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5 Moments We’ve Loved from MX Player’s ‘Times of Music’

From stellar remakes to tributes and more

Jul 15, 2020

Rockers Agnee performing at 'Times of Music.'

Bridging the generation gap

Bappi Lahiri (left) with Vishal–Shekhar.

What MX Player’s Times of Music managed to do well was bring artists from different generations together on the same stage. The influences and nuances each artist brought to the table from their arsenal were a treat to watch and hear. We were able to view interpretations and styles of music from different eras come to play with unique sensibilities.

Host Vishal Dadlani’s rapport with the artists

The host for ‘Times of Music,’ vocalist-composer Vishal Dadlani.

Part storytelling, part tribute and topped with pure musical genius, vocalist-composer Vishal Dadlani was the perfect person to host the series. Dadlani’s charisma and casual rapport with the artists brought out some fascinating tales and insights into what goes on off stage. These were stories for the books.

The unusual pairings that ended up creating magical songs

Salim–Sulaiman with Pyarelal Sharma (center).

Who would’ve imagined Salim – Sulaiman’s version of “Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi” (an original Laxmikant – Pyarelal composition) or Sachin and Jigar’s take on Euphoria’s cult melodies could be so refreshingly delightful? Each episode saw unique pairings of celebrated musicians like Salim – Sulaiman and Laxmikant – Pyarelal, Viju Shah – Mithoon, Ajay – Atul and Kalyanji – Anandji, Vishal and Shekhar – Bappi Lahiri, Anand – Milind and Sajid – Wajid, Sachin – Jigar and Euphoria, Amit Trivedi, Agnee, Shantanu Moitra – Amaal Mallik, Rajesh Roshan – Himesh Reshammiya and Indian Ocean – Sneha Khanwalkar that delivered mesmerizing versions of each other’s songs.

Fitting tributes to composers S.D. Burman, R.D. Burman and Jaidev

Bollywood composer Amit Trivedi.

Towards the end of the series Times of Music honored composers S.D. Burman, R.D. Burman and Jaidev in the most iconic and fitting way. Rock outfit Agnee and composer Amit Trivedi paid respect to the Burmans and Jaidev by reimagining their songs with the utmost verve, melody and respectful manner which kept intact the stature of their names and music.

Bringing the music home

Fusion rockers Indian Ocean in ‘Times of Music.’

As we live through a global pandemic, we were most happy that Times of Music came out at the right time while we were home. As live music events have come to a halt, we were able to feel like we were a part of a gig through this series via our screens at home. It was great to get a chance to listen to all these fascinating artists interpret different songs in their own way. Hopefully, the series continues for a second season and we get to hear more captivating music from our favorite artists.

All photos courtesy of MX Player