The title song from the 2011 film Bodyguardstands out as a fun entertainer which also introduces our hero in a memorable way.
Near the beginning of the film, Bindra (Sharat Saxena) of "Tiger Security" is contacted to stop a gang of human traffickers. Rather than send the requested 10 men, Bindra offers to send one - Lovely Singh (Salman Khan) - for which he has high praise.
"He gives complete guarantee of your job with warranty. Whether you are there or not."
"When it comes to loyalty he's one step ahead of royalty."
"He's the only person in the world who can make his opposition terrified by simply staring at him."
"He's the best man for this job. Lovely Singh."
As Bindra speaks, we are transported to a musical celebration. The mix of Hindi and English lyrics in this title song perhaps adds to its popularity for an international audience. Fully translated, the song is an ode what it means to be a bodyguard. Specifically, this bodyguard.
Feel the heat. Feel the kick.
Feel the power. Feel the punch.
Feel the heat. Feel the kick.
Feel the power. Feel the punch.Bodyguard ...
"Do me a favor. Never do me a favor."
Come one, come all.
Come together.
The Bodyguard is here.
He's hot, he's hard.
Anyone that challenges him will be in trouble.
The Bodyguard is here.
He's our honor, he's our pride.
He's everyone's friend.
The Bodyguard is here.
He eradicates evil.
He is unmatched.
The Bodyguard is here.
Feel the heat. Feel the kick.
Feel the powerrr. Feel the punch.He's everyone's heartbeat.
He's a good Indian.
The Bodyguard is here.
He is strong.
He's unlike any other.
The Bodyguard is here.We were waiting for you.
Here comes the Bodyguard.Bodyguard.
Come one, come all.
Come together.
Come one, come all.
Come together.
The Bodyguard is here.
He's hot, he's hard.
Anyone that challenges him will be in trouble.
The Bodyguard is here.
He's our honor, he's our pride.
He's everyone's friend.
The Bodyguard is here.We were waiting for you.
Here comes the Bodyguard.
We were waiting for you.
Here comes the Bodyguard.Feel the heat. Feel the kick.
Feel the power. Feel the punch.
Feel the heat. Feel the kick.
Feel the power. Feel the punch.Bodyguard.
The song was composed by Himesh Reshammiya who has worked with Salman Khan on several films, including: Tere Naam (2003), Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005), and the upcoming film Kick (2014).
"Bodyguard" features choreography by Ganesh Acharya which highlights Salman Khan's muscular physique. This was particularly appreciated by fans who had seen Salman Khan purposefully pull back on his training to gain extra weight for his role in the 2010 film Dabangg where he played a middle-aged corrupt cop.
For Bodyguard, Salman Khan re-engaged with his rigorous training regime. In a Hindustan Times article, Bodyguard producer Atul Agnihotri explained that Salman wanted to make sure he looked the part:
"Salman is very particular about his body and workouts. But for Bodyguard, he is going a step further. Since he plays a bodyguard in the film, he wants to do full justice to the part. And since his fans look forward to Salman’s look in his films, he has a sense of responsibility towards them."
Besides showing off Salman's toned physique, the Bodyguard title song also features notable cameos by Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan's real-life bodyguard, Gurmeet Singh.
The performance of Katrina Kaif in this item number created great anticipation for audiences eager for the film's release. In a DNA.com article, Salman Khan is reported to have joked:
"Kareena had asked Katrina to do an item song and I had given the approval for it."
Kaif had received high praise for her provocative dance performance of "Sheila Ki Jawana" in the 2010 film Tees Maar Khan. Fans and critics were wondering if this performance would create as much of a stir. To make this connection even stronger, a few minutes after Kaif's performance in Bodyguard we see the character Bindra singing and dancing to "Sheila Ki Jawana" in his Tiger Security office.
Adding to the entertainment value of this number, Salman Khan portrays Katrina Kaif's bodyguard in the song. When Kaif invites him to join her on stage, he performs alongside Kaif then adds a few unique moves of his own.
Long-time Salman Khan bodyguard Gurmeet Singh a.k.a. Shera also appears in this item number. While Shera sees the superstar as a boss, brother and friend, being asked to appear in the film was a real surprise. In a Bollyspice.com interview, Shera explained:
"... this is the first time I will be in front of the camera with Salman bhai and Katrina doing an item song for the film. The item song is called `Aaya re aaya bodyguard…’ and we shot it at Film City. This song will be the title montage. It was scary and I was nervous. But I will never forget this experience."
It should be noted that Shera also owns the company Tiger Security Services which provides security for Indian and international stars along with a number of other services. In the film Bodyguard, Tiger Security is the name of the firm where Lovely Singh works. In fact, the Tiger Security website displays several banners featuring Salman Khan in his Lovely Singh avatar.
According to a Times of India story, Shera didn't have to coach Salman Khan on his role as bodyguard, saying:
"Salman has noted me so closely for past many years that he didn't need any advice. He looks damn smart and handsome in the film."
The following playlist features two versions of the entertaining Bodyguard title song composed by Himesh Reshammiya, choreographed by Ganesh Acharya, sung by "Band of Power" (Himesh Reshammiya, Vineet Singh, and Aman Trikha), and featuring Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Shera.
If you liked this, check out our other Music Monday posts.