THE CHAT ROOMS
CHATHOME

The Taal Music Launch Chat and Commentary

The two most relieved people at Taal's music launch were director Subhash Ghai and composer A R Rahman. The nights of acrimony -- Ghai had to sit up all night for Rahman worked only then, while the latter had to deal with constant microscopic intrusions into his creativity as Ghai, in trademark fashion, supervised the music for his latest baby -- were finally over.

Taal had launched -- and what a launch it was.

The select audience at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi, were treated to a special preview of the film's songs, with choreographer Ahmed Khan's troupe pitching in two dance numbers with gusto. Ghai also introduced them to the Taal team -- A R Rahman, Anil Kapoor, Akshaye Khanna, Aishwariya Rai, Amrish Puri, cinematographer Kabir Lal, art director Sharmishta Roy and choreographer Ahmed Khan.

Hi everyone! We are here at the Siri Fort Auditorium bringing you live the music launch of Subhash Ghai's Taal.

It's past eight, but the function shows no sign of starting yet. The auditorium has been slowly filling up since eight, but janta around here are rather quiet as of now.

We got a sneak preview into the evening's programme though, folks, and it promises to be entertaining. We not going to say too much now, though, we wouldn't want to spoil your appetite.

Gopal: What we can definitely promise you is that some of the stars of this evening are going to be chatting with you LIVE as soon as the show comes to an end! So hang in there and we'll see if we can get Mr Rahman here!

Satchit: We wish you were here as well. As far as the celeb list is concerned, here goes -- Subhash Ghai, Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Akshaye Khanna, A R Rahman, Amrish Puri, Satish Kaushik, Hariharan, Kavita Krishnamoorthy, Alka Yagnik and Sukhwinder of Dil Se fame. We've also spotted the cinematographer Kabir Lal (Pardes, Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain) and art director Sharmistha Roy (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dil To Pagal Hai among others).

We were at the press conference held at the Hyatt where the normally reticent Akshaye Khanna made a very moving statement to our jawans in Kargil...

And we quote: This is an important time for the country. My heart goes out to our great soldiers out there. I want them to know that they have all our love and support. I hope they know how we feel about them and that we are right behind them.

Nikhil: Nothing is happening here as yet... We were unofficially told that the show would begin at 8.30 but we think it might be a little later than that...

Ranjit: We don't know that exact duration, but we estimate that it will not be longer than an hour. After that, of course, don't forget to join us for our live chat with the stars....

Other interesting tidbits from the press conference: Subhash Ghai credits the name of the movie to composer A R Rahman. He said, 'This movie is a romance and I could have called it any thing -- Dil, Pyaar, Hum Bhaag Gaye, but it was A R Rahman's presence in the movie that gave me the confidence to call it Taal."

Right now, they are playing instrumental music from Subhash Ghai's earlier films.

All those of you who are eager to check out our webcast, please do try after five mins. As of now nothing is happening here except for the instumental music being played in the auditorium. We will begin streaming as soon as the event starts.

Meanwhile, do keep checking out this side of the chat. We will inform you as soon as the event begins

Rediff Business: Since most of the Bollywood bigwigs are based in Bombay, I was hoping you would give us some information on that end.

However, there was a question about insurance since Taal is the first Indian film to be insured by any company -- in this case it was United India Insurance

Ghai has been trying to get his films insured for a while now, but nothing was happening since the film industry had not been granted 'industry status.'

okay folks, i think the show is about to begin so do click on the banner to your right.

The blackness that you are seeing in front of you are curtains waiting to rise. Taal's music playing to great dramatic effect as you can hear and a spotlight has just been focused on the podium, a wooden affair with Taal written on it in white.

We are being welcome to the world music release of Taal... and folks, guess what, we've been mentioned.

The evening starts with Ahmed Khan's troupe performing a song from Taal....

The dancers are on stage now...

They are wearing red and black lycra outfits. The music is the title score of Taal.

The music has a very earthy, primal beat as has the dance. The audience has burst into claps

The AV is now on bringing all the relevant messages from the sponsors.

The backdrop has come alive with a beautiful still from the movie.

Jackie Shroff, cinematographer Kabir Lal and art director Sharmistha Roy are now on stage. The latter are being felicitated by Jackie with flowers.

Kabir Lal seems to enjoyed every moment of the film and has encouraged everyone to watch the film. As has Roy.

Kavita Krishnamoorthy has now been invited on stage, she's looking lovely in a shimmering sky blue salwar kameez. And the lady with the golden voice has just burst into song.

She's just finished to tremendous applause.

The AV's back on again, bringing on a brief visual history of Subhash Ghai, the director.

Jeff, the show has begun. Click on the banner above and watch the webcasting..

Krish: the webcast is on, please do click on the banner.

Hey, they are showing snippets of Taal and must say it looks very good indeed

The scene is the preparation of a show by the character played by Anil Kapoor who is simultaneously conducting an orchestra and directing a group of modern dancers

Now that the AV's over, Amrish Puri has been invited on stage by the compere who is drooling over Puri's magnificent voice.

Satish Kaushik, who has inadvertently been called art director, has come on stage to present Puri, who plays Akshaye Khanna's father in Taal, with a bouquet and a special cassette of Taal.

Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik are coming on stage to present yet another song from taal.

Alka is looking great in an onion-coloured salwar kameez with a silver embroidered overcoat.

She comes in with Dil yeh bachain.

Which is also the title song of the film.

This is what Amrish Puri had to say: Life works on rhythm and music. If both are absent then there is no life. A subject like Taal was difficult to make, only Subhash Ghai could give life to it. And once it comes on the screen, it will bring us alive with the same rhythm.

Udit Narayan has just stepped, resplendent in green for male half of Taal se taal mila.

And yes, not to forget his trademark smile.

Javed Akhtar has just joined us in the audience folks in time to hear the Alka-Udit duo finish the title song.

Akshaye Khanna is now on stage in a corded suit, with Aishwarya resplendent in white. They've been presented with a copy of the cassette.

Hariharan is now on stage with another number from the film -- Nahin samne, which is also Rahman's favourite number in the film.

This is what Akshaye Khanna had to say: It's a great pleasure to be here. Thank you all for coming. This is the music release of Taal and it's going to be a dhamaal...

Ash Rai joined in to say, "It's soul-stirring. I'm sure you are going to enjoy the music as much as we did."

Hariharan's number is just over, to tremendous audience applause

Anil Kapoor has been invited on stage, with Jackie Shroff doing the honours by presenting him with flowers and a beautifully packed copy of the cassette.

Jackie and Anil have starred together in a number of film but wonder why he's wishing Jackie all the very best.

Sukhwinder Singh is now coming on stage for another song from the film.

Sukhwinder has got to audience to clap to the tune of his song -- Ramta Jogi

Sorry, that should have been Rabda Jogi.

Alka's joined him, as have three dancers in lycra suits....

Anil Kapoor said: Thank you for being here and bearing with us. Thank you, Subhash Ghai, for thinking that I am fit to do a role in the film Taal. I am doing a film with Subhashji after ten years. The music -- and I hope you feel the same -- is the best music I have heard. The best of all my films.

Sukhwider and Alka Yagnik have finished and another AV with snippets from Taal has some on.

This promo AV has stills from the film as well as the three stars talking about the film.

Shukwinder had this to say: The film is a gift to every music person.

In the promo, Akshaye refuses to name his favourite song since, "It's not fair; all of them are so good."

Ghai's on stage again and he is being presented with the album.

Before accepting the album, he has called his entire team on stage -- singers, actors, technicians, everyone. And on one more song and dance number from Taal as the final performance.

We'd like to thank C2C ONLINE who've helped us to bring this event to you

Here comes Ahmed Khan's troupe -- he's the choreographer for the film -- with a dance performance of Taal se taal.

Meanwhile, the only blot on a slick evening has been the compere -- he introduced Satish Kaushik as the art director and A R Rahman as a poet.

Subhash Gahi came on to the stage and invited everybody. He said, "This evening is for music. The film will release later. Taal means music and music means Taal. The whole credit goes to A R Rahman and Anand Bakshi. Rahman kept me awake many nights, but after listening to the songs, I felt it was worth all the trouble."

Javed Akhtar, understandably upset, wanted to know why he was not introduced as music director then...

That's the end of performance, but hang on for the stars are making their way here for a live chat.

Mr Ghai is right here and will begin the chat so you guys go ahead and ask him questions.

Ash Rai is with us now. So fire away.

The music is the easily the best I have had and it's definitely going to outlive the release period and it's divine, soul stirring and straight from the heart.

It comprises the heart, mind and soul of the movie meaning Bakshisaab's lyrics from the heart, Subhashji's mastermind at work and soulful music from A R Rahman

who all are coming for chat ?

Ramz: Mr Ghai is here, as is Akshaye

Amrish Puri, Sharmista Roy.

Mr Akshaye Khanna has joined us.

Aish, how was it working with the "Taal" crew, you before said you didn't like Anil Kapoor that much!

J, I have never said any such thing. This is the most ridiculous insinuation I have heard of. Guess I blame it on naughty journalists. It's been more than wonderful working with him and the rest of the crew and the proof of the pudding is in the eating. You will realise this when you watch the film.

In fact, I am going to very working in Boney Kapoor's film with Anil directed by Satish Kaushik. And another one. I guess that answers it.

Hi everyone out there. How was the show? Hope you enjoyed it. Did I make a fool of myself?

If Subhashji asked you to be in his next film, Aish, or Akshaye, would you?

J: I was planning on asking him actually.

Akshaye, how was the experience of "Taal", and Subhashji, is "Taal" releasing in TAMIL? Akshaye Khanna:

J: One of the best experiences I've had. Yes, the film will be released in the South.

I think that you guys are very talented actors, akshaye in Doli, and Aishwariya in jeans, Aa Ab Laut!

Thanks J

J: I'm working on it. It should be ready soon.

Akshaye: What's the status of Love You Hamesha?

Neekesh: I'm here to talk about Taal. Would love to answer questions about it.

Okay, folks, Mr Anil Kapoor is here with us. Shoot away.

Is A.R.Rahman there? A R Rahman:

Sri, yes, I am here finally.

Hi everyone! The music of Taal is a trip which you can never forget. You have to experience it. I feel it is the best music from Mukta Arts till date.

Finally it's quite good to see the music release. God willing it will do well.

Anil, did you have to do anything different for this role that you didn't do in past movies?

Gaurav: Yes, definitely. It is something I have never done and I'm sure when you see Taal, you'll know what I am talking about. I'm looking forward to the release of the film as much as you are looking forward to it.

ARR, how was your experience, working on Taal, they say this will be one of your establishments, in Hindi film industry permanently!

J, I am floating with it. Just caught the boat. Let's see..

Anil: I am looking forward to film with great expectations! I have a feeling that I will not be let down!!

Neekesh: I can assure you, the words which I have said, I really mean it. I hope you also feel the same way after seeing the film.

ARR: Do you have any Malayalam lyrics in Taal like you did in Dil Se? Or any Carnatic influence?

Ammu, not much of Malayalam lyrics. It's more Punjabi.

Good to be here. Time up, I have to go. Keep listening to Taal. Hope you enjoy it. Bye.

Anil: Do you have a different role in the film - something we have never seen before?

Neekesh: Yes, it is totally different, the way I was different in Eshwar, Lamhe, Virasaat, 1942 A Love Story. Not only the performance, even my look in the film is totally different from what you have seen in my earlier films. I hope you will appreciate my effort. I have given my best.

This is the first time that music has been launched in such a big way in presence of such a big audience who are going to be spectators of the film when it is released.

Also, I heard that you guys are coming here to Toronto, Skydome to shoot? Is that true, if so when? And can i please come backstage and meet you guys?

J: Yeah, I'll be there on the June 22 and I'll be shooting at Skydome from the 25th onwards. I want you and your friends and your family to be there, to experience the making of Taal.

Usually, the launch of music in our film circle is done in the presence of only film personalities, the technicians and the artistes of other prevalent films. This is probably the first time that Subhash Ghai for the first time very innovatively designed the programme to launch the music of Taal.

Well, it was great being on the Internet. I hope to be with you soon.

Here's Mr Kabir Lal (the magic fingers behind the camera of Pardes and Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain). Everyone here says he has repeated the magic in Taal.

This is an introduction of the forthcoming events of the release of the film Taal. It is not only a promotion by the filmmakers but also the knowhow and the knowledge about what is going to come and the quality. I feel that this music is superclass and it will sweep into the hearts and minds of the listeners by and by, when they hear the thing repetitively.

Mr Ghai is here, shoot away...

I'm really glad to be here with my stars and technicians to interact with you on the world music release of my latest film, Taal. Any questions with love is welcome.

Ghai: Why so much publicity for Taal?

Neekesh: Communication to my people through any avenue gives a mutual great feeling. We may call it publicity but it is my great moment to be with you to let you know about the hard labour we went through of making this film, Taal.

How long did Taal take to complete, Mr Ghai?

Dinesh: Practically two years. I make one movie at a time and this is my heartfelt gift to you after Pardes.

GHAI>>> Thanks for the explanation. It is good to know you r keeping up with the *Nanosecond Nineties*

Yoda3: In Marathi language, Ghai means hurry and in this speedy world you need to be speedy. You may call it hurry.

I am very excited to be here. I have had fabulous experience working on Taal. I think Taal is the product of the perfect working relationship of the team of artistes, musicians and technicians. It looks the way it does because each one of us have put our heads and worked together with enthusiasm and dedication.

Neekesh: I'm the director, which means to direct all departments including lyrics writer, music composer, choreographer, actors to follow my vision of my story telling exercise. So it is a mutual effort.

Hi everybody. This is Ahmed Khan talking to you on the launch of Taal audio cassettes. And I have done the choreography of certain songs of this film. This is my second film with Subhash Ghai.

What's so unique about Taal that it is being promoted so heavily?

White swan: Believe me, I am not spending any extra money to hype it more than required. It is the expectation of the people which is giving it the hype.

How do you rate Mani Rathnam?

Sri: Mani is a first class director who has a command on script and cinema -- both.

The first one was Pardes. I am proud to be a part of Taal and look forward to keep up with my work and do good films like this.

Anyway, talking about Taal will be like bragging too much. I believe in demonstration and honest work. Please wait, watch and see. We will increase our love for each other.

Ahmed: Which songs have you choreographed?

Neekesh, if you come from beginning, my first film was Rangeela, Yes Boss, Pardes and many more. In Taal I have done Nahin samne, the Taal remix and six music pieces.

We got cut off earlier, but this is what I wanted to say about my work in Taal. In this film, I have undertaken a lot of experimental work. In this film I have used natural light, weather, rain and fog and I think you will love the effect...

I have done some new work in Taal. Please watch it. If you love it, then I am obliged. If you hate it, compose your own tunes. Bye.

Okay folks, that's it from our end. It was great being with you. We're sorry if there were some glitches but I'm sure you had a great time. See ya soon

Yes guy, we are going to rebroadcast it very soon. Watch out for the rebroadcast as well as a special interview that we have taped specially for you -- THE TAAL CAST AT BREAKFAST.