'Jai Ho' did not deserve an Oscar: Jagjit Singh

'Jai Ho' did not deserve an Oscar: Jagjit Singh

New Delhi: The world might be ga ga over A R Rahman's Oscar winning composition 'Jai Ho' but legendary Ghazal singer, Jagjit Singh finds the song overrated.

The 68-year-old legend who is famous for his candid nature believes that getting the Academy award was a golden moment in Indian history but the song per se did not deserve the honour.

"Getting an Oscar is no doubt a great achievement but the song, for which we got the award, is not so special.

Frankly I did not understand on what basis it was awarded," Singh told reporters at a function where he released his new album 'Inteha.'

The Ghazal maestro, said that he did not understand the lyrics of the composition and why it has become so popular that everybody from Indian political parties to International pop bands is eager to use it.

When referred that lyrics for the song has been penned by Gulzar with whom he has given many hits, Singh said, "When I work with Gulzar Sahab I categorically tell him to write such poetry which my fans and I can understand."

Singh, who has composed some hit music for films like 'Arth' and 'Saath Saath' in the 80's does not seem to have a good opinion about today's Bollywood music as he stated, "it lacks profound poetry and soulful tunes".

The singer who started his journey in the film industry as a music composer with 'Prem Geet' in 1981 said, "It (Bollywood music) is cheap music just meant for discotheques with nonsensical lyrics."

Taking a potshot at 'Delhi-6' hit song 'Masakali', Singh said that he was puzzled with the usage of offbeat words in the lyrics.

The legend, who is accredited with bringing Ghazal genre, which was previously restricted to the elite classes, to the masses, felt that Ghazal scenario in India was degrading as it lacks good songwriters and passionate singers.

The 'Baat nikalegi to fir' singer, felt that Ghazals were also lacking media patronage.

Talking about his idol, Pakistan's famous Ghazal singer, Mehendi Hassan who is reportedly facing an acute economic crunch said, "Government cannot take care of everybody. Successful singers should invest at the right time to secure their future and then come forward to promote others as well."

His latest album was launched 35,000 feet above sea level in an airplane by sitarist Anoushka Shankar. Singh said, "The album coming after two years was long due for my fans."

All 8 tracks of the album, comprising mostly romantic songs and some inspired by philosophy of life, will be released in DVDs and VCDs. "Today it has become important to make videos of the songs to attract the young crowd. In a way its a good effort as it exposes youngsters to Ghazals and generate their interest in this, otherwise neglected genre of music."

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/jai-ho-did-not-deserve-an-oscar-jagjit-sin.../444176/

i agree with him that jai ho didnt deserve oscar.....yah i m happy rehman got oscar.......but thats also true Jai ho wasnt his best composition........this is no better than his compositions in roza, bombay, dil se, RDB songs

^agreed i personally feel that slumdog millionaire might be his weakest compositions and even o saaya was better than jai ho but i'm glad a notable and respected artist got recoganized

I agree with Jagjit Ji 200% though I am happy for Rehman, I just don't think Slumdog was his best; I mean the music of Bombay and Roja after over 15 years still leaves me in awe!

jai ho deserves 100% an oscarss!!!!!!!!!!

I couldnt disagree more.. i dont think its over-rated at all.. its an amazing song.. and deserved the oscar 100%.. JAI HO!!

I agree with Jagjit Singh...Jai ho isnt AR Rehmans best.

Jagjit Singh is jealous, it's a case of sour grapes! Rehman's the best.

wow sounds like someone is jealous i dont think jai ho is overrated i absolutely love that song and i think it truly deserved an oscar

As much as I agree that SM is not ARR's best composition but it got the Oscar for 2008 and in 2008 it was one of the best. The music makes the movie so much better.

THe song Jai Ho again is not the best song in terms of composition or lyrics...but it was one of those songs in 2008 that made people feel good. I get goosebumps with that song because it makes you happy and lifts you up. The words Jai Ho is also uninversally understood so people are lapping it up. I completely agree abt the state of music in Bollywood and how it lacks soulful lyrics and tunes. Most of the songs are hinglish and really tacky.