'Omkara' - (2006)

Sometimes a movie just nails it in every way possible - dialogue, cinematography, acting, music - add in a story by Shakespeare and you have the makings of one amazing film. You can tell from the opening reel that this movie is going to be special but you also have an uneasy feeling that it will not end well. If you don't know the story of 'Othello' you won't ever forget it - and even if you do, you could have never imagined it could fit so well in the beautifully filmed hills of Uttar Pradesh.

'Omkara' contains all the classic components of a great Bollywood epic but all of them (songs, costumes, etc.) fit perfectly in the context of the story. 'Omkara' also lacks any of the the silliness that is present in so many modern day Bollywood flicks. This is one of those films that you could take your non-Desi friends to and as they are sitting in the dark watching the credits roll will ask you 'Why haven't you taken me to more Bollywood movies?'. Granted the year is only half over - but Bollywood has a clear front-runner to submit to the Oscars - go see 'Omkara' on the big screen and judge for yourself.

All the songs are noteworthy - the 2 on the radio.blog are{Naina}, performed by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's nephew Rahat and {Namak}, sung by a newcomer with an incredible raspy/sultry voice, Rekha Bhardwaj.

Selections from Indian Idol & 'Krrish'

Today's selections are some new songs - one Bollywood & one a Hindi pop song. The pop song {Mohabaten Lutau}is actually sung by the winner of last year's 'Indian Idol' - just as popular and as big of an audience favorite as the one here. The winner (Abhijeet Sawan) was a virtual unknown before & is now one of the biggest concert draws in the country. The song is another of those 'singing while standing in a jeep with good friends in your favorite city' favorites of mine - just a catchy and fun number.

The Bollywood song is from the movie 'Krissh' {Chori Chori Chupke Chupke} which is supposedly a Hindi version of 'Superman'. I really have no desire to see this movie but the reviews say it's pretty decent - also, I really can't stand Hrithik Roshan. But that's what is great about Bollywood - you don't have to like the movie to enjoy the song - you just have to like good music. A nice duet - one of the best of the year in my opinion.

Chameli (2003)

Greetings all,

Sometimes I run across a song that is so different & special - it needs exploration from many different angles. This week that song is {Sajna Ve Sajna} from the movie 'Chameli'. The movie is quite good & very different than your average Bollywood flick. It takes place over just 1 night in Bombay, has some pretty salty language and a great performance by Kareena Kapoor (who had not impressed me in any movie prior to this).

The song is sung by Sunidhi Chauhan, a relative newcomer to the Bollywood scene with an amazing raspy voice & great range. The lyrics & music are both perfect as well - all in all a great song that doesn't get old despite many playings. I am not the only fan of it however - the remix {Sajna Ve Sajna(remix)} & video are apparently playing in the hottest clubs here & in Europe. See the video here