"Ijaazat" a 1987 film directed by Gulzar, is an intimate portrayal of complex human relationships and the lingering emotions of lo...
"Ijaazat" a 1987 film directed by Gulzar, is an intimate portrayal of complex human relationships and the lingering emotions of love, loss, and reconciliation. The narrative intricacies of the film are profoundly enhanced by the evocative music of R.D. Burman (Pancham), whose compositions provide a nuanced auditory landscape that mirrors and deepens the emotional currents of the story. Pancham’s music was the perfect marriage with Gulzar’s vision of an imperfect marriage. RD Burman’s music complements and elevates Gulzar’s vision, focusing on each song's thematic resonance, emotional depth, and cultural context.
Mera Kuch Samaan
"Mera Kuch Samaan" is a poignant reflection of nostalgia and longing. The lyrics, penned by Gulzar, articulate the remnants of a past relationship that the protagonist, Maya, holds onto. Pancham’s composition, characterized by a soft, melancholic melody, underscores the fragility and ephemeral nature of these memories.
The song features a simple yet haunting arrangement, with a gentle string accompaniment that allows the lyrics to take centre stage. This minimalism accentuates the sense of emptiness and yearning.
Asha Bhosle’s emotive and tender rendition captures the vulnerability and wistfulness of Maya, adding layers of emotion to the lyrics.
Khaali Haath Shaam Aayi Hai
This song encapsulates the solitude and unfulfilled desires of one of the protagonists…Sudha. It reflects the void that remains after the departure of a loved one, a recurring theme in "Ijaazat."
The lyrics convey a sense of loss and the passage of time, with the evening particularly signifying the melancholia felt by Sudha, symbolizing the end of hope and the onset of loneliness.
The melody, set in a slow tempo, enhances the contemplative and sombre mood. Using traditional Indian instruments like the santoor adds a layer of cultural resonance, evoking the timelessness of such emotional experiences.
Katra Katra
"Katra Katra" is a sensual yet poignant exploration of love’s eternal gratefulness. The song’s sensuality is juxtaposed with a sense of wistful longing and gratitude at the “drops” of happiness Sudha gets from Mahender. Perhaps she knows she will always be second to Maya in Mahender’s life, yet she feels complete by the Katra's she’s receiving. Sudha finds her love complete even within a sense of the incomplete.
Paake Bhi Tumhari Aarzoo Hai
Shaayad aise hi Zindagi haseen Hai
Pyaasi Rehne Do
The song’s rhythm mimics the ebb and flow of a relationship, with a lilting tempo that creates an intimate and immersive listening experience.
Pancham uses a mix of Western and Indian
instruments, including the guitar and tabla, to create a fusion that mirrors
the complexities of modern relationships within a traditional framework. His
use of Asha Bhosle’s voice in double track is the standout feature of the song
adding a layer of wistful longing in the mood of the song.
Chhoti Si Kahani Se
This opening song of the film serves as a narrative device, summarizing the bittersweet tale of the protagonists. It highlights the transient nature of happiness and the enduring impact of past relationships.
The song’s structure as a ‘story within a song’ allows it to act as a reflective pause in the film, providing insight into the characters’ inner worlds.
The sing-song melody and gentle orchestration reinforce the song’s reflective and introspective tone, allowing the listener to focus on the lyrical content.
Gulzar’s films are known for their poetic storytelling and deep psychological insights. In "Ijaazat," RD Burman’s music does not merely serve as a background score but becomes an integral part of the narrative, amplifying the emotional undertones and providing a deeper understanding of the characters' psyches.
Each song in "Ijaazat" is meticulously
crafted to evoke specific emotions, aligning perfectly with the film’s themes
of love, loss, and reconciliation. Burman’s ability to translate complex
emotions into musical form allows the audience to feel the characters’ pain,
joy, and longing more acutely.
Burman’s music, with its blend of traditional
Indian and contemporary elements, situates the film within a broader cultural
context, making the personal experiences of the characters feel universal. This
fusion mirrors the film’s exploration of modern relationships within
traditional societal frameworks.
The collaboration between R.D. Burman and Gulzar in
"Ijaazat" is a masterclass in the seamless integration of music and
narrative. Burman’s compositions not only complement but elevate the film’s
emotional and thematic depth, creating a rich, immersive experience that
lingers long after the credits roll. Through his music, Burman provides a
poignant commentary on the imperfection of relationships, perfectly aligning
with Gulzar’s vision of love and loss.
By Pratik Majumdar
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