From ‘Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon’ to ‘Made in India’, a look at the patriotic songs we keep humming.
Has Bollywood stopped producing good music lately? Every year on Independence Day, TVs and radios keep blaring the same patriotic songs all day. Most people know this stagnant song list by heart.
In the era of a hyper-nationalism, why have none of the music producers or singers taken the opportunity to give us good patriotic songs that will last generations?
The answer is because they are living in fear, and the definition of patriotism has drastically changed. No one wants to offend others anymore and face the wrath of it.
Also read: Mohd Rafi was the voice that would soothe our broken hearts
Bollywood has, in the past, produced patriotic songs that tick every genre and continue to be played. Let’s have a look at them.
Military patriotism
Most patriotic songs undoubtedly feature the Indian Army. Movies like Haqeeqat, Lakshya, Border and Mission Kashmir gave us beautiful songs.
Kandhon Se Milte Hain Kandhe – Lakshya
Sandese Aate Hain – Border
Loving the motherland
In my school, we would start the day with chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. We didn’t even realise how these slogans and songs subconsciously propagated love for the motherland. Lata Mangeshkar and A.R. Rahman have given us many patriotic songs in this genre.
Maa Tujhe Salaam – A.R. Rahman
Vande Mataram – Lata Mangeshkar
Celebrating unity in diversity
The rich culture of India is portrayed in many songs which celebrate our diversity. A sentiment that is perhaps on the wane now.
Mile Sur Mera Tumhara
Hind Desh Ke Niwasi Sabhi Jan Ek Hain – Ek Chidiya Anek Chidiya
Esa Des Hai Mera – Veer Zara
Des Rangeela – Fanaa
Catching them young
There are some songs that most Indian children know by heart, whether they like it or not. As adults, we continue to hum these songs.
Ao Baccho Tumhe Dikhaen Jhanki Hindustan Ki – Jagriti
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiiBsKU4z6c&feature=youtu.be
Nanha Munna Rahi Hoon – Son of India
India shining
Economic liberalisation changed Indian culture drastically in the 1990s and 2000s. With this came songs that portrayed India in the global context.
Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani – Phir bhi Dil hai Hindustani
Suno Gaur se Duniya Waalon – Dus
Made in India – Alisha Chinai
Soppy Songs
There are some timeless songs about India that tug at the heart strings.
Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon – Lata Mangeshkar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSJ1MMGi_IQ&feature=youtu.be
Ae Mere Pyare Watan – Kabuliwala
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAdeqOrfzPA&feature=youtu.be
Bharat Hamko Jaan Se Pyara Hai – Roja
However, these songs that linger in our collective memory aren’t really new. When will our generation get our share of eternal songs?
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