Golden oldies: Evergreen songs of freedom – Times of India

Be it Ae Watan Ae Watan or Mere Desh Ki Dharti – these songs, composed when India was on the very cusp of its new beginnings, and encapsulating the nation’s defiance, optimism and unity, continue to evoke strong emotions in listeners today with their powerful lyrics and melodies. Among the golden oldies, film experts say that Kavi Pradeep’s Door Hato Ae Duniya Walon, Hindustan Hamaara Hai from the film Kismet (1943) emerges as the main contender. Film historian Gautam Chintamani tells us why he thinks the song is legendary, “Look at these lyrics – ‘Shuru hua hai jang tumhara, jaag utho Hindustaani/Tum na kisi ke aage jhukna, German ho ya Japani’/Aaj sabhi ke liye hamaraa yahi qaumi naara hai, door hato ae duniya walon, Hindustan hamara hai’. The film Kismet was released during the British rule, and while the lyrics mention Japan and Germany, the audience that went to the cinema to watch the film knew that the lines targeted the British.”

‘SONGS IN THE ’40s-60s LEFT A LASTING IMPACT DUE TO POETIC AND MOVING LYRICS’

Film experts also say that the reason these songs still resonate with people is because of the poetry in them, as well as the emotions the lyrics tend to evoke in them.

Manoj Kumar had said in an earlier interview, “While writing Ae Watan Ae Watan from Shaheed (1965), lyricist Prem Dhawan kept a picture of Bhagat Singh in front of him.”

Chintamani also points out that in the 1940s-60s, filmmakers wanted to contribute towards nation building through their films and those sentiments were often reflected in these songs. He says, “The idea of ‘navnirman’ post independence was pushed in these films, and you can feel it while listening to these songs. They left a lasting impact on people, who went to cinemas to watch films or listened to them on the radio. Be it Aao Bachcho Tumhe Dikhayein (Jagriti, 1954) or Mere Desh Ki Dharti (Upkar, 1959), these iconic melodies were songs of freedom and remain so.”

‘THESE SONGS ARE CARING, EMPATHETIC. THEY TALK ABOUT HOW TO HOLD HAND OF THE WEAKEST’

Poet and theatre artiste Danish Husain says, “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon sung by Lata Mangeshkar is an iconic song, and Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyon from Haqeeqat (1964) has been etched in minds forever. The song Nanha Munna Rahi Hoon brought out one’s love for the country in a playful manner. Songs from Manoj Kumar’s Shaheed, such as Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna, Ae Watan Ae Watan are among the most memorable. It is important to understand that when we celebrate our country, we are celebrating people, our diversity and values. There is no hyper nationalism in the songs of that era. These are caring and empathetic songs which talk about how to hold the hand of the weakest and that’s the reason they are still so popular.”

‘OUR FILMS HAVE NEVER FORGOTTEN PATRIOTISM’

While talking about the timeless songs on the subject, Gulzar says, “Kabuliwala ka gaana Ae Mere Pyare Watan aksar mere naam se jod diya jata hai, lekin yeh mera gaana nahi hai. Yeh Prem Dhawan ka hai, aur yeh bahut achhe kavi thay. Shaheed (1948) ka gaana Watan Ki Raah Mein Watan Ke Naujawan, and Mere Desh Ki Dharti (Upkar 1967), jismein Manoj Kumar thay, kaafi popular hue. Koshish (1972) mein ek gaana tha Madan Mohan ka – Hum Se Hai Watan Hamara, Aur Watan Se Hum. Pradeep ji (poet Kavi Pradeep) ne bahut patriotic songs likhe hain jaise Aao Bachon Tumhe Dikhaein Jhaanki Hindustan Ki, jo kaafi mashhoor raha.” At the same time, he says, “Meghna (Gulzar) ki film Raazi (2018) mein yeh gaana tha – Ae Watan, Watan Mere Aabad Rahe Tu, which was also awarded. Our films have never forgotten patriotism.”