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SRK, Hrithik, Saif, Preity say Rock On
All those who thought the Rock On Humanity Concert was just another gathering of desi rock artists, were in for a pleasant surprise on Friday night. Organised by the Rock On guys Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal and Riteish Sidhwani, the star turnout at the event could rival that of any high profile Bollywood night. From Khans to Roshans the entire A-list of tinsel town came in to pledge their support for the Bihar Flood victims. But with charity this was a night glamour and music complemented each other. Rock music purists might have had a reason to complain with the Bollywoodisation of the event but the crowds weren't complaining. Read on to find out which of your favourite stars jammed along on stage.
The evening began just like the film did with Farhan Akhtar going "Is everybody having a good time?" followed by the Na Na Na... tune from the film. After the initial acts by Something Relevant, Raghu Dixit Project and Shair N Func came Kailash Kher's Kailasa - who managed to get the entire crowd swing to Teri Diwani. With his truly energetic act Kailash set the mood for the rest of the evening.
Parikrama came on stage with their star guitarist Saif Ali Khan who was in the mood for some AC/DC. Saif chose not to speak about the cause and instead let his music do the talking. Though he said he made the band look bad Parikrama are making good use of Khan's star power to reach out to a larger audience. Dressed in a white T-shirt and black glares Saif may not be a by the book strummer but he got the look spot on.
After Saif it was Preity's turn to add to the glam quotient. Preity thankfully declined Sophie's offer to sing and instead decided to promote her film Heroes along with the cause.
Poor Zayed Khan fell for Sophie's request and got booed away even before he could finish two lines. Ditto for Karan Johar who made an attempt to talk about the cause but realised in time that no one was in mood for sermons. So it was time to get on with the show as Vishal Dadlani's Pentagram came on stage. At the end of his act Vishal revealed the biggest surprise of the evening. He said, "The King...The Don is here..."
But sensing that rock fans were not in the mood for SRK's jokes he did what he does best. Khan signed off with a few dialogues from Don and won over everyone with his starry exit.
Shaan sang One Love and Main Aisa Kyoon Hoon while Kunal Ganjawala for some reason thought Channa Ve qualifies as a rock song. By now the so-called 'rock' show had become a regular Bollywood music night.
And yes indeed it was Shah Rukh Khan with his trademark wit said he didn't feel out of place at a rock concert as he was turning 18 in a few days. He said all those who didn't clap for him were those who hadn't received their cheques from him.
Rock On's MAGIK band finally came on stage and joined the trio. Too bad they only sung one song from the film - Pichle Saat Dinon...
But as they say the best is saved for the last. Shankar Ehsaan Loy gave a fitting finale by belting out rock versions of popular tracks from KANK, Don and Dil Chahta Hai.
True to his character in the film Arjun Rampal didn't speak anything and was totally involved in his guitar allowing Farhan to take centerstage. Shankar and Farhan got into a jugalbandi singing different versions of the same track. But as if there wasn't enough of Bollywood through the evening one more star attraction was ready to wow the fans.
True to his character in the film Arjun Rampal didn't speak anything and was totally involved in his guitar allowing Farhan to take centerstage. Shankar and Farhan got into a jugalbandi singing different versions of the same track. But as if there wasn't enough of Bollywood through the evening one more star attraction was ready to wow the fans.
No one in their wildest of dreams could imagine it would be Hrithik Roshan. Looking fit as ever and super stylish even with a stubble and unkempt hair Hirthik danced to the Rock On theme and sent the entire crowd into a frenzy. The show could not have asked for a better finale.
Now many would argue that the a charity event with rock musicians was turned into an award function. And we could even do without Javed and Shaban calling Farhan Akhtar the real Indian Idol. But keeping in mind television ratings and the visibility such a cause needs maybe mixing Bollywood stars with rock wasn't such a bad idea after all. It made for one hell of an entertaining evening.
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