh Jo Adhuri Si Yaad Baaki Hai..." Top Bollywood Songs 2012: May-August

Song: Phir Le Aaya Dil (Reprise)
Film: Barfi!
Composer: Pritam
Playback Singer: Arijit Singh

Oh my gosh, it's already October!!! Which means I'm super behind on my top songs for the last four months, but it's okay because it's never too late to recognize good songs!!! A lot of really good albums have come out this summer (Pritam's albums are out to take over the world), so this should be a good list.

Khudaaya (Film: Shanghai): Wow, this is definitely one of my favorite songs that has come out this year. It's so Emraan Hashmi-esque, and yet it still sounds different and unique. And Shekhar Ravjiani's voice...he should definitely sing more often, his voice is amazing! I wish the song was longer though (it barely touches three minutes!) main uske bina bepata hoon, bepata bepata bepata hoon Listen to Khudaaya
Dhadang Dhang (Rowdy Rathore): People may have other favorites from the Rowdy album, but I love Dhadang Dhang the most! It's fun, and still has that 90's touch that the rest of the album has, and Shreya Ghoshal and Wajid totally rock it! The video is really good too (I love Sonakshi). strongly yeh jaadu tera mujhe pe chad gaaya! Listen to Dhadang Dhang
Tum Hi Ho Bandhu (Cocktail): Okay, so I pretty much love all of the Cocktail original tracks (except Second Hand Jawani-that one's alright), so it's really unfair to choose only some to put on this list, but I had to do it (the ones that are on here on the ones that have the most iTunes plays). Tum Hi Ho Bandhu is the unanimous friendship song of the year, and undoubtedly amazing. Kavita Seth and Neeraj Shridhar contrast each other's voices really well, and the lyrics are awesome. I bow down to you Pritam. jab yaar kare parvah meri, mujhe kya parvah iss duniya ki... Listen to Tum Hi Ho Bandhu
Tera Naam Japdi Phiran (Cocktail): I know this song is similar to other Pritam songs (like Subha Hone Na De), but I still like it! More than the Shefali Alvares and Nikhil D'Souza parts, I like the Javed Bashir sung parts, which are the main stanzas and chorus. The music is also pretty good, and it has some of the current trends in music right now. Cool! I'm a bad bad girl... Listen to Tera Naam Japdi Phiran
Yaariyan Reprise (Cocktail): I don't think there's many people that like the Yaariyan Reprise better than the original Yaariyan, but I do! I really like the piano tones, and how this version is more unplugged. Also, Sunidhi and Arijit Singh are amazing, and they sound really fresh. I think the sadness of the lyrics is more raw in this reprise, and I'm definitely a sucker for sad songs! The part where Arijit Singh enters the song is fantastic. tumse bhi zyaada hongi ab yaadein pyaariya... Listen to Yaariyan Reprise
Maula (Jism 2): I liked most of the Jism 2 songs, but out of all of them, this was my favorite! First of all, it has Ali Azmat singing it (who is just amazing) and the cello is just incredible. The lyrics are pretty good too, even though 'Maula' is a word that is being used pretty often in songs these days. Overall, really nice and soulful, love it! dam daram daram daram da... Listen to Maula
Pyaari Pyaari (From Sydney With Love): This is one of those cool songs with a lot of different types of music in it. This song is actually composed by Sohail Sen (yeah, the Ek Tha Tiger guy) and it's super unique. It's sung in Hindi and Bengali (the Bengali sounds really cool!) and there are just so many musical elements in here, I can't even explain it completely. If you haven't heard it before, listen to it because it's awesome and very catchy! lage tu hi sabse pyaari... Listen to Pyaari Pyaari
Saiyaara (Ek Tha Tiger): My favorite Ek Tha Tiger song! Which shouldn't be surprising at all, considering I love sad songs, and I love Mohit Chauhan even more. I think this is one of those unanimous good songs by Sohail Sen, and Taraanum Malik does well as the female singer, so no more explanation necessary. sitaaron ke jahaan mein milenge ab yaara... Listen to Saiyaara
Kaafir Andhere (Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi): K.K.! Need I say more??? Kaafir Andhere, composed by Jeet Ganguly (the guy that used to compose with Pritam back in the day) brings K.K. back to his type of song, with those sad, rock-ish elements. K.K. sounds just as good as ever, and for me, there is no andhere (darkness) when his voice is in my ears. Yes! teri yaadon ke sheher mein, rafta rafta... Listen to Kaafir Andere
Main Kya Karoon (Barfi!): All of the Barfi! songs were excellent, and Main Kya Karoon is one of the two songs that makes this list. I just love the quirky nature of the song, and the lyrics are probably my favorite aspect of the song. Though I haven't seen the film yet, the song seems to fit the promo and Ranbir Kapoor so well, it's just awesome! And the singer, Nikhil Paul George, has a really nice smooth voice, and I can't wait to hear more from him! Uff! tu hi bata iss dil ka mein... Listen to Main Kya Karoon
Phir Le Aaya Dil Reprise (Barfi!): I think this song from Barfi! is the best song on this list, and definitely one of the best songs of the year so far. My goodness, IT. IS. JUST. SO. GOOD. I don't know what makes it so good and better than everything else, it just is. The music is so soothing and has some of those classical elements (tabla!), and Arijit Singh... Wah! Wah! The first time I really heard him was in Raabta (Agent Vinod), and he just gets better and better. And the lyrics...are amazing. Pritam and Sayeed Quadri definitely hit the jackpot with this song. Simple, yet fantastic. woh jo adhuri si yaad baaki hai... 

Whew, that was a long list, but yay for good songs!

"Challa Ki Labhda Phire..." Challa Promo!

Song: Challa

Film: Jab Tak Hai Jaan

Composer: A.R. Rahman

Playback Singer: Rabbi Shergill

SRK's new film Jab Tak Hai Jaan has released it's first song promo! Check it out!

So I'm sure everyone in the world has seen this promo by now. Meh, I'm not a huge fan of it. I've watched it several times now, but it hasn't really grown on me. The best part is when sunshine plastic Katrina comes in at the end and brightens up the greyness of London. Anyway...

For one, I don't enjoy this song as much as I think I should have, given that it's A.R. Rahman composing for Shahrukh Khan (!!!). The song actually is better without the video (usually songs are better with the video) because you don't have weird, wrinkly Shahrukh thinking he's 20 years old. Also, Rabbi Shergill's voice doesn't really match Shahrukh's voice, and I think the Bollywood world has already come to that general consensus. I mean, overall, the song is okay, but I was expecting much much more from the first released promo of a film as big as Jab Tak Hai Jaan. It's one of this year's Diwali releases, it's Yash Chopra's last directed film, it has Shahrukh Khan AND Katrina Kaif AND Anushka Sharma, it has music by A.R. Rahman, lyrics by Gulzar, and cinematography by Anil Mehta (the cinematography looks good though). Therefore, I was really expecting much MUCH MORE! But that's the end of my spiel on that. 

The song still seems to be climbing the charts, and I'm glad the film has a name and all that, so it will still probably be the clear winner in the Diwali showdown against Ajay Devgn's Son of Sardaar. I hope the future promos are better, and I hope they have a lot of Anushka in them (she's the best thing this film has in my opinion-she's not old and wrinkly, and she isn't made of plastic). Anyway, let me know what you think!

"Aa Ke Mose Lipat Le..." Halkat Jawani Promo!!!

Song: Halkat Jawani
Film: Heroine
Composer: Salim-Sulaiman
Playback Singer: Sunidhi Chauhan

The highly anticipated Halkat Jawani promo from the film Heroine has released (I know, it released forever ago, but it's never too late to talk about it!) Check out the promo (if you haven't already seen it!)

Wow...Bebo is just too much! So, all in all, this promo is pretty much what I expected from this song. Despite how good the song or the singing or the choreography is, the song at the core expects you to love Kareena herself, like the lyric that says "aa ke mose lipat le" (come, cling on to me). On to the specifics!

Typically with Kareena, the choreography is mediocre at best. And I think it has to do with the fact that Kareena is not that great of a dancer. The main Halkat Jawani step is pretty dull, even with her hair flying everywhere. And of course there's more than enough hip-shaking (maybe that's the only thing Bebo can do??? hummm) I mean, Bebo doesn't really need good choreography for people to watch her IMO, but it would definitely be a plus if she could dance as well as Katrina in Sheila Ki Jawani or Chikni Chameli (yes, I dared to compare Kareena with Kat). But honestly, if Kareena had some awesome dance numbers to add to her body of work, she would undoubtedly be the best actress in Bollywood. So, either Kareena needs to train harder or someone needs to train her harder, because she is definitely in her prime right now.

The song... is not so great either. After I heard the first couple of times, I liked it more, but it's not up to par with other songs of the same genre. The aaja parts at the beginning are pretty hot though. The song is definitely worth watching Bebo however, and Sunidhi Chauhan is rocking it like always.

And what about the costumes? Are the costumes supposed to mimic costumes of other item songs because Kareena plays an actress in the film? Because then the costumes would make sense, since they look exactly like ones that we've seen before. If it's not supposed to mimic other item songs, than wow costume designer, you couldn't think of anything else??? Since I don't know for sure, I won't say much about the costumes, except that that neon yellow is really bright.

Last but not least, Bebo herself! I think she is totally in her element in this song, as far as her expressions and famous eye-winking goes. She is just super hot, and those high cheek bones are incredible. Oh, and she looks more toned than she did in Chammak Challo and Dil Mera Muft Ka, which is good, as long she doesn't go back to being size zero.

Let me know what you think! Is this the best item song so far in 2012?

Related Posts: Heroine Trailer Review

"Aankhon Hi Aankhon Mein Kare Baatein..." Ala Barfi Promo!

Song: Ala Barfi
Film: Barfi!
Composer: Pritam
Playback Singer: Mohit Chauhan

The title track promo for Ranbir Kapoor's Barfi! has released! Check it out!

"Deewana Kar Raha Hai..." Raaz 3 Music Review!

Song: Deewana Kar Raha Hai
Film: Raaz 3
Composer: Rashid
Playback Singer: Javed Ali

The Raaz 3 music has released! (you can listen to the songs at the Bollywood Hungama Raaz 3 Jukebox). The music is composed by Jeet Ganguly, with the first track composed by Rashid. Let's see if this album can live up to the Bhatt/Hashmi standard of music.

"Kya Karoon..." Student of the Year Trailer!

Song: Kya Karoon
Film: Wake Up Sid
Composer: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Playback Singer: Clinton Cerejo

Wake Up Sid - One of Dharma Productions' better films

Karan Johar's latest directed film Student of the Year's trailer has released! Check out the trailer for Karan Johar's first film without Shahrukh Khan, and with three debutantes!

"Go Go Go Govinda!!!" Go Govinda Promo!

Song: Go Govinda
Film: Oh My God
Composer: Himesh Reshammiya
Playback Singers: Shreya Ghoshal, Aman Trikha

Paresh Rawal's latest comedy film Oh My God has an "item" song titled Go Govinda featuring Prabhudeva and Sonakshi Sinha! Check it out!

"Kaisa Yeh Raaz Hai..." Raaz 3 Trailer!

Song: Kaise Yeh Raaz Hai
Film: Raaz-The Mystery Continues
Composer: Pranay M. Rijia
Playback Singer: K.K.

The Raaz 3 trailer has released! Wow, I can't believe this series will become a trilogy! Check out Emraan Hashmi and Bips (Bipasha Basu) in their newest trailer:

"Jugnu Ban Ke Tu, Jagmaga Jahaan..." Joker Music Review! (Hindi Film)

Song: Jugnu
Film: Joker
Composer: G. V. Prakash Kumar
Playback Singer: Udit Narayan

Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi's film Joker has released its music! The music is composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar (who according to the Joker Wikipedia page is the nephew of maestro A.R. Rahman), and there is one track by guest composer Gaurav Dagaonkar. The lyrics have been done by Shirish Kunder himself (the director of the film), so let's see what Joker has in store for us!

"Bebo Main Bebo..." Heroine Trailer!

Song: Bebo
Film: Kambakkht Ishq
Composer: Anu Malik
Playback Singer: Alisha Chinai

Eeek! The Heroine trailer is out!!! I have been waiting for this for a really long time now. Let's see how our Bebo (Kareena Kapoor) does in director Madhur Bhandarkar's latest flick!

"Khatti Meethi Strawberry Si..." Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi Music Review!

Song: Khatti Meethi
Film: Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi
Composer: Jeet Ganguly
Playback Singer: Shreya Ghoshal


Farah Khan's debut film with Boman Irani Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi has released its music!

"Ek, Do, Teen..." Son of Sardaar Trailer!

Song: Ek Do Teen
Film: Tezaab
Composer: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Playback Singer: Alka Yagnik

One of this year's Diwali releases Son of Sardaar has released its trailer! Let's see what will accompany the lights and fireworks this Diwali!

"Uski Dhun Mein Dil Banjaara..." Banjaara Promo!

Song: Banjaara
Film: Ek Tha Tiger
Composer: Sohail Sen
Playback Singer: Sukhwinder Singh


Ek Tha Tiger's newest song promo Banjaara is out! This is exciting since Banjaara was one of my favorite songs from the album (check out my music review for ETT here). Here it is!

RIP Rajesh Khanna

RIP Rajesh Khanna, and condolences to his family. I haven't seen many of his films, and therefore, I'm not very familiar with his work. However, I am familiar with his songs, and I would like to remember him with one of my favorite songs of his:

"Saiyaara Main Saiyaara..." Ek Tha Tiger Music Review!

Song: Saiyaara
Film: Ek Tha Tiger
Composer: Sohail Sen
Playback Singers: Mohit Chauhan & Tarannum Malik

This year's Eid release, Ek Tha Tiger, has released its music! Composed by Sohail Sen and guest composer  Sajid-Wajid, and written by lyricist Neelesh Misra, we hope that this album will have the same success that the music from Salman's previous Eid films have had! Let's see what people will be humming this Eid...

"Chikni Kamar Pe Teri Mera Dil Phisal Gaya..." Joker Trailer!

Song: Dhadang Dhadang
Film: Rowdy Rathore
Composer: Sajid-Wajid
Playback Singers: Wajid & Shreya Ghoshal

This song is awesome! And its probably the only part of Rowdy Rathore that I would like if I ever see it.

Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha are back with their second film in a row, Joker, and the trailer is officially out! 

Ummmm....what in the world was that? (ironically, the film claims itself to be 'out of this world')

"Phir Bhi Kyun Lag Rahi Hai Kami..." Barfi! Trailer!

Song: Anjaana Anjaani
Film: Anjaana Anjaani
Composer: Vishal-Shekhar
Playback Singers: Vishal Dadlani & Shilpa Rao

The trailer for Ranbir Kapoor's latest film Barfi! has released! Here it is...

"Chehra Hai Mashallah..." Mashallah Promo! (Ek Tha Tiger)

Song: Mashallah
Film: Ek Tha Tiger
Composer: Sajid-Wajid
Playback Singers: Wajid, Shreya Ghoshal


First song promo of Ek Tha Tiger titled Mashallah has been released! Check it out!

Woah, did anyone else just get blown away by Katrina Kaif right now?

"Ishq Bhi Kiya Re Maula..." Jism 2 Music Review

Song: Maula
Film: Jism 2
Composer: Arko Pravo Mukherjee
Playback Singer: Ali Azmat

Well, it looks like I broke my self-proclaimed rule of not having more than one song from a movie for the post title song (the first post with a Jism 2 song is here). 

So, the awaited Jism 2 music is out (at least I was waiting for it, I'm always waiting for music from Bhatt brothers' films). This Pooja Bhatt directed movie has a debut composer, Dr. Arko Pravo Mukherjee, who apparently was a surgeon before becoming a Bollywood music director (according to this article). The album also sees appearances by Ali Azmat, the famous lead vocalist of the Sufi-rock band Junoon. This is exciting, Ali Azmat is the first singer/artist from a band that I knew before he entered Bollywood film music! Anyway, you can listen to the Jism 2 songs here and here on the Jism 2 song jukebox (thanks T-series Youtube channel!). Here we go...

"Yeh Jism Hai Toh Kya..." Jism 2 Promos!

Song: Yeh Jism
Film: Jism 2
Composer: Arko Pravo Mukherjee
Playback Singer: Ali Azmat


The first song promos of Jism 2 have released! Watch the promos at your own risk- if you don't already know, they do have a Punjabi-Canadian porn star in them (Sunny Leone)

"Tere Bina Tere Bina Dil Naiyyo Lagda..." Music Hummm-gama #1: Tere Bina

Song: Tere Bina
Film: Tezz
Composer: Sajid-Wajid
Playback Singer: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

This recent song from Tezz got me thinking of all the songs that have any combination of the words 'tere' and 'bin' ('tere bina' means 'without you') within the title/main chorus, and I came across over 10 songs (12 15 to be exact, there may be more). Wow, Bollywood lyricists must be a little depressed! Anyway, this plethora of 'Tere Bina' songs begins my first post in my "Music Hummm-gama" series, which follows the crazy patterns that I notice within Bollywood music. Here's a list of 'Tere Bina' songs, with a top 5 countdown:

"Kehte Hai Mujhko Hawa Hawaii..." English Vinglish First Look!

Song: Hawa Hawaii
Film: Mr. India
Composer: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Playback Singer: Kavita Krishnamurthy

I thought my favorite Sridevi song would be appropriate to start this post about the first look of her first film after 14 years (!!!) titled English Vinglish

Wow, does this look interesting or what?

"Kehdo Ke Tum Mujhse Dosti Karoge" Daaru Desi Promo

Song: Mujhse Dosti Karoge
Film: Mujhse Dosti Karoge
Composer: Rahul Sharma
Playback Singers: Asha Bhosle, Udit Narayan, & Alka Yagnik

Here's another Cocktail promo Daaru Desi  (I know, I know, that's two Cocktail posts in a row).

Wow, another friendship song?!?! Instead of seeming like Love Aaj Kal 2, this movie should be renamed Mujhse Dosti Karoge 2!

"Main Hoon Hi Nahi Iss Duniya Ki..." Tumhi Ho Bandhu Promo

Song: Tumhi Ho Bandhu
Film: Cocktail
Composer: Pritam
Playback Singers: Kavita Seth & Neeraj Shridhar

If you've already seen the Tumhi Ho Bandhu song promo from Cocktail, then you already know how awesome it is, and if you haven't, well that's what I'm here for! I had already predicted good music in my previous post about the Cocktail Trailer, and of course, Pritam doesn't disappoint in this song! 

This song is amazing, and I have been watching this promo constantly ever since it  first released. Diana Penty is looking gorgeous, and I don't even know why they bothered to show Saif and Deepika in this promo. I would have been perfectly fine watching Diana dance and spin around for two minutes straight. Saif kind of looks like an idiot doing the 'Tumhi Din Chadhe' dance step, but his smile at 1:31 is cute, reminiscent of the old days. Another tiny part that I really liked, though I'm not sure why, is at :27 when they show Diana and Deepika letting go of each other's hands. It matched the attitude of the song-"mujhe kya parvaah iss duniya ki", and I liked how both of their wrists were covered in bracelets (good styling). I have a feeling Diana might outshine Deepika in this movie, even with Deepika in a red bikini. Maybe that's why they put her in a bikini, so she would get more attention in comparison to Diana. hummm


And gosh, the song itself is gorgeous. Kavita Seth's voice is amazing, and she should definitely sing more songs in Bollywood. Her voice makes me feel as if I'm not part of this world-"main hoon hi nahi iss duniya ki". Neeraj Shridhar's voice is nice too, and obviously a little overused in Pritam's albums, but who cares if the song is good?! The lyrics by Irshad Kamil are excellent as well. Along with the "main hoon hi nahi iss duniya ki" line, one of my favorite lines in the song is "jab yaar kare parvaah meri, mujhe kya parvaah iss duniya ki". Awesome, I can't wait until the full song and full album come out!!!

"Wohi Din Aa Gaya..." Bol Bachchan Trailer

Song: Wohi Din Aa Gaya

Film: Kisna

Composer: Ismail Darbar

Playback Singers: Alka Yagnik & Sukhwinder Singh

A little side note on this post title song: Why is this video so weird? This song is awesome, but Isha Sharvani looks extremely odd. And just because Isha Sharvani can do acrobatics, it doesn't mean that you put acrobatics in the song Subhash Ghai. Vivek Oberoi's face does make this video bearable though... *faint*. He's another actor I wish had been more successful in the industry.

Anyway...It's almost summertime (or wintertime for people in the Southern hemisphere) which means lots of Bollywood movies and trailers! Here's the trailer for Ajay Devgn's and Abhishek Bachchan's latest film Bol Bachchan:

Oh, unfortunately, wohi din aa gaya, the day has come when the son of one of the biggest superstars of Bollywood has to rely on another actor to have a hit film. Ajay Devgn, who is known for producing superhit films, has roped in Abhishek Bachchan (does anyone else have issues spelling 'Bachchan'?) for his latest comedy flick. Abhishek will now be part of Ajay's brand of flying cars, chest tattoos, and big sets. I'm honestly sad that Abhishek's films are going flop, because I actually like him as an actor. I personally blame Filmfare for Abhishek's state in the industry right now because they didn't give him the best actor award for Guru. I'm not really too affected by who gets what award (except for the National Film Awards, those are the only ones that count), but I feel that Abhishek really deserved an award for Guru, and that he didn't get the due recognition for that film, hence not being offered better films. Anyway, off the rant and on to the trailer!

I honestly don't have much to say about this besides the fact that it looks like a typical Golmaal type film. Asin is looking nice, and Prachi Desai is looking cute, but in Bollywood comedy films, the actresses are  almost always overshadowed by the actors. Especially when you have Ajay and Abhishek in one movie, with Abhishek in a double role. Craziness! I've never really been a big fan of music from these types of movies, but some of the songs are fun to watch (like Tha Kar Ke from Golmaal 2), and this looks like it has a couple of dance numbers. Other than that, I hope this film is a success for Abhishek's sake.

"Ehsaan Itna Sa Kar De..." Cocktail Trailer

Song: Ehsaan

Film: Dil Kabaddi

Composer: Sachin Gupta 

Playback Singers: Sachin Gupta & Jaspreet Singh

The trailer for Love Aaj Kal 2 Cocktail, starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and newcomer Diana Penty has arrived! Check it out!

This film, directed by Homi Ajadania (director of Being Cyrus) and produced by Saif's production banner Illuminati Films, is set to release on July 13. Saif, ehsaan itna sa kar de (atleast do this little favor), and stop producing movies! I mean, Love Aaj Kal wasn't terrible, but it's not a film that I would watch again. And we all know how well Agent Vinod went (not well at all). So considering that this film seems to be a worse version of Love Aaj Kal, I would suggest that Saif stop producing films.

Onto the trailer content! I've been having this rant about Saif for years, that he doesn't look as good as he used to in the 2001-2005 days, and that he shouldn't grow facial hair and all that. This film is no different. I know it's a little unfair to only like an actor like Saif in his boy-next-door Dil Chahta Hai/Kal Ho Naa Ho roles, but unfortunately, that's when he looked best! And anyway, what's up with his hair in this film? It seems like it's a little too short, so it's sticking out from the sides at some points...

And Deepika looks a little washed out. She doesn't necessarily look bad (I always think she looks pretty), but her styling as a "party girl" or whatever is a little over the top. Maybe if her hair wasn't so frizzy and messy. She looked AMAZING in Love Aaj Kal, which is why her look in here is a little surprising. But then again, if it's in her character to dress like that, that's all that matters. And it provides a good contrast to Diane Penty's character's dressing style (kind of like John and Abhishek's dressing styles in Dostana). Need I say anything about the bikini?

Diane Penty as Meera in the film looks good and fresh (wasn't Deepika's name in Love Aaj Kal Meera as well?). Hopefully her character is involved enough for her to get a nice debut. I can't really tell on her acting skills yet, but I hope her presence brings the movie up!

The music, by Pritam, actually sounds good. I really liked Deepika's entrance song (Angreji Beat), which I later found out is a Punjabi song by Gippy Grewal feat. Honey Singh that will be used in the film. The other music sounds good as well, and good music is consistent in Illuminati Films, thanks to Pritam! If he and Saif just made music for movies and released the albums without releasing the films, I would be happy. 

I wish the film the best, and I can't wait for the music release. Let me know what ya think!

"Tu Hi Toh Mera Dost Hai..." Ek Tha Tiger First Look!

Song: Tu Meri Dost Hai
Film: Yuvvraaj
Composer: A.R. Rahman
Playback Singers: Benny Dayal, Shreya Ghoshal

This post title song has no relation to the actual post, besides the fact that it's my favorite Salman-Katrina song! Now onto the actual post content...
Salman Khan's latest film Ek Tha Tiger's teaser trailer was revealed Thursday... and it already has almost a million views on Youtube! (impressive for a Bollywood film within two days!) Here it is:

First things first- Salman Khan rules the Eid holiday with his films. Ek Tha Tiger will be his fourth film in a row that will be releasing on Eid, after Wanted (2009), Dabangg (2010), and Bodyguard (2011), and considering that he has continuously broken records commercially with these films, Ek Tha Tiger is expected to be, and probably will be HUGE.

As for the actual trailer, I honestly didn't think it was too bad (especially considering Aamir Khan is my favorite 'Khan'). The first minute or so, although it didn't have Salman physically in it, was good because it actually gave an indication of what the film just might be about. For some odd reason, Bollywood film trailers have a really hard time showing what the film is going to be about. Maybe because most some Bollywood films don't have a real 'story' to show in a trailer. hummm. 

Anyway, the concept seems alright, and there will obviously be some action in the film, and Salman has had consistently "alright" action films, so this film could be critically successful as well. The director, Kabir Khan, has previously directed Kabul Express and New York, and though I haven't seen Kabul Express, I did think that New York was pretty good, entertainment wise. 

And apparently, this is Salman's first Yash Raj film! Salman, how does it feel to join the many others who are under the wings of the almighty, powerful (and quite mysterious) Aditya Chopra? And where was Katrina Kaif in the trailer, isn't she the heroine in the film? I haven't seen Bollywood's 'Chikni Chameli' in a film since, well, Chikni Chameli! (Agneepath). I am actually excited to see Salman and Kat in another film together, they've come a long way since Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya!

Oh, and I'm liking Salman's new look with the scarf.

Please share your opinions on this Ek Tha Tiger teaser trailer!

"Hum Hain Naye, Andaaz Kyun Ho Purana..." Mukhtasar

Song: Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe
Film: Dil Chahta Hai
Composer: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Playback Singers: Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, K.K.

If you haven't seen the lovely first song promo from Shahid Kapoor's and Priyanka Chopra's latest flick Teri Meri Kahaani, here it is:

Does anyone else think there is something quite off about this song promo? (I could barely make it through the whole thing!) I mean, I love Shahid and PC, and I don't even mind them paired against each other, but they just look so old, like how they looked in 2007 old. Why does Shahid have the same haircut he did in Vivah/Jab We Met? At first I thought that this movie might have filmed years earlier and only be released now (kind of like Milenge Milenge), but according to Wikipedia, filming started in May 2011. Priyanka, who normally looks great, looks a little worn out as well. Perhaps she really is on the downward slope as a Bollywood actress. And the choreography is old and overused as well; the 'stretching out arms and singing to sky' steps were more prevalent in the 2008-2009 films. This is a new 2012 film!!! Why does it seem so old? The actual song doesn't sound too bad, but I don't think it goes with the picturization. Also, I'm not sure if that's the original song or the remix, because it sounds remix-y. 

Anyway, let me know what you think of this Mukhtasar promo! 

"Tera Mera Rishta Purana..."

Song: Tera Mera Rishta
Film: Awarapan
Composer: Pritam
Playback Singer: Mustafa Zahid

Emraan Hashmi's latest film Jannat 2 is releasing tomorrow, and so I wanted to wish the film good luck! I really hope that this is a critical success as well as a commercial success, because Emraan Hashmi is definitely one of my favorites. Although I do make fun of him a lot, I have appreciated his work ever since I watched the film Gangster, and after every film of his I watch, my love for him increases. Let's just say that my rishta (relationship) with his movies is already quite deep and purana (old). I hope that Jannat 2 will only add to his successful streak at the box office after Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, Murder 2, and The Dirty Picture, and I'm glad that audiences are finally beginning to enjoy his performances! Here's the theatrical trailer for Jannat 2:

"Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaoon..." Top Bollywood Songs 2012: January-April

Song: Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaoon
Film: Yes Boss
Composer: Jatin Lalit
Playback Singers: Abhijeet & Alka Yagnik

A third of the year 2012 is already over! Can you believe it??? Anyway, I compiled a list of my favorite Bollywood songs of 2012 so far to let everyone know which songs have been most memorable for me this year.* Honestly speaking, I meant to make this list when March ended (the first quarter of the year), and do it for every quarter of the year. However, this works just as well, and now after every four months I will post my favorite songs that have been released in that time frame. This list will include songs from films that came out in early 2012 (even if their music was released at the end of 2011). Here they are! (in no particular order).

• Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (Film: Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu): Although this song is completely auto tuned, it's still soooo catchy! However, I do believe that Amit Trivedi's creativity far surpasses what he did for this song. Nevertheless, it's still great! Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu
• Aahatein (Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu): I am easily attracted to sad or depressing songs, including this one, also by Amit Trivedi. The song has the lyrics "par kuch kami hai" (meaning: "but there's something missing"); however, I don't think there's anything missing in the song! Nice.  Aahatein
• Voh Dekhnay Mein (London Paris New York): I feel bad for Ali Zafar that this movie fizzled out, but I still liked some of the songs he composed for this film, especially Voh Dekhnay Mein! The lyrics (also by Ali Zafar) are super cute, and his voice...*faint* Voh Dekhnay Mein
• Teri Yaadon Se (Blood Money): I honestly love all of the Blood Money songs (I would be lost in life without music from Bhatt brothers films). This song, composed by Pranay, is probably the most sad/depressing in the album (no wonder I like it), and Mustafa Zahid is amazing as always. Teri Yaadon Se
• Raabta (Agent Vinod): I love this song so much, I made an entire post on it earlier this year. Pritam is back with his loveliness, and Arijit Singh's voice sounds fresh, new, and sweet. Awesome. Raabta
• Jannatein Kahan (Jannat 2): I enjoy listening to most of the Jannat 2 songs (see my review here), especially this one because it uses the Zara Sa theme from the original Jannat. I appreciate how Pritam did that with this composition, there can't be a Jannat sequel without Zara Sa in there somewhere! Jannatein Kahan
• Pareshaan (Ishaqzaade): As noted in my recent review of Ishaqzaade, I believe this song is just amazing. It's so amazing that I'm 'pareshaan' (worried) that a song can be this good (just kidding). This is probably my favorite song in 2012 so far. Congrats to Amit Trivedi and singer Shalmali Kholgade for this song, I hope it gets some awards! Pareshaan
• Pani Da Rang (Vicky Donor): This song is beautiful, and the Punjabi lyrics make it sound so unique!  Ayushmann's voice is perfect (I still can't believe he's so good as a singer) and he even helped compose the song with Rochak Kohli. The lyrics are what I like most about the song (even if I can't completely understand them). "Akhiyaan cho anju rul de..." Pani Da Rang

Don't be shy and please post comments on what your favorite songs in 2012 have been!

* I haven't listened to all the songs released this year, so this list may be edited once I do listen to them all.

"Main Pareshaan Pareshaan..." Ishaqzaade Music Review

Song: Pareshaan
Film: Ishaqzaade
Composer: Amit Trivedi
Playback Singer: Shalmali Kholgade

Ishaqzaade... Honestly, this film didn't really catch my attention until I learned that Amit Trivedi was the composer, and now I'm totally looking forward to it. The song promos are looking pretty good too, but maybe that's just the magic of Amit Trivedi (I have been a HUGE fan of Amit Trivedi''s music since Dev D). Anyway, let's see what Mr. Unconventional has come up with this time around!

Ishaqzaade: Sung by Javed Ali and Shreya Ghoshal, this title song is alright, and it actually sounds like it would belong to the I Hate Luv Storys album (not sure if that's a good thing or not). However, it does have a nice Amit Trivedi touch with the trumpets in the background. This song is more of a typical Bollywood love song, so I wonder how it will work in the film considering the film doesn't seem like a typical Bollywood film. Shreya Ghoshal sounds nice with the lower pitch she sings in; however, I'm not sure Javed Ali was the right choice for the song. Nevertheless, he does a good job and overall the song is nice. Listen to Ishaqzaade
Chokra Jawaan: This song, sung by Vishal Dadlani and Sunidhi Chauhan is a typical UP-type item song(reminiscent of Billo Rani). However, it has an awesome catchy beat with naughty lyrics about a 'boy' (chokra) growing into a young man. I think the best aspect of the song is the attitude in which Vishal and Sunidhi sing the song and  how they cue off of each other with the lyrics. I don't think anyone else could pull off the attitude of this song as well as Vishal and Sunidhi do (good choice Trivedi!). This may not be a typical Amit Trivedi composition, but I do believe that he added his own flavor within the last two minutes of the song. Love it! Listen to Chokra Jawaan
Pareshaan: Yes, Yes, Yes!!! This is definitely my favorite song from this album. I was in love from the moment the first chorus of "Main Pareshaan Pareshaan Pareshaan Pareshaan" started. This might be my favorite Amit Trivedi composition after Iktara from Wake Up Sid. The playback singer, Shalmali Kholgade, is excellent, and I believe this is her debut song in Bollywood. She will surely be in the running of the Best Female Playback Singer during awards season for 2012 (I hope!). The lyrics are sweet too (by Kausar Munir). Overall perfection. Listen to Pareshaan.
Jhalla Walla: This song, sung by Shreya Ghoshal, interestingly sounds like Dil Mera Muft Ka from Agent Vinod in the first 15 seconds. The song is more of a slow, qawwali-sounding, item song, with English words (sung in a very strong Indian accent) interspersed within the lyrics. Does this song by chance have the same item girl (Gauhar Khan) as Chokra Jawan? Because both songs have lyrics that have the girl being referred to as 'Chand Baby'. Interesting. Shreya Ghoshal does a nice job showing attitude in this song. I honestly haven't decided if I like this song or not; I think I will have to see in the movie to make a final decision! Listen to Jhalla Walla
Aafaton Ke Parinde: This alternative version of a title song is a classic Amit Trivedi song. It's grungy, loud, and in-your-face. The song even has dubstep sounds in the background along with the high energy of the instruments. Sung by Suraj Jagan and Divya Bhatt, the song sounds like Aali Re from No One Killed Jessica (another Amit Trivedi album), although Suraj makes the song unique with his varying vocals throughout the song. Another good song for this album! Listen to Aafaton Ke Parinde
Pareshaan (Remix): A remix to Pareshaan by Abhijit Vaghani. I don't really think it's worth listening to since the original Pareshaan is already a masterpiece, and I also am not a fan of remixes (especially in a Amit Trivedi album where they are completely unnecessary!). However, if you do like remixes, do give this remix a listen! Listen to Pareshaan (Remix)
Jhalla Walla (Remix): This remix, also by Abhijit Vaghani, actually isn't too bad, but I still don't think it is necessary in the album. It is more upbeat than the original Jhalla with portions of English lyrics at the beginning and in the middle. Give it a try! Listen to Jhalla Walla (Remix)

Overall, I would give this album 3.5 out of 5 stars. Pareshaan and Chokra Jawaan have me totally in love, while Aafaton Ke Parinde makes a strong impact. The remixes I could do without, but I'm not sure if having remixes is completely within the music director's control or not. I was pleasantly surprised to see more popular and conventional playback singers in an Amit Trivedi album (Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan, Vishal Dadlani), but I think they were a good choice. As for newcomer singer Shalmali Kholgade, she's amazing! Do comment on your opinions of the Ishaqzaade album!

"Tu Bole Glass Aadha Khaali, Main Boloon Aadha Bhara..."

Song: Tu Bole Main Boloon
Film: Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
Composer: A.R. Rahman
Playback Singer: A.R. Rahman

So, as we all probably know, Aamir Khan's latest film Talaash which was supposed to release in June, has been postponed to the end of the year. Yes, I was quite depressed at first, considering I have been looking forward to it ever since I heard the first news about the film, but I'm sure Aamir, along with the film's other producers (Farhan Akhtar! and Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment) made the right decision to postpone.

Apparently, one of the reasons why the film was postponed was due to the release of Aamir's television debut Satyamev Jayate on Star Plus. After seeing all of the promos that have released (watch them here) my spirits have been raised after the disappointment of Talaash being postponed. The promos further add to my suspicion that Aamir Khan has superhuman powers of perfection. The show is also supposed to have a full music album with 16 songs to go with each episode!

I'm so glad that we get to see Aamir Khan on television and the big screen this year, and I'm sure his show will be fantastic. As the title to this blog suggests, I am definitely seeing the "Aamir Khan" glass as half-full, now that the Satyamev Jayate promos look promising. Good luck Aamir! (though he doesn't really need it, does he?)

Here is the official Satyamev Jayate Theme Song:

"Yeh Mausam Ka Jaadu Hai Mitwa..." Summer Film Trailers!

Song: Mausam Ka Jaadu

Film: Hum Aapke Hai Koun...!

Music Director: Raamlaxman

Playback Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, S.P. Balasubrahmanyam 

Many theatrical trailers of films releasing in May/June have released this week, so I figured I would talk about my opinions of them all in one post!

Rowdy Rathore

Ok, I'll admit, I'm not a big Akshay Kumar fan. However, since Akshay Kumar was once known as the king of action films, I'm hoping that this film is better than his comedy ones. As for the trailer, I'm not a big fan, though that last "DON'T ANGRY ME" part was pretty intense! I don't like when theatrical trailers don't give any indication of the story whatsoever; I understand that they want to keep the suspense in a trailer, but the only things that I'm able to tell about the movie is that there will be a lot of violence, and that Sonakshi will be swinging her hips in a cute red sari. By the way, Sonakshi looks quite pretty, and I'm hoping she's more than just a pretty girl in the movie (though not very likely). 

Dangerous Ishhq

Guess who's back?! Karisma Kapoor, that's who! And she looks great too. I like the idea of this movie, I think it will be pretty interesting, as long as they are able to execute the seemingly complex story well. The actor, Rajneesh Duggal, was earlier in Vikram Bhatt's film 1920, but I haven't seen that film so I don't really know how he is as an actor. Since he's been paired with Karisma in her comeback film, I hope he does well! The music sounds good too (by Himesh Reshammiya); I had forgotten how good Himesh's music was! Hopefully this proves to be a great comeback!

Teri Meri Kahaani

Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra back together again! I generally love both of them (especially Shahid!!!) so I hope this movie does well. The trailer looks okay, and considering the director Kunal Kohli has done some really awesome films (Fanaa, Hum Tum) and some not awesome films (Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic), this movie could go either way. Shahid and PC both look great, and I hope they as well as Kunal Kohli can pull off a story that focuses around three times periods. The background music is nice too, and I think the three time periods will allow for a good music album with a variety of songs *fingers crossed*. Looking forward to this mainly for Shahid and Priyanka!

Shanghai

Abhay Deol and Emraan Hashmi in a movie together!!! Abhay and Emraan are two or my favorite actors, and its not very often that top actors share screen space with other actors. I'm loving their looks in the trailer too, especially Abhay's, and I honestly don't know whose performance I'm more looking forward to! Kalki's role seems pretty important as well, and I'm glad she gets cool roles like this, instead of the typical glamorous roles actresses these days have been doing. Why are most of her memorable roles with Abhay Deol? Anyway, I don't really mind. The story of the movie looks pretty interesting too. Yay for unconventional movies! I hope this movie is a success critically and commercially!

Anyway, provide your views on which movies you are looking forward to the most this summer!

"Tu Hi Mera, Mera, Mera ..." Jannat 2 Music Review

Song: Tu Hi Mera
Film: Jannat 2
Playback Singer: Shafqat Amanat Ali
Composer: Pritam

It's here, it's here!!!! The most awaited music album of the year (in my opinion)! The Jannat 2 music album has just been released and...

Tu Hi Mera: This song's promo has already been making the rounds, and I already love it. Emraan Hashmi has stated that Tu Hi Mera is the "Zara Sa" of Jannat 2. I don't love Tu Hi Mera as much as Zara Sa (can anything really beat Zara Sa?), but it's a great song. I also like Shafqat Amanat Ali's voice for Emraan Hashmi, it's a nice change from the usual.
Tera Deedar Hua: An alright 'qawwali' number by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, though I don't think it really belongs within the rest of the songs in the album. I feel Rahat's voice in this song is too high pitched for an album such as Jannat 2, and this song sounds more like a Salman Khan/Dabangg song rather than a Emraan Hashmi song. But we'll see how its picturized in the actual film to see if it truly fits in the story as well. Listen to Tera Deedar Hua
Tujhe Sochta Hoon: The first K.K. song in the album, it has the distinct K.K. touch of "aahaa aahaa aahaa" which is definitely welcome in a Pritam-Emraan Hashmi-Bhatt brothers album! However, the song has a darker touch, with K.K. providing a different feel with his voice than his usual songs. It's actually similar to Phir Mohabbat (Murder 2) in terms of the overall tone of the song. Definitely a fitting song for the album! Listen to Tujhe Sochta Hoon
Rab Ka Shukrana: This song, sung by Mohit Chouhan, has a slow, haunting melody that fits the "requirements" of a typical Bhatt brothers/Emraan Hashmi song. It's nothing extraordinary, but I like it, especially since Mohit Chouhan is at the mike! Listen to Rab Ka Shukrana
Jannatein Kahan: Played in the background of the teaser trailer, this is the song dedicated to the lilting "wooo ohhhh ohhhh" in the original Zara Sa. Although some people may accuse Pritam of being unoriginal in his music and taking his tunes from previous albums, I honestly LOVED this song (sung by K.K.) the first time I heard it in the teaser, enough to the point that I would only watch the last 30 seconds of the teaser to listen to it. And I love the sounds of the police sirens and weapons in the song because it matches the theme of the movie (Jannat 2 is about the illegal arms trade in Delhi). However, I could do without the random English rapping in the middle of the song. I'm not sure why Bollywood music directors insist on putting rap in their songs. K.K.'s amazing voice makes up for it though! Listen to Jannatein Kahan
Sang Hoon Tere: Practically the same as Tujhe Sochta Hoon, but with Nikhil D'Souza seemingly trying to sound like K.K., and doing alright, but not too great. I don't think this version was necessary for the album, since it doesn't provide much of a difference from Tujhe Sochta Hoon. I really enjoyed Nikhil D'Souza's voice for Emraan in Mere Bina (Crook) and I wish he would've gotten an original song of his own in this album, rather than the 'reprise' versions of K.K.'s songs. Listen to Sang Hoon Tere
Jannatein Kahan (Power Ballad): This version, sung instead by Nikhil D'Souza, sounds more like Zara Sa, as far as the music goes. It doesn't have the thematic elements of the K.K. version, and it regretfully doesn't have K.K.'s voice either. I don't know what Pritam was thinking when he put in Nikhil D'Souza for this song; I don't think anyone besides K.K. can sing in any song related to Zara Sa! This song pales in comparison to the original Jannatein Kahan. Listen to Jannatein Kahan (Power Ballad)
Tera Deedar Hua (From the Heart): Sung by Javed Ali, this version is a little better with the rest of the album than the Rahat version; however, we still have to see how it will be used in the movie (if it is played in the film). Hopefully, they will use From the Heart in the movie rather than the original Tera Deedar Hua by Rahat! Listen to Tera Deedar Hua (From the Heart)
Rab Ka Shukrana (Reprise): Pretty much what the title says- a reprise of the first Rab Ka Shukrana. I don't think it's too great, especially since instead of Mohit Chouhan singing, its Anupam Amod. This version is a little more upbeat than Mohit's rendition, so some people may like the reprise better than the original. Listen to Rab Ka Shukrana (Reprise)


Overall, I think the Jannat 2 album is pretty good... 3.5 out of 5 stars...definitely not as good as the Jannat album, but I love that Pritam used some inspiration from the original. This album could've been a lot better if they didn't have reprise versions for almost every song; this time around, the reprise versions weren't worth the extra tracks. My favorites were definitely Tu Hi Mera and Jannatein Kahan- they definitely carry the essence of Jannat!

Please comment and provide your opinions on the new Jannat 2 album!