1. Aaja Nachle & the Laila-Majnu play — Aaja Nachle

First of all, it was such a good feeling to see Madhuri back on the big screen once again, so we were only prepared to be hypnotized by her dancing yet again! It only made sense for her dance in Aaja Nachle, combined with the finale dance and play of Laila-Majnu to be put at the number one spot. There was sheer magnetism and magic in both of these pieces, totally incaptivating! The viewer didn’t want to look elsewhere while these two were played out — one’s eyes were simply set on Madhuri in Aaja Nachle, thinking how does she do it? How does she manage to mesmerize us each time!? Wow!

The Laila-Majnu play was the saving grace of the film Aaja Nachle, it was meant to be so! The whole movie lead up to that finale, and boy was it grand! There were beautiful costumes, opulent sets and props, the sequence was so smooth! The actors were fully immersed in the characters they were playing out, everyone was spot on! I could go on and on about how I thought everything was simply perfect in the finale song and play, simply everything! From the chemistry of the two leads, to Madhuri’s narration, to the passionate dancing, and much much more! One has to see the play to believe the magnificence of it, and to feel the joy it brings. Simply, beautiful!

2. Mere Dholna — Bhool Bhulaiya

This song is on this list mainly for the beautiful dancing by Vidya Balan and the dance master Vineeth. The amount of hardwork and effort put into this song by Vidya truly showed since it was sheer joy watching her in this song. The song itself doesn’t necessarily cater to everyone’s taste but if one is to watch it with the video, I guarantee you they will sit through. She was very good and confident! After all, following a classical dancing professional and doing it well is no easy task. Needless to say, she looked beautiful and the entire sequence was interesting to watch.

3. Jhoom Barabar Jhoom Dance-off — Jhoom Barabar Jhoom

I can take the easy way out and perfectly describe this dance picturisation in one word — FUN! But I can’t do that- I have to go into details, though the word ‘Fun’ would basically sum it all up. The extravagant sets and costumes alone are enough to ensure a spot for this song on our list. They were so colorful, bright, and inviting! What I liked a lot about the dancing and choreography was how smartly the movements match the lyrics, and the actual feelings of the characters! It was very cleverly done since the partners are singing for the partners, yet they’re not! Kudos to Shaad and Vaibhavi for giving us this one super-fun sequence in an otherwise average movie.

4. Dhoom Tana — Om Shanti Om

Being the writer of the Om Shanti Om Music review for Bollyspice, I must admit I HATED this song — but I guess I made a short turnaround when I saw the picturisation … I didn’t hate it anymore! Deepika was an absolute dream to watch! I watched her classical bit in the beginning over and over since she made it look so effortlessly beautiful and fun to do! All the special effects incorporated into the picturisation that is to make it seem that Deepika was opposite the old heroes were amazing! Technically well done! It showed creativity on Farah’s part and also signaled towards a more tech savvy Indian Film Industry. Gone are the days of the extremely shoddy special effects, the kind that made us laugh out of stupidity! The sets, costumes, and enactment for this song were brilliant! A huge applause goes to those working behind the scenes on this one and also to Deepika and Shah Rukh for doing such a nice job. I must add though that I still hit the ‘skip’ button for Dhoom Tana while listen to the OSO soundtrack in my car, but the video is just something else! Thoroughly Entertaining!

5. Mauja Mauja & Yeh Ishq — Jab We Met

Mauja Mauja simply had to make it to our top ten! Shahid’s dancing, surprise-surprise, was beyond amazing in the song! He brings a sort of energy few can match! The whole concept of the song video was appealing and different, just like the Yeh Ishq song from the same movie. The extras in Mauja Mauja had those elements that tied the song back to the beginning of the movie and how they both, Aditya and Geet, met at first and how unknowingly the love between them developed. The sets and costumes were bright and attractive though I must say, Kareena’s pants were a bit distracting…

The picturisation for Yeh Ishq was so easy on the eyes and I liked how the choreographer and director were creative to portray the song matched with Geet’s (Kareena) personality. It accurately depicted that carefee girl’s world, her imagination that new no limits, her love of love, and her zest for life. Very nicely done! Besides, the song itself is so addictive!

6. Salaam-e-Ishq — Salaam-e- Ishq

One of the best parts of SEI, this picturisation of the title song was simply great! The transition from sequence to sequence and from couple to couple was so smooth. The depiction was at once similar and different, since it was molded to match the situation of each couple at that time. The dancing of all the stars was superb, but Govinda’s was unmatched. He was just simply the best, whereas Salman had the most charisma. The entire song was well shot, afterall, it was bits and pieces from this song that were put into trailers and that eventually acted as bait for us, the audience. Yeah it’s another thing that the movie did not live upto our expectations but hey, atleast this song and its picurtisation is great! We can live with that…

7. Tere Bina — Guru

A picturisation that matched the masterpiece this A. R. Rahman song was. Just like the song is so heart warming and easy on the ears, the picturisation did it justice and one feels the same way as they would even if they listened to the song only. The whole castle setting, mixed with the short classical dances — enacting the meaning of the lyrics, the pretty clothes, and the chemistry of the two leads were just perfect!

8. Pyar Ki Ek Kahaani — Honeymoon Travels Private Ltd.

It was a refreshing change to see a sexy Latin dance, the salsa, incorporated into a mainstream movie and a fairly popular song. The two dance leads were simply great! It successfully brought out all the feelings a fiery Latin dance is supposed to bring forth, those of ecstasy & jealousy among others. These feelings are realized in the dancing partners and the viewers too! In this case, the audience too besides the side sitting actors in the actual movie! Also, whenever I see a dance as such I always feel inspired to learn it too — hence I’m sure other viewers like me felt this way too. It’s a calling for the passionate!

9. Yoon Shabnami — Saawariya

A Bhansali film is always a work of art, and Saawariya was no exception. Each frame was like a painting, and if a song is to be picked for a our yearly countdown, it’d have to be Yoon Shabnami. The theme of backup dancers dressed for the Muslim prayer, is a bit hard to digest at first, but if looked at from the viewpoint of ‘art and creativity’ you realize how different his vision is and it all does come together throughout the song. Ranbir and Soman are amazing dancers as one can witness in this song. Also, the colors and the settings only add to the charm of the song. It ends up looking like sheer grandeur at the end.

10. It’s Rocking — Kya Love Story Hai

The song itself is immensely addictive and catchy, and the video entertains as well. Kareena is looking very pretty and the dancing is nice as well. The moves are easy to follow for the average viewer and this only added to this song being a bigger hit with the masses especially at weddings and parties.

Top Ten Bollywood Dances of 2007 is a post from: BollySpice

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Ayesha Takia

Somebody tell her that being a size DD and wearing tube top style clothes is a huge NO NO! She scored with the uber trendy hairstyle that worked on her, but had to ruin it as soon as it was newly cut — either by wearing outfits that fit the category that mockers put her into, that is in the “oriental doll”, or simply by choosing wrong pieces for her body type.

Here in this dress, she could have pulled off a trendier look in clothes had she chosen to… but alas, she had to choose the gaudiest of pieces!

In the black sari, the top looks gigantic, not her fit obviously and besides, the middle parting of the full forehead bangs never ever works!

Also, another disastrous tube top outfit… the print is ugly and the shoes are uglier. Zero points for Ayesha’s dress sense this year! You are a beautiful girl Ayesha, hire a stylist ASAP!

Fashion Blunders of 2007 is a post from: BollySpice

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The Om Shanti Om soundtrack is now out and after giving it a few spins I’ve come to conclude that it does not disappoint. However, it certainly does not impress either.

Here’s a quick rundown on the pros and cons of each song; what I see going into overplay and what falls in the forgettable category!

Let’s start with the already popular song, Ajab Si: It’s nice and pleasant, easy on the ears. The songs is penned by Javed Akhtar and has an enjoyable lyrical quality about it. The state of being completely hypnotized or mesmerized by a lover is described through a nice, easy rendition by K.K.

Dard-E-Disco is reminiscent of old-school songs, but mixed with an Arabic flavor. It has a sort of addictive quality, owed to the infectious beats especially in the beginning. The lyrics, however, are a tad odd and the English bits do seem out of place in such a number, but it isn’t bad after a few spins. It’s the type of song that grows on you, and fast! It’s certainly one of the few out of the album that you would give another spin to. Dard-E-Disco (Remix) is equally contagious as the original.

Deewangi Deewangi is a nice peppy, upbeat number. It has catchy music with equally snappy lyrics. It most likely could be the next hit after Ajab Si. The Deewangi (Rainbow Mix), is just as inviting!

Main Agar Kahoon is an absolute delight to hear, beautifully rendered by Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal. The lyrics are absolutely beautiful! I can imagine this one picturized in a dreamy, romantic setting – the distinct wistful vibes instantly transforming you to a different place. Very few songs have such a quality, the ability to kick up the listener’s imagination and take them to a different mental and emotional state. A 10/10 to this one!

Jag Soona Soona Lage: featuring the soulful voices of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Richa Sharma, is largely a boring piece. The music does not grab you, and there really is nothing about this song that could envelope your senses or even make you feel the lyrics despite the deep performance. You are likely to give it a full listen the first time around but then might hit the skip button midway the next time.

Dhoom Taana sounds like the perfect song out of a bad 90s film! What were they thinking?! I believe they are trying to truly fit in the with the old time movies theme, since most of the songs have that old-school quality. I would have liked it better had it been a classier ode to the old era. Hmmn … maybe the movie is about bad old movies? We can’t say yet! But this number is definitely the disposable kind. It has no redeeming quality, ranging from the lyrics to the music to the singing. NOTHING!

Dastaan-e-Om Shanti Om is also another, suggestive of an old-school feel good movie where the hero is dejected at one point. With the orchestra in the back hitting crescendo, you know he’s going to bounce back! You just know it! The lyrics of Dastaan are of an unhappy person but who has the strong-will to fight back and overcome the odds, adequately delivered by Shaan. Dastan (The Dark Side Mix), is more uptempo than the original, and this only makes it better!

The Om Shanti Om (Medley Mix) is a mix of Dard-e-Disco and Deewangi, catchy and fast paced, this one goes on repeat in the playing order!

Om Shanti Om (Theme Music) is sheer enchantment, a lovely symphonic piece that should’ve been longer!

On the whole, the album is one with few lows and many more highs. In spite of the many highs, only a few of the 12 tracks really stand out. I can’t even say how long they would stick in my head. The album is a nice attempt by Vishal and Shekhar but it has no repeat value, at least not in the long-term. The music, predominantly, is of the disposable kind that would lose its unique touch after the movie’s fever dies down. I understand the aim was to create a bygone era’s feel, but many songs felt simply out of place even when observed from that perspective, let alone 2007!

All in all, Om Shanti Om has a slightly above average soundtrack with some numbers of stellar quality and some nothing to write home about.

Om Shanti Om is a post from: BollySpice

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