Singer Akriti Kakkar

AKRITI'S NEXT ALBUM IN NOVEMBER

By Eye TV India Bureau

An Encounter

At the age of 18, Akriti Kakkar has become a pop sensation among the teenagers in India. She has released her debut remix album titled A-TEEN featuring the hit track "Jal bin machhli" with herself featuring in the album. Now, she is concentrating on her first solo and original album with three leading music directors of Bollywood. It is due to be released in November next and will be presented to the music lovers as Nineteen. She will be 19 when the album will be launched.

It is really a good idea mooted by the talented artiste. A child prodigy, she started learning Hindustani classical music at the tender age of five from her mother, who is a post-graduate in Hindustani Classical Music. Later, Ustad Sri Byomkesh Bannerji taught her music.

An alumni from the Springdales at Delhi, she bagged 1999 TVS Sa Re Gama National Talent Hunt (Junior- Children's Special) Award. She has sung on various pop albums like 'EK SAPNA'. 'PUNJABI POP DHAMAKA 2000' and 'BABY DOLL CHAPTER 2'. Besides, she has sung two songs as a playback singer in an untitled film under the baton of music director Anand Raj Anand.

She is regarded as one of the leading performers on the live show circuit and has acted on the stage with prominent Bollywood professionals like Bosco Caesar (choreographer), Anuj Mathews (music) and Sapna (stylist). She has performed in many countries as part of the Kalyanji Anandji troupe. Apart from this, she has enthralled audience by performing in 150 shows patronized by corporate houses.

The Delhi-based artiste speaks to smashits about her plans and ambition.

Excerpts of her interview:

Would you accept a film offer?

No, Baba, no. I don't want to become an actress.

Then, what are you aiming at in life?

I wish to be a public singer.

What are you doing at present?

I am a playback singer for three movies.

Why did you title your first album as A-teen?

This is because I produced it at an age of 18.

What is 'A - Teen' all about?

As is the title of the album A- Teen (18), so it's all about the life style of teenagers. What they want and how they want to live their lives. It's all about masti and fun.

Are you producing another album?

Yes, it will be out in November when I shall be 19. So, it will be titled Nineteen.

How many songs in your first album?

There are ten songs.

Could you name them?

Yes. They are 'Jal Bin Machhli', 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna', 'Star', Yadgaar', 'Criminal', 'Mere Jeewan Saathi', 'Kasam Paida Karne Waleki', 'Ek Thi Ladki', 'Manoranjan' and 'Josh'.

Who are the musicians?

They are five -DJ Karan, Shibu-Pintoo, Guru Sharma, Miki and Anuj Mathew.

Why did you choose singing as career even after securing 87 per cent marks in 12th standard?

www.suraurtaal.com

Yes, it is true that I had got 87 per cent marks in my 12th standard. Since I liked singing from my childhood, it became a passion for me. So, after 12th, I chose singing as my career.

It is really good to work with Hemesh Reshamiya - Akriti Kakkar

Akriti one of the ace singers of Bollywood, started learning Hindustani Classical music at the tender age of 5, from her mother, who is a Post graduate in Hindustani Classical music and later from her Guru Late Shri Byomkesh Bannerjee. She did her schooling from Springdales School, New Delhi.

Akriti one of the ace singers of Bollywood, started learning Hindustani Classical music at the tender age of 5, from her mother, who is a Post graduate in Hindustani Classical music and later from her Guru Late Shri Byomkesh Bannerjee. She did her schooling from Springdales School, New Delhi. She gave her First stage performance at the age of 5 years and from there became a part of "Little Wonders" of Kalyan Ji Anand Ji troupe later called "Little Stars" in Anand Ji's troupe, where she made her way through 2 world tours and about more than 50 shows.

Now she paved new way to bollywood by singing in movies like 'Chupke Chupke Se', Namastey London, Red, Shakalaka Boom Boom. She was in capital for promotion of her new release Namastey London said, which ever songs I am singing now a days are being involved Hemesh Reshamiya as a singer or a Music Director and its being quite good to work with him. We have asked that are you interested in acting as you having a charming face and good liking personality, she said No, I don't. Right now I am concentrating on singing and there is no any intention for acting.

She sung romantic number Annan Fannan with Jayesh Gandhi in Namastey London, the song loneliness killing every one in the movie Red accompanied by Hemesh Reshamiya and also sung a upbeat zing rap Shakalaka Boom Boom

Winner of 1999 Sa Re Ga Ma National Talent Hunt (Junior / Children's Special) on Zee TV was also crowned as a Winner of various national level talent competitions like BPL Music Mania on Jain T.V., Sangam Kala Group and many more, the list is never ending. Initially beginning with albums like Ek Sapna, Punjabi Pop Dhamaka 2000, she sung for Baby Doll Chapter 2, where her song "Rangeela Re" became a chart topping remix from Sa Re Ga Ma,HMV. Eighteen Years old Akriti released her debut solo remix album called A.TEEN (A for Akriti;TEEN for teenager), featuring the hit track "Jal Bin Machli" & also featured in the video directed by"Colosus".The Video depicts a bunch of teenager kids having a blast on their own.

Another feather in her cap was the extension of her ability as a performer where she begun V .J. besides singing for India's No. 1 music channel l "ETC". She hosted shows namely "SMS show my song 7575", "Nautanki Top 9"& couple of film premiere as well .On stage performances and collaborations included gigs with the likes of Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Shivamani, Jasbir Jassi, KK, Anand Raaj Anand & latest Bollywood sensation Himesh Reshammiya. She did about 200 corporate shows over the last two yeans with the corporate houses like Maruti Udyog, Hero Honda, Yamaha, Samsung, Sa Re Ga Ma HMV , Sony, Hindustan Times, Mahindra & Mahindra and many more.

interviw with Akriti kakkar

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENEatfUjim8[/YOUTUBE]

Tuned to the teen

Here is a new entry into the ever-swelling remix circuit

TRIPLE EXPOSURE: Akriti Kakkar hopes to thrive on voice, looks and luck Another remix album, another debutante! This time it is the 18-year-old Akriti Kakkar. No wonder, her album is called A-Teen featuring the song "Jal Bin Machli". Unlike most of the remix albums, she herself features in the video. She says, "I started learning Hindustani Classical music since my childhood." Akriti has hundreds of corporate shows in her resume. She started with a stage performance at SAARC audiovisual exchange programme at Delhi. She was also a part of "Little Stars" and "Little Wonders" of Kalyanji Anandji troupe and was on two world tours with them. Though Akriti has sung in various pop and remix albums like Ek Sapna, Punjabi Pop Dhamaka 2000 and Baby Doll Chapter 2, she says this is different because here she would be seen performing on screen. The album has 10 songs. Asked about the album's prospects in the market where new albums come out virtually everyday, she replies, "With melodious voice, good performance and luck on my side, I believe people will accept me." She is not happy with the tag of item girl. "I am all for a glamorous sporty, young and chubby look." She adds, "My weapon is my melodious voice." She already has chance of playback singing with Bollywood music composers like Anand Raj Anand and Vishal Shekhar.

Akriti's next solo album is with Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Shivamani and Jasbir Jassi. And no prizes for guessing, it is likely to be called 19.

Music Reviews

Shakalaka Boom Boom

In majority of his films, film maker Suneel Darshan has worked with the composer duo of Nadeem Shravan who were undoubtedly the best in the business for most of the 90s and early 2000s. More often than not, the music turned out to be the talking point about his films, even long after they were off the theaters.

Hence when Himesh Reshammiya is roped in by Darshan to provide music for his upcoming film 'Shakalaka Boom Boom' along with lyricist Sameer, one looks forward to what's in store. There are three reasons for that:

a) One expects to hear a different sound altogether
b) One waits to hear if Reshammiya matches up to the brilliance of Nadeem Shravan
c) One wishes that Reshammiya would again give his fans a soundtrack that they would love to sing and dance with

After hearing the album, you realize that SLBB comes quite close, if not 100%, on all the three counts.

Now that has to termed as one rocker of a song! Title song 'Shakalaka Boom Boom' starts off with a rap by Earl who is soon joined by Himesh Reshammiya behind the mike. What may come as a surprise is the fact that Reshammiya voice does sound a little different than his trademark style as he settles to medium notes. One of the coolest songs to have arrived this year so far, it is a dance track that is bound to be a chartbuster.

Catchy, rhythmic and urban, 'Shakalaka Boom Boom' is a track that should be a highlight of the film. Akriti Kakkar is the female voice roped in for the song and though she has very sweet vocals, the pace of her part slows down the track that seems to be a little out of place in a thrilling song like this. If only if it was a Reshammiya solo or the female portions too were as vociferous as his, the song may well have been the 'Aashique Ye Meri' [36 China Town] of SLBB.

Remix version of the song arrives later and does quite well for itself again as a funky club track. Watch out for the faint flute sound that comes from a distance; it indeed sounds cool. It would be fun to see if the four lead protagonists - Bobby Deol, Celina Jaitley, Kangana and Upen Patel - appear in yet another music video of the song.

Lively mood continues with 'Thaare Vaaste' which is in the same foot tapping mode as Reshammiya songs from the early years of this century. Rendered by Shaan and Sunidhi Chauhan, it belongs to the simple feel-good entertaining variety rather than being intense-sufi, as have most of Reshammiya songs have been in the recent past.

This rhythmic love song keeps moving on along with the beats and though it won't quite set the charts on fire due to its predictable nature, it is that very predictability of being a Bollywood number that makes it a good number to hear and watch. One now waits to see how it is choreographed since it has potential to be noticed if presented well in a nice package.

The remix version of the song is the first track in the album that doesn't work since what it only does is an unnecessary enhancement to the pace with some added beats

In the same musical mould as recently released 'Dil Ne Yeh Na Jaana' , 'Naamumkin' is a song that deserves to be heard most for Sameer's lyrics than anything else. A song that should come at a crucial juncture of the film, it is a painful number about a man who has lost his love and it has now become unbearable for him to live without her.

A trademark Reshammiya composed and sung number that moves on a slow note and should appear as a part of background score, 'Naamumkin' has a good situational appeal with controlled orchestra enabling the song to move forward. And by the way, around the middle of the song, for some reasons Reshammiya suddenly croons 'Naamumkin' in the same manner as he did for 'Ahista Ahista' [Ahista Ahista] !

The remix that comes for 'Naamumkin' works for it since one can sense a marked difference in arrangements when compared with the original. A track that would make for a good fodder in a club/lounge with great sound system.

On hearing 'Dil Lagaayenge' once, you try giving it a second hearing; and then the third. Reason? Though at the very onset the song doesn't sound anything exceptional, one tries to ascertain if the repeated hearing would bring it closer to being hugely popular. Sadly, even on repeated hearings, there is just a sense of deja vu that comes in.

In the end it is the rhythm factor that gives one some hopes that with foot tapping choreography and snazzy picturisation, this club track may turn out to be a decent watch. Coming together for both the original and remix versions, Himesh Reshammiya and Akriti Kakkar pair up for this song about 'Never say die in love' number that doesn't have legs long enough to take it past the movie run and may just about work well in the film if presented well.

A few years back Viju Shah had come up with a lesser known but a very well composed song called 'Main Bewafa' for Rajiv Rai's 'Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat'. Based on similar style, pace and arrangements comes 'Isi Umeeed Pe' that has a club feel to it, though it moves at a moderate pace. One of the better songs in the album, it surprisingly is just 2 minutes in duration. How one wishes that Shaan would have got a longer version for this song to croon!

Interspersed with English lyrics like 'How Can I Live Without You', 'Saathiya' is another good number to follow which again stands at just around 2 minutes. Carrying a similar feel as 'Isi Umeed Se', this Kunal Ganjawala/Sunidhi Chauhan number hints that probably each of these short numbers may be a part of some stage concert/music competition (going by the film's theme) and may come one after another in quick succession.

Sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and Shaan and coming close to the style of 'Ye Dil Tumpe Aa Gaya' [Aitraaz] with a dash of oriental rhythm, 'Aaj Nahi To Kal' arrives next and again lasts for just about 90 seconds!

Good rhythm - this is what you exclaim as you shake your neck along with the infectious beats of 'Tera Sona Sona Roop', another duet by Kunal Ganjawala and Sunidhi Chauhan that lasts for a mere 2 minutes. Now that's some real teasing as some of the better tracks in the album have been kept for minimal duration when one wouldn't have minded giving them an extended hearing.

The irony continues with 'Rukhsat', a 75 seconds solo by Shaan that fortunately makes a point even in that short duration. A track that comes easy on ears, just like others short numbers heard before, it may not have any greatness to it but does well when it comes to pure Bollywood entertainment.

To compensate for all the short numbers heard in quick succession, a 'Melody - remix' is incorporated later in the album that features each of them as they appear one after another. A good inclusion in the album that can just be played on in a lounge by the DJ in repeat mode!

The album started off on a very good note with the title song making an instant splash. While 'Thaare Vaaste' did no harm to the album and 'Naamumkin' was a decent hear too, there were some doubts about 'Dil Lagaayenge'. Thankfully the masterstroke of the album came in the form of 5 short tracks lasting 1-2 minutes i.e. 'Isi Umeed Pe', 'Saathiya', 'Aaj Nahi To Kal', 'Tera Sona Sona Roop' and 'Rukhsat' that took the entire listening experience to a different level. One can't help but draw parallels with such back to back short numbers that were once common with Nasir Hussain movies and later experienced in one of the situations for Shahid Kapoor debut flick 'Ishq Vishk'.

Suneel Darshan, Himesh Reshammiya and Sameer have balanced the audience expectations by incorporating a couple of trademark Reshammiya numbers and also bringing on a kind of music that moves away from being conventional. Result is an urban contemporary music that caters to today's generation and has a 'cool' effect to it.

It must have been hard for Suneel Darshan to resist the temptation of having the kind of melodious music that Nadeem Shravan have given to him in the past but then Reshammiya more than makes up for it by emphasizing on sheer rhythm.

Producer: Sunil Chainani and Sameer Shivdasani (Horseshoe Pictures Pvt. Ltd.)
Director: Vikram Bhatt
Starring: Aftab Shivdasani, Amrita Arora, Celina Jaitley, and Sushant Singh
Music: Himesh Reshammiya
Lyrics: Sameer
Singers: Himesh Reshammiya, Jayesh Gandhi, Akriti Kakkar, and Harshdeep
Audio On: T-Series
Number of Songs: 9
Album Released on: January 2007

Reviewed by: Gianysh Toolsee

Himesh Reshammiya is not using the right strategy for his movies. It's simple and clear because unlike in the past where his medium-size budget movies were having a new brand of music – catchy and infectious, now he is providing tasteless music. The sudden change came with the announcement of his entry into movies and his decision to do only a few quality movies per year. Also after touring several countries like UK, USA, Canada, Dubai and Mauritius delivering super hit concerts, he got to know more about his popularity around the globe. In one word, the creativity of past Reshammiya hits is not present in the soundtrack of Red. Reasons and facts do attribute to this fall in quality for the music director who enjoyed a successful year in 2006.

Repeating a hook line a dozen of times in a track has been making wonders during a time and saw the music charts flooding with the name of Himesh Reshammiya every week. In the production of ad-jingles, advertisers use a hook line as there is a decade of theory to prove that in the long run, the brand will be recognized. In the production of music, music directors from time to time often use hook lines to render a song catchy enough. However, when the purpose of using hook lines becomes the core of composing a song, then it's not music making anymore. Useless to venture into Aafreen Tera Chehra as such a composition comprises the word Aafreen' so many times that the lyricist has murdered the word in one shot only. The track relies heavily and solely on Himesh's vocals – which musically and vocally do not fit for this high pitched track. More screaming mixed with a rough voice settles with a hard to listen track. The suffering does not end here. The hook line 'Aafreen Tera Chehra' is repeated over and over again. Do not expect a change in the arrangements, as there are the same sounds of sarangi, tabla, keyboards and the new age background music. Sameer's lyrics are the most predictable while Himesh doesn't put his soul in the number at any time. Mechanical to the core, the magic is missing at all fronts. The remixed version borrows heavily from European dance hits music to make it a dance track anthem. Although the track can be categorized as a quasi middle east track with Urdu emphasis in the wordings, poor arrangements and mediocre beats render it plain average. Disappointing! Crispy guitar works coupled with revealing tabla beats give a pushing start to Aamin and Himesh Reshammiya can't wait long to come and sing but doesn't conquer. 'Aamin' is a trademark Reshammiya number. It can be called a fusion of soft rock-sufi pop and 'hook lines'. Yes the hook line 'Aamin' is repeated endlessly while the same music arrangements used previously in the album are used again. There is seduction in the wordings of Sameer but Himesh's vocals do not translate it into emotions. Screaming is not part of playback singing and over-screaming is not called singing. 'Aamin' is among these good tunes composed by Himesh, but has been destroyed by his own doing. The remixed version is another poorly remixed track with the usual stale beats, which are monotonous. After a disaster like 'Aamin', what's next coming from Himesh Reshammiya and Sameer? Is it 'Amen'?
Poor Jayesh Gandhi! He sounds like Himesh Reshammiya in Ek Tum Hi. An excellent background singer, Jayesh Gandhi has a voice that can keep a song alive without losing the interest of the listener. Sadly he is now singing in the Reshammiya mode but he still excels in this rendition. 'Ek Tum Hi' has an above-average tune, which kicks from the start. Reshammiya impresses with his composition, which brings an energetic feel to the album, which has been plunging into seductive and romantic moods. Music arrangements are good but quite methodical. The excellent use of various instruments still translates into great listening. In fact, it is those kinds of tunes that Himesh was composing before the 'Aashiq Banaya Aapne' fame. After being present in all the tracks, Himesh makes an entry with a rough voice with the line 'Aafreen Tera Chehra' in the middle. The remixed version dilutes the energy in Jayesh Gandhi's vocals and is an unnecessary remix. It's about one old lover's mannerism and memories that are blended in pain. The best song comes in the form of Dil Ne Ye Na Jaana which is the surprise as it is Himesh Reshammiya who renders in the lower octave. Harshdeep's vocals come sweet and smooth and Himesh cleverly uses her vocals to uplift the seductive quotient of the track. Simple, somber and slow paced, the great use of the tabla beats further complement the clean orchestration and mild arrangements. 'Dil Ne Ye Na Jaana' is among those songs which Himesh does justice to as both, a composer and a singer. Thankfully there is no remix version of this one. And who said that Himesh can't come up with great tunes? Loneliness is Killing Everyone is the weakest number of the album as the tune is forced and the singing is below average. Himesh Reshammiya doesn't leave the mike after singing the other tracks and he's back in his usual style. But this time, it's terrible. Akriti Kakkar has to content herself with the lines 'Loneliness is Killing Everyone'. Meant to be situational or a filler, its music arrangements are even poorer. The remixed version is slightly better.

Enough has been said on over exposure and now the new topic is repetition and the theory of 'hook lines'. The soundtrack of Red is one of the most disappointing scores from Himesh Reshammiya. Baring 'Ek Tum Hi' and 'Dil Ne Ye Na Jaana' which boost of good tunes and singing, where is the creativity in the remaining songs? The standard ensemble carries the same over-produced sounds and music. Neither is Himesh Reshammiya handing the mike to another singer nor the other male singers are getting the chance to sing in their style. Some of the rendered tracks are becoming utterly horrible and the annoyance factor is increasing at an unimaginable rate. Despite some good lyrics by Sameer, the mechanical mood of singing dominates the soundtrack. Himesh Reshammiya is also not putting the soul, spirit and energy in his songs. Red is the answer when Himesh Reshammiya is not in form.

At the outset, we had nothing to lose. But over a period of time, Varun Vadola has shown tremendous improvement. He's already being touted as the winner. I know that. I want him to win too. You've been nominated for awards this year. Surprised? I wasn't expecting Johnny Gad daar to be nominated. I've done better numbers earlier, which went unnoticed. It's a great feeling. So, which Bollywood projects did you work on? I did playback singing for Dus, Rocky, Chup Chup Ke, Good Boy Bad Boy, Shaka Laka Boom, Red, Apne and Namastey London. I am happily dissatisfied. Do you miss having a benefactor? In fact, I'm happy that I don't have one. If I had one, I'd have to owe all that I have to someone else. I wanted to prove myself on my own. How did your album. A-Teen do? Quite well. I'm addressed as A-teen after that. In fact, Himesh Reshammiya's sister wanted to cast me for one of her shows. That's how I met Himmeshji. He then gave me an opportunity to sing for Rocky. Private albums are not doing too well. Are you still keen on cutting another album? I'm aware of that. But I have an album up my sleeve. I have tied up with T-series for an album of six songs. It will have a Sufi touch and a bit of jazz. Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy will be doing two tracks for my album. I might compose too. With the existing established talent and more being churned out from reality shows, does survival seem difficult? It makes me more focused on my work. When I sit back and watch reality shows, I see a lot of competition coming my way. It makes me more determined to make a mark in this industry. Have you been able to bond well with any music composer? I'm close to Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy. I have performed for all their shows. I have a special bonding with Himeshji too, he's made me sing quite a few songs. Was it difficult to convince your parents for your choice of career.. consideringthatyouwereanA-liststudent? I've been touring since I was kneehigh. My dad accompanied me for my events. Meanwhile, mum would be at my classmate's house, collecting school notes. I couldn't have done anything else in life. My parents understand that very well.

I'd cracked a deal with my dad that if I did well in class 12, he'd let me shift to Bombay and try my luck in the movies. I secured 87 per cent marks.. only to be here. Isn' there a fear of being confused with someone else? Fortunately, so far I haven't faced a situation when composers have told me that I sound like some other singer. Which projects are you working on? Right now, my album is my focus.