The French Connection

*The FRENCH CONNECTION to Indian Film Music*.

French man *Pascal Heni* went from his Paris home for a vacation in Malaysia.

There he frequently heard Indian film music and fell in love with them. One song from a '70s Rajesh Khanna starrer and sung by Kishore Kumar caught his fancy.

He returned home to Paris and started learning a few Indian languages. He also practised Hindi film songs. One song that made him a celebrity in France was the one filmed on Rajesh Khanna in 'Andaz' which he heard in Malaysia.

I present here Pascal singing that song:


Later he came to Mumbai, hired a Mumbai orchestra under the guidance of Pyarelal of the famed LP duo, and came out with an album 'Pascal of Bollywood'.

He seems to love the golden oldies. Here is one song from that album originally sung by Talat Mahmood and Lata:.


To those who think Tamil is a difficult language here is a French guy Pascal happily singing in that language with ease at a concert in Paris. He also features in the dance video of the song:


Pascal is said to be the guy behind the increasing popularity of Indian film songs in Europe. He sings from his memory, very rarely using a sheet or a book for lyrics. He seems to understand every word of what he sings. His yodeling is superb as well.
Enjoy Pascal's performance

 

Sometimes the songs are visible. Sometimes they are not. Wonder why