WHAT would it sound like if someone set the lyrics of the Indian National Army's (INA's) marching song, Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja, to the tune of the popular Bollywood numbers Chhai Chappa Chai or Roja Jaaneman? It could possibly sound something like the AR Rahman version of Karar Oi Louho Kopat that the Oscar-winning music composer created for the movie Pippa. That's what has been the essence of the reaction of a wide number of Bengalis since the release of the song earlier this month.
The rendition has run into a massive controversy, with Bengalis living around the world-in West Bengal, Tripura, Assam, Bangladesh and expatriates-expressing their outrage, alleging that Rahman 'killed' the song.
It is no ordinary song. Penned a century ago by a 22-year-old, Kazi Nazrul Islam, the song titled Bhangar Gaan (The song of destruction) calls for violent jailbreaks and infused new enthusiasm in India's freedom struggle, especially in Bengal-now divided into Bangladesh and the eastern Indian province of West Bengal. The fiery lyrics were set to a martial tune. Here is a translation of the first stanza:
Oh, break open the iron gates of prison! Wipe out the blood-stained altars Where chains are worshipped Oh, young Shiva! Blow your trumpet of doom May the flag of destruction fly high and pierce through the walls "Brother, every time the warder closed the iron gates of the prison, I was reminded of that song of IslamKarar oi louho kopat, bhenge fyal, kor-re lopat," 'Netaji' Subhas Chandra Bose told his friend, Dilip Kumar Roy, according to the latter's essay titled, Sangeet Sadhak Nazrul. Roy was friends with both Bose and Islam.
This story is from the December 01, 2023 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 01, 2023 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Muslim Question
In the time of polarisation politics and othering, how to respond to the banality of hate?
Voters' Cold Wave
Heat wave, voter apathy and cyclic migration are blamed for the poor voter turnout in Bihar. Political parties are clueless about what impact will it have on election results
Occupy Ivy League
Students protesting in American universities are asking the US government to rethink its policy towards Israel
Left Side Story
Personal attacks, lower voter turnout and the BJP’s determined campaigning: how has Kerala voted this time?
Across the Pir Panjals
The newly carved-out constituency of Anantnag-Rajouri is set to witness a very close contest
Gashes in the Red Sand
Residents of the tribal district of Gadchiroli resist development models that destroy the environment
When Taps and Hope Run Dry
Peaking water scarcity and pervasive groundwater contamination have increased migration from many districts of Rajasthan.
Pilgrim's Politics
Two-time MP from Varanasi, Narendra Modi, is sculpting the eternal city in his image
Under The Model Town
Muslim ghettos in Ahmedabad are dilapidated and neglected
The Master Strategist
The Assam chief minister enjoys popularity both as an administrator and a politician despite his relentless anti-Muslim rhetoric