Played to Order

Animal Planet is not the only channel that is weaving in an original score to grab attention. Roadies has many hit singles,the latest being Manmaani composed by the band Agnee,featuring Raghu Ram. The same was also nominated at the recently held Global Indian Music Awards (GIMA). Satyamev Jayate’s signature tunes at the end of each episode have been very popular on the internet and are available on iTunes as well. Elsewhere,Zee TV has given the usual filmi remixes a miss and got four new songs specially composed and recorded for its on-air show Rab Se Sona Ishq. “The soundtrack also recreates Sufi compositions of Bulleh Shah,Reshma and Abida Parveen. As the show progresses to a London setting and the mood of love changes,the background score will have rock music by music director duo

Gaurav-Sailesh,” says the show’s producer Kinnari Mehta of Jay Mehta productions.

From Manmaani to Satyamev Jayate’s signature songs to Zee’s new soap,is music on television shows getting original? “Yes,it is. Our song aims to act as a catalyst to bring awareness and sensitise the audience towards the protection of

Indian wildlife and its habitat,” reasons Rahul Johri,senior vice president and general manager — South Asia,Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific. Shaan seconds him. He says,“Music is the strongest medium which entertains and connects people from diverse social and linguistic backgrounds.”

For actor,musician,writer and director Luke Kenny,this trend of songs exclusively being made for television shows has much to do with market dynamics and demographics. “It is about engaging the target audience between the ages of 18 to 24 years and programmers are using music and musical content to increase the TRP,” feels Kenny. Raghu Ram adds,“When I wrote Manmaani,I had no clue it would turn into this youth anthem. It is a song about you,it inspires and talks about life and keeping the fire alive. That is what attracts the youth to a show like Roadies.”

Talk to music composer Ram Sampath,who has been instrumental in all the songs in Satyamev Jayate,and he feels a fresh perspective on content always brings greater attention to a show. “The only way to truly engage an audience is to say it from the heart. I don’t trust or believe in the current TRP system,but that’s another issue,” quips Sampath. Having composed Airtel’s youthful jingle Jo Mera Hai and Har Ek friend,Thumps Up’s Aaj kuchh toofani and for the film Delhi Belly,he’s of the view that evocative melody and meaningful lyrics will never go out of fashion.

Even though some original scores are being churned out,Sudeip Nair of Culture Shock,a company that promotes art,culture and music,has his reservations. “If one observes closely,then they will be able to fill in the blanks — that of variety. If Satyamev… had Ram Sampath and company,MTV’s shows have the band Agnee. Where are new voices,new talent and regional treasures?” questions Nair. He feels shows like Satyamev Jayate could’ve brought on stage different bands and musicians from varied backgrounds. “That would have made it more eclectic,” he reasons. “Music sells because shows like Satyamev…,Roadies and Splitsvilla are cult shows. Independently,there’s still a long way to go,” he sums up.