Hi Smriti,

I hope you're doing fine. Just wanted to point out some inconsistencies in your review of the album Duur by Strings.

Strings was formed by four boys in 1989 and they didn't release just one single Sar Kiye Ye Pahar, but two albums (in 1990  and 1992 respectively) before retiring to their studies. In their first album, the sound was more synthesized and the guitar was seldom brought to the forefront. The second album saw their musical style change a little and the electric guitar was used throughout the album. This second album delivered their first real hit called Sar kiye ye pahar and made a name for them around the globe as the video for the song was aired on MTV Asia back then.

Bilal does not play the keyboards, he plays the guitar and does have vocal credit on the album. The synths on Duur were played by a guy named Faizi and the guitars were played by session players, namely Shalim Xavier and Nabeel.

The one-song wonder from Pakistan you mentioned is not Jahangir Khan, his correct name is Hassan Jahangir.

Well, that about covers it. About the foot-tapping beats, the blame goes to the record labels here in Pakistan, as they want a highly marketable album that will appeal to the masses. If an album doesn't emit the sound of 'cha-ching', then there's really no deal for the artist at all. Music is overshadowed by business here and I guess that's the case everywhere these days. Take care and keep on writing!

Best regards,

Ali

NFDC journal is back

The National Film Development Corporation has resumed publication of its cinema quarterly Cinema In India. The second issue is out -- a special on this years's Indian Panorama selection.

We would like ideas, suggestions, article submissions (please clear first to avoid duplication) and of course subscriptions from cinema lovers all over the country. (Subscription forms can be downloaded from the nfdc site : nfdcindia.com.)

Let us know of any interesting films you have heard of, or have been working on. We hope to cover good films made in India, specially by young filmmakers. And also to initiate discussion and debate on issues concerning Indian cinema and the people working in the industry.
 
Mail me at dgahlot@yahoo.com

Deepa Gehlot

Nice read   

Mathadana was a great piece of work by T N Seetharam and co. Thanks for putting it up for web readers ...

Girish Hampali

Finding Annamacharya    

It is a sad state of affairs, as you have correctly written in your article, A poet lost among scholars.

Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam authorities need to be more proactive in their effort to popularise the pearls of wisdom and the devotion of saint Annamacharya. I am sure there are a great number of people who would love to understand the translations of his great works. TTD should make an effort to publish all his kritis with raga in English and all the southern languages, to facilitate Karnatak music students, and all the devotees of Venkateshwara Swamy.

Vijay Bhaskar