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.
1. Hymn For The Weekend – Coldplay (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?
2. Lean On – Major Lazer & DJ Snake feat. MO (2015)
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.
3. Magenta Riddim – DJ Snake (2018)
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!