PYAAR HUA IQRAAR HUA HAI

Rain Song 4:

But when it comes to how it all began? How did rain songs became such a huge draw in Hindi movies, we probably have this one song to blame. It set such a high benchmark. A cuppa offered even if on credit, leading to blabbering of long felt intentions and some ensuing turmoil. Just when the coy heroine could run away and hide, torrential rain pouring in sheets of relentless fury and one umbrella to share. The rain comes and traps them in a little island of forced togetherness. There is no looking back. All the pent up emotions come flowing out. Promises are made in the new found courage. Plans are made for posterity. A truly epic rain song sung exquisitely by Lata and Manna Dey. Shankar Jaikishan gave it that funfilled whistle kinda tune and Shailendra's lyrics are timeless. Raj Kapoor and Nargis pump life into it. One of the best shot rain songs still. Notice the misty gusts of rain lashed winds. Magic in black and white. Now is there any doubt why we are a rain obsessed nation?

MAIN PYAASA TUM SAAWAN

Rain Song 3:

Such has been the endless fascination with rain in Indian movie songs, that you will find exceptionally refreshing rain songs in almost every era, every decade of film making. Invariably the rain song would even move the story further (yes, yes, believe me they did). It was in the rain that the coy heroine would give up her inhibitions, the gallant hero would get to offer her an umbrella or a ride back home. Sometimes they would be stranded in sylvan settings, forced to break the ice with some cognac and cuddling. The hero would get to show his caveman instincts, create a fire out of nothing to warm the shivering heroine. She'd also have to undress and dry her clothes, and in the interim she would have to make do with draping a blanket or a bed sheet. All in all, to prudish Indian audiences, rain always brought the thrill of the unknown, a little peekaboo here and there. It may all sound amusing today, but I am sure many remember the time when instead of a kissing scene, one would see two flowers coochie cooing next to each other on the screen. So much for forced censorship and protectionism!

Some rain songs brought up old memories, some pleasant, others painful. They gave the narrative a turn with a flashback....reminiscent of more beautiful times. The contrast between a much in love rain drenched couple to a fugitive on the run taking shelter in his ex-girlfriend's house (albeit unknowingly) gave this movie a dramatic twist. It was quite an intense and gripping movie. But this rain song provided a much needed relief and also managed to convey the human and humane side of criminals. After all no one is born a criminal. Often circumstances and situations turn people into unrecognisable creatures. The song however is very soft, beautiful and much required. It was almost a pivot point on which the two narratives of the story were hinged. Must say Kalyanji Anandji culled out a very powerful tune and Rajender Krishan wrote haunting lyrics to this song, that stay with you much after the movie is over.

O SAJNA BHARKHA BAHAAR AAYI-Lata

Rain song 2:

I have lived more than half my life in far flung places where often there weren't any swank, happening joints, big malls or other sources of entertainment. Life moves at an easy, laid back pace. It can get lonely and baffling at times. The fact one had to move every two years, it would take time to make friends. So there was always plenty of time to develop your inner faculties and imagination. Soon you start enjoying the solitude and you actually count your blessings and thank God for them.

Such places are a reality check and put things in perspective. The last station we lived in before Delhi was Babina, somewhere in central India with 200 year old Banyan and Peepal trees all around, intense summers, 12 hour power cuts and not even a movie hall or a decent restaurant. You learn to create your own little occupations in life. (I was fortunate to always have my writing to fall back on besides my online job-thankfully there was internet!)

One of the most beautiful features that I would look forward to every evening was a 10 km, tree lined walking plaza which had discreet speakers playing gentle music early in the morning and evenings. I loved to cycle on this path to some lilting music, breathing in some fresh air and watch the sun set every day. Cycling is something I have spent maximum number of hours at, when it comes to any form of exercise, but I like cycling outdoors, not on a stationary bike at all! One day it was drizzling as I ambled my way on my cycle while this song started playing. Don't remember many other things that gave me as much pleasure in my life.

So came back home and looked for this song on youtube, had never seen it before and was delighted to see Sadhana, who I find to be a true Indian beauty, like a classic Ravi Varma painting. She had such a stately carriage that her perfect poise did not need any theatrics. Absolutely loved her understated elegance and her expressions that speak of a sweet fulfilling love. The beautiful B&W picturisation by Bimal Roy is superlative, illustrating how each and every leaf, plant and figure resonates the sounds of rain. Of course in Babina, at night there would be this complete orchestra of crickets, frogs and toads singing at unbearably high decibel levels, to add to the mystique!

Lata's voice reigns supreme over this spellbinding Salil Chowdhury number with lyrics by Shailendra. Gentle, passive passion at its best. To me, this B&W song is more than any '50 Shades of Grey'!

PAL BHAR MEIN YEH KYA HO GAYA-Lata

Rain song 1:

Well, went for a long drive today, making some pretext to get some outdoors work done. The weather as some Twitter ladies say was 'Clooney Weather'. Which means cloudy weather, dangerous weather, irresistible weather and kinda reckless weather. Some parts of Delhi are simply beautiful to drive through. My favourite is the Chanakyapuri Diplomatic area, very well kept with lush green trees and flowers everywhere.

Once I was done with work at some offices there, I stepped out to see that a relentless downpour had started. Was not carrying an umbrella, it was getting late. So just said 'what the heck' and got totally drenched. Rain in India is greeted with such gusto. Suddenly everything and everyone starts smiling- the parched ground, the roads, the trees, the children, the peacocks. It's a feeling perhaps a Londoner can never understand or appreciate. Let Londoners do what they do best. We in this part of the world will always welcome rain with open arms. One has to concede that we have a rather long and sultry summer. Rain is like manna from heaven, replenishing the Earth, rejuvenating everything.

We have hundreds of songs about waiting for rains and even more celebrating rain. This is one of the most beautiful rain and monsoon songs by Lata. Shabana in her prime, a lush green Bengal countryside and nostalgia (ha ha don't they always go hand in hand)...... And yes I have to still learn how to tie a saree Bengali style. Need help Madhvi, Madhulika, Sushmita, Srijeeta and all those other Bong bombshells out there!

Here's a translation of this beautiful rain song. You will notice how nature was such a huge part of people's lifestyle once. If you listen to nature, it gives all the answers. It is only when we alienate ourselves from nature and start living sterile, synthetic lives that the world looks dull and unexciting. So step out, enjoy the breeze, get drenched, splash in the puddles, smell a flower:

Oh! What happened in a moment!
In to a spin I was sent,
And there went my heart too,
As the gentle zephyr blew.
My dupatta calls out to the breeze
That the rains this year are such a tease.
My loved one brought in the rains and how!
It’s difficult to live without him now.

The gentle breeze lets ebb and bob,
A small sailboat of hope.
My earings dangle and throb
And quietly give me the dope,
That he will be here in a while.
Just call him with a loving smile.

In the gardens the flowers blossom.
They cling to me and help me fathom.
For they say tread slowly oh pretty girl!
Hold us and come along.
You will find him not before long,
The one who has you in a whirl.

Oh! What happened in a moment!
In to a spin I was sent,
And there went my heart too
As the gentle zephyr blew……….
My loved one brought in the rains and how!
It’s difficult to live without him now.