Indian film music appears to have lost its direction and is wandering in search of new path and new directions. The raps and remixes have largely removed the melody and meaningfulness of traditional Indian light music. The influence of Western music in its most corrupt form is very much evident in Indian cinema music as well as on the pop charts.
The loss of direction has prompted Indian musicians to employ some fresh ideas and musical notes into their compositions. Lyricists too are now coming up with thoughts matching the tastes of the younger generation.
One of these new attempts is seen in "Style," a movie directed by N. Chandra. The lyricist and music director — Nitin Raikwar and Sanjeev Darshan — have used a subject of interest to all — style. A person has his own definite style. His style helps him create his identity. His style eventually shows itself in his personality and behavior. A stylish haircut or a stylish appearance is all part of a human effort to look different and be stylish.
The refreshing numbers of "Style" show Indian youth keen to do everything in style and establish their own identity. The whole idea is put in a lighter vein. No hard philosophy and no cheap sentimentalism are seen in the lyrics. The title song "Yeh Hai Style" shows how the younger generation of today treat their lives. To them, life is "to live and do everything in style." "Style Se Jeene Ka" (Live with Style) is its prime message with a touch of humor.
Most of the songs show the dreams of today’s youth — a carefree life with no hassles, no tension, no war and no politics. The message is clear: "Style, style and style is what life is all about."
N. Chandra has very conveniently pushed the hard facts of life aside and tried to cash in on the feelings of young people and teenagers. To these, life has only one aim — to become "Mr. Dil" or "Miss Dil" and attract one other by whatever means.
Another number, "Excuse Me" shows a very typical Indian film situation in which boys chase after girls despite rejection and humiliation. A British friend commented: "In our country, if we propose to a girl and she turns us down, no one bothers to look back. But here in Indian movies I have noticed that a girl is saying no all the time and the hero never gives up. It is really strange." You are right my friend but that is a very typical Indian situation and no one can do anything about that.
Lyricist Nitin Raikwar has gone the extra mile in adopting Bombay slum language to give his songs a mass appeal. Some of the words in "Style Mein Jeene Ka" are absolutely incoherent and meaningless but there is no denying the fact that it will be an instant hit in Bombay.
The best number, "Mohabbat Ho Na Jaaye" is lifted straight from Egyptian sources. It is repeated twice — once by Sunidhi Chowhan and Udit Narayan and the other by Abhijeet and Hema Sardesai. It is difficult to say which pair outclasses the other as all have poured their hearts into this song.
The appeal of the film is difficult to predict because Indian audiences are so unpredictable but the songs of "Style" have caught the imagination of Indian audiences and it may well prove to be a trendsetter.
