(1/2) Re: IPK BGM and Sound track. Hello! I am reading your recaps for the nth time and like every time, find it so engrossing and enlightening. I love your language and the depth you give to every piece. Thank you. This is a note to discuss the BGM and sound tracks in IPKKND. I just love the various versions of Rabba Ve and the Arshi tunes and no wonder they were blockbusters in their own right. On top of that I am also deeply appreciative of the clever selection of Bollywood tracks for various
(2/2) Re: IPK BGM: sequences have been done to a nicete. Cant think of any other series succeeding this well. Especially, THE “Teri Meri” made me wonder if the serial had aired a year later, would “Hum Tere Bin” (Aashiqui2) have replaced it? Or maybe a mix of both. While their Prem Kahani is really something to tell; from Arnav’s point of view his raison d etre has to be underscored. Would love to hear your thoughts on the effect of sound track on the story telling and if you would change any.
Thank you so much for your kind words regarding the recaps! I am really glad they bring you joy – they bring me a lot of joy!
I’ve only watched three 4Lions shows (IPKKND, QHS2, Ishqbaaz) but I think they, in general, do a wonderful job on theme music. Rabba Ve, Junoon Tere Ishq Ka, and O Jaana are not only amazing in their own right, I think they’re perfect for their respective pairings.
Like you, I have a deep respect for the IPKKND discography. I think it’s perfect for the story they’re telling.
‘Tu Hi Bata’ captures the thesis of this story so well – the sun and the moon falling in love in impossible circumstances, anger and love and pride pulling them in different directions.
‘Meri Aankhon Mein Tu Muskuraye’ describes Arnav and Anjali so well that it brings tears to my eyes. Especially Arnav’s verse which clearly states what he rarely admits out aloud: Anjali is his last connection to his Mamma.
‘Rabba Ve’ is iconic not only because it manages to capture so much in just two words, but because those two words can mean different things depending on the circumstance.
Although we only heard the instrumental of ‘Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon’ for a long time, I think its lyrics are wonderful. The title theme has always evoked an emotional response from me.
‘Kyun Dard Hai Itna’ is an odd one for me because I absolutely love it in the kidnapping track but I’ve questioned the decision to use it for happy moments as well. The ache in the song is intense!
And then we have the themes, from Khushi’s comedic theme to the electric guitar of the ASR theme to Arnav’s piano … they’re all wonderful.
Music is an integral part of visual media like movies and serials and I think the IPKKND soundtrack is an example of one of the best. I think it’s shaped the story and informed audience reaction and interpretation. They’re cues for us – when to be happy, when to be angry, when to worry – and it’s discordant when the expectations of the music director don’t translate to the audience (take Ishqbaaz playing ‘O Jaana’ even when scenes lack romance, for example).
Your comment about using 'Hum Tere Bin’ is cool because I’ve been fiddling with playlists for RISHTAA and working out some song scenes. I’m not sure that the makers of Indian serials necessarily put as much thought into the Bollywood song sequences as the audience does in retrospect. This can be said about the entire show, I’m aware, but most of the serials I’ve watched have hitched their wagon to whatever song was ultra successful at the time of production, whether that’s ‘Teri Meri’, ‘Mast Magan’, or ‘Jag Ghoomeya’. I think ‘Hum Tere Bin’ would have been an interesting choice because of the male lyrics, as you pointed out :)
Though ‘Teri Meri’ was excellent because it spoke to the unknowable nature of their bond -- it’s something that only they really understand.
I’m generally a purist: whatever is canon is simply it for me and I wouldn’t change much about the serial in general. I don’t think I’d change or add anything except maybe bring back Rabba Ve for the not-achy moments post kidnap.
