The Enduring Soul of the Hindi Film Song: gulzar & Arif on Tradition, Innovation, and the Future of Storytelling
the Hindi film song is more than just background music; its a cultural touchstone, a narrative engine, and a reflection of India’s evolving identity. A recent panel discussion featuring lyrical giant Gulzar, screenwriter and lyricist Arif, and filmmaker Subhash Ghai delved into this rich history, exploring how tradition informs innovation and what the future holds for this beloved art form. this article distills the key insights from that conversation, offering a glimpse into the minds of masters and a roadmap for aspiring creators.
Reclaiming the Subtext: Songs as Social Commentary
For decades, Hindi cinema’s songs have subtly mirrored societal shifts. Gulzar highlighted how even seemingly simple tunes can carry profound meaning. He pointed to Shehzaade, where the song’s energy celebrated the common man’s spirit, contrasting with the formality of the elite.
Similarly, revisiting his own iconic “Beedi,” Gulzar revealed the song’s underlying message of the working class reclaiming agency – a direct response to historical exploitation. These examples demonstrate that a truly impactful song isn’t just catchy; it speaks to the lived experiences of its audience.
The Song as Character: A Symbiotic Relationship
Gulzar emphasized the crucial connection between lyrics and character growth. A song must organically arise from a character’s internal world. “A gun-wielding villain wouldn’t sing about melancholy,” he observed, illustrating the importance of authenticity.
he further stressed the need for lyrical integration with dialog – “zabaan dialogue ke saath chalni chahiye” – and the idea that all creativity is, in essence, “udharna” – a borrowing and reinterpretation of existing culture.This blending of language must evolve with the times, remaining relevant while honoring its roots.
The Erosion of Indigenous Storytelling & The Rise of Global Formats
Arif raised a critical concern: the decline of uniquely Indian storytelling formats due to the influx of international OTT platforms. He attributes this to the increasing influence of cinematic realism from Europe and Latin America, which has gradually overshadowed the grand visual and social styles prevalent in Indian cinema during the 1950s and 60s.
Back then, songs weren’t simply inserted for musical breaks; even trailers had original scores. Arif lamented that the popular Indian cinema is often dismissed as ”trash,” a consequence, in part, of film schools prioritizing a “global identity” over preserving indigenous traditions. This pursuit of what “sells” often leads to a simplification of artistic expression.
The Pressure to Condense: A Loss of Depth
Today’s trend of shrinking songs to two-minute, “instagrammable” snippets is further constricting the space for meaningful expression. Gulzar, however, remains optimistic.“Humein humari zameen choti nai karni chahiye” – we shouldn’t diminish our own worth to gain visibility.
He recalled the creation of his masterpiece, “Mera Kuch saaman,” with Pancham Da, describing how the song unfolded organically in a single sitting, born not from efficiency, but from a willingness to embrace excessiveness – a quality increasingly rare in contemporary cinema.
looking Forward: Celebrating Innovation & Honoring Tradition
The panel acknowledged the importance of experimentation, praising artists like A.R. Rahman for successfully bringing Indian music to a global audience. However, they also cautioned against abandoning the foundations of Indian storytelling.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Songwriters:
* Poetry First: Arif emphasized that lyric writng requires a strong foundation in poetry. You can’t effectively write lyrics without understanding the art of verse.
* Character is King: Always write from the character’s viewpoint, ensuring the song feels integral to their journey.
* Don’t Imitate, Innovate: Avoid simply mimicking film songs when learning poetry. Focus on developing yoru own voice.
* Embrace Depth: Resist the pressure to condense your work. Allow space for nuance, emotion, and storytelling.
* Know Your Roots: Draw inspiration from India’s rich cultural heritage, blending tradition with contemporary sensibilities.
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