Apni Maati by Shreya Ghoshal :- Decoding the Song.

Song: Apni Maati

Vocals: Shreya Ghoshal

Music: Shantanu Moitra

Lyrics: Swanand Kirkire

India. It's beyond just being the name of the country we live in. It's an emotion we breathe each morning of diversity and oneness with the our cup of ginger chai or filter kaapi. We live each day with pride swollen chests of being children to a motherland who has given birth to the greats and saints.

So many poems and proses have been penned to elaborate the geographic, cultural and historical beauty of India, yet, Apni Maati still manages to find a novel way of picturisation. Right from being crowned with snow laden Himalayas to flaunting the jewels that flow in the unstoppable rivers which ornament the fertile ground we're gifted with.

Being born in a country like India has perhaps been the single most influential reason for the growth of a storyteller in me. The mythological epics which I've grown up to, has single handedly held all my attention. The knitting of stories into each other in these; the role players and their due importance of each character were chapters I learnt free of cost. 

At every stage, family and friends were of prime importance. I grew up to believing to the power of prayers and goodness that one harbours in heart. I learnt of cementing relationships and pride in performing every kind of labour with honesty and dignity. Apni Maati reminded me of these tiny specks of joy I had tucked away for long.

Songs like Apni Maati is not meant to be heard for this one day. It's a constant reminder of how beautiful a country we live in and how we've fought our way to achieve all that we own now.  And we shall continue this fight united, like before.

YouTube link to the song:-

 Apni Maati official video

Do Dilon Ke Song from Partition 1947

Song : #DoDilonke

Movie: #Partition1947

Vocals : @shreyaghoshal @singerhariharana

Music : @arrahman

Lyrics: #navneetvirk

Partition of India saw the largest mass migration of world. Millions of people; be it Hindus, Muslims or Sikhs were displaced and resulted in massive number of fatalities. While there are ample theories revolving around the conspiracies relating to the birthing of need and want for partition; the lines were drawn not just on papers but on the sentiments of thousands of people living on the borders and across the nation. To choose a ground to lay their mortals on the basis of religious ideologies and philosophies was tough. The sense of trust was lost forever, on leaders who turned into politicians. Unaware of the selfish gains the men at power harboured, innocent people were massacred brutally in the name of misunderstanding walls built.

Undecided and suddenly orphaned children of the motherland ran into the directions they thought was best for them. Whoever knew what future beheld for them. It broke hearts: of children, of lovers, of neighbors, of everyone who hadn't even in the scariest nightmare thought of this untimely separation from the loved ones. Partition left people lost with wounds, vagueness, ambiguity; being irreparably broken and torn.

"Baant lena parinde,

Baant le hawa ye.."

The lines of division could but be drawn only on land. The sky and winged creatures flew boundlessly, then and now. The fragrance of similarity and uniqueness we share with our once upon a time neighbor, still smells fresh and alike. May be, leaving us with a tinge of hope of harnessing peace, someday.

18 Years of Shreya Ghoshal - 18 Songs Dedicated

On this beautiful morning, some 18 years ago, one of the all times greatest musical blockbuster cinema, Devdas released. And a star was born. No I'm not talking about the faces you watched on screen. I'm talking about the voice which brought innocence into our lives through the face of Paro aka Parvati. A teen-ager then, who debuted into the world of Indian cinema music industry, and now sobriquet as Melody Queen, Mistress of Music, Nightingale of India, Shreya Ghoshal.

On this day when she completes, eighteen glorious years of excellence and brilliance, I chose to pick 18 songs sung by Shreya Ghoshal, herself lyrics of which can be aptly dedicated to her by her ever adoring fan - family; her very own SGFamily / Team Shreya / Shreya Ghoshal Army :-

(Please note her discography is very wide, and it was a difficult choice to make. I've tried my best to select most relatable ones. You may comment your takes too below as comments.)

1 Oorellam Kekkude

 "Oorellam Kekkude En Paatu Dhaan

kuyil Ellam Pogudhe Thalaiyati Thaan"

These beautiful lines are pitch perfect lyrically. Absolutely, the entire world listens to her songs, and yeah even the singing birds might nod in affirmation to her tunes and melody.

2 Gaaye jaa

In times of despair and depression, the one thing we all turn to, the real companion for life, is music. And the music of Shreya Ghoshal is such an integral part of our lives, that we need to request her "Gaaye Jaa... Gaaye Jaa..." till eternity.

3 Deewani Mastani

"nabhatoon aali apsara

ashi sundara

saaz sazpuna..."

If you're fortunate and have attended a Shreya Ghoshal live in concert, you'll know how she slits the darkness and comes onto the stage. Indeed like a fairy queen who transcends from the heaven, beautiful and serene.

4 Achchi lagti ho

"Hila kar hoth jab bhi

haule-haule guftagu ko saaz karti ho

Accha lagta hai.."

Even the miniscule humming of the Nightingale creates a wave of goosebumps, such is her beautiful voice. A literal solacing and peace rendering vocal.

5 Hamein bhi pyaar

"Hamein bhi pyaar kar le..

Hamari bhi bhi khabar le le.."

This amazing song from the underrated album, Jaanisaar, is often tweeted and  petitioned to Shreya when she disappears from Twitter, her most favourite mode of communicating with her hardcore fans.

6 Agar Tum mil

"Agar tum mil jao,

Zamana chod denge hum.."

I'd just sum up the beautiful lyrics of this song in one line... The entire world on one side, her music on the other.

7 Bade achhe lagte Hain

"Hum tum kitne paas hain kitne,

Door hain chand sitare.."

Indeed. The closeness you feel to her owing to Shreya's girl nextdoor personality is pristine. And with her songs around, you're never far away from home.

8 Drama Queen

For anyone who knows Shreya Ghoshal very closely, her family, friends and her die hard followers; it's a well known fact that She's utterly the most cutest naughty child at heart. May I also take the liberty of divulging the well known secret, that Vishal - Shekhar, the composers, have nicknamed Shreya as "Guplu" for her mischievous nature. 

9 Hangover

Since day one. Hangover of her songs. Hangover of her persona. Hangover of her purity and innocence. Hangover of the goodness that oozes in her words and actions. Hangover of the humility with which she carries herself.

10 Thode Badmash

"Thode Badmash ho tum...

Thode naadan..."

These lines seem like painted exclusively for this beautiful lady, who is a notorious fridge raider past midnight and innocent as well to call herself a flower child, singing tunes of love. 

11 Darmiyan

"Darmiyaan... Darmiyaan...

Kuch toh tha tere mere darmiyaan.."

There are a hundred people who admit of becoming a Shreya Ghoshal fan in the first hearing of a some particular songs..for some it's "Sunn raha hai", for some "Bairi piya", for some it's "Munbe vaa.." but common in all these stories is the fact that her voice is something that connects to your heart and soul, instantly.

12 O Jiji

This ultimate fun filled sisters song has an uncanny association with Shreya and her fans. Everyone knows and Shreya herself, has admitted that Shreya is the "DeeDee" of the entire world (laughs) Shreya's marriage news broke out on social media, I clearly remember how her fans on Twitter were seeking her permission to call her better half as "Jiju". The chaos around the twitter world as if someone from the family is married..few hearts broken, few elated in glee.

13 Koi Tumsa nahin

The most oft repeated appreciation that Shreya Ghoshal receives. "There is, there was and there will always be only one Shreya. No one like you, Shreya." Brutally honest and sincere. Koi tumsa nahin, Shreya.

14 Kaise muhje 

"Kaise mujhe tum 

mil gayi..

Kismat pe aaye na yakeen.."

How could someone write the heart of a Shreya Ghoshal fan. How could someone foresee that this world needed a Shreya Ghoshal to heal. Her voice and music is one of the best healing in times of difficulties.

15 Teri Meri

"Do lazfoon mein ye 

Bayaan na ho payein.."

One of the fewest songs, which speaks for itself. This long journey of togetherness can never be summed up into an article. Neither can all the honest feelings worded correctly.

16 Main agar kahoon

"Tum hue meharbaan...

Toh hai ye dastaan.."

The kindness Shreya has always showered upon her fans through her words and actions; be it a reply on Twitter or a hug in person on meet, they have gone a long way in creating stories in people's lives. She also is tremendously sweet enough to pick up dedications and requests on the spot in her live concerts, I'm sure these incidents have become the narratives in so many diaries.

17 Raabta

"Kuch toh hai tujse raabta..."

Yet again, a song for the manifestation of how unexplainable it is the connection you feel with Shreya and her voice. Indefinable and incalculable.

18 Tujh mein rab dikhta hai

"Rab ne bana di jodi..."

Yeah. For sure. There is an intervention of the almighty which makes this relationship between Shreya and her fans so pure, immaculate and untouched. It's incredibly unadulterated and pure. And a bond definitely, made in heaven.

As you recall the lyrics of the songs I've mentioned above, I'm sure you might have found out how Shreya Ghoshal is a household name. She's indivisible part of our routine. A name which can bring tears of happiness and sparks of joy whilst you sob.

And as for the final message for today, I've come with the best lyrics for you, from the song "U, Me aur hum.." (unheard for you?)

" I Got A Feeling Incomplete In My Heart,

Don’t Wanna Go It Alone Though

We Can Never Be Apart,

We Can Never Be Apart,

You Make Me Feel Complete Coz

You Are A Piece Of My Heart

You’re The One For Me I Knew It

Right From The Start

Yeh, We Can Never Be Apart,

We Can Never Be Apart,

We Can Never Be Apart.."

This day and always. We can never be apart.

Dear Shreya Ghoshal,

The efforts that you put up in outdoing your own performances, just to bring out better music for us, is what makes us your proud followers. Here's heartfelt wishes and gratitude for many more years of glory to come your way, our way.

Happy Eighteen, Qweenn! 👸

Love,

Anila.

Review of the song Thumbi Thullal from Cobra

Song: Thumbi Thullal

Movie: Cobra 

Vocals: Shreya Ghoshal, Nakul Abhyankar

Composer: AR Rahman

Lyrics: Vivek

Starring :- Chiyaan Vikram, Srinidhi Shetty.

If you're one of the few lucky ones, you know the vibes the backwaters give. Those elongated lagoons, pure and unbounded, flowing in its course. Unshackled and untied. And parked at one end, is the dream transporter, the boat of hope, ready to rove towards happiness.

" Saravadidi di di di di dam dama dam...."

Welcoming you into the festive mood, gleefully beating, not in your ears, but heart. You prepare to shake a leg or two as you know these throbbing won't let you settle on seats.

"Thumbi thumbi thumbi thullalo..."

As you're introduced to the first wordings of this invitation card, there's an envelope around you filled with excitement and enthusiasm; an atmosphere fuelled by celebration tunes. You'd seem dimwitted if you decline this joy rollercoaster ride that came your way to unlock the lockdown woes.

"Thaniyae thaniyae thaniyae

Avan ulaginil naan mattum thaniyae

En kalla chiripin neelam neeyae.."

Trust is the foundation of any relationship. Thumbi Thullal reinstates the trust bricks as the lady love asserts confidently of only her existence in her Man's world. She knows his substance bothers of nothing, but her. He breathes to be with her, and for her. She even dares to measure her sly shy smile with his existence. Ain't this the best feeling ever, to be in love and Be sure of it?

"Kan thoongum neraththil

Nee neenga koodathu..."

Being in love, definitely has to do a lot with spending quality time together. Even a second of separation becomes unbearable. Awake or insomniac, you crave for their presence. Might not want to sound exaggerated but sometimes, you desire of being one in dreams too.

" Oru ganam kooda vilagaamal uyiraavaen

Irudhi varai kaigal naluvaamal yaendhuven..."

At this juncture, the man of her life just can't keep mum and watch her pour out. He raises their ardour skyscraping heights. He vouches to not drift away even for a moment, be there like a soul. His words hold her hands tight, painting pictures of long journey of togetherness.

Thumbi Thullal is the my metaphorical bride. A bride readying for her groom, the listeners. She has the perfect hairstyle. She wore her best ornament. Setting the typical enticing nadaswaram, the wedding is crescendoing towards the climax as the heart leans out. She's all set to enter into your life and make your life more beautiful. Promising you to stay by your side for a lifetime, ready for vows on the dias.

YouTube link to lyric video:-

https://youtu.be/Dj6DPX53Vfk

English Translation of lyrics of Nah Woh Main By Shreya Ghoshal

Here is the vaguely translation in English of Nah Woh Main by Shreya Ghoshal

Once upon a time this crazy me

Is no longer is crazy

The breaths have lost their relationship 

with the heartbeats, somewhere

The threads of words have been opened

And now we're no more that story

Every past talk has drifted away 

and not a spec of comfort is left

Seated below the eyes are two wet faces

Stoned there forever, 

the ones with memories

are shores so deep that we've swum

Nor me, nor you,

Neither are there the talks

Nor are the days and afternoons

Neither those dew like night

Yes, moments which brought happiness once

Don't even bring tears now

What will happen next second

Seems uncertain, unpredictable.

The godly (worth worshipping)

which was mine

Was not lesser than the Almighty

I'm clueless what should I ask

For there isn't an excuse too left 

Upset without any reason, 

Like an idiot I sat, 

How did I

Look around how the stars

have broken and remained untraceable

Nor me, nor you,

Neither are there the talks

Nor are the days and afternoons

Neither those dew like night

Subscribe like comment share the official account of Shreya Ghoshal:

https://www.youtube.com/user/shreyaghoshalM

YouTube link of the official video:

https://youtu.be/lDPL20qk2S4

Review of Nah Woh Main By Shreya Ghoshal

Independent Song :- Nah Woh Main 

Vocals : Shreya Ghoshal

Composers: Shreya and Soumyadeep Ghoshal

Lyrics: Manoj Yadav

If you've been trying to cope up with this self imposed isolation, thanks to the pandemic influenza which has set up it's spiral across the globe; I'm sure you've been also pondering of those lost relationships, the ones which had entangled your existence once but are now no more part of your substance, for those strings have been untied and you've left the verses to fly away.

"Lafzoon k dhaage khul gaye

Ab woh kahani hum nahi.."

Nah Woh Main is the reminiscing cup of stanzas which has bitter cubes of brokenness undissolved. It is slideshow of memory lanes running on the screen of the mind which none can watch. Torn and loosened lines don't make up a prose neither do they portray unifying poetry rhymes. The romance that once bloomed have been robbed of it's fragrances, and now the lingering dry petals bring more pain than memory. As good as the heartbeats being left to struggle for each breath, and not a single word remained back to comfort the wounds.

The best answer to the "what can't be taught but learnt with only experience" question, still is "a heartbreak ". All the theories of falling out of love can never teach you to unlove. Loving is the natural instinct, unloving requires efforts. And like the popular belief, falling in love was easy, it's carrying that responsibility of brittle love which is difficult. And by the end of these atrocities of toxicity brokenness brings to the soul, there's a carcass lowered in the coffin of heart.

"Pal jo hasate the kabhi...

Ab wo rulate tak nahi..."

It complains about the unpredictability this ardour has invited. Nah woh main is slightly  wanting to blame the cosmos for this separation, for love drew inspiration from those shooting stars, falling and vanishing forever into anonymity . When you've decided to part ways, knowing that not a single word would be exchanged ever again, Nah Woh Main urges to find one reason to strike a conversation. But the sourness it has left back on the lips, swallowing all of those lumps and prepping up the throat for anew chats seems far off dream.  

Though by the end of this beautiful track, you get to see the ray of hope slitting the sable, for how long it'll survive still remains undiscovered for the onlookers.

https://youtu.be/lDPL20qk2S4