True, the patriotic songs of the Golden Era of Bollywood like Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon… Apni Azaadi Ko Hum Hargeez Mita Sakte Nahin… Kar Chale Hum Fida… or the evergreen Mere Desh Ki Dharti Sona Ugle, Ugle Heere-Moti, and… are peerless gems that shall continue to shine for time immemorial. But the debate that contemporary Bollywood patriotic songs lack the luster and patriotism is wrong because there are some good music directors and excellent lyricists who gave respectability to contemporary patriotic songs. The frontrunner among them is none other than the wizard of contemporary Indian film music, A.R. Rahman
The Birth of a New Era: A.R. Rahman Patriotic Soundtracks
In 1992, A.R. Rahman surprised Bollywood with his super hit patriotic song Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyaara Hai… (Roja). The song today is more than 25 years old, but still, it has the magic to move the soul and make us shed tears! It is an amazing treasure of melody that proves the mastery of A.R. Rahman as a musical genius.
In 1997, on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee anniversary of India’s independence, A.R. Rahman composed the timeless patriotic Indian national song Vande Matram as Maa Tujhe Salaam. He composed and sang the song with such intense passion and patriotic fervor thatthe songg became an instant hit. Originally a non-filmysong,g but in the year 2002, filmmaker Tinnu Verma inserted the song in his film Maa Tujhhe Salaam, starring Sunny Deol. The song was written by A.R. Rahman favoritepoet,t Mehboob, who had written lyrics Bombay, Rangeela, Dil Se, etc.
The association of A.R. Rahman and Javed Akhtar did magic in many films like Chale Chalo – Lagaan (2001). In 2004, A.R. Rahman returned with another memorable patriotic song, Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera… (Swades). Written by reputed lyricist Javed Akhtar, the song touches your heart and gradually heightens your spirit of nationalism. Two years later, A.R. Rahman gave another marvelous patriotic song, Rang De Basanti, the title track from the Aamir Khan filmAm Rang De Basanti (2006). Written by proficient poet Prasoon Joshi, the song is high in fervor and zeal. Daler Mehndi‘s energetic tone adds additional patriotism that made the song much more popular among the youth!
It is indeed true that A.R. Rahman has undoubtedly understood the pulse of patriotism; hence, in 2009, he took Indian patriotism to an international level and went on to win the elusive Oscar Award for his patriotic song Jai Ho in Danny Boyle’s hit Hollywood film Slumdog Millionaire (2009)! Interestingly, even the lyricist Gulzar won an Oscar Award for his marvelous lyrics.
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