The indomitable energy of Big B something on which folk tales can be made. Before rushing off to Gujarat to promote tourism, Big B quietly pulled off a new singing coup by rendering flawlessly a pure classical song. This is the first pure raga-based song 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."

After many hours of exhausting recording, 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 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.

--Subhash K. Jha/Sampurn Wire