Life Lessons through Entertainment
Entertainment has long been present in our society in various forms. Be it the gladiator fights at the colosseum during the Roman empire, wherein huge gatherings of an audience came to be entertained, or like the emperors in India who had their very own Navaratnas ('9 gems/jewels') – a group of extraordinary people in the court to entertain the king – the same continued on stage as well as on screen.
Following are a few songs that while giving us entertainment, also shared a valuable life lesson to contemplate on.
Anari (Film Poster 01)Shemaroo
'Anari' (1959)
Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, paring Raj Kapoor and Nutan on screen for the first time, 'Anari' became the highest grossing film in 1959.
Kisi Ki Muskurrahton (Song Still)Shemaroo
Not only the film but also its songs gained tremendous success. Impersonating the role of an "aam admi" (common man). Raj Kapoor gave us one of bollywood's most iconic song:
"Kisi Ki Muskurahato Pe Ho Nisar"
Song: Kisi Ki Muskurahato Pe Ho NisarShemaroo
"Offer yourself to make someone smile"
A song which is much more than a social document, it is a light of hope, a philosophy; a song that teaches us "what is life" and how to live it.
Song: Kisi Ki Muskurahato Pe Ho NisarShemaroo
"Have love for someone in your heart"
Composed by the popular and successful Indian duo 'Shankar - Jaikishan'' and lyrics by 'Hasrat Jaipuri' the song is still remembered for its excellence and optimistic take on life and this short clip of the song shows the same.
Song: Kaho Jee Tum Kya Kya KharidogeShemaroo
Sadhna (1958)
Directed by B. R.Chopra the film and the song try to normalize the world of a prostitute, where Vyjayantimala plays the role of mujra dancer.
A song that became controversial at the time of release beautifully mocks society and the men who treat women as commodities.
Song: Kaho Jee Tum Kya Kya KharidogeShemaroo
Lyrics by "Sahir Ludhianvi" played an important role
"Mohobbat bechti hu,
Sharafat bechti hu,
na ho ghairat toh le jao,
ki ghairat bechti hu."
"I sell love, I sell goodness,
in case you don't have it in you,
I sell honor as well."
A prostitute very gracefully with her wise choice of words insults and attacks the society, all with a smile.
Song: Chhuri Ban Kanta BanShemaroo
"Jaali Note" (1970)
Directed by Shakti Samanta and starring Om Prakash, 'Chhuri Ban Kanta Ban' is a song that was ahead of its time. At first, the lyrics of the song might appear funny or comical, but it illustrates a great life lesson.
Song: Chhuri Ban Kanta BanShemaroo
"Live Life King Size"
This phrase perfectly describes the true essence of this song.
It explains how not to be trapped in this never ending cycle of our society and instead to be a leader.
Song: Chhuri Ban Kanta BanShemaroo
Lyricist Raja Mehdi Ali Khan though his words beautifully tells us about how nothing in our lives will ever be permanent and that life is all about ups and downs.
"Chhalia" (1960)
A typical Indian Bollywood melodrama film directed by Manmohan Desai, starring the iconic duo: Raj Kapoor and Nutan. 'Chhalia' is a story based on families who separated at the time of partition.
"Gali Gali Sita Roye"
A song by Mohammad Rafi (one of the greatest and most influential singer Bollywood could ever have) and Kalyanji Anadnji, they together have worked on some of Bollywood's memorable songs, this being one of them.
Final song of the film which also stages the climax scene
Sita is a central character of the Hindu epic Ramayana, in which she was abducted. The song is based on the similar life story of Shanti and captures the pain of an abducted woman.
The character Chhaila, played by Raj Kapoor, sings this song to unite Shanti with her family members.
Asli Naqli (Film Poster)Shemaroo
"Asli Naqli" (1962)
Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, starring Dev Anand and Sadhana, with music composed by Shankar - Jaikishen and lyrics written by Shailendra.
Anand (played by Dev Anand) loses his job and is homeless; it is at this time when he sings this song.
Song: Kal Ki Daulat Aaj KiShemaroo
“Kal Ki Daulat Aaaj Ki Khushiyan”
The song starts with Anand being thrown out of the office where he works and continues with him seeing and understanding the working class on the streets of Mumbai. The title of the song 'Kal Ki Daulat Aaaj Ki Khushiyan' shares wisdom, 'yesterday’s wealth and today’s happiness'.
Song: Kal Ki Daulat Aaj KiShemaroo
What is real and what is fake
The song 'Asli Kya Hai Naqli Kya Hai' focuses on the working class, and delicately illustrates the cultural difference in our society between the rich and the poor.
These movies incorporated songs with a message to society that while to some may appear melodramatic, many others could indeed connect with. While everyone has their own life experiences, such films and their choice of lyrics gave an entry point to understanding the thoughts and emotions of those who had been through these circumstances.
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