MUMBAI: The host of popular shows such as Boogie Woogie (Sony TV) and song and dance talent show Grooves (Sahara) Jaaved Jaaferi is back in the news. Along with partner Rajiv Shah (son of producer and diamond merchant Bharat Shah), Jaaferi has launched a music label H.O.M Records and Tapes on 2 July. Film star Rekha was present during the launch of the first album Dil Cheez Kay Hai at Mumbai's hot spot Fire n Ice. Also present were films stars such as Jackie Shroff, Dino Morrea, Shah Rukh Khan in addition to Bharat Shah and music composer Aadesh Srivastava.
H.O.M Records and Tapes will be a subsidiary of Quartet Films promoted by Jaaferi and Rajiv Shah. The initial album offerings include Dil Cheez Kya Hai, Chill Pill (The Blue Lounge) and Greatest Children's Nursery Rhyme Album Ever.
When queried about the recession in the music industry, Shah was quoted as saying: " We look upon the present market conditions as an opportunity rather than a threat. We might be a youthful, lean, contemporary music company but we aren't too short on experience."
Jaaferi adds: "The aim is to nurture and promote new talent; work on path-breaking albums with established artistes; dip into various genres; innovate and take creative leaps to create segment specific focussed content."
When queried about the response to his show Grooves launched by Sahara TV (read story below) in May 2003, Jaaferi says: "We have got a fabulous response for the show. Just imagine getting 10,000 entries for the western region zonal rounds! I am very happy that the show is doing pretty well."
Jaaferi is also planning to do a concept album for H.O.M Records and Tapes. This is in addition to the other albums such as DJ Favourites, I Love Pop, Enjoy, The Geeta Album, Shujaat Ali Khan (on sitar with music composer Satish Sharma) and RJ Karan Singh's debut pop album.
When questioned about the 'remix' culture, Jaaferi says: " I agree that some of the remixes are outright bad while others don't have a heart or soul. But, at least, the younger generation gets a chance to listen to the songs composes in yesteryears. However, as far as H.O.M is concerned, remixes are just a small segment of our repertoire. We also have international licenced repertoire."
Jaaferi says that he will continue to dedicate time to his television shows despite his hectic business engagements.
