Naren's indie round-up - Dec 2021, Ep 1

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Sheykhar Ravjiani/ Rang

Label: Sufiscore

Rating: ****

Before Vishal-Shekhar happened in 1999, Shekhar Ravjiani had released a fantastic romantic album called First Love as a singer. With music direction keeping him busy, he hasn't been singing as much as one would like.

Thus, it is heartening to hear him present this simple, catchy song 'Rang', written by Priya Saraiya. Going by the spelling Sheykhar, he sings with comfort and ease, the guitar, accordion and mandolin adding to the charm. Ravi Jadhav's video, shot from a balcony against the background of the sea, is appropriate.

The song has folksy lines like, "Mora tore sang laaga re jiya, kaisa tora rang laaga re piya". With its infectious tune, this is the kind of song which makes you want to sing along, sway along and just be happy.

Shreya Ghoshal & Stebin Ben/ Pyaar Karte Ho Na

Label: VYRL Originals 

Rating: ***

Shreya Ghoshal has been doing some interesting projects outside of films. She now teams up with composers Javed-Mohsin and singer Stebin Ben on 'Pyaar Karte Ho Na'.

The song is about how a couple discovers each other after an arranged marriage. Lyricist Danish Sabri uses predictable but relatable lines like, "Aankhon se dil mein tere utar jaaoongi main, tujhko deewana apna kar jaaoongi main".

The video, directed by ADP and starring Jasmin Bhasin and Mohsin Khan (in picture above), follows a safe and predictable storyline. But it looks good and maybe that's what matters.

Akrita/ Shaam

Label: Self-released

Rating: *** 1/2

With its picturesque shots of hilly locales and busy marketplaces, singer-songwriter Akrita Shrivastava's new single 'Shaam' is like a travel memoir. Lines like "Yaad aati hai bahut woh chuttiyon ki shaam" lend a feeling.of nostagia.

The song has a hilly folk sound, and is set in a seven-beat cycle, using guitar, double bass, flute and keys. The lyrics use both Hindi and Kumaoni, and Akrita's voice goes well with the overall ambience.

The video has been wonderfully captured by Prateek Verma. It's tempting enough to make you plan a holiday in the hills.

***

Yo Yo Honey Singh/ Boom Boom

Label: Self-released

Rating: Ho-hum

In the early 1980s, Pakistani pop star Nazia Hassan sang a beautiful song called 'Boom Boom'. It had melody, it had innocence. Today, we hear a song with the same title, and thankfully not the same content, by Yo Yo Honey Singh.

A collab with Hommie Dilliwala, Yo Yo keeps you guessing what he's trying to say. Half the lyrics go "boom boom boom boom". The other half talk sasti sharaab, Dolce Gabbana, chattis laundo and some Katto.

The line "Mere naal nacho" is sung so often you want to scram from the dance floor. This clearly makes your head go Jhoom Jhoom.

Chhavi Sodhani/ Kursi Bin Table

Label: Artist Originals

Rating: *** 1/2

The title 'Kursi Bin Table' is metaphorical, used to convey how certain things have to be together, even in relationships. In her latest single, Chhavi Sodhani uses a dash of humour and imagination to convey this thought.

The song has a feel-good vibe, and the video shows spontaneous acting and dancing by Chhavi and Kunal Thakur. Sanjoy Das plays guitar, ukulele and mandolin smoothly.

The song could be fun listening at parties and wedding receptions. And the metaphors aren't restricted to tables and chairs, as we have needle and thread, lock and key, dal and tadka too. What fun.