War, War, War: Can We Turn to Song, Dance & Music?

ALOK K. SHRIVASTAVA

War news, war talks, and signs of mass destruction everywhere have kept us busy, engaged, glued, and engrossed for five weeks now. Were hints of a 3rd World War being given?

Earlier, for over four years, these were emanating with a bang from the Russia-Ukraine perpetual and never-ending ego clashes, if not war. Soon, we saw with pain and helplessness the short- and long-period clashes in Syria, parts of West Asia, and a full-fledged eleven-day war (w.e.f. June 12), a precursor to the ongoing senseless war involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

At this juncture, one cannot ignore clashes involving Mossad, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. The last named are long-time partners of Somalian sea pirates in attacking and blocking vital sea routes for hefty ransom. These have been long-lasting and much more grim vis-à-vis the Strait of Hormuz.

Not to be forgotten is also the uncalled-for kidnapping of President Maduro of Venezuela and undesirable tension over bids to capture Panama, Cuba, Colombia, and quiet and bountiful Greenland.

TAKING A CUE

Shall we not take a turn, divert if not drift attention from clashes, skirmishes, and wars, and look at more mundane/basic human issues such as health, education, and culture?

Follow that with a revival of interest in song, dance, and music as an ultimate stress buster?

Apart from the revival of faith and interest in ancient systems of teaching and treatment in our own country, it is gratifying to note that people in the West have begun reposing faith in “transformation of passive observation into active inquiry and how visualisation can precede conceptual insight.” Accordingly, botany students at Cambridge University are now learning from ink drawings and water illustrations of John S. Henslow, mentor of Darwin.

Another development to note is the initiative taken by the Second Lady of the USA, Usha Vance, to increase child literacy rates and encourage reading among kids, as only 31% of 4th- and 8th-grade students in the USA were found proficient in reading. Reviving such interest at the cutting edge would go a long way.

Both these steps tend to keep students away from cell phones and the internet, which is bound to breed positivity.

Needless to say, in our metros and other big urban centres, we hardly see children reading or reading aloud as we did when we were in school. E-learning, study and work from home, and avoiding games are not only spoiling us but already increasing our distance from neighbours and relatives.

It is time to think and act seriously!

It is felt that rekindling interest in cultural activities may not cost us a penny, as it would be available within the home/neighbourhood. Instead, it has the propensity to enable us to relax, think, and meditate.

Ultimately, we can focus on our vocations and hobbies with more vigour and vitality.

RANGOLI

This excellent TV programme of over 40 years’ standing, presented with care and caution by DD National, reminds us of the dictum “Old is Gold.” In tune with this, one is tempted to talk about, if not comment profusely on, Rangoli—a song-based programme to rekindle, revive, and sustain interest in songs picturised in Hindi films, especially from a bygone era. One is talking about songs that dealt equally with emotions, mystery, and mythology on the one hand, and fun, fantasy, and reality on the other. A few, in addition, would religiously promote tenets of patriotism in the struggling young nation.

At the very outset, this hour-long capsule, telecast once a week on Sundays, would have a cream of unforgettable numbers from old films, mostly of the Black & White (B&W) phase. Songs would not only be carefully chosen in tune with a particular theme, occasion, or festival, but would also be well anchored—sometimes by well-established starlets with an effective screen presence. The audience/viewers, as a result, would get a sense of natural involvement, if not captivity. They could relate with each other upon building a lasting rapport.

Advent of Colour

With the passage of time, B&W songs were supplemented with the melodious beauties of what was once termed the Eastman Colour era. Gradually, songs from coloured films began having an edge, if not domination altogether. Yet, the aura and charm of the ancient era were not ignored or forgotten. They could not be.

In the very recent past, however, there has been deterioration in the application of mind as regards the selection of songs. Rapid commercialisation also seems to have become the order of the day. Unnecessary chit-chat in between songs too cuts into prime time. The number of songs, in the process, has been the first casualty—reduced from fifteen to twelve to nine now in this keenly awaited and engrossing programme.

Some Out of Context

Not all songs reflect the old charm and standards. Some are included totally out of context or theme; others are abruptly cut for no rhyme or reason. The only consolation or silver lining has been the retention of two or three songs from the golden B&W era.

Memorable Jewels

But for Rangoli, the following memorable songs and several other jewels would never be heard again by those born between the forties and sixties of the last century. Those born later, as such, may not have much interest or inclination in this regard:

Babul Mora Naihar Chhuto Jaaye

Jab Dil Hi Toot Gaya, Hum Jeeke Kya Karenge (both by K. L. Saigal)

Jiya Beqaraar Hai (Lata Mangeshkar)

Awaara Hoon (Mukesh)

Shaam-e-Gham Ki Kasam (Talat Mahmood)

Aao Bachchon Tumhein Dikhayen Jhanki Hindustan Ki (Kavi Pradeep)

Mera Joota Hai Japani (Mukesh)

Na Jao Saiyan Chhuda Ke Baiyan (Geeta Dutt)

Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (Manna Dey)

Mere Mehboob Qayamat Ho (Kishore Kumar)

Mere Saajan Hain Us Paar (S. D. Burman)

TO SUM UP

Apart from enabling one to come face to face with ancient glory and allowing one to rejoice and heal, TV programmes such as Rangoli help in preserving and sustaining our deep and vibrant cultural ethos. It is nothing but a yeoman service. This is one conglomeration one waits patiently to watch—and that too with the whole family.

Old songs aim to portray a message, story, or event through less made-up eyes and effective facial expressions by actors clad sufficiently and decently, as opposed to the new song numbers, mostly specialising in vulgarity and gymnastics, aided and abetted by unusual, if not painful, language at times.

In the backdrop of the scenario above, there is not only a need to regularly review Rangoli, but also to introduce more than one show of this genre twice or thrice a week. Unwanted details concerning an actor, singer, or composer too need to be avoided. Advertisements also have to be reduced, as they kill the spirit and mood of the viewer.