JOURNEY FROM FILMS TO VEDAS

Durrani's approach was revolutionary. He chose to render the Samaveda not only in Hindi, the most widely spoken language in India, but also in Urdu, a language often associated with Islamic culture.

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This deliberate choice reflects his vision: to make the universal message of love, harmony, and humanity accessible to all, transcending linguistic, religious, and cultural barriers.

Bollywood is a world of spectacle, larger-than-life personas, and stories designed to entertain, thrill, and sometimes inspire. Yet, in this glittering landscape, few artists dare to step away from the limelight to pursue a path that is both deeply personal and profoundly transformative, bordering on the spiritual. Dr Iqbal Durrani, the acclaimed director of hits like Phool Aur Kaante, is one such visionary. In a journey that spanned six years, he left behind the film sets and the glare of fame not to craft another commercial success, but to undertake a spiritual mission: translating the ancient Samaveda into Hindi and Urdu.

This bold endeavour is more than an academic pursuit. It is a quest for unity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of humanity—an effort to bring ancient wisdom into the modern world. Through his work, Durrani demonstrates that the power of storytelling extends far beyond the movie camera viewfinder to zoom into the soul of a nation.

Call of the Samaveda

The Samaveda, often referred to as the "Veda of Melodies and Chants", is one of Hinduism’s four principal Vedas. Unlike the Rigveda, which primarily comprises hymns, the Samaveda is devoted to musical notations and verses intended for ritualistic chanting. Translating such a text is no small feat as it requires not mere linguistic skills but a deep understanding of ancient Sanskrit and its layered spiritual meaning.