Sooraj Dooba Hain

"Sooraj Dooba Hain" (transl. The sun has set) is a Hindi song from the 2015 Bollywood film, Roy.^[1] The song is Composed by Amaal Mallik, sung by Arijit Singh and Aditi Singh Sharma, with lyrics penned by Kumaar.^[2] The music video features actors Jacqueline Fernandez, Ranbir Kapoor and Arjun Rampal.^[3]

"Sooraj Dooba Hai"
Cover of the song, featuring actors Jacqueline Fernandez, Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal
Single by Arijit Singh, Aditi Singh Sharma
from the album Roy
Released	19 December 2014 (2014-12-19) (Video) 22 December 2014 (2014-12-22) (Single)
Genre	Filmi Pop
Length	4:24
Label	T-Series
Songwriter(s)	Kumaar
Producer(s)	Bhushan Kumar
Music video
"Sooraj Dooba Hain" on YouTube

The producer of the film, Bhushan Kumar, had heard the rough version of the song composed – and written – by Mallik and wanted to hear the final version of the song, for which Kumar wrote the lyrics. For the male vocals of the song, Mallik wanted a voice that did not sing many ‘peppy numbers’.

The music video of the song was officially released on 19 December 2014 and was exclusively released on Hungama.com. The single of the song was digitally released on 22 December 2014. Commercially, the song fared well, topping the iTunes charts in India and Cambodia, along with 91.9 Friends FM weekly chart.

Background

The song is composed by Amaal Mallik who made his debut in Bollywood as a music director with the 2014 released film Jai Ho.^[4] Initially, Bhushan Kumar told Mallik, that he was looking for a youthful party song for the film. He offered the chance to five other music composers, in-order to select the best track.^[5] Mallik finalised a rough version of "Sooraj Dooba Hai" with a few lines written, which was originally composed by him three years ago and was rejected by many of the film producers.^[6] Bhushan Kumar, associated with producing the film, heard the version along with other tracks he had composed and wanted to hear the final version of the song, for which Kumaar wrote the lyrics. After composition, he was not aware that the song was composed for the film Roy until Bhushan showed him the poster of the film for which he has composed the song.^[7] He stated:

The director of the film Vikramjit Singh gave Mallik an insight into Ranbir Kapoor's character, a carefree person who believes one should forget everything and live freely. Singh wanted the track to be about being young and carefree, similar to those which can be played in clubs too. With the first verse of the song written by Kumaar, which was "cracked" in fifteen minutes, Mallik realised that they "hit upon something really special". According to him the song is something every person in this world can relate to and it is "a party song with a simple melody, Electronic Dance Music beats and non-crass lyrics".^[5][6]

The song is sung by Arijit Singh and Aditi Singh Sharma.^[8] For the male vocals of the song, Mallik wanted a voice that does not sing many peppy numbers. Regarding the vocals by Singh, Mallik stated: "Arjit was one name that came to my mind and he too was extremely happy when he heard the song. He told me that he wished to maintain his style and will add my attitude to the song".^[7] Mallik called Sharma and informed her of the song, and mentioned that he would email it to her before recording it at the studio; "Knowing that Amaal is an absolute king at EDM, I remember opening the email with immense excitement as he had mentioned it's a dance track [and] it's a duet with Arijit Singh". According to Sharma, she fell in love with the track instantly, and kept listening to it over and over again. At the studio Mallik briefed her to do improvisations as per her wish; "After my solo parts were done, we worked on ideas for suitable harmonies for Arijit's lines, for the chorus as well".^[9] The song marks the first time Sharma sings for the lead actress of the film, Jacqueline Fernandez.^[10] The song is all about living the present moment with someone special.^[11] The song is picturised on Fernandez, Ranbir Kapoor and Arjun Rampal. The song is noted as the first time Fernandez has been paired against Kapoor and Rampal.^[12] It is choreographed by Ahmed Khan.^[13]

Picturization and marketing

Though, the released music video features the three leading actors from the film Jacqueline Fernandez, Arjun Rampal and Ranbir Kapoor, the film version of the song features Rampal and Fernandez only.^[14] On 18 December 2014, stills of the song, which show Fernandez romancing both Kapoor and Rampal were released.^[15] The song is picturised on a contrast of locations from long drives, to quaint beaches to energetic clubs.^[16] The music video shows Fernandez shaking her leg on the dance floor. She is accompanied by Rampal, who matches dance steps with her while Kapoor "looks intense and cut off" in the song.^[17] It also shows Fernandez romance with Rampal and Kapoor through various snippets from the film.^[18] In the song, Rampal is seen donning a fedora hat,^[19] while Fernandez dons two avatars, as she plays a dual role in the film.^[20] When in the same frame with Kapoor, she is seen sporting a faux bob hair style though she is dressed very casually with her long tresses and accessories including bands and bracelets with a tattoo on her neck and wrist, when in the company of Rampal.^[21] The song is shot in scenic locations from Malaysia.^[22] In a scene of the song, Fernandez is seen wearing a "long chain" on her neck which was designed by herself.^[23]

Since June 2014, Ranbir Kapoor has been the brand ambassador for the AskMe mobile application. As one of their marketing strategy, AskMe signed a marketing and promotion deal with T-Series for "Sooraj Dooba Hai" which also features Kapoor in the video, has the words 'Ask Me' incorporated in the lyrics at four places.^[24] Apart from the lyrics, the video also shows their product placement in the background, when Jacqueline Fernandez and Arjun Rampal dance to the beats of the song in an uptown club.^[25]

Release and response

First look of the song was published on 18 December 2014 by The Times of India.^[15] The music video of the song was officially released on 19 December 2014, through the YouTube channel of T-Series.^[26] The song was exclusively released on Hungama.com and was available for the next three days from the time of release.,^[27] On 22 December, the full song was released digitally as a single,^[28] and was available at online music-streaming platforms.^[29] The music video of the song was the first track released from the film.^[30]

Apart from topping the music charts, the song was considered as "the party anthem of the season".^[31] Within 24 hours of release, the song received 650,000 views on YouTube.^[32]

Chart performance

Chart	Peak position
The Times of India Mirchi Top 20 Chart^[33]	1
Hits FM (Nepal) Hits X-press Top 10 Chart^[34]	1

Critical reception

The song received mostly positive response from music critics.

Bollywood Hungama's Rajiv Vijayakar calling it a "nice celebratory song" appraised the "interesting and meaningful lyrics" by Kumaar and the vocals by Singh, though felt that; "it needed a lively and full-throated singer rather than Aditi Singh Sharma crooning with a put-on Westernized accent, and that too very superficially from her mouth".^[35] According to Joginder Tuteja from Rediff.com, Amaal Mallik deserves full marks for the track; "It's a beautiful tune with a good mix of rhythm and melody [...] and has a club sound but still makes for pleasant listening".^[36] Sankhayan Ghosh of The Indian Express was impressed with the arrangement of the tune, though he felt the song "shows a serious lack of imagination".^[37] Rucha Sharma from Daily News and Analysis wrote: "For a change, it's good to hear Arijit Singh singing happy tunes. Aditi Singh Sharma complements his voice very well".^[38]

Surabhi Redkar from Koimoi described the song as "an amazingly upbeat number that hooks you in right from the start". Redkar opining that "it is surely going to be one of the party songs of the year", complimented that Mallik composition has a lot of energy to "drive" to the dance floor.^[39] Kasmin Fernandes of The Times of India was entertained with the composition of the song and commented: "Singh's singing is endearing and Aditi Singh Sharma supports him ably. She takes over the reins in the alternate version which shows off her singing chops".^[40]

Awards

Year	Award Ceremony	Category	Recipient	Result	Reference(s)
2015	Mirchi Music Awards	Song of the Year	–	Nominated	^[41]^[42]
		Male Vocalist of the Year	Arijit Singh	Nominated
		Music Composer of the Year	Amaal Mallik	Nominated
		Upcoming Music Composer of The Year	Amaal Mallik	Won

Track listing and formats

• Digital single^[28]

1. "Sooraj Dooba Hain" – 4:24

• Original Motion Picture Soundtrack^[43]

1. "Sooraj Dooba Hain" – 4:24
2. "Sooraj Dooba Hain (Duet Version)" – 4:24

• Remix – EP^[44]

1. "Sooraj Dooba Hain (Remix)" – 4:35

References

1. "Roy's first song out: Jacqueline romances with Ranbir, Arjun in Sooraj Dooba Hai". India Today. 21 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
2. . Hindustan Times. 22 December 2014. Archived from the original on 22 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
3. "Sooraj Dooba Hain Song – Roy – Feat. Ranbir Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arjun Rampal". Koimoi. 19 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
4. "Armaan Malik: 2014 was about an overall development of mine". Radio and Music. 31 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
5. "Amaal Mallik: The hook line sealed the deal for me". The Times of India. 9 January 2015. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
6. Roshmila Bhattacharya (5 February 2015). "On a Song: How a rejected tune turned into a chart topper". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
7. "Amaal Mallik's 'Sooraj Dooba Hai' from 'Roy' has his attitude and Arijit's style". Radio and Music. 24 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
8. Kasmin Fernandes (23 December 2014). "Upcoming romantic thriller Roy to be high on music". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
9. Kasmin Fernandes (30 January 2014). "Aditi Singh Sharma: I am lucky to have so many friends here". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
10. Pramita Bose (29 December 2014). . The Asian Age. Archived from the original on 5 January 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
11. "Roy: Watch out for Jacqueline in 'Sooraj Dooba Hai'!". News Nation. 20 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
12. . Bollywood Hungama. 19 December 2014. Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
13. Prateek Sur (4 February 2014). "Roy song Sooraj dooba hai making: Arjun Rampal-Jacqueline Fernandez learn the dance steps; while Ranbir Kapoor gives it a miss!". Bollywood Life. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
14. "Ranbir, Arjun, Jacqueline's peppy track 'Sooraj dooba hain' from Roy". India TV. 21 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
15. "Jacqueline gets to romance both Ranbir and Arjun in Roy". The Times of India. 19 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
16. Subramanian Harikumar (19 December 2014). "Roy song Sooraj Dooba Hain: Ranbir Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez and Arjun Rampal party to the peppy club number!". Bollywood Life. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
17. "Roy: Watch Ranbir, Jacqueline romance in 'Sooraj Dooba Hai'". Bollywood Mantra. 21 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
18. "Jacqueline Fernandez Parties to 'Sooraj Dooba Hain' Song from 'Roy': Video". India-West. 19 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
19. "Watch: Roy's new song Sooraj Dooba Hai, which deserves a Pinterest board". Firstpost. 22 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
20. "Watch 'Roy' song: Jacqueline Fernandez lives it up beautifully in 'Sooraj Dooba Hai'". The Indian Express. 21 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
21. "Watch Roy New Song: 'Sooraj Dooba Hai'". Filmibeat. 22 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
22. . Bollywood Hungama. 28 October 2014. Archived from the original on 8 November 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
23. Nayandeep Rakshit (5 January 2015). "Jacqueline Fernandez designed her own jegling for 'Sooraj Dooba Hai' in 'Roy'". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
24. "AskMe launches marketing blitz with Ranbir Kapoor's 'Roy'". The Financial Express. 31 January 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
25. Rishabh Chakravorty (2 February 2015). "Roy starring Ranbir Kapoor and AskMe launch unprecedented marketing strategy". India.com. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
26. "Sooraj Dooba Hain Video Song – Roy – Arijit singh – Ranbir Kapoor – Arjun Rampal – Jacqueline". T-Series. YouTube. 19 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
27. "Sooraj Dooba from Roy available exclusively only on Hungama App". Oye! Times. 22 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
28. "Sooraj Dooba Hain (From "Roy") – Single". Amaal Mallik, Arijit Singh & Aditi Singh Sharma. iTunes. 19 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
29. "Listen to Sooraj Dooba Hain Yaaron Song Online". Saavn. 22 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
30. Aparna Mudi (19 December 2014). "Watch: Peppy dance number 'Sooraj Dooba' from 'Roy'!". Zee News. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
31. Arun Nair (31 January 2015). "Ranbir Kapoor, Jacqueline's 'Roy' topping music charts". The Indian Express. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
32. Arun Nair (20 December 2014). "Roy: Jacqueline romances Ranbir, Arjun in 'Sooraj Dooba hain'". Network 24. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
33. "Music Chart – The Times of India – Mirchi Top 20 Week Ending 16 January 2015". The Times of India. 16 January 2015. Retrieved 24 February 2015.
34. "Music Chart – Hits X-press Hits 91.2 FM Nepal". Hits FM. 15 April 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
35. Rajiv Vijayakar (21 January 2015). . Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 2 January 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.     
36. Joginder Tuteja (18 January 2015). "Review: Roy's music rocks!". Rediff.com. Retrieved 17 February 2015.     
37. Sankhayan Ghosh (13 February 2015). "'Roy' music review: Impossible to like without getting a sense of déjà vu". The Indian Express. Retrieved 17 February 2015.     
38. Rucha Sharma (12 February 2015). "Roy Music Review". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 17 February 2015.     
39. Surabhi Redkar (19 January 2015). "Roy Music Review". Koimoi. Retrieved 17 February 2015.     
40. Kasmin Fernandes (6 February 2015). "Music Review: Roy". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 February 2015.     
41. "MMA Mirchi Music Awards". MMAMirchiMusicAwards. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
42. "MMA Mirchi Music Awards". MMAMirchiMusicAwards. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
43. "Roy (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Amaal Mallik, Ankit Tiwari & Meet Bros Anjjan. iTunes. 9 January 2015. Retrieved 11 January 2015.
44. "Sooraj Dooba Hain (Remix) [From "Roy"] – Roy Remix – EP". iTunes. 27 January 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.