ANUVA RANA
International Music:
Spotlight on India
It is no secret that artists all over the world are fascinated with India and its vibrant diversity and culture. From the
Beatles to Mumfords & Sons, some of the greatest musicians have chosen this colourful country to imbibe a soulful
melody in their music videos! While some artists shot at luxurious heritage locations in India, others took to the
streets and depicted something that only they wanted to see. These music videos have received both a bellowing outcry
and a plausible appreciation for showing the true and the false. India’s representation in international music gained
recognition with the release of the following.
3. Magenta Riddim – DJ Snake
(2018)
1. Hymn For The Weekend –
Coldplay (2015) 2. Lean On – Major Lazer & DJ
Snake feat. MO (2015)
This single opens with an animated
peacock dancing in the unkempt
ruins of a historical fort covered in
mold, vermillion-smeared sadhus,
people dressed as Gods, and a strange
Beyonce with mehendi clad hands
wearing a weird indo-western
attire that doesn’t seem true to any
community sustained in Indian
culture. Chris Martin arrives in a
taxi and plays Holi in economically
weaker societies of India because
maybe for him that’s the only truth. A
few magic boxes, carnivals, puppets,
and old theatres later, the video
confirms the fact that most of the
artists are still living under an elusive
state of what they have been exposed
to by their local cinema. Largely
shot in Mumbai, the video ends with
animated fireworks and I wonder
what was the point of Sonam Kapoor
running around? The confusing and almost forceful
juxtaposition of the elements in
this music video start with a palace
room, a modern princess in a mini
skirt, gold jewellery, and backup
dancers dressed in a form of saree.
The disappointment sinks in with
the onset of an extremely vulgar
dance. The obscenity of this video
is outstanding against the backdrop
of lavish red carpets and golden
curtains, walls adorned with swords
and traditional Indian weaponry.
The appearance of the other artists
in funky beach clothes is a huge
misfit. The location abruptly shifts to
an urban construction site with the
artists riding local buses and horses.
The nonsensical drama ends with
a close-up of the palace’s beautiful
ceiling designed with traditional
motifs. Shot in Maharashtra, the
mise-en-scene doesn’t resonate with
the song and the artists appear to be
a couple of high hippies tripping on a
joint dream.
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Score Magazine
highonscore.com
DJ Snake’s love for misrepresenting
India did not stop with ‘Lean On’ and
he further decided to shoot the video
for this song at Ramoji Rao Film City
in Telengana. This is by far one of the
most hilarious videos I have ever seen
and this could have only been pulled
off by our talented South Indian
artists who rule comedy and action
stunts in the country! The song’s drop
is quite catchy but the tune and beats
have been modified to replicate a
modern rhythm of a snake-charmer.
Aren’t we done with the stereotypes
yet? Besides that, the video’s buildup
is amazing with a cracking story
full of thrill and suspense. Its subtle
touch on corruption that engulfs
every country in the world provides
a meaningful premise to move the
story forward effortlessly. The video
is naturally and liberally Indian
without any forced shenanigans and
exaggerated add-ons. Its vibe is full of
colour and joy, laughter and dance,
streets and people and also an ode to
the action industry in South India.
Therefore, the climax punches you in
the stomach with the realization that
not all is hunky dory!