Ooh Lalala...

I love the show “Ooh Lalala” on Sun TV!! This is probably the first initiative by anyone to showcase a band’s ability in a competition on Indian TV. Most of the existing shows display an individual’s talent in such competitions however this show features bands flaunting own compositions as well as remixes of past numbers. Well, remixes here are not remixes in the normal sense as in adding a rhythm track to a slow number etc, but the ability of the band to innovate, adapt and make the number completely indistinguishable from the original…and this adds to the fun. First off, for a band, it’s extremely difficult to get any avenues to exhibit their prowess and it’s even more of a struggle to get a record label to listen to them. This opportunity is golden for bands and individuals willing to make a mark (and a career) in the music scene. From what I hear, this was the brainchild of the music label Saregama and Pepsico which then joined hands with India’s famous composer A.R.Rahman to bring this to fruition. Winners of this contest will get a chance to record an album in Rahman’s state-of-art music studio which itself would make any emerging artist swoon with its capabilities. This is a huge feather on Rahman’s cap for associating with this venture and attempting to unearth talent. Kudos to him.

Some of the bands that have showed up have real talent and have displayed tremendous ability in terms of composition, execution and flair. There have also been some that have not lived up to the standards put on by others. However, it does tell me that the organizers have a very good recruiting system and only quality performers have been able to step forward to compete. I have been very impressed with the music, the harmony lines and musical concepts demonstrated by some bands. With more exposure, I’m sure, many of these performers will learn to exhibit more panache and stage presence which is one thing I found lacking with many. It is understandable though since at this stage, these bands have landed here only on strength of their musical ability with no coach or retinue to teach them showmanship. I have also been astounded by some of the compositions in the remix segment. Usually, I’m very wary of remixes because I feel they dilute the essence of the original song and can never compare. But here, bands have been striving to give a different take on the originals and are succeeding at that. For example, I loved the remix of “Kadhal Sadugudu” from Alai Payuthe, which in itself is an awesome song by Rahman.

There are also some things I don’t like about the show. For starters, the show is too short at half hour. This show deserves at least an hour to go through all the contestants without sounding rushed. The short time also ensures that the editing team is really busy in post production which makes this show heavily clipped…and that’s a shame. We never get to hear fully what the judges want to say. I would have also been happier to see the comperes behave like normal people instead of practicing various exercise routines during introductions and indulging in hyperbole during the show. It almost makes me want A.V.Ramanan back to host this show (which tells you what I think about the existing comperes). I personally like two of the judges because I think they have real talent, though I would prefer them to be more loquacious. I have personally interacted with Paul Jacob when he used to perform in Pilani during his Anna University days and he is a humble, talented individual. Shivamani needs no introduction and it’s a pleasure to see him perform and judge. I don’t really know why Vasundhara Das needs to be here. Her resume might look impressive to some, but I find that she is not a great judge and doesn’t have the talent or accomplishments to sit on this panel. I remember on one of the days when she waxed eloquent about a band because they were employing a four part harmony which she said she was hearing for the first time in tamil music. This has been done previously several times by the giants of tamil music like MSV, Ilaiyaraja and Rahman. Obviously, she has a lot of music to catch up with. The garish set and production values could also have been much better.

Anyways, the niggles are few and far less important than the music on display. What’s important is the talent that’s being paraded for music buffs like us who are starved of original concept shows and have to make do with knock-offs from other countries.

You can watch previous episodes of the show at http://oohlalala.in/tamilnadu/tamilnadu_home1.php and keep track of the happenings here.

Go ahead, enjoy some good music, for a change!!