Sukanya Verma looks at their eclectic career of over two decades as their latest offering Citadel: Honey Bunny, the Indian leg of the Russo Brothers globetrotting spy universe series, drops on Amazon Prime Video on November 7.

'With passage of time, Kamal did move away from the humdrum of commercial cinema, using it only as a peg to launch a new concept or new technology, as no other actor/film-maker has done in Indian cinema.' N Sathiya Moorthy assesses the career and politics of movie legend Kamal Haasan on his 70th brthday.

'This epic adaptation brings to life one of India's most cherished tales with unmatched scale and visionary storytelling.'

'The great singer Shardaji took Bhojpuri music and singing to the national and international level with her singing!'

Alia's Gucci style... Kriti finds wisdom...Dia visits a forest...

'I was completely in awe of him. After the shot was okayed, I would quickly run back to my chair and sit quietly till I was called again.'

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor's little girl Raha turned two on November 6, and we were treated to the most adorable pictures on social media.

'Kamal has surfed and navigated a lot of tidal waves, manoeuvring the peaks and troughs, combining rare intelligence and commonly available intuitions to overcome unimaginable crises all his life.' 'There is no looking back at the past, for his only motto has been 'Tomorrow belongs to us'!'

'There are films, documentaries and reportage on the Internet regarding the Godhra riots. But whether the Sabarmati Express burned in an accident or a planned attack, what was the truth?'

Sukanya Verma quizzes you to find out just how much you know about the movies.

'Here is a man who's always pushing the envelope regardless of the repercussions.' 'That's the frenzy of a genius at work.'

Watch her in hand-to-hand combat, wielding guns, firing weapons and breaking bones like a beast in some of the sleekly done one-take sequences. She also owns some emotionally-charged moments within the same dramatic beat, observes Mayur Sanap.

Andaz Apna Apna is practically the most quoted film since Sholay, observes Sukanya Verma, as she celebrates 30 years of this cult classic movie.

Varun Dhawan's naked scene in the first episode of Citadel Honey Bunny is being widely discussed among netizens.

Rohit Shetty is so pleased with Tiger Shroff's Lakshman act in Singham Again that the director is reportedly building an entire film around his character.

Kareena's cop, Rajni's supercop and Samantha's spy, it's a star-studded week on OTT this time. Sukanya Verma lists your options on OTT this week.

It's too bad Viijay 69 does not let the viewer feel Anupam Kher's despair or his triumph. The most forgettable 'zero to hero' films at least managed that much, notes Deepa Gahlot.

The trio was seen together on Friday, as they headed to a private airport in Kalina, north west Mumbai.

'It was my job to read out their lines to the actors and make sure they spoke them with the right diction, accent and pronunciation. If you look at my photographs from the Sadma set, you will always find me with a file in hand, even when I am in my costume. While Kamal and Sridevi were diligent about their Hindi dialogue, Silk Smitha, while always respectful, was not too interested in her lines or my instructions.'

'It reached a point where I think I self-imploded. I was not a happy person. And the fire within me diminished.'

'I would think a hundred times before I wrote a gay character or a mentally challenged character because it requires a lot of research and empathy. That's the reason I shy away entirely from stories that have rape. I just can't. It's just terrifying for me, as a woman, to handle subjects like that because it's so sensitive.'

'Varun was so exhilarated with the intense physical action sequences.' 'Samantha is very agile.' 'I don't know how they did it. It's really hard.'

Soha shows us her beach face... Kushboo attends a wedding... ready to watch Nayanthara's life unfold?

'I want to just haso, hasao and khush raho.'

Diwali releases Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 scored big and entered the Rs 200 Crore (Rs 2 billion) Club before the close of the second weekend.

Kriti Kharbanda took a trip down memory lane when her rom-com Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana clocked seven years since its release.

Namrata Thakker picks her 10 favourite Leo movies.

This year saw a lot of celebrities embracing parenthood, and they have given the Class of 2024 some unusual names.

'I don't think it's too late.'

'I prefer to remain grounded, constantly aware of my imperfections and my duty to improve.' 'Hence, after considerable reflection, I feel compelled to respectfully decline all such titles or prefixes.'

Last week, two wild card contestants entered the Bigg Boss 18 house but only one is making their presence felt.

'Hopefully, in 10 years, I will cross over.' 'I'll be doing Hindi stuff, but hopefully, global projects too.'

'As a storyteller, one always looks to create something for the audience which is thrilling, engaging and entertaining and that is exactly what we have endeavoured with Sikandar Ka Muqaddar.'

'Mom trusted the wrong people, and let the wrong kind of elements get into our life.'

'There's a very strong feeling of sisterhood that I feel is missing in Indian households.' 'I genuinely advocate the feeling of sisterhood because I feel that some of the strongest bonds, friendships and support groups could be our immediate relatives.'

None of Amjad Khan's subsequent roles could outshine Sholay. He had begun his career at the top and had no higher peaks left to conquer. Dinesh Raheja salutes the iconic actor on his 80th birth anniversary.

Vaani's cute Nimrat goes on holiday...Alaya gets the blues...

Kartik wants to savour Litti Chokha in Patna... Amyra holidays in Phuket... Karishma in Italy...

Mother’s have been an important part of Hindi cinema. Over the years, the portrayal of mothers in Bollywood has been changing. Mothers are given much more importance in cinema than just being a character actor who has to nod to everything the husband or the child says. 

On the occasion of Mother’s Day, here’s looking at some of the most popular on-screen mothers. 

Rakhee 

Her dialogue “Mere Karan Arjun aayenge'' is not something that one will forget anytime soon. She played mother to actors Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan in the hit film Karan Arjun. While Rakhee has played varied roles in her illustrious career spanning over 50 years, when it came to being a mother onscreen she has been seen as a woman of principles including in films like Baazigar, Ram Lakhan, Soldier, Khalnayak and others. 

Farida Jalal 

Farida Jalal too has been part of the industry for almost fifty years and continues to impress people with her charm. While the actress has played different kinds of roles, her motherly onscreen figure is the one most remembered by people. From being Shah Rukh Khan’s mother in Duplicate to Kajol’s in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge, she is the kind of mother who is always ready to make sacrifices for her child. She is also popular for the savage yet emotional grandmother of Jiya from the television series Shararat. 

Kirron Kher

She is often cast as the loud Punjabi mother with a soft heart always caring and worrying about her child. From Dostana, to Hum Tum to Singh is King to Om Shanti Om she was the mother who could also make you laugh with her snarky comments. While she started her career in film in 1983, most of her hit films including Main Hoon Na and Rang De Basanti see her play the role of a mother. 

Reema Lagoo

Best remembered for her role in Tu Tu Main Main, she has largely been seen in Bollywood films playing the emotional mother. She has played mother to most superstars in the late 80s and 90s. She was considered as a "new-age mother" in Hindi cinema. She was low on drama and was not too emotional either, perfectly maintaining the balance between the two. From Hum Saath Saath Hai to Hum Aapke Hai Kaun to Kal Ho Naa Ho, she is the kind of mother you just want to give a hug and say everything will be okay. 

 Jaya Bachchan 

How can an onscreen mother’s list be complete without Jaya Bachchan. She raised the bar for on-screen mothers with her performance in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. The scene with Shah Rukh Khan’s entry in the film will be remembered for Jaya Bachchan’s sixth sense rather than the superstar’s entry. She then went on to ditch the saree and all the parampara and thali and was seen playing a bold single mother in Kal Ho Naa Ho. 

Ratna Pathak Shah

She will always be remembered dearly as Maya Sarabhai who could accept anything else but being middle class. When it comes to playing a mother in Bollywood, she has never been typecast and has shown variety in her characters. In Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na she was the protective and progressive mother to Imran Khan’s character who could not tolerate violence or any unjust activities. She once again played mother to Imran Khan in Ek Main Aur Ek Tu. She was a rich- sophisticated woman yet very different from her character Maya Sarabhai. Meanwhile, she played a middle-class mother to Taapsee Pannu in the film Thappad who worried more about “Log Kya Kahenge”. 

Let us know your favourites in the comment section.

Today, May 10, India celebrates Mother’s Day. The Internet is flooded with people sharing their fond memories with their mothers and thanking them for everything they do selflessly. Owing to the lockdown, many are unable to celebrate this day they usually do with several people staying away from their family. All this love is now being outpoured on social media. 

Bollywood celebrities are also taking to social media to share pictures, songs and poems for their dear mothers. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana is debuting a song titled 'Ma', dedicated to all mothers. Sanjay Dutt has penned a poem for late mother Nargis Dutt, while Ananya Panday shared an old video where she is answering who is her most favourite person in the world and she says her mother. Sara Ali Khan shared an unseen picture of her as a newborn baby posing with her mother and grandmother. Other celebrities also wished their mothers in their own ways with heartfelt posts. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

It’s been 39 years since you left us but I know you’re always by my side. I wish you were here with me, today & everyday. Love you and miss you everyday Mom.

A post shared by Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) on May 3, 2020 at 2:04am PDT

 

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माँ। #HappyMothersDay

A post shared by Abhishek Bachchan (@bachchan) on May 10, 2020 at 12:12am PDT

 

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Meri Maa ki Maa ????????‍♀️????????????????????‍♀️ Thank you for creating Mommy ????????????????‍????‍???????????????? #HappyMothersDay

A post shared by Sara Ali Khan (@saraalikhan95) on May 9, 2020 at 11:45am PDT

 

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❤️ Love & only love - Happy Mother’s Day Ma ❤️

A post shared by Riddhima Kapoor Sahni (RKS) (@riddhimakapoorsahniofficial) on May 9, 2020 at 10:48pm PDT

 

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This pretty much sums up mother's day and well... every other day with Tim ❤️???? #HappyMothersDay

A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan) on May 9, 2020 at 11:16pm PDT

 

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The answer is still the same ???? love u @bhavanapandey ❤️

A post shared by Ananya ???????? (@ananyapanday) on May 9, 2020 at 12:16pm PDT

Words fall short when it comes to describing how much you two mean to me. A mom's job is the hardest in the world and you two have been pros. Thank you for everything.❤️ #HappyMothersDay pic.twitter.com/1B9e3OiwSX

— Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) May 10, 2020

Here's something for all the Mothers out there who constantly and selflessly shape our lives and the world. This track has been composed by my dear talented friend @RochakTweets and the lyrics are by my amazing nikka phraa @guggss. #HappyMothersDay pic.twitter.com/ZrVltvIAr2

— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) May 10, 2020

 

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Then & Now! ???? Happyy Mother’s Day Mumma! ???????????? Since you can’t take me piggyback anymore, i just want you to know that your warm cuddles and your smile make my heart equally happy ???????????? I love you! ❤️❤️ @geeta_sanon

A post shared by Kriti (@kritisanon) on May 9, 2020 at 10:57pm PDT

 

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Happy Mothers Day to the strongest woman i know... everyday i find something like you in me, sometimes it freaks me out, but mostly i love it ???? I’ll always be your little doll... love you Maa... ????

A post shared by Sonakshi Sinha (@aslisona) on May 9, 2020 at 11:15pm PDT

 

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Hmmm..... so that’s where I get it from ???? #HappyMothersDay

A post shared by Taapsee Pannu (@taapsee) on May 9, 2020 at 9:42pm PDT

 

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Dodging them till date. Keep them coming Maa. Love you! ❤️

A post shared by Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09) on May 9, 2020 at 5:40pm PDT

 

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Just like every other day❤️❤️❤️so lucky to have you mommyyy #mothersday

A post shared by Tiger Shroff (@tigerjackieshroff) on May 9, 2020 at 10:18pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

my safe place.. love you mama ❤️

A post shared by Alia Bhatt ☀️ (@aliaabhatt) on May 10, 2020 at 1:29am PDT

Full Article

It is that day when we celebrate motherhood, mothers, their unmatched love and every small and big thing they do for us. Bollywood celebrities have been sharing heart-warming photos and posts on social media, to mark the day. For Shilpa Shetty, however, it is an extra special day since her surrogate daughter Samisha came home a few months back, and she gets to celebrate the day with her two children now!

During a recent interview, Shilpa reveald that she always wanted two kids since she knows how impactful having a sibling can be, and did not want son Viaan to grow up alone. However, she developed an auto-immune condition called APLA which caused her miscarriages every time she got pregnant.

Before she decided to opt for surrogacy, Shilpa revealed she had also considered adoption as an option and put her name with an organisation for the same. However, it got pushed due to internal disputes and after waiting for four years, her patience got over and she and husband Raj Kundra decided to have a surrogate baby.

On Instagram, we keep coming across photos of the happy family, and Viaan always looks excited to have been promoted to a big brother.

Happy Mother's Day to you, Shilpa!

Actor Dipika Chikhlia, who was seen playing the role of Sita in Ramayan, was introduced to an unmatched popularity that has not faded even today. In an earlier interview, she had revealed how people in the villages would still refer to her as Sita and would even try touching her feet! However, given a choice today, Sita would not be the character she would like to play.

In a recent conversation, Dipika revealed she had evolved as an actor, and would rather be interested to play Kaikeyi, lord Ram's stepmother who insisted her husband Dashratha to send Ram, Lakshman and Sita to an exile for 14 years. Dipika added that playing a negative career was an entirely different experience and she was fond of playing roles that let her explore herself as an artist.

Actor Sunil Lahiri, who played Lakshman's character, said he'd still pick the same role, but if he had another choice, he would like to get into the shoes of Ravana as the character had many shades and would give an actor many varieties to perform.

As the nationwide lock-down began, Doordarshan started re-airing some of its most popular TV shows, Ramayan being the first one. On April 16, it became the world's most watched TV show, with 7.7 crore viewers.

The season of comebacks is here in the K-pop industry! Big Hit Entertainment's rookie group Tomorrow x Together is set for their second comeback this summer. The quartet will complete their trilogy with 'The Dream Chapter: Eternity'. 

The first teaser of their title track 'Can't You See Me' is here. More than one year after their debut, the boys are all grown up in this comeback. You hear them sing, "Can't you see me? / Like that magical day / Say believe me / Can't you see me?"

The five members are seen spending some good times together before everything falls apart. In the end, all of them stand outside a burning house as Soobin is seen screaming! It already looks like the MOAs are in for an emotional rollercoaster ride.

The concept trailer had similar emotions - a sense of losing your close friends over the course of time and lost feeling Soobin senses when he gets captured in the glass box.

The album is set to release on May 18, 2020. The group, which includes five members - Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Huening Kai, debuted on March 4, 2019, with the EP 'The Dream Chapter: Star' with lead single 'Crown'. This was followed by 'The Dream Chapter: Magic' with '9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)' as its lead single.

Not just that, they also made their Japanese debut on January 15, 2020, with the single 'Magic Hour'. 

ALSO READ: TXT drops The Dream Chapter: Eternity concept trailer and the morse code says “SAVE ME”

<strong>EXPECTATIONS</strong> One look at the title <em>The Dark Side of Life - Mumbai City</em> and it seems more apt for a book than a feature film. Nonetheless, that is indeed the case for this film which has a mix of newcomers and experienced actors with Mahesh Bhatt being seen in a crucial part as well. While Azeem Shirazi is the biggest contributor as the lyricist, several composers come together to create half a dozen songs in the film. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-925603" src="https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/T4.jpg" alt="" width="620" height="450" /> <strong>MUSIC</strong> The kind of sound that kick-starts <strong><em>'Aawargi'</em></strong> reminds one of the kind of music that Vikram Bhatt time and again brings in his films. Jubin Nautiyal is effective as the singer in this Sabir Khan composition which is put together by Azeem Shirazi. The trouble though is that the song sounds dated by at least a decade. Hence, even though it has a soft feel to it, the overall impact is not the kind that makes you revisit it again on loop. The song that follows next is titled <strong><em>'Tu Mujhse Nikalta Nahi'</em></strong> and has the kind of hook-line which is indeed catchy. In a bigger film with a larger setup, this Prakash Prabhakar composed and heard song may well have found good traction. Again, the song is not exceptional but still has that quintessential Bhatt touch to it which makes it stand out. Moreover, Tanveer Gazi puts together a good spin of words, especially the title. Remember <em>'Manali Trance'</em> from <em>The Shaukeens</em>? The song which follows, <strong><em>'Saanp Seedhi Wala Saanp'</em></strong>, is on the same lines and belongs to the trance genre. As a matter of fact Tripty Sinha sings this one too in the same style as that of Neha Kakkar and does manage to make an impact too. It is a new team of composer Sandeep Batraa and lyricists Azeem Shirazi and Ozil Dalal who pair up for this promotional song which is expected to bring in good entertainment quotient. However, a little impact that had been created so far is diluted to a major extent by Rashid Khan composed <strong><em>'Ae Zindagi'</em></strong> which is as sad as it gets. From the composition, writing (Nisar Akhtar) as well as the singing (Altamash Faridi Brothers) perspective, the song is really depressing and just doesn't make you root for it all. A slow moving number that is all about pathos, separation and the fact that life doesn't have much to offer to the protagonists, this one belongs to the quick-skip variety. Another newcomer, Shaan Asif Raj, is the composer for <strong><em>'Muddaton'</em></strong> which starts with the sound of guitar. Seemingly a concert number, this Azeem Shirazi written song is rendered by Amit Mishra. A soft rock number, <em>'Muddaton'</em> tries to bring in the kind of mood that was created by <em>'Sun Raha Hai'</em> [<em>Aashiqui 2</em>]. Though it does fall short, it still makes for a decent hear after all. Had it carried more punch to it, this one could well have found itself a better audience. <strong><em>'Aawargi Deewangi'</em></strong> is the song that concludes the album and its depressing notes do not really help the cause. On the same lines as <em>'Ae Zindagi'</em>, this one is written by Aslam Sani with music by Ahsan Ahmed. There is just nothing in there which arrests your attention and even though Mohammed Irfan is the singer here, you don't really find much entertainment quotient in there. <strong>OVERALL</strong> The music of <em>The Dark Side of Life - Mumbai City</em> is a mixed bag and though there is no real chartbuster out there, two-three songs at least hold your attention while at play. <strong>OUR PICK(S)</strong> <em>‘Tu Mujhse Nikalta Nahi’</em>, <em>‘Saanp Seedhi Wala Saanp’</em>, <em>‘Muddaton’</em>

<strong>EXPECTATIONS</strong> Films directed by Abhishek Kapoor have traditionally carried good music. From <em>Rock On</em> to <em>Fitoor</em>, the music has been consistently impressive and has been as per the theme and setting of the film. Now that he is bringing on <em>Kedarnath</em> that marks the launch of Sara Ali Khan opposite Sushant Singh Rajput, one waits to hear what do composer Amit Trivedi and lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya have to offer. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-926514" src="https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Petition-filed-in-Gujarat-High-Court-seeking-ban-on-Sushant-Singh-Rajput-Sara-Ali-Khan-starrer-Kedarnath.jpg" alt="" width="620" height="450" /> <strong>MUSIC</strong> There is something truly divine about the manner in which <strong><em>‘Namo Namo’</em></strong> begins. A devotional number which is truly devoid of any forced Bollywood inspirations, this one is a well rendered number by Amit Trivedi and makes an instant impression. A smooth sailing song that has a peaceful feel to it and is further accentuated due to the striking visuals that go alongside, ‘<em>Namo Namo’</em> can well be assured of a long shelf life amongst those who want to hear a devotional number first thing in the morning. A love song arrives next in the form of <strong><em>‘Qaafirana’</em></strong> and the mood and feel remains consistent with the kind of set up that Abhishek wanted to put together for <em>Kedarnath</em>. Moreover, there is certain director’s touch that is apparent in the way the tune has been composed, words have been written and especially the manner in which Arijit Singh has rendered this one. There are minimum instruments in the background as primarily it’s the voice and the core composition that takes centre stage which ensures that <em>‘Qaafirana’</em> turns out to be a soulful number that can be heard for a serene experience. What further adds to the beautiful melody is the manner in which Nikhita Gandhi makes a very good impression as a singer despite making a late entry. Things take a celebratory turn as Dev Negi enters the scene and croons <strong><em>‘Sweetheart’</em></strong>. A fun number which is just the kind that one could expect from a Karan Johar, Imtiaz Ali or Aditya Chopra film, this one is as Bollywood as it gets. As a matter of fact it also faintly reminds one of <em>‘Butterfly’</em> [<em>Jab Harry Met Sejal</em>] due to the kind of desi stage and setting that goes with the situation in which the song is set. This one could well have been picked up by Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor or Shahid Kapoor with glee and in that aspect Sushant Singh Rajput can well be happy about the fact that he bagged ‘Sweetheart’ which is a potential chartbuster. Arijit Singh returns on the scene, this time with <strong><em>‘Jaan ‘Nisaar’</em></strong> which appears in a couple of versions. A situational number where the male protagonist is trying to understand why his ladylove is unhappy with him and is trying to woo her all the way back, this one has a smooth flow to it which sees Indian melody being supported by Western instruments. That said the consistency of sound stays in the mood set so far in <em>Kedarnath</em>. Asees Kaur is the voice of the female version and this one somehow appears to be even slower. This is the kind of number that is good when heard in a stand-alone fashion though one can’t expect it to emerge as a chartbuster of sorts. <strong>OVERALL</strong> The music of <em>Kedarnath</em> is good and though it doesn’t have too many songs to result in a complete package affair, it is fine till it lasts. This one has the kind of music that could well grow on the basis of the success of the film. <strong>OUR PICK(S)</strong> <em>‘Namo Namo’</em>, <em>‘Qaafirana’</em>, <em>‘Sweetheart’</em>

<strong>EXPECTATIONS</strong> After Sunny Deol's delayed releases <em>Mohalla Assi</em> and <em>Bhaiyaji Superhit</em>, it is now time for Sunny Leone's long pending <em>Tina &amp; Lolo</em> to finally see the light of the day. Announced five years back, the film was originally supposed to feature Minissha Lamba with Sunny Leone. However, Karishma Tanna came in place of Minissha, though the film continued to get delayed. Now that it is gearing up for arrival, one waits to see how does the film's music turn out to be. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-930160" src="https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Music-Review-Tina-Lolo.jpg" alt="" width="620" height="450" /> <strong> MUSIC</strong> Enbee and Ikka (who is also the lyricist) come together as composers and singers for <strong><em>'Dirty Girl'</em></strong>. A fun-n-naughty number that is just in the kind of territory that one expects from a Sunny Leone dance number, this one with Shivangi Bhayana as the female singer has the kind of hook-line which is catchy but that's about it. Otherwise whether it is the beginning or the end of the intermittent rap portion, there isn't much striking about 'Dirty Girl'. On the same lines as <strong><em>'Aaj Blue Hai Paani Paani</em></strong>' [Yaariyaan], <strong><em>'Tension Waali Raat'</em></strong> does fetch your attention. An Arko written and composed song, this one has Neha Kakkar in her element as she goes about singing this one in her own naughty 'andaaz'. Though the choreography and picturisation of the song with Farhad Bhiwandiwala as the other vocalist leaves much to be desired, as a standalone number it does make you play it again. Had the number been released at the time when Sunny Leone was in her prime, this one could well have covered a distance. Last to arrive is the song of seduction, <strong><em>'Raat Ke Saaye Tale</em></strong>', which is rendered by Aakanksha Sharma. A lazy number that has standard lyrics by Rohit Sharma, it also has ordinary music by Raghav Sachar that hardly leaves much of an impression. This one may just about make heads turn if supported by the kind of picturisation that the genre, stage and setting desires. Otherwise as just a musical piece it makes for a one time hear and that's about it

<strong>EXPECTATIONS</strong> First things first, it is extremely surprising that the entire soundtrack of <em>Zero</em> released on the same day as the film's arrival in theatres. Even though <strong><em>'Mere Naam Tu'</em></strong>, <strong><em>'Issaqbaazi' </em></strong>as well as <strong><em>'Husn Parcham'</em></strong> had been received quite well, somehow the makers didn't unveil the entire soundtrack with four more songs. What's further surprising is that these songs have been quite well composed as well and hence one wonders why the jukebox release was delayed. Nonetheless, let's check out what Ajay-Atul and Tanishk Bagchi along with Irshad Kamil have to offer. <img class="aligncenter wp-image-936677 size-full" title="Music Review: Zero" src="https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Music-Review-Zero-005.jpg" alt="Music Review: Zero" width="720" height="405" /> <strong> MUSIC</strong> <em>Zero</em> sees a fantastic start for itself, what with <strong><em>'Mere Naam Tu'</em></strong> turning out to be the love ballad of the year. A marvellous composition by Ajay-Atul with some beautiful poetic lyrics by Irshad Kamil, <em>'Mere Naam Tu'</em> has been sung brilliantly by Abhay Jodhpurkar. In fact his voice suits Shah Rukh Khan to the T and one now waits for their further collaborations. An all-rounder of a tune which makes one play this romantic number in loop<strong>, </strong><em>'Mere Naam Tu'</em> has a grand feel to it, especially the orchestra and the chorus that emerges at the end. Chartbuster. The combo of Ajay-Atul and Irshad Kamil continues with further offering in the form of<strong><em> 'Issaqbaazi'</em></strong>. This was meant to be a huge inclusion in<em> Zero</em> considering the fact that it features Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan together. However, Salman has limited appearance in this song which is rendered by Sukhwinder Singh and Divya Kumar. A catchy number with a foot tapping appeal, this one has a 80s feel to it with a UP-Bihar set up. Somehow the song doesn't cover an extra distance to emerge as a huge success and just about fits into the proceedings. As for Katrina Kaif, she does get a special song indeed; what with <strong><em>'Husn Parcham'</em></strong> pretty much paying homage to her <em>'husn'</em>. Think Katrina Kaif and you expect a song like this which takes her into <em>'Sheila Ki Jawaani'</em> zone. Of course, this one with Bhoomi Trivedi as the lead singer and Raja Kumari adding with her rap is more class oriented but it a chartbuster number nonetheless. As a matter of fact after you have heard this one a couple of times, <em>'Husn Parcham'</em> comes across as a tune that Vishal-Shekhar would have composed with ease. Yet again, it is huge orchestra at play as Ajay-Atul brings on the kind of canvas that is expected out of them. A song about separation and pining heart that is rooting for true love, <strong><em>'Ann Bann' </em></strong>is a very well written number that is sung quite well too by Kunal Ganjawala. It is after a long time that one hears the singer in a biggie and he does complete justice to <em>'Ann Bann'</em> which comes as a crucial juncture in the film's narrative and adds good weight to the proceedings. A well composed, tunes and sung situational number. Tanishk Bagchi takes over from this point on and is associated with as many as three songs. First to arrive is Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's <strong><em>'Tanha Hua'</em></strong> which is recreated by Tanishk with Jyoti Nooran and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan coming together. An excellent number which has Irshad Kamil adding on to Khwaja Parvaiz's words, <em>'Tanha Hua'</em> is a heartfelt number of pain and intensity about loneliness in love. This is the kind of number that should have been promoted long ago as it has the adequate depth and is also in Shah Rukh zone. Hope it finds its audience soon. The soundtrack only continues to get better, what with <strong><em>'Heer Badnam'</em></strong> coming next. A superb song that is sung brilliantly by Romy, it has just the kind of lyrics that one would have expected from guest lyricist Kumaar. He pours in all the pain that one feels in love and it is remarkable to hear how Romy goes about rendering this one with Tanishk Bagchi coming up with a composition that is instantly catchy and impressive. Any regrets? Well, the song is just 140 seconds long when it could have just been apt had it been much longer. Altamash Faridi concludes <em>Zero </em>on a satisfactory note with the traditional <strong><em>'Duma Dam Mast Kalandar'</em></strong>. There is something magical about this sufi outing that you are entertained each time it is played. There may have been close to half a dozen filmy outings that the song has already witnessed in last few years but you never get tired of it. Same is the case here too in Zero. <strong> OVERALL</strong> <em> Zero</em> is a complete album and is one of the best that 2018 had to offer. Had the promotion of the entire soundtrack been intensive during last couple of months, the songs may well have reached a different level altogether. Nonetheless, now that the soundtrack is out, do give it a hear for sure. <strong>OUR PICK(S)</strong> <em> Mere Naam Tu, Husn Parhcham, Tanha Hua, Heer Badnaam</em>

<strong>EXPECTATIONS</strong> This one actually throws a pleasant surprise. Typically when it comes to independent films one can't really be sure of the kind of music that they would offer. However in case of <em>Bombairiya</em> there is some effort that has actually been put into creating some pleasant music. Arko is brought on board along with guest composers Amjad-Nadeem and the results are satisfactory. <img class="aligncenter wp-image-936675 size-full" title="Music Review Bombairiya" src="https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Music-Review-Bombairiya.jpg" alt="Music Review Bombairiya" width="720" height="405" /> <strong>MUSIC</strong> Arko plays the triple role of composer, lyricist and singer for <strong><em>'Sanki',</em></strong> a Punjabi-Hindi number that is just the kind that on expects from a Punjabi hip-hop album. With a catchy tune to it, <em>'Sanki' </em>turns out to be instantly catchy and makes one look forward to how it is placed in the film. Producer Michael E Ward chips in too with lyrics for this fun number that has a hook playing right through which makes one nod in appreciation. Next to arrive is <strong><em>'Bairiya'</em></strong>, the word which also forms the base for the film's title <em>Bombairiya.</em> The song arrives in two versions, one which is a Navraj Hans solo and another that has Akriti Kakar joining as well. A sufi outing which has a melodic base to it, <em>'Bairiya</em>' is composed as well as written quite well by Arko. As a matter of fact one could well have expected a song like to feature in an Akshay Kumar film since the superstar is known for including such music for a soothing love song situation. This one deserves to cover good distance in both the versions. Amjad-Nadeem chip in for <strong><em>'Sajde Karoon'</em></strong>. They write as well as compose this number which is spearheaded by Yasser Desai with Warsi brothers (Meraj Warsi, Riyaz Warsi, Faraz Warsi) adding on well in the background. A 'qawalli' that manages to establish an identity of its own and adds on to the genre that it belongs to; <em>'Sajde Karoon'</em> could well be utilized for a devotional as well as romantic outing. This one makes it three out of three for <em>Bombairiya</em>. <strong>OVERALL</strong> Music of <em>Bombairiya</em> is good and it would have covered some distance had it been promoted well. One just hopes that the soundtrack doesn't go unnoticed due to lack of awareness. <strong> OUR PICK(S)</strong> Sanki, Bairiya, Sajde Karoon &nbsp;

<strong>EXPECTATIONS</strong> Rohit Shetty films are traditionally not known for their music. At best, the soundtrack of his action-comedy entertainers are functional and they solve the purpose of keeping the narrative going. Hence, one expects the same from <em>Simmba</em> as well which has Tanishk Bagchi getting his biggest break when it comes to composing most of the songs, with multiple lyricists coming together to pen their pieces. <img class="aligncenter wp-image-928962 size-full" title="Music Review: Simmba" src="https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Aankh-Marey-Simmba.jpg" alt="Music Review: Simmba" width="720" height="405" /> <strong>MUSIC</strong> Chartbuster song <strong><em>'Aankh Marey'</em></strong> from <em>Tere Mere Sapne</em> is recreated for the Ranveer Singh-Sara Ali Khan starrer and it turns out to be a massive chartbuster from the word go. It is always heartening when a recreation is done well and Tanishk Bagchi deserves full credit for getting it fantastically right with this Kumar Sanu original that is now sung by Mika Singh. The singer comes together with Neha Kakkar behind the mike and together they have loads of fun while Shabbir Ahmed comes up with new lyrics. The song is set to be played right into 2019. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's legendary number <strong><em>'Tere Bin Nahi Lagda Dil'</em></strong> is recreated as well by Tanishk Bagchi and the end result is melodious again. Rashmi Virag writes new lyrics for <em>'Tere Bin'</em> which has Rahat Fateh Ali Khan taking the lead and Tanishk Bagchi along with Asees Kaur chipping in. A beautiful number that has stayed on to be immortal for over the decades, this one is a shift from <em>'Aankh Merey'</em>, hence adding on to variety in <em>Simmba</em>. It is back to 'masti' and celebrations with Tanishk Bagchi and Shabbir Ahmed coming together for <strong><em>'Aala Re Aala'</em></strong>. A 'tapori' number, this one has a 80s feel to it and sung with aplomb by Dev Negi. An introduction song of Ranveer Singh in the film, this one has Goldi as the additional singer and together the team comes up with a functional track which suits the film's purpose. Lijo George-DjChetas pair up for <strong><em>'Mera Wala Dance'</em></strong> and one wonders why was this song not promoted earlier on. With a fantastic hook to it, courtesy Kunaal Vermaa, this could well have turned into an instant chartbuster had it been unveiled earlier on. Nonetheless, this one carries a lot more fun when compared to the song before [<em>‘Aala Re Aala’</em>] and it could well have been Ranveer Singh's entry number as well. With Kumaar as the writer and Nakash Aziz as the lead singer, it also lends Neha Kakkar yet another good platform to go and have fun. A situational number comes in next with Tanishk Bagchi spinning together <strong><em>'Bandeya Rey Bandeya'</em></strong>. Even though Arijit Singh is known for his romantic number, this one which is written by Rashmi Virag is far away from being set into a love zone. Instead, it comes in the middle of the film's second half and though it has Asses Kaur contributing too along with Altamash Faridi as Arijit Singh's singing partner, at best this one just about passes muster and can't be expected to have a long run. The soundtrack concludes with a couple of theme tracks. While Simmba Theme 1 is composed by Tanishk Bagchi, Simmba Theme 2 has Thaman S spinning it together. Both have an addictive element to them and as the film turns out to be a massive success, these pieces too would find good traction amongst the masses in order to generate good recall value. Moreover, there is distinct South feel to both the pieces which could well be seen as homage to Temper on which <em>Simmba</em> is based. <strong>OVERALL</strong> Music of <em>Simmba</em> is better than what one expected from it. Other than situational songs (most of which work), the soundtrack also boasts of songs like <em>'Aankh Marey'</em> and <em>'Mere Wala Dance'</em> which have it in them to cover a much larger distance. <strong>OUR PICK(S)</strong> <em>‘Aankh Maare’</em>, <em>‘Mere Wala Dance’</em>, <em>‘Tere Bin’</em>, <em>‘Simmba Theme 2’</em>

<strong>EXPECTATIONS</strong> There was a time when a Rajshri film was special and its music was much awaited as well. However, of late the production house has slowed down its operations, at least when it comes to feature films. Their last biggie was <em>Prem Ratan Dhan Payo</em> and now they are coming up with <em>Hum Chaar</em> which features four newcomers. Though Barjatyas have traditionally worked with a single composer for music of their films, they bring on board a horde of composers for <em>Hum Chaar</em>. Shabbir Ahmed writes. <img class="aligncenter wp-image-941754 size-full" title="Music Review: Hum Chaar" src="https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Music-review-–-Hum-Chaar.jpg" alt="Music Review: Hum Chaar" width="720" height="405" /> <strong>MUSIC</strong> George Joseph is the composer for <strong><em>'Friends Bhi Family Hain'</em></strong> which has night club music feel to it. That said, somehow the music overpowers lyrics (by Abhishek Dixit) and hence somehow the rendition by Aaman Trikha and Rajiv Sundaresan is lost in the middle of it all. Moreover, the core hook of the song is the kind that sounds more like an ad jingle than a film song. Team SARA gets to compose maximum number of songs in <em>Hum Chaar</em> with three of these to their credit. First to arrive is <strong><em>'Tum Aisi Kyun Ho'</em></strong> which is rendered by newcomer Sameer Khan. A romantic song which is set in a style that was prevalent 20 years back, this one has an Indi-pop feel to it. That said, it is still better than the opening number and is somehow ok at least. <strong><em>'Duffermasti'</em></strong> is the second offering by Team SARA and the first question that comes to mind is what exactly is the meaning of the song's title here. As it turns out though, this one tries to be all fun and peppy but doesn't really cover much of a distance. It has a feel of certain songs that have been created by Pritam in the past [<em>‘Ullu Ka Patha’</em>, <em>‘Pungi’</em>] but that's about it. Sameer Khan and Asees Kaur come together for Team SARA's third number <strong><em>'Gussa Tera Jayaz Hai'</em></strong>. A situational number where the protagonist is trying to pacify the girl in question who is a bit upset, it goes around in multiple directions before arriving at the key line. A slow moving number, one doesn't expect this one to cover much of a distance. With the name Atif Aslam attached to <strong><em>'Auliya'</em></strong>, one has good expectations from the song. That said, since the four songs so far haven't made much of an impression, there are doubts too about how would this Vipin Patwa composition play out. Well, this one too turns out to be just about okay. Though Atif does sing well, the composition doesn't cover much of a distance. Raaj Aashoo is the composer of <strong><em>'Manmeet Mere'</em></strong> and again one has some sorts of hope since Mohit Chauhan is the singer. As it turns out, this one turns out to be the best of the lot that <em>Hum Chaar</em> had to offer in this soundtrack. The song has good rhythm to it and though one does feel that a bit more energy would have made this a more pleasant outing, it is still fine. <strong>OVERALL</strong> There isn't much to celebrate about the music of <em>Hum Chaar</em> which is only fair and that's about it. <strong>OUR PICK(S)</strong> <em>‘Manmeet Mere’</em>, <em>‘Tum Aisi Kyun Ho’</em>