Big B sings classical song for Aadesh Shrivastava

Big B’s indomitable energy is stuff that folk tales are made of. Before rushing off to Gujarat to promote tourism, the Big B quietly pulled off a new singing coup by rendering flawlessly a pure classical song. A first for the self-proclaimed amateur singer who has crooned everything, from love ballads to folk songs to children’s ditties. The song ‘Dhara Gagan Chahe’ was composed by Aadesh Shrivastava in Raga Basant, a complex intricate and high-pitched tune that Aadesh thought might be tough on the 67-year old actor. "But he just sailed through it, after just a couple of rehearsals. This is his first pure raga-based song and I was apprehensive of what he would say. But he just took it up," says Aadesh. After many hours of exhausting recording, the Big B still had the energy to rush home and return for a photo-shoot. He apparently told the composer, "Let me get into my coolest togs before we do the photo-shoot." Says Aadesh, "His energy level is beyond inspiring. I must admit I made the Raga mass-friendly for Amitji just as I’ve done for Ranbir’s song ‘More Piya Mose’ in Raajneeti. But still Raga Basant isn’t easy for even seasoned classical vocalists." Apparently, Ranbir Kapoor has begged off hastily when it was suggested that he sing ‘More Piya Mose’ in Raajneeti although the raga-driven composition had been toned down to the extent of being easy on the lips. Finally, Aadesh had to sing the Ranbir track himself.