Music has been an essential part of every celebration in India since time anon. Songs have been written to celebrate, to grieve, and to mark occasions big and small. And what can be a bigger celebration than the date that marks the nation’s freedom from colonial rule.
Every year August 15 comes around, every Indian celebrates in their own way — whether with a spectacle or a small wish for new heights for their nation. And almost always, the celebrations are marked with music — playing at functions, on the radio, in the neighbourhood club. Some songs have ruled that playlist since they were first aired. This Independence Day, celebrate with these Hindi and Bengali patriotic classics…
The Hindi classics
Maa Tujhe Salaam by A. R. Rahman
No one does patriotic songs quite like the musical maestro A.R. Rahman. Maa Tujhe Salaam was a part of his legendary 1997 studio album Vande Mataram, created to commemorate 50 years of India’s Independence. Twenty-five years later, the song, which evokes themes of peace, harmony, love and freedom, still pulls at our heartstrings. Rahman dedicated the song to the future generations of India, and had said during its release, “I wish that this album inspires them to grow up with the wealth of human values and ethics that this country is made of."
Ye Jo Des Hai Tera from Swades
Another gem by Rahman, this track is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be an Indian. The song is a warm hug of reassurance, reminding us that no matter how far we go, our home — our motherland — is always ready to welcome us back with open arms: “Mitti ki hai jo khushboo, tu kaise bhulayega? Tu chahe kahin jaaye, tu laut ke aayega.”
Aye Mere Pyare Watan from Kabuliwala
This gem from the 1961 film, Kabuliwala, struck a chord with every Indian living away from their homeland at the time of the film’s release and in the years since. In the movie, Balraj Sahni as the ‘Kabuliwala’ Abdul Rehman Khan sings about his homeland, Kabul, but the lyrics have a universal appeal that will touch the hearts of anyone living away from their nation. Manna Dey’s soulful rendition is sure to make you tear up as he croons about the different ways one can love their (at that time, very young) country and how you can feel both reverence and delight when thinking of home. It encapsulated perfectly the yearning one feels when life takes them away from their place of birth. “Jitna yaad aata hai mujhko, utna tadpata hai tu/ Tujhpe dil kurbaan”
Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon by Lata Mangeshkar
An Independence Day classic, Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon by Mangeshkar is a fitting tribute to all the brave soldiers who give up their lives to defend the country's borders and keep us safe. Written for the martyrs of the Sino-Indian war of 1962, this song made everyone in the audience weep when Mangeshkar sang it for the first time months after the war at the National Stadium in Delhi in the presence of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Though conceptualised with a specific event in mind, it also easily and poignantly highlights the sacrifices brave men and women made for India to become a free nation. This song deserves a place on your Independence Day playlist because there is no better reminder of what went into forging the country we live in today,and what goes into keeping it safe.
Teri Mitti from Kesari
Written from the vantage point of a soldier, Teri Mitti gives us a glimpse of what it means to dedicate oneself to one’s country. The song reminds us of how leaving behind families and homes, soldiers choose their motherland over anything without missing a beat. B Praak’s emotionally charged rendition of the song never fails to bring tears to our eyes.
Rang De Basanti from Rang De Basanti
The song is a unique ode to hope and celebration in the face of sacrifice. The pulsating rhythm and the energy packed in the song bring up powerful emotions, while also urging us to give in to the peppy beats. There is no way you can miss out on this track!
Chak De India from Chak De India
The go-to sports anthem for everyone, Chak De India instils a deep desire to aspire for something big, something phenomenal. The song is a voice of assurance, promising us that the sleepless nights and tireless grind will be worth it in the end. And of course, as the song brings to mind the movie scenes, we realise that a country is an unstoppable force when its people come together as a team.
Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire
The song, penned by Gulzar and composed by Rahman, won both an Academy Award and a Grammy. Jai Ho was one of the first Hindi songs of the millennium to get global recognition. Every time the song comes on, we are reminded of the indomitable spirit and extraordinary potential that lies in every person. It is goosebumps galore for this one!
The Bangla gems
O Amar Desher Mati by Rabindranath Tagore
One of Rabindranath Tagore’s most soulful compositions, this number continues to be a regular feature in school and para’s Independence Day celebrations. The song was originally composed to protest against the Bengal Partition of 1905. The touching lyrics “Ogo Maa, tomar kole jonom amar, moron tomar buke” beautifully capture the powerful emotions felt by every freedom fighter and patriot.
Banglar Mati by Rabindranath Tagore
Written in support of the ‘Bangabhanga Rodh’ movement in 1905, Banglar Mati is another patriotic composition penned by Bengal's very own Nobel laureate. This song was also a significant motivation behind Tagore’s ‘Raksha Bandhan Utsav,’ an initiative meant to unite Bengali Hindus and Muslims in a bond of brotherhood and fellow feeling.
Otho Go Bharat Laxmi by Atul Prasad Sen
A classic composition by Atul Prasad Sen, who is also credited with composing ‘Hou Dhoromete Dheer,’ this song invokes the feeling of patriotism and love towards one’s country. The catchy rhythm of this song makes it a kids’ favourite at every neighbourhood event!
Dhono Dhanye Pushpo Bhora by Dwijendralal Roy
Although every Bengali kid grows up listening to this song, Srijit Mukherjee’s recent use of the musical favourite in Gumnaami reminded us how, even after all this time, the song still remains etched in our memories. Its tear-jerking lines — “Amar ei deshe tei jonmo, jeno ei deshe tei mori” — and the palpable candid love for one’s country makes this one song every Bengali will keep going back to.
Durgam Giri Kantar by Kazi Nazrul Islam
Kazi Nazrul Islam’s masterpiece was a clarion call to all people to rise and unite in solidarity against the colonisers and the mindless havoc they wreaked on their homeland. “Bangalir khune laal holo jetha Clive-er khonjor” perfectly encapsulates the terror that was brought upon Bengal and its people by the controversial colonial figure, Major-General Robert Clive.
Chal Re Chal Shab by Jyotirindranath Tagore
Composed by Kobiguru’s elder brother Jyotirindranath Tagore, this song will surely inundate you with feelings of pride and patriotism. The first two lines — “Chal re chal shabe Bharotoshontan/ Matribhumi kore ahoban” — set the tone for the rest of the song, which is best described as a call for all Indians to unitedly take the country forward.
Banga Amar Janani Amar by Dwijendralal Roy
Dwijendralal Roy’s antipathy towards colonial rulers mingled with his uncommon musical talent led to the birth of many of his patriotic musical pieces. Banga Amar Janani Amar is a brilliant instance of the same. The song is an earnest testimony to Roy’s deep love and respect for his homeland, as is evidenced by the repeated address to Bengal as his mother. Heartfelt and passionate, the song is a must-include in your Independence Day playlist.
