I was born in the Doordarshan era, when Indian television was in its evolution stage. It was on 15th August 1988 when the original “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” was launched on National Television.
Inspite of having very few popular faces, it had simplicity & an earthy feel to it which established an instant connect with people throughout India. So much so it went on to become one of India’s popular anthems on National Integration. The best part was no matter which state you hail from, the song stuck onto your mind, and you tend to memorise it completely even without the knoweldge of other languages…This was the sheer power of EFFECTIVE MUSICAL COMMUNICATION. The song still gives you goose-bumps literally !!
When the announcement of a ’newer version’ was made, especially with the music supposed to re-arranged by A.R.Rahman, expectations were soaring high !! Everyone anticipated a masterpiece sequel.
But but but !! Unfotunately, an anticlimax was what it actually turned out to be !! Here are some of the reasons…
1) The rustic (rural) look with common but ’photogenic’ faces, which was a highlight of the original, is terribly missing.The newer one is too westernised & glamorous.
2) The music in the original had a natural flow & the visuals formed a unique sequence. The new one focusses to much into the technical aspects of music, and there also appears to be lack of synchronisation between two consecutive visuals.
3) The length of the ’Phir Mile Sur’ is long 17 min 05 secs, and there is lot of repitition in lyrics. People tend to lose interest half way through.
4) Biggest drawback…highly influenced by BOLLYWOOD…too many stars stuffed in (esp. Karan Johar)…infact some of the appearances seem to have been shot during their movie shoots itself. For ex: The newer version starts with the Big B reciting the lines in his own voice…sound like his favourite “Kabhi Kabhi mere dil mein” …Secondly, SRK’s portion at the Bandra Worli sea link resembles the Kal Ho Naa Ho title track shot at NY.
Saving grace
1) All musicians excel in their respective parts..ARR, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Anoushka Shankar, Sonu Nigam, veterans like Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan (alongwith his sons Aman & Ayaan), Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma, (with son Rahul Sharma), Dr. L. Subramaniam, Kavita Subramaniam, Bhupen Hazarika ji, KJ Yesudas, today’s sensations viz. Shreya Ghoshal, Shaan, etc.
2) Salman Khan’s portion with the deaf & mute kids is one of the best.
3) Among southern stars, only Mamooty makes an impact.
4) Very limited space to sports persons, infact cricket is missing.
One the whole, the ’soul’ is missing big time…a disappointing presentation by Kailash Surendranath, who also happens to be the maker of the orginal.
We The People 