The Original Ooh La La

Vidya Balan might be the “Ooh La La girl” at the moment but back in 1996,the West Indies cricket team were already singing that tune,albeit with a Calypso twist. The Kingfisher commercial that first featured the West Indies team has come a long way since then,having got players such as Rahul Dravid,Anil Kumble,Sreesanth to international cricketers Adam Gilchrist,Shane Warne and Andrew Symonds sing that infectious tune. The commercial,which usually goes on air during the peak cricketing season,is all set to be back in a new and bigger avatar.

As IPL Season 5 picks up pace,23 cricketers from six different teams — Delhi Daredevils,Mumbai Indians,Royal Challengers Bangalore,Hyderabad Deccan Chargers,Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab — will be seen doing the karaoke once again. The shoot,being put together by Mumbai-based Bang Bang Films,is being directed by well-known adman Bosco,who has been hopscotching cities the last couple of days. After Jaipur,where the team shot players from Rajasthan Royals,the unit moved to set up camp at Chandigarh’s JW Marriott,now the official den of Kings XI Punjab.

A section of the hotel’s banquet hall resembled a set with cameras and screens,with a pitch-green backdrop and a golden painted microphone being the only props. “I have been putting together the commercial for three years now and each time,it’s a fun experience,” said Bosco,as he got Adam Gilchrist,Shaun Marsh,David Hussey,Piyush Chawla and Praveen Kumar from KXIP to face the camera. Gilchrist was evidently at ease,having been a part of the commercial for three years. “Once you start to sing,you can’t seem to stop humming it,” quipped the captain and coach of KXIP.

Breaking into a sweat,however,was David Hussey. “Facing the camera is harder than being a fast bowler,” he said. Piyush Chawla seemed to enjoy the most,even shimmying to the music. “It’s a good way to de-stress,” he said.

The shoot will be merged with the rest of the clippings. The duration of the commercial is 20-30 seconds. “This year,we have brought a regional flavour to the music. You’ll hear a Rajasthani mix when the Rajasthan Royals sing Ooh La La and Bhangra version when KXIP players come on,” said Bosco.

Fans who would rather make their own Ooh la la la le o version can do so by playing the Thirst Choir: Good Times Cheer Game,a Facebook application available on http://www.kingfisherworld.com