Jai Ho (song)
"Jai Ho" | |
---|---|
Chennai, India) | |
Genre | Indian pop |
Length | 5:19 |
Label | |
Songwriter(s) | A. R. Rahman (music) Gulzar (lyrics) Tanvi Shah (lyrics) |
Producer(s) | A. R. Rahman |
"Jai Ho" is a song composed by
"Jai Ho" was, at the time of its release, "the toast of the town in almost every part of the world".
American
Background
In 2008, while working on several films, A. R. Rahman received an email from Danny Boyle, the director of the film Slumdog Millionaire, stating: "Hey I'm Danny Boyle, I like your work, and it would be great for us to have you on our film". Rahman was unsure how to answer, but after exchanging several more emails, they met in Mumbai. Rahman summarized their first meeting by saying "when I talked to him, I had some interest and I wanted to see the film. He had a first cut of the film already, and when I saw that I was really interested and wanted to do it. So I left another film to do this one. I made time for it".[3]
While composing the
The soundtrack for Slumdog Millionaire took Rahman two months to plan and two weeks to complete. He recalled that: "Usually it takes six months with the musical films I'm doing in India". Rahman said the soundtrack "isn't about India or Indian culture. The story could happen anywhere: China, Brazil, anywhere.
Writing and composition
Rahman composed "Jai Ho" using Logic Pro, a digital audio workstation and MIDI sequencer software application created by Apple Inc. At the time of the song's production, Rahman had been using the software for almost 12 years. For "Jai Ho", Rahman made extensive use of Logic instruments, including the EXS24, which comprises the EVP88 electric piano and ES2 synth mixed with a few plugins, such as the Channel EQ, Bitcrusher and Guitar Amp Pro. The bassline and the "trancey, arpeggiated" musical line used ES2 presets. For the "long chorus vocals" in the song, Rahman created a "robotic, stair-stepping pitch-bend effect" with Logic's Pitch Correction plugin to achieve the "exaggerated tuning effect".[5]
The lyrics to "Jai Ho" were written by Gulzar and are a combination of Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi. Lyrics in Spanish are also included in the song "to go along with his [Rahman] Latin American touch of music". According to the India-EU Film Initiative, this inclusion "really makes the song quite unique and international".[1] Of the three singers credited, Sukhwinder Singh is the principal vocalist.[6] Vijay Prakash sang the portion with the words "Jai Ho", which takes a high pitch at numerous junctures of the song.[7] Mahalakshmi Iyer sang the Hindi words between the "Jai Ho" chants and the portions of the verses not sung by Singh.[8] Tanvi Shah sang and wrote the song's Spanish words.[9]
According to Rahman, "Jai Ho" was meant to create "a vision of the whole world celebrating this victory".[10] The song contains a mix of "multiple motifs from the traditional pieces on the soundtrack" with "the big drums and blasting horns of the present".[11] It was originally composed and shortlisted for Subhash Ghai's 2008 film Yuvvraaj. Although Rahman was excited about the song, Ghai "wasn't too kicked about it". Ghai felt it was "too subtle and soft to be picturized on the character played by Zayed Khan". Rahman and Gulzar believed the song had "immense potential" and used it in Slumdog Millionaire.[12] Following the song's win at the Oscar's, Rahman stated that: "He [Ghai] said the words had a positive feel. It was like a prayer. I honestly didn't think the song would win me an Oscar though. But like the film Slumdog suggests, everything has its own destiny".[13]
When asked if he considers "Jai Ho" as his best creation, Rahman stated: "Sometimes it's not about a best creation, but the best for a particular moment of the film. 'Jai Ho' was right for that particular moment, that particular mindset in Slumdog Millionaire. I know there's lot of debate over this song winning the Oscars. But then, I didn't send the song to the Oscars, the makers did. I just composed the tune in three weeks and was done with it. However, I too feel 'Jai Ho' was apt for that particular moment in the film—the protagonist comes out of darkness and pain to light amid 'Jai Ho' hammering in the background."[14]
Critical response
"Jai Ho" received universally favorable reviews from
[18] In a review of the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack, Joginder Tutej of Bollywood Hungama deemed "Jai Ho" the "flagship number" of the film. Tutej complimented Sukhwinder Singh's vocals as being "energetic" and concluded that the singer "can comfortably add on another big chartbuster to his name". He also stated that the song, while "boasting of an amazing mix of melody and rhythm" remains "Indian at heart" and is "instantly catchy". He concluded that: "No wonder, it is the lone promotional song of the film and also sees a music video being dedicated to it. Gulzar saab celebrates the spirit of love and life with 'Jai Ho' and infuses enough power in it that justifies all the nominations it is receiving today".[19]
Recognition
According to the India-EU Film Initiative "Jai Ho" became "the toast of the town in almost every part of the world".[1] They noted that: "Music experts are listening to the song again and again to appreciate the global texture of the song and at the same time they are admiring the beauty of the lyrics by India's foremost lyricist Gulzar who, like AR Rahman, has always experimented with his narrative".[1] According to Sean Daly of the St. Petersburg Times: "YouTube now has vids of babies and girlfriends doing this Jai Ho dance. There are remixes and tributes, too".[17]
"Jai Ho" received an
Live performances
Rahman performed "Jai Ho" live during the 81st Academy Awards on 22 February 2009, the night it won the award for Best Original Song. The song served as the opening of the ceremony. Rahman modified the song to "set it in sync with the live orchestra and make it suitable for a stage presentation".[29] Singh was supposed to be part of the performance but encountered delays obtaining a work visa. Gulzar chose not to attend, joking he "didn't have a proper suit."[30]
"Jai Ho" was performed as part of a medley with "
Usage in media
In March 2009,
English adaptation
American
After getting a
E. Kidd Bogart, a member of the Writing Camp, stated that: "They [Fair and Iovine] wanted to get a bunch of different versions to see who could nail a version for the Pussycat Dolls". Once all interpretations were complete, "they [Fair and Iovine] took parts of the Writing Camp version, parts of Ester Dean's version, and parts of another version, and they put them together, and then Nicole [Scherzinger] and Ron [Fair] filled in the blanks that they thought were missing". Bogart additionally stated that it was "a very unique and awkward way of writing a song".[41] Bogart, Dean, Fair, Erika Nuri, David Quiñones, Scherzinger, Candace Thorbourne, Nailah Thorbourne and Nyanda Thorbourne are credited for writing the track, while its production was handled by Fair Scherzinger.[42] The song was recorded in London, while Scherzinger and Rahman corresponded via webcam.[38]
See also
- List of Indian winners and nominees of the Golden Globe Awards
References
- ^ a b c d "Oscar winning song 'Jai Ho' and its lyrics". India-EU Film Initiative. 23 February 2009. Archived from the original on 14 April 2009. Retrieved 25 March 2009.
- ^ Brockington, Ariana (13 March 2023). "What does 'Naatu Naatu' mean? The 'RRR' song just made Oscars history". TODAY. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
- Apple Inc. Archivedfrom the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- ^ a b Hill, Logan (12 November 2008). "Composer A.R. Rahman on the Sounds of 'Slumdog Millionaire' and Being M.I.A.'s Idol". New York. New York Media, LLC. Archived from the original on 4 December 2008. Retrieved 14 November 2008.
- ^ "Apple — Logic Pro 9 — In Action – A.R. Rahman". Apple Inc. Archived from the original on 12 August 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- ^ "Meet the singers of Jai Ho". Rediff.com. 26 February 2009. Archived from the original on 30 November 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2009.
- ^ Tuteja, Joginder (25 February 2009). "Vijay – The man who too deserves credit for 'Jai Ho'". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2009.
- ^ Vij, Manish (24 January 2009). "Jai ho Rahman". Ultrabrown. Archived from the original on 6 February 2010. Retrieved 11 June 2009.
- ^ Tejonmayam, U (3 February 2009). "The Jai Ho girl". Express Buzz. The New Indian Express. Retrieved 11 June 2009.[permanent dead link]
- Today.com. Archivedfrom the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2009.
- ^ "Album Review: A.R. Rahman — Slumdog Millionaire (Music From The Mo | Prefix". Prefix Magazine. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- ^ Super Admin (28 January 2009). "Slumdog's 'Jai Ho' was composed for Yuvvraaj". Entertainment.oneindia.in. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- ^ Iyer, Meena (24 February 2009). "Subhash Ghai is the one who asked me". The Times of India. The Times Group. Archived from the original on 26 October 2012. Retrieved 6 March 2009.
- ^ "Interview With AR Rahman". Glasham. Archived from the original on 27 January 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- Rovi Corporation. Archivedfrom the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
- ^ "Music – Review of A. R. Rahman – Slumdog Millionaire". BBC Music. BBC. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- ^ a b Daly, Sean (22 February 2009). "Review: Foreign yet accessible, 'Slumdog Millionaire' soundtrack soars". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on 25 February 2009. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
- ^ "Various – Slumdog Millionaire OST | album reviews". musicOMH. Archived from the original on 28 June 2010. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- ^ Super Admin (13 January 2009). "Slumdog Millionaire Music Review". Entertainment India. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
- ^ "The 81st Academy Awards (2009) Nominees and Winners". Academy Awards. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- Time Warner. 23 February 2010. Archivedfrom the original on 24 February 2009. Retrieved 8 August 2010.
- ^ "2009 Oscar scorecard". Los Angeles Times. 22 January 2009. Archived from the original on 27 May 2011. Retrieved 12 February 2009.
- ^ "India's A.R. Rahman strikes Grammys gold". Agence France-Presse. 31 January 2010. Archived from the original on 4 February 2010. Retrieved 1 February 2010.
- ^ "BFCA names 'Slumdog' best picture". United Press International, Inc. 8 January 2009. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2010.
- ^ Kilday, Gregg (9 December 2008). "'Button,' Milk' top Critics Choice list". The Arizona Republic. Phoenix, AZ. Retrieved 21 August 2010.
- ^ "HFCS 2008 Winners Press Release" (PDF). The Houston Film Critics Society. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 December 2010. Retrieved 21 August 2010.
- ^ "HFCS 2008 Awards Ballot" (PDF). The Houston Film Critics Society. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 December 2010. Retrieved 21 August 2010.
- ^ "2009 MTV Movie Awards". MTV. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on 24 April 2010. Retrieved 16 August 2010.
- ^ PARAG MANIAR (25 January 2009). "Live ho !". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- ^ "No 'visa power' for Gulzar, Sukhwinder". DNA India. Archived from the original on 12 January 2023. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
- ^ "A R Rahman's grand finale with 'Jeeyo, Utho'". The Times of India. 3 October 2010. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
- ^ a b "Rahman brings CWG ceremony to electrifying climax". Sify. Archived from the original on 6 October 2010. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
- ^ a b "Jai Ho 'cost Congress $200,000'". BBC News. BBC. 5 March 2009. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2009.
- Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. 5 March 2009. Archivedfrom the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2009.
- ^ Shah, Kunal M (6 March 2009). "The politics of lyrics". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved 10 March 2009.
- ^ "'Jai Ho' belongs to everyone, says Rahman". The Indian Express. Indian Express Group. 28 March 2009. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
- ^ "Jai Ho to enthral at Asian Games closing ceremony". Daily News & Analysis. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- ^ a b Kumaraswami, Lakshmi (23 January 2009). "Now, Pussycats do a Jai Ho". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved 28 February 2009.
- ^ Montgomery, James (24 March 2009). "Nicole Scherzinger Says She Originally Didn't Want To Cover 'Jai Ho'". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- ^ Chatterjee, Anita (19 March 2009). "Pussycat Dolls Nicole Scherzinger Didn't Want To Remix 'Jai Ho' – DH! Exclusive". DesiHits. Archived from the original on 23 July 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- ^ a b Bouwman, Kimbel (8 February 2010). "Interview With Evan 'Kidd' Bogart". HitQuarters. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- Pussycat Dolls. Interscope Records. 2009.)
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link - ^ "AR Rahman feat. Pussycat Dolls – Jai Ho (Review)". Newsround. BBC. 4 June 2009. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- ^ Levine, Nick (13 April 2009). "Music – Singles Review – A.R. Rahman & Pussycat Dolls: 'Jai Ho!'". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias UK Ltd. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2012.