Jai Ho pulse missing from Rahman's composition!

A. R. Rahman's theme song for the Commonwealth Games, Khelo jeeyo, hey-o, has drawn mixed response from fans. But quite predictably, most big names in the music industry are backing the maestro's effort.

Many music buffs, including BJP leader and Commonwealth Games Organising Committee executive board member V. K. Malhotra, have questioned the song's quality. The verdict is that the Oscar-winning music director has done too rushed a job to justify his hefty fee - close to ` 5.5 crore.

"The song has fallen short of expectations. We expected something better from a composer of his stature. He has given us good songs in the past, but this one is unimpressive. He should tweak it. There is still some time before the Games," says Malhotra.

On the theme song's portal, Rahman fan Vivekananda Vemana writes: "I'm sorry Rahman, I don't like it (the song). But anyway, I am happy that you tried your best." The Bollywood music frat, however, is more generous. " We must keep in mind that Rahman's songs have a way of growing on people," says singer Kailash Kher.

Singer Ila Arun agrees. "Rahman's creations elicit mixed reactions in the beginning. Even Jai ho-his Oscar-winning number in Slumdog Millionaire-was initially panned. But the song went on to become a global rage. I think the same will happen to the CWG theme song," she says.

So, is it a 'rushed job'? Kher says: " We should remember that he has a packed schedule. Considering that the theme song is for such an important event, the government should have given him more time. For me, Rahman is above criticism." Others in Bollywood say Rahman's brand power will make the song a hit.

"He is a music director of global stature. Simply adding his name to the CWG theme song will give extra value to the event. In the long run, among other things, CWG 2010 will be remembered for the theme song," says Bollywood's in- demand composer Pritam.

Agrees music director Shekhar Ravjiani of the Vishal- Shekhar duo: " I don't see anyone else composing this song. He has the talent to pull off anything. How can you assign the theme song to anyone else in the world when you have an Indian composer of Rahman's stature," he asks.

The song, which can be downloaded from the internet, begins with lilting strains before wild guitar riffs take over to set an eccentric mood.

Penned primarily in Hindi, the number is also laced with English hip- hop lyrics for a contemporary feel. World music whiffs combine with folksy drum beats as Rahman creates a tune that aims to be universal in spirit.

Not everyone is impressed, though. A fan Pradeep Krishnan writes on the song's portal: " After listening to the song, I realised that something is missing… request you to have more versions of the same song… which will bring enthusiasm and sportsman spirit." The only Bollywood composer who is openly critical about the song is Aadesh Shrivastava.

"I can't understand the lyrics and beats. It sounds like a typical sarkari song. Plus, my point is - why only Rahman? The government could have asked five different composers to prepare numbers and then chosen the best one," he says.

Singer Kunal Ganjawala, disagrees: " Those who want to nitpick will always find some fault. I feel the song is a good representation of today's India as an emerging global force." While on global force, some people feel instead of paying Rahman ` 5.5 crore, the amount could have been used to hire a global icon.

"With that kind of money, you could have signed on Shakira or Enrique Iglesias. Australian pop star Kylie Minogue was recently paid about ` 5 crore for her item song in the film, Blue. Why couldn't they get an international star?" asks a top Bollywood music video director, without wishing to be named.

Playback star Shreya Ghoshal does not like that idea. "Why do we need a foreigner to compose a song for our Games? We don't need to import everything. You can't doubt Rahman's status as an international star," she says.

Among those who think the song will grow on people is actor Sharman Joshi. "The theme song will rock the nation. Give it some time to become popular," he says.

Brouhaha over the quality of the song started some time ago when Rahman presented the number before the Group of Ministers ( GoM) on the Games in the Capital. He was then asked to tweak it before the opening ceremony.

" When I presented the theme song, it was approved but they asked me to tweak it," the Oscar- winning composer had said then, adding that he had been given 10 days to make the song livelier.

The updated number was released on Saturday. In the meantime, not many know that playback singer Shaan too had recorded a tentative theme song for the Games. The number was composed by Shamir Tandon, of the Page 3 fame.

"Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit had commissioned the song. I don't know what happened to it," says Shaan, insisting that he is happy that Rahman was selected for the job.

"He is the perfect choice to compose the theme tune for our CWG, not Shakira. Sooner or later, people will begin liking his tune," concludes Shaan.
(With inputs from Kavita Awaasthi & Saswati Sanyal)