Besharam Rang

"Besharam Rang" (transl. Shameless color) is an Indian Hindi-language song, composed by the duo of Vishal-Shekhar (Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani), with lyrics written by Kumaar and sung by Shilpa Rao, Caralisa Monteiro, with backing vocals by Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani for the soundtrack album of the 2023 Indian film Pathaan. It was released on 11 December 2022 as the first single from the album, through YRF Music. "Besharam Rang" was composed with an old-school approach in a modern musical arrangement. The track has Spanish verses written by Vishal.

"Besharam Rang"
Official song cover
Single by Vishal–Shekhar, Shilpa Rao and Caralisa Monteiro
from the album Pathaan
LanguageHindi-Urdu
Spanish
Released11 December 2022
Recorded2020–2022
Studio
Genre
Length4:18
LabelYRF Music
Composer(s)Vishal–Shekhar
Lyricist(s)Kumaar (Hindi)
Vishal Dadlani (Spanish)
Producer(s)Yash Raj Films
Pathaan track listing
  1. "Besharam Rang"
  2. "Jhoome Jo Pathaan"
  3. "Pathaan's Theme"
  4. "Jim's Theme"
Music video
"Besharam Rang" on YouTube

The song was also released in Tamil as "Azhaiyaa Mazhai" and in Telugu as "Naa Nijam Rangu". Upon release, the song received positive reviews by audience and critics. The hook step dance involving Deepika Padukone became popular.[1] It has over 470+ million views on YouTube. "Besharam Rang" was certified Bollywood song of 2022 to garner fastest 100+ million views on YouTube.

Besharam Rang' became an anthem for fans and music enthusiasts, who not only embraced the catchy beats but also recreated its iconic dance steps via millions of reels featuring the track. Deepika Padukone's sexy yet chic fashion looks from the song became a trendsetter, inspiring numerous fans to replicate her style.

Composition

"Besharam Rang" was first song composed by the duo Vishal-Shekhar for the Pathaan album.[2] The song was conceptualized in the atrium of a building over coffees and casual chats, later, directly recorded in studio.[3] The song was recorded during phase one and two of the COVID-19 lockdown in India.[4] The song was attributed to the 'old school' way of compositions. The song was composed with dummy lyrics and Shilpa Rao recorded the patch.[5] Lyricist Kumaar worked on the lyricism, in receipt of her vocals. Dadlani called it an unusual way of working whereas Ravjiani clarified that the song had a different chorus and the hook line written was how the song shaped up.[3] Original structure of composition was: full chorus – intro – cross line – hook line.[3] There was a separate intro written which later landed into the lines "Humein To Loot Liya Milke..."[3] On the music arrangement of "Besharam Rang", the duo mentioned that Warren Mendonsa recorded the guitar riffs in New Zealand. In the event of "Besharam Rang" drawn music comparisons[6] with the song "Ghungroo", they clarified that Besharam Rang was a "sensual feminine track" and they did not work 'closed room' on the track.[3] On coining the title "Besharam Rang", the duo gave credited the lyricist who took the brief of the song and translated it.[7] The brief of the lyrics were about 'a girl who by her sheer lack of innovation was incredibly attractive'.[3] Kumaar did not write the tracks but let his ideas be written by the Dadlani and Ravjiani.[3][8]

Music video

The music video features Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan. It was choreographed by Vaibhavi Merchant[9][10] and shot in Spain.[11]

Critical reception

Bollywood Hungama praised the song and stated, "'Besharam Rang' is already a rage and comes into the film at an important juncture."[12] Namrata Joshi of Cinema Express wrote "First impression: loved the smooth-as-silk voice of Shilpa Rao. Second: learnt some quick Spanish from the refrain—that translates as "today life is complete"—quite like how I picked up French from Nashe si chadh gayi in YRF's own Befikre. Third: in the process of hunting for the aforesaid miscreant saffron bikini and sarong (which features only between the last few seconds, 2.50 to 3.10 in the video) I got to see several other shades of swimwear on many sun-kissed, buff and largely foreign bodies and wondered if other colours are also feeling affronted for being called shameless. Fourth: the song grew on me enough to start playing on a loop and humming it even though I disliked the choreography by Vaibhavi Merchant."[13] Times of India wrote "‘Besharam Rang’ is a peppy song and might be one of the best dancing tracks of the year."[14] Niharika Sanjeeiv of NDTV wrote the song is "one of the best dancing tracks of the year."[15]

Impact

The song received positive reception from audiences, praising the music. The hook step, performed by Deepika Padukone, went viral on social media.[16][17][18] As per Box Office India – Worldwide report of December 2022, within weeks of release, the song trended number one on YouTube.[19] The song increased the expectations of the audience and controversies resulted increased number of reservations made in advance that Pathaan lodged.[20]

"Besharam Rang" was the only Bollywood track of 2022 to gather fastest 100 million views on YouTube.[21][22] Lyricist Manoj Muntashir, in an interview with Dainik Bhaskar, about Besharam Rang and the saffron color, said, "[...] the music team or Shah Rukh sir could have spotted the error, they would have certainly taken some action."[23] Singer Sona Mohapatra expressed displeasure over the track calling it mediocre.[24] Shilpa Rao, the singer of the track, stated that it was Padukone and Khan's 'chemistry' in the song and that makes it popular. She added that Padukone was 'celebrating herself' in the song – ‘the good, the bad and flawless’ which made her feel 'empowered to sing it'."[25] Rao clarified that the track reached at a stage, where audience picked it up for popularity, followed by promotion, reach, and Instagram reels.[25] She felt the meaning of the song was to 'express yourself without apologies' and to 'love yourself the way you are' and hence, the audience was expressing themselves and thus the popularity.[25] Singer Baba Sehgal recorded a rap cover version of the song.[26] Actress Nia Sharma released a cover video on the track.[27]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from YouTube.[28]

Charts
Chart performances for "Besharam Rang"
Chart (2023) Peak
position
India (Billboard)[29]
Besharam Rang		 6

Controversy

Right-wing Hindutva groups alleged that the song promotes obscenity and that it disrespects the saffron colour as Padukone features in a saffron bikini in the song.[30] Madhya Pradesh home minister Narottam Mishra called the song objectionable and warned that his government may consider banning the film if costumes in the song are not corrected.[31] TV actor Mukesh Khanna questioned the Censor Board for passing the song despite obscenity.[32] The News Minute termed the entire controversy as "shameless misreading for jingoism" and stated that there were five different costumes worn by Padukone in the song and the boycotters are criticizing this particular scene which features merely for 20 seconds as it suits their agenda.[33] A Muslim organization also objected to the song.[34]

References
  1. "Besharam Rang': Deepika Padukone's hook step in 'Pathaan' song sparks off meme fest". The Times of India. 13 December 2022. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  2. Hungama, Bollywood (9 February 2023). "EXCLUSIVE: 'Besharam Rang' was the first song we created for Pathaan, reveals Vishal Dadlani : Bollywood News – Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 10 February 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  3. Urmin, RJ (9 February 2023). "'Besharam Rang' secret REVEALED by Vishal & Sheykhar". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  4. Urmin, RJ (9 February 2022). "Vishal & Sheykhar on creating music for Om Shanti Om, Pathaan, Sultan". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  5. Hungama, Bollywood (8 February 2023). "EXCLUSIVE: 'Besharam Rang' lyricist Vishal Dadlani reveals Shilpa Rao was involved with the song even before the lyrics : Bollywood News – Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 2 March 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  6. "Reddit finds too many similarities between Pathaan's Besharam Rang and War's Ghungroo, chooses a clear winner". Hindustan Times. 12 December 2022. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  7. Hungama, Bollywood (9 February 2023). ""Besharam Rang writer Kumaar is a genius", explains composers Vishal-Sheykhar". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  8. Patil, Apoorva (10 February 2023). "Vishal-Sheykhar On Besharam Rang Writer, Kumaar: "He Is a Genius!"". IndiaTimes. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  9. Hungama, Bollywood (23 January 2023). "'Besharam Rang' choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant speaks about the Pathaan song; says, "Nobody goes to a beach wearing full clothes" : Bollywood News – Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  10. "Besharam Rang choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant on response to Pathaan song, Deepika Padukone's look: 'Her costumes triggered a style…'". 14 December 2022. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  11. Ghosh, Shreya (5 January 2023). "Here's Where The Shah Rukh-Deepika Starrer 'Besharam Rang' Song From Pathaan Was Filmed". Curly Tales. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  12. Hungama, Bollywood (25 January 2023). "Pathaan Movie Review: PATHAAN is a complete entertainer, replete with action, emotions, patriotism, humour, thrill and of course, star power". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 2 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  13. "Besharam Rang: Much Ado About Anything and Everything". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 2 March 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  14. "'Besharam Rang': Guess who showered love on Shah Rukh Khan after watching the 'Pathaan' song". The Times of India. 13 December 2022. Archived from the original on 16 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  15. "Pathaan Song Besharam Rang: Shah Rukh Khan Smitten By Deepika Padukone. Who Can Blame Him?". NDTV. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  16. "Group of girls recreate Deepika's Besharam Rang hook steps, video goes viral". DNA India. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  17. "This Besharam Rang Dance At Wedding Is A Hit". News18. 31 January 2023. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  18. "Influencer recreates Deepika's Besharam Rang hook steps, video goes viral". Hindustan Times. 30 December 2022. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  19. Bhirani, Garvit (26 December 2022). "Pathaan Songs Become No 1 And No 2 On Youtube Weeks After Release. Details Inside!". Box Office Worldwide. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  20. "Pathaan: Have forgotten last four years in these 4 days, says SRK". Mint. 25 January 2023. Archived from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  21. "Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone's Pathaan song Besharam Rang crosses 100 million plus views in 5 days". India Today. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  22. Hungama, Bollywood (18 December 2022). "Pathaan: 'Besharam Rang' takes over the internet by storm; receives 100M+ views : Bollywood News – Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  23. "Manoj Muntashir on Besharam Rang: 'Had Shah Rukh Khan spotted the error, he would have taken action'". Hindustan Times. 22 December 2022. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  24. "Sona Mohapatra calls Besharam Rang 'mediocre song at best' amid Pathaan box office success". Hindustan Times. 30 January 2023. Archived from the original on 1 March 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  25. "Besharam Rang singer Shilpa Rao praises Deepika-SRK's chemistry: 'Only reason this song has done so well is because...'". Hindustan Times. 2 February 2023. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  26. "Watch: Baba Sehgal's Version Of 'Besharam Rang' With A Rap Twist". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 28 March 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  27. "Nia Sharma's sizzling dance on Besharam Rang in black halter top, sexy shorts burns the internet, watch viral video". DNA India. Archived from the original on 20 March 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  28. "Besharam Rang Song", YouTube, archived from the original on 11 April 2023, retrieved 12 April 2023
  29. "India Songs: Week of February 11, 2023". Billboard. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  30. "Besharam Rang': How the controversy surrounding the 'Pathaan' song refuses to die down". Firstpost. 19 December 2022. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
  31. "Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra on 'Besharam Rang': 'Deepika's costume in Pathaan's song objectionable'". Firstpost. 14 December 2022. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  32. "Mukesh Khanna on Besharam Rang song controversy: 'How could the censor board pass it, did they not see...?'". Hindustan Times. 16 December 2022. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  33. "Deepika's saffron bikini and 'Besharam Rang': A shameless misreading for jingoism". The News Minute. 19 December 2022. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  34. "Now, Muslim outfit objects to Deepika, SRK-starrer Pathaan". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 31 December 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
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