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Posts Tagged ‘Freedom’

Some Bollywood solo songs with youthful vibes

Posted in The Magic of Movies!, tagged , , , , , , , , on December 29, 2024| 2 Comments »

One of the compensations for leaving behind the phase of adolescence is a wholesome optimism that envelopes us in our youth. Yes, it does take the fine edge off the series of infatuations and whatever semi-romantic triumphs of a transient nature may have come our way in our formative years. But it has the admirable effect of making us believe that our Guardian Angels are working overtime to ensure that our cup is overflowing with hopes for a brighter future, whether professionally or personally. We are in an exuberant state of mind where the sun will always keep shining, the grass will always be green, flowers will forever be in bloom, and God will continue to be in heaven.

Our dream merchants have often showcased this state of affairs. Our heroes and heroines can be found admiring nature while belting out a melodious song, duly backed by a well-equipped orchestra amid the wilderness. In some cases, they are shown to realise that life is nothing but a journey, comprising ups and downs and twists and turns. A few are introspective, exemplifying the bliss of solitude, whereas some dream of a great career ahead.

Given the penchant of Bollywood to keep spinning romantic yarns, most of such solos showcase the inner yearning to run into a potential soul mate. One waits for a Cupid’s arrow to strike one sooner rather than later. A sinister restlessness creeps in and the unfulfilled desire for heartfelt companionship governs one’s behaviour. The latent wish to identify The Chosen One who will soon be swaying us off our feet gets expressed with gay abandon. A romantic spring is in the offing. Of interest here are songs wherein the party of the first part has dreams in his/her eyes and is seeking love, wandering around as a sole atom. The party of the second part is yet to appear on the horizon.

Here is a random sample of some such songs from Hindi movies.

A Communion with Mother Nature

Against a captivating landscape, our heroes and heroines cannot be blamed for feeling overawed and expressing their love for lush green mountains, sparkling lakes, roaring waterfalls, and the gentle rustle of water in a rivulet nearby.

Suhana safar aur ye mausam haseen

Movie: Madhumati (1958)

Music: Salil Chowdhury

Lyrics: Shailendra

Singer: Mukesh

Ye kaun chitrakar hai

Movie: Boond Jo Ban Gayi Moti (1967)

Music: Satish Bhatia

Lyrics: Bharat Vyas

Singer: Mukesh

Dil ye chota sa

Movie: Roja (1992)

Music: A.R. Rahman

Lyrics: P. K. Mishra

Singer: Minmini

Barso re

Movie: Guru (2007)

Music: A.R. Rahman

Lyrics: Gulzar

Singer: Shreya Ghoshal

Music: Food for the Soul

Occasionally, we get gently reminded of the unique power of music. The main protagonist finds music in whatever is happening in the environment. Mundane occurrences generate mellifluous notes which act like a balm for our frayed nerves.

Aawara bhanwre

Sapney (1997)

Music: A R Rahman

Lyricist: Javed Akhtar

Singer: Hema Sardesai

Sunne wale sun lete hain

Movie: Saaz (1998)

Music: Zakir Hussain, Bhupen Hazarika, Raj Kamal, Yashwant Dev

Lyricist: Javed Akhtar

Singers: Suresh Wadkar, Shraddha Pandit, Shweta Pandit

The Bliss of Solitude

Whether steering a vehicle on a busy road, relishing an introspective saunter in wooded hills, or riding a horse-driven carriage through a rural setting, reflecting on the purpose of life, these songs tug at our heartstrings.

Le chala jidhar ye dil nikal padey

Movie: Miss Bombay (1957)

Music: Hansraj Behl

Lyrics: Prem Dhawan

Singer: Mohd. Rafi

Kuchch dil ne kaha

Movie: Anupama (1966)

Music: Hemant Kumar

Lyrics: Kaifi Azmi

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Musafir hoon yaaron

Movie: Parichay (1972)

Music: R D Burman

Lyrics: Gulzar

Singer: Kishore Kumar

Jhooti mooti mitwa

Movie: Rudaali (1993)

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Lyrics: Gulzar

Music: Bhupen Hazarika

Celebrating freedom

Oh, the sheer joy of having freed oneself from the shackles of life and dreaming of soaring high in the sky!

Panchi banoon udti chaloon

Movie: Chori Chori (1956)

Music: Shankar – Jaikishan

Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Dil mera ek aas ka panchi

Movie: Aas Ka Panchi (1961)

Music: Shankar – Jaikishan

Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri

Singer: Subir Sen

Udke pawan ke sang chaloongi

Movie: Shagird (1967)

Music: Laxmikant – Pyarelal

Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Dil chahta hai

Movie: Dil Chahta Hai (2001)

Music: Shankar – Ehsaan – Loy

Lyrics: Javed Akhtar

Singer: Shankar Mahadevan

Dil dhadakne do

Movie: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

Music: Shankar – Ehsaan – Loy

Lyrics: Javed Akhtar

Singers: Suraj Jagan, Joi Barua, Shankar Mahadevan

Jugni

Movie: Queen (2014)

Music: Amit Trivedi

Lyrics: Anvita Dutt

Singer: Amit Trivedi

Love you, zindagi

Movie: Dear Zindagi (2016)

Music: Amit Trivedi

Lyrics: Kausar Munir

Singer: Jasleen Royal

The Lonely Wanderers

Most of the time, we come across characters who wander hither and thither. They are keenly looking forward to an intense phase of courtship and, hopefully, an eventual walk down the aisle. The search for The Chosen One has begun in right earnest.

Hum hain rahi pyar ke

Movie: Nau Do Gyarah (1957)

Music: S.D. Burman

Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Singer: Kishore Kumar

Ban ke panchi

Movie: Anari (1959)

Music: Shankar – Jaikishan

Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Lakhon hain nigah mein

Movie: Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963)

Music: O. P. Nayyar

Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Singer: Mohd. Rafi

Kahin na kahin dil lagana padega

Movie: Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)

Music: O. P. Nayyar

Lyrics: S. H. Bihari

Singer: Mohd. Rafi

Pukarta chala hoon main

Movie: Mere Sanam (1965)

Music: O. P. Nayyar

Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Singer: Mohd. Rafi

Ye samaan, samaan hai ye pyar ka

Movie: Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965)

Music: Kalyanji Anandji

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Ye dil na hota bechara

Movie: Jewel Thief (1967)

Music: S. D. Burman

Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Singer: Kishore Kumar

Bhai battoor

Movie: Padosan (1968)

Music: R.D. Burman

Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Mere sapnon ki rani

Movie: Aradhana (1969)

Music: S. D. Burman

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Singer: Kishore Kumar

O ghata saanwari

Movie: Abhinetri (1970)

Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Aaj unse pehli mulaquat hogi

Movie: Paraya Dhan (1971)

Music: R. D. Burman

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Singer: Kishore Kumar

Mausam hai ashiquana

Movie: Pakeezah (1971)

Music: Ghulam Mohammed

Lyrics: Kamal Amrohi

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Meet na mila re man ka

Movie: Abhimaan (1973)

Music: S. D. Burman

Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Singer: Kishore Kumar

Ek raasta hai zindagi

Movie: Kaala Patthar (1979)

Music: Rajesh Roshan

Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi

Singers: Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar

Papa kehte hain

Movie: Qayamat se Qayamat Tak (1988)

Music: Anand Milind

Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Singer: Udit Narayan

Mere khwabon mein jo aaye

Movie: Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995)

Music: Jatin – Lalit

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Bholi si surat

Movie: Dil To Pagal Hai (1997)

Music: Uttam Singh

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Udit Narayan

Kyon Hawa

Movie: Veer-Zara (2004)

Music: Late Madan Mohan

Music Recreated by: Sanjeev Kohli

Lyrics: Javed Akhtar

Voices: Yash Chopra, Lata Mangeshkar, Sonu Nigam

Challa

Movie: Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012)

Music: A. R. Rahman

Lyrics: Gulzar

Singer: Rabbi Shergill

It is not that Bollywood does not believe in gender parity. Whether it is admiring the innate beauty of nature, realising the link between nature and music, soaring high like Jonathan Livingston Seagull and enjoying freedom, relishing the bliss of solitude, or looking out for The Chosen One, Bollywood does not discriminate between genders, ethnicity, caste, and religion.

As to the dashers who are like lonely wanderers, they often express their desire to be hit by an arrow of Cupid’s without any hesitation. Once a soul mate has been identified, a hectic phase of wooing dawns, wherein both parties can be seen cooing to each other like turtle doves. Love blossoms. Parental opposition is overcome. Nasty interference by a villain gets neutralised — eventually, love triumphs. Just before The End sign rolls up, the couple can be spotted rushing off to a honeymoon in a garishly decorated limousine, with the legend Just Married prominently adorning its boot.

The audience breathes easy, grateful that the movie has finally ended. However, they are blissfully unaware if the sheen of perfection that had enveloped the party of the other part so far might have a limited shelf life. Sometime after the couple walks down the aisle, scales could fall from their eyes, eventually mummifying the corpse of love.

Related Posts:

Nine shades of wooing in Bollywood and the #MeToo movement
Different ways in which Bollywood heroines express their love
Some Songs Close to My Heart! (Part 1 of 2)
Some Songs Close to My Heart! (Part 2 of 2)

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OF NOMOPHOBIA AND NOCONNPHOBIA

Posted in A Vibrant Life!, tagged , , , , , , , , , on July 17, 2023| Leave a Comment »

ashokbhatia's avatarashokbhatia

We appear to be headed for two new challenges to our mental equipoise in this century – Nomophobia and Noconnphobia! The fear of being out of mobile contact, that is, No–Mobile-Phobia, is already well-recognized. The significance of the other, No–Connectivity-Phobia, is perhaps yet to dawn on most of us!

Our addiction to mobile phones and internet knows no bounds. Six years back, I was working with a company in a very senior position. A night before I was to be wheeled into an operation theatre for a cardiac surgery, I was furiously making calls to my team members to ensure that things were handled right when I was away from work for some time. My distressed daughter ended up confiscating the mobile phone, leading me to a feeling of utter loneliness and helplessness. It was as if my world had…

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Norway: Where the head is held high

Posted in The European Diaries, tagged , , , , , , , on May 16, 2019| Leave a Comment »

ashokbhatia's avatarashokbhatia

Here is a country where the mind is without fear

And the head is held high

Where knowledge to children and youth is virtually free

And those distressed by the world are welcomed with open arms;

Where the definition of nationalism implies inclusivity

Fine arts of all countries and cultures are welcome

If narrow domestic walls exist, these are only to protect national interests

Where respect for the law of the land reigns supreme;

Where gender equity and diversity is not a mere slogan

The care offered to the elderly is exemplary

Some wish the taxes to be lower but realize the money is well spent

In many ways does it serve and comfort the citizens; 

Where human endeavour aims to attain perfection

Words come out from an inner conviction

Gentle, helpful, physically active and resilient

Following a work culture which deserves to be aped;

Where one can encounter the true…

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Norway: Where the head is held high

Posted in The European Diaries, tagged , , , , , , , on August 22, 2018| 2 Comments »

Here is a country where the mind is without fear

And the head is held high

Where knowledge to children and youth is virtually free

And those distressed by the world are welcomed with open arms;

 

Where the definition of nationalism implies inclusivity

Fine arts of all countries and cultures are welcome

If narrow domestic walls exist, these are only to protect national interests

Where respect for the law of the land reigns supreme;

 

Where gender equity and diversity is not a mere slogan

The care offered to the elderly is exemplary

Some wish the taxes to be lower but realize the money is well spent

In many ways does it serve and comfort the citizens; 

 

Where human endeavour aims to attain perfection

Words come out from an inner conviction

Gentle, helpful, physically active and resilient

Following a work culture which deserves to be aped;

 

Where one can encounter the true gifts of nature

Clean air, pristine water, lakes and streams

One amongst which is the clear stream of reason 

Leading to ever-widening thought and action;

 

Into this heaven of freedom, I wish this country to remain.

 

(Inspired by the famous poem ‘Where the mind is without fear…’ by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore)

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Where The Mind Is With Fear

Posted in A Vibrant Life!, tagged , , , , on April 22, 2013| 3 Comments »

TagoreWhere the mind is with fear and the head hangs in shame
Where knowledge is up for sale
Where the world has been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of deception
Where mindless striving stretches its arms towards ‘chalta hai’
Where the clear stream of reason has lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thoughts grey and blue
Into ever-sickening incidents of brutality against the fairer sex
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let not my country awake.

(With due apologies to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore; With reference to the 5-year-old girl recuperating from her traumatic experience in AIIMS, Delhi)

 

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OF NOMOPHOBIA AND NOCONNPHOBIA

Posted in A Vibrant Life!, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on February 9, 2013| 3 Comments »

We appear to be headed for two new challenges to our mental equipoise in this century – Nomophobia and Noconnphobia! The fear of being out of mobile contact, that is, No–Mobile-Phobia, is already well-recognized. The significance of the other, No–Connectivity-Phobia, is perhaps yet to dawn on most of us!

Our addiction to mobile phones and internet knows no bounds. Six years back, I was working with a company in a very senior position. A night before I was to be wheeled into an operation theatre for a cardiac surgery, I was furiously making calls to my team members to ensure that things were handled right when I was away from work for some time. My distressed daughter ended up confiscating the mobile phone, leading me to a feeling of utter loneliness and helplessness. It was as if my world had collapsed!

While recovering over the next four weeks, the ring tone of the mobile phone kept ringing in my ears, even though the equipment was nowhere around. My family ensured I could not lay my hands on it; otherwise, they felt, and rightly so, that I shall again get hooked on to it!

Surrounded by Gizmos!

Mobile phones are now everywhere. We go to a restaurant, and find that the friends who have met only to have a decent time together are instead glued to their individual mobile phones, chatting away merrily with those who are not physically present. On the roads, we find young and old alike walking absent-mindedly, talking on their mobile phone, quite oblivious to the traffic whizzing past and around them. Two-wheeler riders continue driving with an eye on the road while talking to someone far away, with a mobile phone wedged between their hunched up shoulder and an ear. With the arrival of blue tooth, the hunched shoulder has disappeared, but not the ingrained habit of using this all-pervasive gadget while driving.

Travel in a train and chances are that all the passengers are calling up their near and dear ones at the same time, prompting us to avoid the cacophony by taking a stroll down the crowded aisle. Visit a family and just as we start relishing a cup of tea with them, a shrill ring tone distracts one of the host’s party and we start wondering when the conversation in the drawing-room shall resume. Attend a management talk by an eminent expert, only to be interrupted by someone’s mobile ringing loud and clear, leaving the hapless expert clueless and the audience twiddling its thumbs. Even group meditation sessions are not free from this scourge.

When we call up a person on his mobile, we seldom bother if it is an appropriate time for him to have a conversation. If he does not pick up the phone in four or five rings, we conclude that he is being rude and arrogant; the poor guy might just be having a quiet candle-light Valentine Day dinner with his fiancée!

Internet is Fast Catching Up

Same is the case with internet accessibility. It appears to have assumed the same significance in our lives as oxygen which is vital to our survival. Withdraw it and the person withers away like a plant which has not been watered for quite some time. Ask any bleary-eyed child why he is looking tired and sleepy and the reason could well be that the only book he was working on the previous night was Facebook!  The realization that there is a real world out there – which is not the same as the virtual world – is difficult to come by.

According to a 2008 study in the UK, 53% of cell users there suffer from Nomophobia. It is not too different when compared to the stress we feel when we visit a dentist, start a new job or get jitters on our wedding day!

The day is not far off when some of us would be so lost in our technical gizmos that we may end up having to ‘Google’ ourselves to find who and where we are! With the convergence of voice and data services, we may soon end up getting mini-sim-cards planted in our skulls, much like the character of Neo played by Keanu Reeves in the ‘Matrix’ series of movies a decade back.

Just like the advent of the internal combustion engine changed our lifestyles forever, easy availability of connectivity is contributing towards making our civilization even more sedentary. The onslaught of lifestyle related diseases like diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular complications is getting further speeded up with our addiction to internet. Our transition time – from being a couch potato at home to becoming a patient in a psychiatrist’s couch – is possibly getting shorter.

Enjoying Freedom with Responsibility

It is not my case that newer technologies are bad. Thanks to social networking, distances have shrunk – physically as well as mentally. A virtual democracy of information has led to grouping of like-minded individuals. Regimes world over are waking up to the potential as well as the power of internet, as we have seen in the case of the ‘Arab Spring’ and also in the recent case of a brutal gang rape case in Delhi.

We have enviable options today to remain connected with the world, but there is an overload of information. We need a higher level of maturity and wisdom to be able to moderate its usage in our day-to-day lives. We need a higher degree of inner strength to be able to sift between what is relevant and truly beneficial for us, and whom we associate and network with. It is up to us to enjoy this new-found freedom with responsibility.

We have to take a conscious call whether we wish to use the technology to our advantage, or to become slaves to it, 24 x 7! Yes, it is not easy to switch off our smart phones, I-pads, tablets and laptops. But there is no other way but to do so at select times during the day. Let us give our gadgets some well deserved rest.  Overcoming Nomophobia and Noconnphobia is not as hard as it sounds!

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