KADAMBARI SRIVASTAVA
NOSTALGIC
NOTES
Luka Chuppi - Rang De Basanti (2005)
A Mother’s Lament
When Rang De Basanti hit the screens more than a decade ago,
none knew that it would create such an impact on the psyche.
Considering the current events of the country, it has become
all the more relevant, with its references quoted every now and
then. However, apart from the performances and story which
gripped us all and jerked us awake to the notion of the nation,
its music too was something which left a deep impression.
AR Rahman’s tunes brought magic to Prasoon Joshi’s lyrics
and breathed life into this new-age take on Bhagat Singh,
Sukhdev, and other freedom fighters’ struggle for a free India.
One such song which especially makes every listener tear up,
is ‘Luka Chuppi’. Sung by Lata Mangeshkar and AR Rahman,
this song takes place when Ajay’s belongings are given to
his mom, by fellow army officers, as per the code of conduct.
Amidst the synced steps and uniform, his mother, half in
shock, half in a state of collapsing, accepts what are her son’s
memories — the son who is gone but she is still wishing to
find him as if they are playing a game of hide and seek.
There is an interesting tale behind the song, an equally woeful
one. In one of the interviews, Prasoon Joshi, the lyricist,
revealed how he and Rahman discussed the song and came up
with the composition. ‘Luka Chuppi’ was a simple concept of a
mother and son playing hide and seek. However, in this case,
the son was hidden forever as the mother frantically looked
for him. As one listens to the words, understanding dawns.
The song is soothing, much like a lullaby, and that is what
makes it even more endearing, coupled with an unforgettable
act by Waheeda Rahman as Ajay’s mother. While we see all
Ajay’s friends surrounding his mother, it is only her that
we look out for, as her feelings come forth via the song.
Rang De Basanti is one album which will echo through
generations. Fifteen years onwards, it still is a part of us, much
like the movie itself. Each song echoes a unique sentiment,
and when it comes to the purity of love between a mother and
a son, and the feeling’s of an army officer as he leaves his past
and present behind to secure the future of the nation, ‘Luka
Chuppi’ tops the list. No other composition has even come close
to capturing the emotions in their utmost finery, like this one.
This will be a trivia to cherish.
The
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