New Delhi (IANS): The lilting melodies of "Jhuki jhuki si nazar" and "Chupke chupke raat din" never fail to impress music buffs even today, but the popular ghazal genre seems to have taken a backseat in Hindi film industry.

While the older generation blames the young brigade of composers, the latter says it is the script that determines a movie's music.

"The new filmmakers are more inspired by Western culture. They copy Western music and feel that they have made a song. Such people don't know what ghazals are all about," ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Slumdog Millionaire, the 2008 British drama film directed by Danny Boyle and written by Simon Beaufoy, starring Dev Patel and Freida Pinto, was named best film of 2008 on Thursday morning by the National Board of Review and Motion Pictures, a nonprofit group that supports film and the arts.  Annie Schulhof, the board’s president, said the film, with “brilliant direction” by Danny Boyle, “shares a passionate story about one man’s courage and determination for the woman he loves.”

The uplifting background score is by none other than A.R. Rahman.  Take a look. (click Read More)

Prominent musicians of the country on hailed the 'Bharat Ratna' honour on Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and described him as the tallest icon of Hindustani classical music. He was honored on November 4th.

Renowned santoor players Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma and Satish Vyas expressed happiness over Bhimsen Joshi being chosen for the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award.

"The Bharat Ratna honour on Panditji has come at an opportune time. Actually, he should have been given this highest award long time back," Sharma told PTI.

Calling Pandit Bhimsen the 'Bhishmapitmah' of Hindustani classical music, Vyas said, "the Bharat Ratna honour on Panditji was an honour for the entire music world. He should have got it long ago.

"Many artists become famous but there are few who remain in the hearts of their listeners for such a long time. He is the real heart throb of music lovers. Panditji's contribution to Hindustani classical music is unparalleled."

It’s that time of the year when we exchange sweets, fire crackers, buy jeweleries etc. However, as we celebrate and enjoy the festival, let us not forget to sing the glory of Shri Krishna who destroyed Narkasur, the deamon who represents all evil amongst us. You shall find a glorious line in Shri Krishna Chalisa, which states,

Narkaasur mura khal sanhaari, Laaye shatdash sahas kumaari.

(You killed the demons Narkasur and Mura; and freed sixteen thousand and one hundred maidens who were kept in bondage by Narkasur.)

As some of you know, Dipawali amongst Hindus is celebrated for five days. The second day of Dipawali is called Narak Chaturdasi. It is the fourteenth lunar day of the dark forthnight of the month of Kartik and the eve of Dipawali. It is on this day that our beloved Supreme Lord Shri Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and liberated 16100 Kshatriya maidens who were kept captives by the demon.

Today brings Vijaya Dashmi, also known as Dussehra - one of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated with vigor and fanfare across India. It is the climax of nine day long festivities during the Durga Pooja. Vijaya (Victory) Dashmi (Tenth), marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana.

In north India, gigantic effigies of the ten-headed Ravana and his brothers are set aflame amidst bursting of crackers. Today also marks the beginning of the winter season after the long, unbearable, hot summer.

Please join today as we play Shree Durga and Shree Rama bhajans.