Explore the reasons behind the decline of Bollywood music, from changing trends and evolving listener preferences. Film Poet Gulzar feels the commercial element in Bollywood must be blamed for the decline in music. Filmmaker, David Dhawan, famous for giving momentum to such cheap lyrics like Sarkailoo Khatiya Jada Lage… Sexy Sexy Mujhe Log Bole… says, “The film industry is an amazing place. Here, if you show semi-nude woman bathing on foot-path like Smita Patil in the film Chakra or Seema Biswas in the film Bandit Queen, not just nude but also conversing in filthy language, then in the name of realism, people appreciate it and the critics go gaga over it! But if, I expose a little for entertainment, a hell lot of hungama is created!!
David Dhawan‘s regular lyricist, Sameer, protecting himself, said, “Initially I was very uncomfortable while penning Sarkailo Khatiya Jaada Laage… but David sahab convinced me that cinema is fun and entertainment. Since the song became a hit I think David Sahab was not wron.”.
Gulzar – The Sensible Lyricist
Distinguished lyricist Gulzar defends himself and other sensible poets, stating it’s unfair to blame all for ribald lyrics. He admits some lyricists have ‘gone cheap,’ but asserts that Bollywood’s commercialism, not the poets, is primarily responsible for the decline of good music.
Gulzar explained that producers force writers to ‘stoop’ to appeal to ’frontbenchers.’ He cited Indeevar, who wrote ‘Bak Bak Mat Kar Nak Tera Lamba Hai..’ after philosophical works, and Javed Akhtar’s ‘Ek… Do… Teen..’ as examples. Gulzar concluded that most lyricists, except Sahir, Kaifi, or Pradeep, have compromised their art, damaging their reputation.
The Exceptional Role Of Songs In Films’ Success
Film songs have historically highlighted national issues beyond entertainment. In the mid 70’s , during the Emergency and high inflation, film music exposed corruption. Manoj Kumar’s Roti Kapda Aur Makaan featured a particularly hard-hitting lyric, ‘Hai Mehengai.. Maar gayi Mehangai,’ unmasking government wrongdoings.
Even today able lyricist does come up with thought-provoking lyrics like Channa Mereya from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil or Zindagi maut na ban jaaye… (Sarfarosh) or Har Ghadi Badal Raha Hai Roop Zindagi… (Kal Ho Naa Ho) or the latest Gulzar‘s song Ae Watan.. Aabaad Rahe Tu… (Raazi), etc.
To end the controversy, film actress Shabana Azmi says aptly, “It’s true that it’s the filmmaker’s responsibility to exercise caution and the film lyricist to draw a line across the limits of decency. But what’s more important are the masses. If the masses encourage such lyrics, than, however, social organizations, shout their voice out, nothing can stop this boorish carnage on earth!!!’
“The ball is now in the court of the masses. If they want to maintain the high standards of our culture and heritage, then it’s only in their hands to reject and discard such ribald songs and movies,” she asserts!!
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