Rahman unhappy with use of 'Jai Ho' in poll campaign

Music maestro A.R. Rahman, whose compositions in "Slumdog Millionaire" made him the first Indian to win twin Oscars, is critical of political parties using for a poll campaign the song "Jai Ho" that he composed for Danny Boyle's rags-to-riches drama.

"I was like in the bed, I was dehydrated, exhausted, and then all these things happened, somebody told me these people are using it. I hate politics. I just want people to serve the people. I want governments, whichever government comes in, to be unbiased and say there should be justice in the country and that's my purpose in life," Rahman said in an interview on CNN's Talk Asia.

The interview will be aired on CNN May 20 and there will repeat telecasts May 21 and May 23.

The Congress had bought exclusive rights to the song "Jai Ho" for its poll campaign but the jingle was later dropped as the party's theme song.

In the interview, the shy composer also explains how his accolades for "Slumdog Millionaire" are also a recognition for India.

"I got very emotional when saying this is for India, when you guys truly deserve it because there are so many different film industries in India, so many different markets, Hindi film industry, Tamil film industry, Malayalam, then Bengali, so in a way I think it culminates all their aspirations and so it's here," he said.

Before he shot to stardom with the film "Roja", Rahman used to create radio jingles. He has since collaborated with international music superstars like Michael Jackson and Kylie Minogue.

When asked about his next project post-Oscars, he said: "I have a couple of offers from Hollywood. Pure American movies which I thought for the heck of it let's do it and a couple of other surprises that you'll know very soon if it works out. Big surprises I think."

source:inditimes.com

Kat wants to ‘play safe’ with Akshay

There’s no doubt that the number 1 stars of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif qualify for being the jodi no.1. Together they gave blockbuster hits like Namastey London, Welcome and Singh is Kinng and were the most sought after pair for filmmakers. But post Singh is Kinng the two decided to part ways though purely for professional reasons and on an amicable note.

Says a source close to the duo, “Though together they made a hattrick of hits, Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif decided to stop working together for a while after Singh is Kinng . That’s only because the two did not want their pairing to look repetitive to the audiences. Also both decided to test their chemistry with new costars for a fresh feel in casting”.

So Katrina went on to work with Salman Khan in Yuvvraaj and Akshay with Deepika Padukone and Ayesha Takia in Chandni Chowk to China and Tasveer 8x10 respectively. Akshay had never worked with either actress earlier and though Katrina had worked with Salman in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya and Partner , they were never romantically paired. But despite their fresh pairing, both their films bombed badly at the box-office.

When Akshay Kumar planned to get into production, director Priyadarshan came in handy with De Dhana Dhan and the Hera Pheri team with Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty was reunited. While casting the female lead, Akshay was keen on Katrina and assured Priyadarshan that she would be the right choice though they had never worked earlier.

So when both Akshay and Katrina desperately need a hit after some ill-fated films, the duo is strongly banking on De Dhana Dhan . The same source explains the duo’s changed mindset saying, “Despite momentary experimentation, Bollywood believes in tried-and-tested formula. So after a short stint of separation both Akki and Kats are hoping for a hit with De Dhana Dhan . Katrina is also taking conscious efforts that the film gets a festive release (Navratri or Diwali), which is considered to be a good period for movie business. She wants to play safe this time and what better way than to star alongside Akshay Kumar with whom she has always clicked.”

Akshay being the producer could help Katrina’s wish of getting a festive release. Hope this Diwali helps both Akshay and Katrina retain their top positions in Bollywood.

source:indiatimes.com