(This is an original article. Many Bollywood news websites, including that of Bollywood Hungama News Network, have pasted this article on their page without permission or proper credits. I condemn such violation of my copyrights. I highly appreciate Ahmedabad Mirror for raising up this issue: http://www.ahmedabadmirror.
Many are surprised by the lyrics of the song ‘Bhaag DK Bose’. There have been many Indian songs containing explicit slangs, but they failed to enter into the mainstream. But, this particular song is from the movie Delhi Belly of Aamir Khan Production, which is undoubtedly one of the most successful production houses in India. Quite obviously, the conservatives will find it very hard to tolerate this song being played in their living rooms. They would consider it outrageous, anti-social, and vulgar; and would do everything possible they could to isolate their children (age does not matter) from such bad media influence.
However, the song has a unique feature that touches the youth. The crux of the success of the song lies in the philosophy of its genre, the Punk Rock. This genre of music symbolizes the rebellious nature of individuals, especially of youth. It is an expression of free thinkers, who challenge the traditional way of thinking, behaving and living. People who create such music simply cannot accept everything as it is. They hate all those who try to take decisions on their behalf – this may include family members, teachers, bosses, big corporate houses, and of course, the governments & politicians. They simply raise a question – “who the hell are you to take decisions for me?” These iconoclasts cannot tolerate monopolies, privileged classes or elite groups; and they simply cannot remain silent against structural/systematic injustice. They speak out loudly– “F**k your elitism, blind-traditions and your monopolies. I reject you… You can neither stop me nor shut me off”.
Coming back to the song ‘Bhaag DK Bose’, the traditional view in the Indian culture is - 'one should fight against all odds, no matter how big a challenge is. Consider life-problems as tests given by the god; and have faith in god, who will make everything right. This will help you suffer all hardships patiently'. The song rejects this view. It responds- 'when you are detested and underestimated by the family, when you are surrounded by misfortunes, when girlfriend (or boyfriend) and money are too hard to get, and when the crescendo of tragedies is inundating you, what’s wrong in running away? Just run away - you DK Bose*. Life isn’t worth fighting battles that the society wants you to fight. That will only create tension and frustration in you. Just run away from all those battles and remain a free Kabootar (dove)'.
Without a doubt the youth has a lot to identify with this song. Youngsters live amidst significant uncertainties and social pressure. They have a lot many people telling them what to do and what not to. Then there is uncertainty of having a bright career, good life partner and a high socio-economic status. And above all, they find a cut-throat competition in almost every aspect of life, whether it is admissions, job, or business or even life-partner. Such a song and music were always on the cards in the Indian cinema; it was only a matter of time. Whether you agree with the ideas presented by the song is a different story, but it surely will polarize the public opinion. And we should fasten our seat-belts - as more of such songs will surely follow if this movie succeeds.
*DK Bose makes sense in Hindi when you put Bose before DK.
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