15th August, A day of pride for each and every Indian. We Indians have proudly witnessed and celebrated our 75th Independence Day. Any celebration in India is incomplete without music and in our country patriotism and music have marched together for centuries. Music has been a weapon of choice against oppressors, worldwide for ages and what could be a better example than our country with such cultural heritage.
On Independence Day, in every locality we get to hear numerous patriotic songs every year. Some times some new songs and most of the time those historic patriotic songs in Hindi. It is absolutely undeniable, that the patriotic songs which has been composed and sung during first few decades after Independence, has created history. Any Indian would take pride that our country has produced songs like “Aye Mere Pyare Watan”, “Ab tumhare hawale watan sathiyon” or “Meri Desh ki Dharti” and most obviously “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo”. They have been synonymous with patriotism in India.
Independent India became 75 years old. Social media has been flooded with messages and wall posts. In one such post I found that few people are commenting that India has produced legendary patriotic songs only in first few decades of Independence, in last forty to fifty years, not a single remarkable patriotic songs have been created. Well, people can speak their mind out but such statements are certainly debatable.
We are growing, so does our struggle, so does our expression of patriotism. Time is changing but passion for our motherland, our respect for each and every freedom fighters remains constant, and that only grows stronger with time. There are several noted compositions of this genre, both new and old in many regional languages in India. But if we are talking about patriotism and Bollywood songs, ( because somehow, without digging deeper, many people consider Bollywood music and Indian music as same) and if we have to keep compositions of first few decades of Independence aside for sometime, then we shall be in better state to talk about this issue.
Today I would like to write about my five most touching patriotic songs by one of the greatest composers and critically acclaimed music director respected A R Rehman. I always feel that Rehman’s compositions are best blossomed either in religious songs or in patriotic songs. It goes without say that all these compositions were born in last thirty years.
Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna ( The Legends of Bhagat Singh, 2002):
This historic poetry was written by Bismil Azimabadi in 1920’s, in pre independent India. These verses have been igniting the fire since then. In this film there are two different tunes of this composition, one in faster and one is in slower tempo. Melody is also different. The slower version starts with the melody of Raag Desh, and followed by the sobbing of Darbari Kanada and even the subtle touch of Malhar bring out the best emotion of these verses. The heart wrenching rendition of Sonu Nigam and Hariharan touches our soul every time we listen to this song.
Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera (Swades, 2004):
The Sehnai in the prelude, the iconic Teentaal in Tabla and incredible composition and singing, this song certainly makes any Indian emotional about their motherland. In the history of Indian movies on patriotism, Swades creates a chapter and this song is soul of this thought provoking movie of modern India. I also liked the ensembled version of this song, presented by Berklee College of Music in 2015. The harmonization indeed leaves a spark within you.
Tanha Rahi (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero, 2004):
Ekla Chalo Re, The mantra of Swadeshi, planted by none other than Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore, and followed by every great leaders during that period. In this version A R Rehman keeps that chanting alive with the blend of the “Matir Gaan” of Bengal. Again a remarkable rendition by Sonu Nigam with utmost passion. The Bengali verse was magnificently rendered by Nachiketa Chakrabarty.
Ishwar Allah(1947 Earth, 1998):
Patriotic songs are those which makes you think about your motherland and inspires you to make it better. This song from 1947 Earth, does the same, and the song is still so significant. Musically, this is Rehman’s one of the best creations. The strings of Tanpura, the chorus, and the glimpse of Raag Kedar makes this song timeless.
Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara Hai (Roja, 1992):
Music of Roja, is whole new chapter in history of Indian Music. Hariharanji’s unexampled singing, the chorus and unthinkable dichotomy of melody shook the world of music. We were in junior school when this movie released and after two three years we once saw a school, performing this song on Independence Day. Many people frowned, because it was new, something that was changing the course of History, but the freshness of that composition touched us most, it was something we could relate most.
Present always ties up the bond between past and the future. Yesterdays cannot be forgotten and similarly the possibilities and needed changes for future should also be encouraged and considered. Most of the time we appreciate a song when it fits into a canvas which is familiar to us. If we keep on judging an art form from that perspective, then the flow would be stopped. Many historic composition of patriotic genre has been created in our time, that reminds us of the glory, the sacrifices of martyrs, and inspires us to make our country, our world a better place. We just need to be a little aware, a little conscious towards the new, unless we want to be extinct. So keep exploring and share your list of your most favorite patriotic songs.
“Milke Dekha Hai Jine Woh Sapne Bhi Na Root Jaaye
Hausle Woh Hausle Kya Jo Sitam Se Toot Jaaye
Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna Ab Hamare Dil Mein Hai”
Photograph and Video Courtesies: Google