Enough to make an album,but no Games song a hit

After A R Rahman refused to react to the controversy created by his song,the spotlight seems to have shifted to the other composers and singers who have come up with their own Games songs. Kailash Kher,Daler Mehndi,Shaan,Kumar Sanu,composers Shamir Tandon and Anand Raj Anand have all joined the bandwagon,even as the Delhi government funded a Shera song by Shibani Kashyap,Vikramjeet Singh Sahney and Milind and a little more popular Dilli Meri Jaan by Delhi-based Euphoria. There are some other songs still being composed by Hariharan and percussionist Ranjit Barot,who is also in charge of all music related to the ceremonies. “There is so much of negativity around the Games. But my song,which is extremely peppy and energetic,will bring some positive energy to everything,” says Kailash Kher about his Rang Birangi Dilli which was released on artistealoud.com.

Anand calls his song a tribute to the spirit of sportsmanship. “My songs have been mostly patriotic in the past,and through my latest numbers,Invitation and Celebration,I intend to wipe away all the negativity around.”

But as far as airing the songs on radio and television channels is concerned,there is no trace of any of them except for Rahman’s song and Dilli Meri Jaan. However,most of these songmakers are expecting their songs to be also included in the opening or closing ceremony. “In a media-controlled environment,who does not want attention? However,everybody should be allowed to be creative and make their own music. Maybe they really feel for the country and want a creative outlet. But if I wasn’t commissioned by the Delhi government,I would have never made this song,” says Euphoria’s lead singer Palash Sen.

Though both Mehndi and Kashyap launched their songs with much fervour there is no trace of the numbers now. “It was played that day on all the channels and M S Gill loved it too. I hope it will be played at the ceremonies too,” says Kashyap.

Composer Shamir Tandon,who has composed a song for a DD show called Khel Khel Mein,says,“The anthem that I have composed came out much before Rahman’s song was heard. Also,since Rahman’s song did not become as popular,it shifted the focus to other numbers. We would love it if the song is played at the ceremonies.” Now,with so many songs the OC can actually think of compiling an album.