Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol lit up the screen together with saucy Señorita in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Indian male actors are objectified much less compared to female actors on screen, so this was very welcome. Director Zoya Akhtar did it with such Spanish flavour, style and character that we hardly registered it is an item number. Or did we?
When I first watched the movie, I was blown away when the song started. It was totally unexpected and a heart-stopping moment as a viewer since I liked all of them. I was struggling to focus – what or who to pick? The fiery dancers, the alluring actors, and their voices, the peppy lyrics or the zingy music?
Before this number, Hrithik scored a tad high on objectification value, the other two were better on the intellectual scale. After this, they were evenly objectifiable. Hrithik was refreshing, within reach and relatable. Farhan brought his sexiness out of the closet in its full glory. Abhay shed his inhibitions for once; specially since that man always seems genuinely oblivious to his own appeal. The irresistible trio, with choreographer duo Bosco-Caesar’s direction, made it look effortless as well. The song won the pair National Film and Filmfare Awards for Best Choreography.
Situation worked, too. Three men on a holiday and drunk in Spain, as they should be. 
They casually walk in on a traditional street celebration, as they do. 
Farhan saunters on stage first, Abhay and Hrithik follow him. They start tap dancing and try out some flamenco moves with a bunch of strangers. Technically, Abhay is celebrating his last days as bachelor in the movie. So all the more reason to let go. What I also loved about the setting was that the women participated with equal vigour. The dancers happily swung forth and asked them to join in. Who wouldn’t?! I mean, look at them!
The lively scene was captured in front of ‘Bar El Parque’ in Alájar, Spain by cinematographer Carlos Catalan. Locals were used instead of extras; some even turned up with the mayor all dressed up on the third day of shooting to watch the Indian film crew in action.
Zoya initially just wanted the first verse by a female singer but father Javed Akhtar suggested interludes to make it sound like a duet. Traditional Spanish flamenco artist María del Mar Fernández was selected by music directors Shankar-Ehsan-Loy – her husky voice added the required spice. Zoya insisted that the actors record in their own voices to make it extra authentic: Abhay debuted his ‘peculiar’ (quote: Shankar) baritone, Farhan brought his trademarked throatiness and Hrithik added casual smoothness. Check out its full making here: https://youtu.be/ACP02FBqkZE
The opening lyrics in Spanish sound groovy, even if you never understand one alphabet. I looked up its translated version, it means: “Who are you? Where have you been? I moved heaven and earth and couldn’t find you. But you arrive today. So suddenly. And give meaning to my life with your love”.
That wasn’t made up. Wiki confirms this song is all about being yourself and having fun.
I say, people, why not just enjoy this sizzling, memorable ride with our three desi Señors and many Señoritas?
Movie: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Song: Senorita
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Singers: Farhan Akhtar, Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, Maria del Mar Fernández (Spanish)
Choreography: Bosco-Caesar
Cinematography: Carlos Catalan
cinemaspotter.com 