Zindagi Ka Safar: Songs on Life and Its Journeys

Zindagi and Jeevan broadly reflect the nature of life. Both words open a study into human existence, thoughts, actions and experiences.

My earlier essay on Jeevan was about songs (and their lyricists) that not only appealed to film goers, but also reflected their perspective on ‘Life’.

As a sequel to Jeevan this study takes a look at songs that reflect zindagi; our thoughts and experiences that shape the way we handle situations that zindagi or life presents to us from time to time. By and large, the two words are neither synonymous nor do they offer widely varying interpretations.

In churning out a cornucopia of Hindi film songs, it was only natural for our lyricists to carefully use words and avoid repetition. The different words broadly conveyed the same impression but had to fit ‘musically into a song. While both jeevan and zindagi convey a similar meaning in a song situation, only one of them would seamlessly fit into the flow of the song to satisfy the composer. This essay lays out the essence of Life and Living through the narration and arrangement of the songs.

_________________________________________

Zindagi zindagi
mere ghar aana
aana zindagi

Dooriyan (1979) Jaidev / Sudarshan Fakir / Bhupinder and Anuradha Paudwal

Every zindagi has a beginning. And this song from the film Dooriyan is chosen as the right beginning to this playlist. Sudarshan Fakir, who wrote sparingly for films but wrote many excellent ghazals that ghazal artists Begum Akhtar and Jagjit Singh made famous, writes on how two people in love throw their hearts and minds open to welcome zindagi in their lives.

With music composed by Jaidev, and beautifully picturised by director Bhimsain Khurana (of Gharonda fame) on Uttam Kumar and Sharmila Tagore, and rendered melodiously by Bhupinder and Anuradha Paudwal, the song lifts one’s spirits with anticipation of a life lovingly visualised and to be lived with happiness and fulfillment.

_________________________________________

Har ghadi badal rahi hai roop zindagi
Chhaon hai kabhi, kabhi hai dhoop zindagi
Har pal yahaan, jee bhar jiyo
Jo hai samaan, kal ho na ho

Kal Ho Na Ho (2003) Shankar-Ehsan-Loy / Javed Akhtar / Sonu Nigam

To quote Karan Johar on the film’s title: “It’s about smiling and being happy today because no one has seen tomorrow.”

We have had several films about the hero grappling with terminal illness and acutely aware of the limited life he has left. Rajesh Khanna excelled in such roles — Anand and Safar being prime examples. And both had superlative songs that looked at zindagi, though through different prisms. But more about them later.

Kal Ho Na Ho has Shah Rukh Khan facing death but that does not deter him from celebrating life in the now. Not only does he live every moment in high spirits and positivity, he brings about a sea change in the lives of people he grows to cherish. His infectious love for life brings out Preity Zinta from self-pity and depression and changes the oppressive and hostile environment in her home.

Kal Ho Na Ho is outstanding for its locations in the USA, photography and technical excellence and this song has been picturised beautifully.

_________________________________________

Main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya
Har fiqr ko dhuen mein udaata chala gaya

Hum Dono (1961) Jaidev / Sahir Ludhianvi / Rafi

A Jaidev-Sahir tapestry of inspiring words that sums up the way zindagi needs to be approached, experienced and enjoyed; every worry to be blown away as smoke.

Hum Dono has Dev Anand in the role of an Army Officer, who is determined to let nothing stand in his way or to deflect him from his mission. His optimism in the face of adversity is infectious. Perhaps the phrase “Bash On Regardless”, much in vogue in the British Army, was an inspiration.

Jo mil gaya usi ko muqaddar samajh liya
Jo kho gaya main us ko bhulaata chala gaya
Gham aur khushi mein farq na mahasoos ho jahaan
Main dil ko us maqaam pe laata chala gaya

To convey the spirit of Hum Dono, Sahir chose words that could not have been bettered.  The song sets the tone for all the drama to follow. Rendered in his appealing voice by Rafi, this is easily among the best songs composed, written and sung for a film.

The song expresses the philosophy of life and its universal truths in a way that has made generations relate to every word, transcending time and age barriers.

_________________________________________

Zindagi pyar ki do char ghadi hoti hai
Chaahe thodi bhi ho yeh umr badi hoti hai

Anarkali (1953) C Ramchandra / Rajinder Krishan / Hemant Kumar

The paradox of love is that though its span may be short, its impact defines life and lasts a lifetime. Written by Rajinder Krishan and used in the background, this song is picturised as an interaction between Salim and Anarkali rowing and later exchanging epistles through a homing pigeon. They are almost apprehended by the palace guards and the song reflects the risks and the rewards that true love brings and the fleeting nature of that short and yet unforgettable experience.

Taaj ya takht ya daulat ho zamaane bhar ki
Kaunsi cheez mohabbat se badi hoti hai

Filmistan, a titanic film studio run by Sashadhar Mukherjee, Rai Bahadur Chunilal (father of Madan Mohan), Ashok Kumar and Gyan Mukherjee, produced Anarkali (1953) with Bina Rai and Pradeep Kumar as lead actors. Composer C Ramchandra created great music with 12 songs – 8 by Lata, three by Hemant Kumar and one by Geeta Dutt.

_________________________________________

 Ae zindagi gale lagale
Humne bhi tere har ik gham ko
Gale se lagaya hai, hai na

Sadma (1983) Ilayaraja / Gulzar / Suresh Wadkar

Picturised in the scenic mountains of the Nilgiris, this song used in the background encapsulates how a young man (Kamal Hasan) who gives shelter to a young woman finds love and companionship in his lonely life. It is another matter that the young woman (Sridevi) has lost her memory and regressed to the mental state of a five-year-old.

Expressing the beauty and joy of life, the lyrics by the inimitable Gulzar and a lively tune composed by Ilayaraja make this song a timeless one. Virtually a conversation with zindagi, the song conveys the expectations that life will give us support and satisfaction in return for our small sacrifices. But later developments in the film cruelly turn Kamal Hasan’s dream into a living nightmare that leaves every viewer sad and ruminating on the ironies of life. The tragic twist in the climax places this song (which appears early in the film) in stark contrast — the inevitable reality of life and how far it can be from our dreams.

Hum ne bahane se, chhup ke jamane se
palkon ke parde main ghar bhar liya
Tera sahara mil gaya hai zindagi

_________________________________________

Tum bhi chalo, hum bhi chalein
chalti rahe, zindagi
Naa zameen manzil, naa aasman
Zindagi hai, zindagi

Zameer (1975) Sapan Chakraborty / Sahir Ludhianvi / Kishore Kumar

The one thing constant about life is movement. This song from Zameer talks about how life is about going on together. Even if you don’t have a destination, life still goes on.

Zameer was based on the short story ‘A Double-Dyed Deceiver’ by O Henry, which also was the inspiration for the Dev Anand-Suchitra Sen starrer Bombai Ka Babu (1960). This song had two versions, a fast-paced happy one (supra), and a sad one, both sung by Kishore Kumar on Amitabh Bachchan. For many, the sad version scores over the other. That is often true of sad songs, they appeal to a listener’s psyche more tellingly. But the happier version expresses a zest for life which leaves you with a smile.

_________________________________________

Meri zindagi mein aaye ho
Aur aise aaye ho tum
Jo ghul gaya hai saason mein
Vo geet laye ho tum

Armaan (2003) Shankar-Ehsan-Loy / Javed Akhtar / Sunidhi Chouhan and Sonu Nigam

The song is a part of this anthology for the sheer enthusiasm and bubbling joy that is displayed by an aging but youthful Anil Kapoor and Gracy Singh on a cycling joy ride. Shankar-Ehsan-Loy composed its beautiful music and Akhtar wrote the lyrics.

_________________________________________

Ek pyar ka naghma hai
Maujon ki rawaani hai
zindagi aur kuch bhi nahin
teri meri kahani hai

Shor (1972) Laxmikant Pyarelal / Santosh Anand / Mukesh and Lata.

This film is sheer melodrama, typical of Manoj Kumar films, and one which he wrote, produced, directed, acted in, and also edited. The story idea was evidently inspired by O Henry’s short story ‘The Gift of the Magi’. As in most Manoj Kumar films, the entire action revolves around his character, seeking to evoke sympathy from the audience for the climactic ‘irony of life’.
This song, written by Santosh Anand and composed by the highly successful duo Laxmikant Pyarelal has an appealing tune and narration. Its simple philosophy strikes a chord with everyone.  It is a paean to thinking and living positively — of losing some and gaining some.

Kuchh paakar khona hai, kuchh khokar paana hai
Jeevan ka matlab to, aana aur jaana hai
Do pal ke jeevan se, ek umr churaani hai
zindagi aur kuch bhi nahin
teri meri kahani hai

_________________________________________

Zindagi, kaisi hai paheli haye
Kabhi to hansaaye
kabhi yeh rulaaye

Anand (1971) Salil Chowdhry / Yogesh / Manna Dey

This timeless song in the iconic film Anand captures the ephemeral nature of life in a nutshell.

Kabhi dekho man nahin jaage
Peechhe peechhe sapnon ke bhaage
Ek din sapnon ka raahi
Chala jaaye sapanon se aage kahaan

Sung to telling effect by Manna Dey in a sing-song tune typical of Salil Chowdhry, the song attempts to unravel what an enigma life is — a “Will-o’-the-wisp”, like a butterfly that is tantalisingly close and catchable, but always remains out of one’s reach.

The song is picturised on Anand (Rajesh Khanna) at the beach, buying a clutch of balloons from a seller and releasing them. As he watches them soar high and away, he breaks out in this song that tells of man’s imagination running after dreams, which (like the balloons) overtake life itself. Hrishikesh Mukherjee uses the balloons as a symbol of how life is slipping out of the grasp of this man who is facing certain death due to a terminal illness. They also symbolise man’s fleeting mind, which seems to be in one’s grip but in reality, is never actually so.  Like a ‘Paheli’.

_________________________________________

Zindagi khwaab hai
khwaab mein jhooth hai kya
aur bhala sach hai kya

Jagte Raho (1956) Salil Chowdhry / Shailendra / Mukesh

Shailendra knew a thing or two about zindagi, remember Chhoti si yeh zindgani re, char din ki jawani teri, haaye re haaye. gham ki kahani teri. (Aah, 1953), reducing it to a mere illusion.

Picturised on veteran Motilal, Zindagi khwab hai is almost a philosophical narration of life. A village simpleton, Raj Kapoor, who ventures into the city in search of work, is thirsty and desperately looking for some water to quench his thirst. He witnesses many misdeeds committed by the city dwellers and  he runs into Motilal, a typical rich Babu, philosophising on life in a drunken state. The naive man, who has been chased around by the cruel city and has not yet found some water to drink is treated to these profound life lessons by the dhoti-clad Motilal. Lyricist Shailendra portrays life as a dream, a mix of truths and untruths, good and bad.

Zindagi khwaab hai, khwaab mein, jhooth kya.
Aur bhala, sach hai kya

Dil nein hum se jo kaha, hum ne waisa hi kiya
Phir kabhi fursat se sochenge, bura tha ya bhala.

But, for the film Anari, Shailendra elevated the concept of zindagi to a lofty idea:
Mite jo pyaar ke liye, woh zindagi
Jale bahaar ke liye who, zindagi

Salil Chowdhry’s tune and Mukesh singing it to Motilal’s swaying on Calcutta streets in the dead of the night make Zindagi khwaab hai unforgettable.

_________________________________________

Zindagi pyar ka geet hai
Issey har dil ko gaana padega
zindagi gham ka saagar bhi hai
Hanske us paar jaana padega

Souten (1983) Usha Khanna / Sawan Kumar Tak / Lata Mangeshkar

There are two versions of this song with Lata going on Padmini Kolhapure as the happy version and Kishore on Rajesh Khanna with the sad one. It is generally agreed that in such tandems, the male version is superior. That impression has been turned on its head here and Lata’s version is delectable, although Kishore has sung it with his customary pathos and his moving voice.

 Hai agar door manzil to kya
Raasta bhi hai mushkil to kya
Raat taaron bhari na mile to
Dilka deepak jalaana padega

Sawan Kumar Tak won the Best Lyricist Filmfare Award for this song. Souten was a huge success. A complicated story (but then no one expects life to be not complicated) about how life throws people together and makes a mess of their minds.  Excellent music by Anand-Milind (sons of composer Chitragupt) and sleek picturisation.

_________________________________________

Tujhse naraaz nahin zindagi
hairaan hoon main
Tere masoom sawaalat se
pareshan hoon main

Masoom (1983) RD Burman / Anup Ghoshal / Gulzar

How does one take life on the chin, face the questions it poses, handle sorrows and smiles on the way with equanimity, paying what they cost in terms of our mental make up, and make a success of ‘living’, whether in adversity or in well being?

Jeene ke liye, sochaa hi nahin, 
dard sambhaalane honge.
Muskuraayein toh, muskuraane ke,
karz utarne honge.
Muskuraoon kabhi, toh lagtaa hai,
jaise honthon pe, karz rakha hai

Where even philosophy has no clear answers, Gulzar lays it out best in this RD Burman song from Shekhar Kapoor’s Masoom. A clueless Naseeruddin Shah has to interpret the sad and silent facial expressions of an innocent child, suddenly pitchforked into a world that he did not know existed. Gulzar’s customary wizardry with words touches a peak in this conversation with life. Naseeruddin Shah, the hapless father is hardpressed to answer the innocent questions of his son, who stands in for “zindagi”. Neither can he answer the questions, nor can he evade them. It is pertinent that the protagonist questions life but is not “naraaz”’ (angry) with it, although he is “hairaan” (surprised) about it.

That is something all of us face all the time. Life indeed keeps throwing up surprises and situations that can frustrate you. One may choose to be composed or exasperated with them. But, as Gulzar puts it:

Zindagi tere, gham ne hamein,
rishte naye samjhaaye.
Mile jo hamein, dhoop mein mile,
chaaon ke thande saaye

_________________________________________

Zindagi ek safar hai suhana
Yahaan kal kya ho kisne jaana

Andaz (1971) Shankar Jaikishan / Hasrat Jaipuri / Kishore Kumar.

Hanste gaate jahaan se guzar, 
duniya ki tu parvaah na kar
muskuraate hue, din bitana,
yahaan kal kya ho kisne jaana

Rajesh Khanna, who seemed to have had more than his share of the “zindagi” and “safar” songs in films, appears in Andaz for only 15 minutes, but ‘rides’ away with probably the most popular moments of the film and the most loved song. It not only fetched Hasrat Jaipuri a Filmfare Best Lyricist Award, but three nominations to Shankar Jaikishan, Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhonsle for the same song (there are three versions of this song by Kishore, Rafi and Asha).

This Rajesh Khanna cameo is also credited for turning an otherwise underperforming film, into a money spinner.  Kishore Kumar, of course, gave it his best, adding his trademark yodeling away which hadn’t been heard from him for quite some time.

Zindagi ek safar hai suhana was the last song that Jaikishan recorded before his death at the young age of 42. He appeared to have lived his life on the lines of what this song suggests.

_________________________________________

Zindagi ka safar
hai yeh kaisa safar
koi samjha nahin
koi jaana nahin

Safar (1970) Kalyanji Anandji / Indeevar / Kishore Kumar

This zindagi that we talk about, and what it is in reality, seems a futile research. But a ‘Down to earth’ lyricist Indeevar, writing for Kalyanji Anandji in Safar, appears to have reduced the tedious study to a simplistic, yet perfect, explanation. You experience it, live it and try to understand it. But it will remain elusive.

Kishore Kumar’s rendition with rare and deep pathos lays out what most philosophers missed.

Hai yeh kaisi dagar
chalte hain sab maghar
Koi samajha nahin
koi jaana nahin

No matter what you are and what you do, ‘Life’ can always spring a surprise on you.
Jaayenge par kidhar,
hai kise ye khabar
Koi samjha nahin,
koi jaana nahin

The secret of successful and happy living has forever eluded humans. Possession of wealth has not unraveled it, nor has an intense study or spiritual knowledge solved it. For common people, the simple words of this song helps to understand the mystery, and bear with the enigma of what ‘Life’ appears to be.

_________________________________________

Zindagi ke safar mein guzar jaate hain jo makaam
Woh phir nahin aate

Aap ki Kasam (1974) RD Burman / Anand Bakshi / Kishore Kumar

In a similar vein to zindagi ka safar here is another song, sung for Rajesh Khanna on the screen by Kishore Kumar. This song, written by Anand Bakshi, for the film Aap Ki Kasam, composed by RD Burman is a tribute to the unfathomable paradox of what ‘Life’ is and its passage so fleeting that one has no time to look and appreciate what it means before it surges ahead, leaving one clueless and isolated.

One may ponder over these two intriguing songs on the journey of life, both on Rajesh Khanna. After 1975, Khanna’s fame and fortunes began declining, yielding space to Amitabh Bachchan and his larger than life Angry Young Man roles. Films moved towards becoming more action-oriented with lesser scope for stories revolving around relationships, which was the forte of Rajesh Khanna.  Thus, in retrospect, it seems prophetic that Rajesh Khanna sang these songs when he did. His own life and career began changing, like the words of this song:

Subah aati hai, raat jaati hai, yunhi,
Waqt chalta hi rehata hai, rukta nahin.
Ek pal men ye aage nikal jaata hai.
Adami theek se dekh paata nahin,
Aur parde pe manzar badal jaata hai.
Ek baar chale jaate hain, jo din raat subah shaam
Woh  phir nahin aate …

_________________________________________

Badi sooni sooni hai
zindagi yeh zindagi

Mili (1975) SD Burman / Yogesh / Kishore Kumar

This is one song (among hundreds such) that Kishore sang ranks very high even in his own commendable repertoire.  Written by Yogesh, and set to music by SD Burman for the film Mili and brilliantly directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, this song sadly turned out to be a swan song for the great composer.

Kishore who could effortlessly breeze through any song, appeared to have reserved a special ‘treatment’ for this song. Melancholia and a sense of loss ooze through its touching words, and the drawn-out refrain Zindagi aye zindagi reaches out to everyone who listens to it. It simply affects everyone.

Kabhi main na soya,
kahin mujh se khoya
Sukh mera aise
Pata naam likhakar
kahin yunhi rakhakar
Bhule koi jaise

Ajab dukh bhari hai,
ye bebasi, bebasi

_________________________________________

Zindagi hai pyar se
pyar se bitaaye ja

Sikandar (1941) Mir Saheb / Pandit Sudarshan / Khan Mastana

How can a playlist of songs on zindagi be complete without a rousing, marching song by the fighting forces, facing all the implications of a fatalistic war and how to conquer it with love and living?

Having due regard for the times in which it was produced, Sohrab Modi’s Sikandar (1941) was as great a film as any highly-ranked war film. With Sohrab Modi himself playing Porus and a young Prithviraj Kapoor as Sikandar (Alexander), the film had many moments of high drama. With independence still six years away, Sohrab Modi managed to get away with his bold approach to nationalism and “significant conversation about the dangers and indignities of having a foreign ruler.”

Here, we are looking at one marching song from this film, defining “zindagi”

Zindagi hai pyaar se
pyaar mein bitaaye jaa
Husn ke huzuur pe
apna dil lutaaye jaa
apna sar jhukaaye jaa
zindagii hai ek raat
pyaar us mein hai chiraagh
Ye chiraag jitnee der jal sake jalaaye jaa
Raushani lutaaye jaa

Excellent words lay out how zindagi must be spent.

_________________________________________

Zindagi ka ajab fasana hai

Choti Choti Baatein (1965) Anil Biswas / Shailendra / Lata and Mukesh

This film was written, produced and directed by Motilal, the veteran actor. He intended the film to be a reflection of himself as a good person who dedicates his life to the well being of his family but receives little from them in return with no one caring for him until, quite out of the blue, he inherits a lot of wealth from a cousin who dies in Africa.

Shailendra has created some poignant songs for this film. The song
Zindagi ka ajab fasaanaa hai
rotey rotey bhi muskuraana hai
kaisi mushqil hai koi jaane
aag ko aag se bujhaana hai
depicts Motilal’s life and its paradox lucidly.

Shailendra wrote another song for this film, taking off on Motilal’s song in Jagte Raho (1956) with the opening words of zindagi khwab hai.

 Zindagi khwab hai, thaa hamein bhi pata
Par hamein zindagi se bahut pyaar tha
Sukh bhi the, dukh bhi the, dil ko ghere hue
Chaahe jaisa tha, rangeen sansaar tha

_________________________________________

Zindagi ai zindagi
zindagi, tere hain do roop
beeti huyi raaton ki
baaton ki tu chhaayaa
chhaayaa wo jo banegi dhoop

Zindagi Zindagi (1972)  S D Burman / Anand Bakshi / S D Burman

This song draws a pattern in the film, used in the background three times by master filmmaker Tapan Sinha. In characteristic SD Burman style, the song adds a philosophical dimension to this touching story of two lovers thrown apart by destiny who meet after years. But by then, life has moved ahead. He is now a doctor, and she is a widow with a disabled child and no support. She reaches out to him to cure her child. Anand Bakshi draws out the paradoxes life offers in this poignant song.

aate jaate pal kyaa hain
samay ke ye jhoole hain
bichhde saathi kabhi yaad aaye
kabhi bhoole hain

aadmi ai aadmi – aadmi, tere hain do roop
dukh sukh ke jhoolon ki

phoolon ki tu chhaayaa
chhaayaa wo jo banegi dhoop

_________________________________________

Tere bina zindagi se koi
shikwa to nahin
shikwa nahin

Tere bina zindagi bhi lekin
zindagi to nahin
zindagi nahin

Aandhi (1975) R D Burman / Gulzar / Kishore and Lata

Numerous songs aptly portray zindagi and its various journeys in Hindi films. The list is endless. This compilation is just a snapshot of these songs that have held up a mirror to life for decades.

As my last pick, here is the everlasting gem from Gulzar-RD Burman-Kishore and Lata team that delves into the intricacies of love, longing, and existential solitude. Beautifully picturised in the lonely environs of an age-old ruin, the song explores the emptiness and yearning that accompany the absence of a loved one. It reflects on the profound impact of relationships on one’s sense of purpose and fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of companionship in navigating life’s complexities. A brilliant, understated emote by Sanjeev Kumar and Suchitra Sen evokes a sense of nostalgia and introspection, resonating with listeners on a deeply emotional level.

Tum jo keh do to aaj ki raat
Chaand doobega nahi, raat ko rok lo
Raat ki baat hai, aur zindagi baaki to nahi

DON’T MISS PART -1: Yeh Jeevan Hai: Songs on Life and Its Myriad Hues

Yeh Jeevan Hai: Songs on Life and Its Myriad Hues

More Must Read in Silhouette

Pankaj Mullick: The Doyen of Film and Non-Film Music

‘Feelings, Lyrics, Orchestra — Everything was Different in Salil Chowdhury’s Songs’: Jyoti Chowdhury

Musical Rhythms of the Running Train

SN Tripathi – His Music Still Lives On
 

If you are a travel enthusiast, check out the author NS Rajan’s illustrated travel book

Available on Amazon| Flipkart | Blue Pencil and Bookstores – Kunzum, Midlands, Bahrisons, UN Dhur and more…