You know the sound of a Hallmark Christmas movie. It usually involves sleigh bells, orchestral strings, and a whole lot of holiday magic. But in the recent movie The Holiday Crashers, you might have heard something a little different.
You heard a Shehnai. And yes, that was me playing it!
When I got the call to record for this movie, I was thrilled. The goal was to bring a specific texture and emotion to the wedding scene in the film. I spent time in the studio making sure the track was perfect, but the real test was my family.
A Surprise for my family
I decided to surprise my wife and son with the final result. We sat down in the living room, turned on The Holiday Crashers, and waited for the scene. I filmed their reaction because I wanted to capture the moment they realized, “Hey, that sounds like Dad!” Watch the clip below to see the scene and our reaction:A Surprise Connection with the Cast
As if hearing my music on TV wasn’t cool enough, something even cooler happened on social media. I shared this clip on Instagram, and Jag Bal, the actor who actually played the groom in the movie saw it! He dropped a comment on the post, bringing the experience full circle. It is not every day you get to collaborate on a film score, and it is even rarer to connect with the actors who brought the scene to life on screen. It was a great validation that the music really added to the moment. You can check out his comment and the original post on my Instagram here:View this post on Instagram
From the Big Screen to Your Big Day
Hearing the Shehnai in a movie score proved that this instrument has a cinematic, soulful quality that fits anywhere there is emotion to be shared. If the Shehnai can add magic to a Hallmark movie, imagine what it can do for your wedding entrance or reception. Whether you are planning a fusion wedding or just want something unique that your guests have never heard before, I would love to be part of your soundtrack.
Ready to add a cinematic touch to your event?