In the realm of visual media, the impact of music cannot be underestimated. A well-chosen song has the power to enhance storytelling, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impression on the audience. It can transport viewers to a specific era, a particular place, or introduce them to a unique character. This is where sync licensing plays a pivotal role in the entertainment industry. A sync licence grants permission to use copyrighted compositions in visual formats such as movies, ads, short films, and series.
In this article, we will dive into the world of Hollywood and explore five iconic Indian songs, both old and new, that have made a significant impact with their sync placements. Don’t forget to check out Part 1 of this article here, to see the full list!
- The Dictator (trailer) – Mundian To Bach Ke
Label: Altra Moda Music
Music Supervisor: Richard Henderson
Sync placements of Indian songs are not limited to films and series with Indian themes and/or characters. Sometimes, Indian songs find their way into unexpected places, adding a touch of surprise and excitement. In the case of the movie The Dictator, the trailer featured the song “Mundian Toh Bach Ke,” a popular Punjabi track with infectious beats and lively vocals.
The placement of “Mundian Toh Bach Ke” in The Dictator’s trailer highlights the universal appeal of Indian music and its power to inject energy and excitement into any setting. The song’s inclusion not only captured the audience’s attention but also generated buzz around the film, piquing curiosity and anticipation.
- Bridgerton – Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Ghum
Label: Sony Music India
Music Supervisor: Sarah Bridge and Justin Kamps
One recent and noteworthy sync placement is the use of the song “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Ghum” in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, featured as an Orchestral version of the iconic and easily recognisable melody. This Indian song, originally featured in the Bollywood film of the same name, translates to “Sometimes Happiness, Sometimes Sorrow,” is a melodious and emotional piece that beautifully captures the essence of the show’s romantic and dramatic moments.
The inclusion of “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Ghum” in Bridgerton exemplifies the show’s dedication to promoting diverse narratives and embracing global influences. By seamlessly integrating this Indian song into the series, the creators not only enhance the storytelling but also introduce a broader audience to the captivating beauty and depth of Indian music.
- Miss Marvel – Hadippa from Dil Bole Hadippa
Label: YRF Music
Music Supervisor: Shannon Murphy and Dave Jordan
In one episode of Disney+ series Miss Marvel, the show creators made an impactful sync placement by featuring the song “Hadippa” from the Bollywood film Dil Bole Hadippa. This energetic and catchy song, performed by popular Indian artist Mika Singh, adds a vibrant and celebratory element to the scene.
The placement of “Hadippa” in Miss Marvel showcases the show’s dedication to embracing cultural diversity and celebrating a variety of musical styles. It’s worth noting that this is just one of the many Indian songs featured in the show. The creators have skillfully crafted numerous memorable moments that resonate with audiences, infusing an authentic touch into the series while keeping it modern and engaging.
- Ghost World – Jaan Pehchaan Ho, from Gumnaam
Label: Angel Records, on behalf of Prithvi Pictures
Music Supervisor: Kaylin Frank
Sometimes, a sync placement can turn a classic song into a memorable moment in a film. Such is the case with the song “Jaan Pehchaan Ho” from the Bollywood film Gumnaam in the movie Ghost World. This iconic song from the 1965 Indian thriller has a distinctive retro charm and has been widely recognized for its catchy melody and energetic performance.
The incorporation of “Jaan Pehchaan Ho” in Ghost World brings a nostalgic and subtly surprising element to the film. It effectively highlights the protagonist’s quirky nature and unconventional taste, setting the tone for her character. The addition of this Indian song creates a memorable moment that deeply resonates with the audience, elevating the overall viewing experience.
- Moulin Rouge – Chhamma Chhamma, from China Gate
Label: Tips Official
Music Supervisor: Anton Monsted as BLAM
The power of Indian music to captivate global audiences is evident in the sync placement of the song “Chhamma Chhamma” from the Bollywood film China Gate in the critically acclaimed movie Moulin Rouge. This peppy and energetic track, originally sung by renowned Indian playback singer Alka Yagnik, adds a burst of energy and excitement to a key dance scene in the film.
The integration of “Chhamma Chhamma” in Moulin Rouge beautifully showcases the cross-cultural influence of Indian music and its seamless blend with diverse narratives. The director’s decision to include this Indian song in the film has resulted in a vibrant and unforgettable moment, exemplifying the universality of music and adding an exotic touch that only songs from “the mystical land of India” can bring.
Conclusion
The use of Indian songs in Hollywood films and series is a testament to the universal appeal of music and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. Directors, screenwriters, and music supervisors are constantly on the lookout for unique and unconventional musical pieces to enhance their storytelling and captivate audiences. The sync placements of these Indian songs have introduced global audiences to the rich and diverse sounds of Indian music.
As the world becomes more interconnected, we can expect to see more exciting collaborations and sync placements that celebrate the beauty of music from different cultures. The inclusion of Indian songs in Hollywood productions not only adds depth and authenticity but also opens doors for cultural exchange and appreciation.