Bollywood songs dance to Oscar Hindi-language music in Acad mix for first time with 'Water' By SHALINI DORE Partly inspired by the success of Jorge Drexler's song from "The Motorcycle Diaries," three songs by Indian composer A.R. Rahman have been submitted to the Academy for consideration, including the tune "Chanchan" from "Water."
Considering that Bollywood is synonymous with musicals, it's surprising that this is the first time Hindi-language tunes have been in the Academy song mix. Until recently there was only one Indian film submitted for foreign-language consideration, and that was it. But with the recent infiltration of foreign-language filmmakers and composers into mainstream Oscar categories (think Drexler again, Pedro Almodovar, Roberto Begnini and "City of God"), Indian filmmakers were emboldened to try their hand in various categories, including music. Indeed, although there have been other foreign tunes nominated (including some which have won) such as "Belleville Rendez-Vous" from "Triplets of Belleville" and "I Will Wait for You" from "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg," these have been the exception. But this year there have been a record number of foreign-language tunes the Acad has deemed eligible besides the Hindi songs, including ones from the films "Curse of the Golden Flower" (China) and "Paprika" (Japan). "It's a good thing," Rahman says. "Music doesn't have any boundaries." Rahman, who composed all eight songs and the score for 2001's Oscar-nommed "Lagaan," says ignorance about the Acad's application process is one reason Bollywood composers have not submitted their works in the past. But this year, Fox Searchlight has entered the tune from "Water," Canada's foreign-language candidate, while distrib UTV has submitted "Khalbali" and "Luka chuppi" from "Rang De Basanti," India's foreign-language entry. "After the Hollywood Bowl," Rahman says, referring to his July concert, "I felt a little confident. People like the music." Helmer Deepa Mehta points out that "Water" is not a Bollywood film. "'Chanchan' is not an item number, nor do they go off to Switzerland," she says, referring to Bollywood's penchant for nightclub songs and couples running around trees in scenic locations. "It's a song of hope, a song that pushes the narrative along." Rakeysh Mehra, director of "Basanti," says it was difficult to choose among the many songs in that film, but he went with Rahman's choices. "Songs in 'Basanti,' are like the soul of the movie. They are pretty much juxtaposed and lateral rather than being situational. A.R.'s compositions and (lyricist) Prasoon (Joshi's) poetry interpret the story in its own unique fashion." http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117956541.html?categoryid=2338&cs=1&nid=2568
