Days after the world marked International Jazz Day, mid-day asks five composers on films that best represented the genre
Bombay Velvet
Mohabbat buri bimari
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Few music directors have been able to successfully fuse the diverse elements of jazz and Bollywood. Amit Trivedi did it with Mohabbat buri bimari (Bombay Velvet). Sung by Shifali Alvares, the song is seductive, and one that makes you want to dance. It has everything that a perfect jazz track should have.
Asees Kaur
Intehan ho gayi
Bappi Lahiri took a jazz composition and gave it a Bollywood twist, while retaining the authenticity of the Indian singers. He did it so well that anyone hearing the song, in any part of the world, would appreciate it.
Ash King
Tu bole
Tu bole main boloon from the movie Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is my favourite one because AR Rahman sir’s knowledge of music theory [is evident here]. Jazz music requires a concrete skill set that can be learnt through structured practice. The swing, chord progressions and syncopation is something he excels in.
Vikram Montrose
Ude khule aasman mein
This song from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara has a commercial element attached to it. Yet, it retains the essence of jazz music. When we think about jazz music, we usually think about the piano, but this song was created with the use of so many strings.
Abhijeet Sawant
Ek ladki bheegi bhaagi si
EK ladki bheegi bhaagi si by SD Burman is one of the best jazz-influenced Bollywood songs. Burman saab was far ahead of his time, and his mix of swing and jazz in a Bollywood song was an amazing example.
Gourav Dasgupta