This speech was given by Susan B. Anthony in court after her arrest for casting a
vote in the presidential election of 1872.Women were not allowed to vote during the
olden days but suffragette Anthony believed in equal rights.
This speech comes under the aspect of politics. She announced this speech in
front of the court to prove to the jury that she had not committed any crime. However, her
message was not only for the audience at the court but for all the citizens of the US. She
convinced the masses that women should have the right to vote since many thought
women did not have the intellectual ability to judge the right person.
Born in February 15th 1820 at Adams, Massachusetts, Susan B Anthony was
widely known suffragist of her generation and has become an icon of the women’s
suffrage movement. She acquired her education in a Quaker boarding school near
Philadelphia. She was an independent and educated lady with higher goals.
Anthony, who never married, was aggressive and compassionate by nature. Her
family actively participated in the anti-slavery movement and temperance (the prohibition
of alcohol) that dealt with abuses of women and children who suffered from alcoholic
husband. Hence, she was a reformist and demanded that women be given the same civil
and political rights as men.
After her arrest for casting a vote, which was considered illegal, she gave this
speech persuading the audience that she had not committed any crime but simply
exercised her rights as a US citizen.
In her speech, she states the Preamble of the Constitution and explains how
the Union was formed for the whole people and not just for male citizens. Similarly,
we find her questioning whether women are persons and explaining that discrimination
against women does not exist in the Constitution.
Susan B. Anthony proves that exempting women from voting would signify that
they are not yet part of the government. Hence, women who also represent US
citizens cannot be excluded from such rights because exclusion would be violation of the
supreme law of the state. Anthony defends herself by stating what is mentioned in the
Constitution. Her opponents must have been speechless. She approached with strong
reasons and proves that she did not commit any crime by voting.
The entire speech is based on a traditional method by making the speech more
clear and persuasive. She recited the Preamble of Constitution in the opening of her
speech to make the audience reflect upon what really has been said in it. Her entire
speech revolves around this. Describing the preamble, she explains that “We” mentioned
in those lines represents every single US citizens, even the females. She tells that “ it is a
down right mockery” for women not to enjoy “blessings of liberty” while they
are kept away from their right to vote and they cannot participate “to form a more
perfect Union.” Her strong evidence convinces the masses that it is not at all a crime for
women to vote. She explains that to differentiate between sexes, disallowing women to
vote, is a violation of supreme law as women also represent US citizens. She even
exemplifies the whole situation and makes her opponents think that they are the ones who
are committing criminal acts. She states to her opponents that if the government disallows
women to vote, it can be considered a case where the rich govern the poor or the
Saxon rules the African or even the fathers, brothers, husbands, and sons dominating the
mothers and sisters, wife and daughters. In her final lines, she asks, “ Are women
persons?” She states that being persons, women are eligible to vote and no state has the
power to deprive them of their right to vote.
With her strong statements, we can assume that the jury felt futility in opposing
her. Her every sentence is meaningful and logical. Her speech must have made the
ordinary people ponder women’s right to vote. However, she was found guilty and
made to pay $100, which she refused to do. She said, “May it please your honor, I will
never pay a dollar of your unjust penalty.”
She was a strong woman who never gave up. She continued to participate and
support women’s suffrage and also revolted supported different abolitions existing in the
society of those days.
In 1920, the government passed the 19th Amendment or also known as the Susan
B. Anthony amendment that grants the right to vote to all the US women over 21.Susan
B.Anthony’s struggle during those times has helped every US woman to enjoy and
exercise their political rights fully. Ms. Anthony stood up to a lot of criticism, which was
fearful in those days.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Importance of songs and dances in Bollywood
Importance of songs and dances in Bollywood
The Indian film industry, also known as Bollywood, is the second largest film industry. This industry has gained immense success worldwide. One of the distinctive features of Bollywood is the presence of songs and dances in the movies. This form of creative art displayed by Bollywood has been the primary reason for the popularity of this industry. The songs and dances have been the integral part in a movie from the early days of Bollywood. Every motion picture contains at least four or more songs or dances. These songs and dances express the emotion of the character or the situation in the film. They also play vital role in gaining the attention of the audience.
Every song raises different themes. Emotion such as love, anger and sadness are
represented in a song. Hence, my research shall be on the importance of songs and dances in Indian cinemas. By taking into account, some of the super hit Indian songs of
the past eight years, I shall discuss on why and how are the songs presented in
Bollywood.
A major emotion presented in Bollywood music is love. One such song is “Silsila
Yeh Chahat Ka” from the film ‘Devdas’ released in 2002. This song is about a young girl eagerly waiting her lover. The actress and her lover had fallen in love with each other during their childhood. However, they were parted when the actor goes to England for academic purpose. Finally, the actor arrives back to his country after many years. The actress hears this news and she is filled with joy. She sings this song to express her excitement to meet the actor. She expresses her thoughts in the song. The lines “Silsila Yeh Chahat Ka Na Maine Bujhne Diya” states that the actress has never let down her desire to love the actor. Although so many years had passed, she still loves him and she looks forward to meet him. The lines “Ho Mere Piya Ab Aaja Re Mere Piya” explain the audience how impatient she has been to meet her lover. She wants the actor to appear faster. “Tum Vahan The Jhilmilaate Jagmagaate Khusiyon Mein Jhoomkar,Aur Yahan Jal Rahe The Hum” are the lines when the girl feels insecure about her lover. In those lines, she mentions that while she was passing through her lonely days, the actor must have enjoyed his time in the other part of the world. The actress wonders if the actor has found happiness there itself during his stay in England. The background settings of the song easily catch the eyes of the audience as the film is set to expose India (West Bengal ) of early 20th century. Whether be the colorful glasswork on the windows or the stunning wall tapestries, the crewmembers of the film have paid attention to every little detail. The lighting in the film further enhances the delicate work that has gone into the construction of these huge building. The actress Aishwarya Rai has danced gracefully in the song. She is attired with rich Indian silk and embroidered blouse.
Another love song “ Tumhe Jo Maine Dekha” from the film ‘Main Hoon Na’
released in 2004 is about the emotions of a young man upon how he feels when he sees
the actress. He admits that his love is growing for her and that he smells love in the air.
The line “TumheJo Maine Dekha, Tumhe Jo Maine Jaana, Jo Hos Tha Woh To Gaya”
states that the actor began to loose his consciousness after seeing the actress. In the film,
the character is completely at his kneels when he first sees the actress. His dreamy eyes
convey the audience that it is love at first sight. The character is completely mesmerized
by the beauty of the actress. The song has few comic scenes as well. The facial
expressions presented by the actor are humorous. He is enthralled to stand beside the
actress and he behaves foolishly in front of her because of nervousness. These hilarious
scenes make the audience break into laughter. The line “Pariyon Se Bhi Zyada Pyari Si
Ladki Koyi Hain Itni Kyun” means that the beauty of the actress excels the angels in
heaven. The lyrics of the song states how deeply the character has fallen in love. Another
line “Tumhi Ko Maine Puja, Tumhi Ko Chaha Paana” means that he adores her so much
that he even worships her. He looks forward to the day when he shall have her in his
arms. He desires to have her in his life. This song convinces the audience how passionate
the actor is for his love. This song is presented in the film to inform the audience that the
character has fallen in love. The actress Sushmita Sen, former Miss Universe looks
glamorous in this song as the song is all about praises of her beauty.
“ Kyun Hawa” is yet another romantic song from the film ‘Veer –Zaara’ released in 2004. This film is a love story about an Indian man falling in love with a Pakistani woman. Veer is the name of the male character while Zaara, the name of the female character. This song appears in the opening scene of the film perhaps to draw attention of the audience. The actor sings this song to express what awaits him in future. The actor has not yet met the actress but he feels that something exciting is going to happen in his life. The actor sings the first line of the song “ Kyun Hawa, Aaj Yun Gaa Rahi Hai” wondering why the wind is simply humming. He finds the sound of the wind mellow and feels that something good shall be happening. “Zindagi Kis Taraf Jaa Rahi Hai” is the line when the actor questions himself where is his life leading. In the song, the actor is walking in the green grass with full of energy as he represents young man looking forward to proceed in his love life. The line “Yeh Kiska Hai Chehera Jisse Mein, Har Ek Phool Mein Dekhta Hoon” is again a question that the character asks himself. He questions whose face is appearing in those flowers that he sees. The actor in this song has praised the beauty of nature and he has also compared the beauty of nature with the girl he is about to meet. The song is shot in Pakistan capturing the breath taking view of nature. Beautiful flowers, green grass, trees, and rivers are shown in the background as the actor strolls and sings the song. The face of the actress is not shown in the song. The camera focuses her image only. Her striking hair and delicate hands filled with bangles are exposed to the audience. The director must have wanted the viewers to feel the same curiosity felt by character.
Tragedy is yet another major emotion expressed in Bollywood music. Famous poet Percy Bysshe Shelley in his poem ‘To a Skylark’ wrote, “Our sweetest song are those that tell of saddest thought”. Similarly, many Bollywood audiences find tragic songs melodious and heart touching. The song “Aaa Bhi Jaa” from the film ‘Sur’ released in 2002 is a sad song of a forlorn man who pleads his lover to come back into his life. The song appears in the film after the actor argues with his lover and they end their relationship. However, the actor finds it difficult to forget her. The character sings the line “Mere Dil Ke Pagalpan ki O Seema Kya Hai” which means that he is turning insane without her in his life. The actor had deeply fallen in love with the actress and now he suffers to part with her. Another line that depicts the actors’ state of mind is “Kaise Kahoon Bechain Hain Dil Mera Tere Bina”. This line implies that the actor is depressed and he is struggling to live without her. The character also knows that his lover is in despair without him. In the lines “Andhoori Si Mere Bina, Raat Ko Ka Vida, Ae Subah Aa Bhi Jaa” , the character assumes that his lover is also gloomy after the end of their relationship. He waits for morning to approach faster. The morning represents the beginning of their relationship once again in his lyrical language. He wants to forget his past and the misunderstandings that they had. He anticipates reuniting with his lover and forming a happy relationship. This sorrowful song reflects pain and emptiness faced by the character. The song informs the audience how the character is hurt and disrupted. The facial expression of the character also best describes the pathetic situation. The singer Lucky Ali is the actor himself in the film. His deep and painful voice accompanied with melancholy violin tune makes the song serious but gives comfort to the ear.
The song “Tadap Tadap” from the film ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ released in 1999 is yet another tragic song. In this film, the actor is an anglo-Indian living abroad in Italy whose passion is music. He comes to India to learn classical Indian music from respected musician Pundit Darbar. While staying and learning music in his home, he falls in love with his daughter. The actor is banished when Pundit comes to know about this. The song appears in the film when the two lovers have to part and lead separate lives.The song shows the actor suffering and going through painful process to forget his lover. The word “Tadap” means to suffer. In the opening lines of the song, the actor states that he is suffering, as he will never be seeing his lover. In the lines “Mujhko Saza Di Pyar Ki Aisa Kya Gunah Kiya”, the character questions himself on what crime has he committed that he is given such harsh punishment. The actor grieves to part with his lover. “Tera Chehera Nazar Aaye Mujhe Din Ki Ujaalon Mein” states that he visualizes the image of his lover everywhere even though it is daylight. The actor is unable to forget his lover. In the lines “ Agar Mile Khuda To Poochhonga Khudaya Jism Mujhe Deke Mitttika Sheesay Sa Dil Kyon Banaya” the character says that if he ever meets God, he would ask Him why did He make his heart fragile as a glass. The character cannot bear the pain he is going through. The lyrics of the song are filled with sorrow. The song is shot in a desert with the actor walking alone. This song symbolizes the misery of the actor and the song is presented to depict the loneliness faced by the actor. The dry desert in the background represents his adversity. The actor is dressed in black color to inform the audience about his unhappiness and distress. The song transports the audience into the sad world of the actor.
Another major emotion expressed in Bollywood music is anger. The song
“Chale Chalo” from the film ‘Lagaan’ released in 2001 expresses anger. This film is about late 19thcentury India when the country was in the hands of British rulers and the Indians fight forheir land. The actor sings the song to influence his fellow citizens to overthrow the British colony. The opening lines of the song goes, “Baar Baar Haan, Bolo Yaar Haan, Apni Jeet Ho, Unki Haar haan” implies that they aspire to gain victory. The character commands everyone to speak out that they would bring down their enemies. In the song, the actor busily reaches out to the crowd convincing them to revolt against the British colony. Another line “Chale Chalo,Chale Chalo, Mit Jaave Jo Takraave, Chale
Chalo” states that whoever attempts to bring them down shall be destroyed. The actor
sings this song in order to boost the confidence of his countrymen. In the lines “Toot Gayi Jo Ungli Utthi, Paancho Mili To Ban Gayi Mutthi”, the actor states that the finger that is pointing at them shall be broken. The actor is reflecting his anger to the British rulers who cannot stand to see the social reformers of the country. He also explains that their five fingers can be crunched to strong fists to attack them. This song finely
showcased how the actor unites all the people around him to oppose the British rulers in
India. The background of the song has shown typical Indian village. The actors are
dressed as Indian farmers. They have put on Dhotis (traditional Indian dress worn
by the males) and simple shirts. Their opponents, the British are attired as the
Englishmen of 19th century.
Similarly, the message of unity is also expressed in a song. In the song “Kandhe
Se Kandhe” from the film ‘Lakshya’ released in 2004, the actor and his friends sing this song to generate strength and unity among themselves in order to bring down their enemies. This film is about a young man who does not have any mission in life. He simply ends up joining in an army unaware of what waits him in future. The film suddenly takes a twist when the actor has to go to the war zone in the border of India and Pakistan. The actor and his fellow soldiers sing this song to bring up courage among them. The starting line of the song goes, “Kandhon Se Milte Hain Kandhe, Quadmo Se Quadam Milte Hain, Hum Chalte Hain Jab Aise Toh Dil Dushman Ke Hilte Hain” which states that when all of them join hand in hand to fight with their enemies, then the enemies would be terrified. The actor recites those lines to demand unity among them. Another line of the song goes, “ Ab Jo Bhi Ho Shola Banke Pathar Hain Pighlane”. The actor has used simile in this line. He says that in order to perish their enemies, they should be as the terrorizing thunder, which can even melt rocks. The actor is building up audacity among his colleagues. The actor commands his friends to be fearless no matter what dangerous situation arises. They make up their mind to overcome any difficult circumstance without trembling. The line “ Nikle Hain Maidaan Mein Ham Jaan Hatheli Par Le Kar” states that they are in the battlefield risking their lives in order to save their country. They would go through anything to protect and preserve their country. The lyrics of the song consist of thoughts that reflect bravery, determination, and victory. The song triggers confidence to the group of soldiers who are going to battle against their enemy. The background of the song vividly represents the battlefield. High hills and base camps that reflect military life are meticulously presented in the motion picture. The actors are dressed in camouflage military uniform.
Conclusion
One may notice by now that songs and dances in Indian cinemas are meaningful. Crewmembers of the film devote plenty of time to make it successful. The songwriter, musicians and singer put their best effort to create a melodious song that best describes the emotion or situation occurring in the motion picture. In the other hand, the choreographer gives detail emphasis on the dance steps and facial expression of the actors in order to make the song more presentable. It is the responsibility of the costume designers to arrange for suitable clothing to be worn in the song. Finally, the director and cameraman focus on the background for the song to make the song more realistic. Through my research, the readers will realize that each songs and dances in Indian cinemas inform the emotion or situation undergone by the character. The filmmakers attempt to create all these scenes intricate and interesting as possible. In this research, the readers would also realize that songs and dances are created in Bollywood to entertain the audience. The costumes, make-up, lightings, background, and emotions are presented perfectly to gain the attention of the audience. To gain the attention of the audience and entertaining them has been of much importance for dramatist to filmmakers from early days. Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest”, in Act 4, Scene 1, displays mesmerizing event wherein the lead character Prospero calls upon spirits to perform masque for his daughter Miranda who is about to marry Ferdinand. The spirits perform a masque celebrating the lovers’ engagement. Shakespeare has written this scene to draw the attention of the audience. He was an innovative and creative writer having known the method to catch the attention of the audience back in the early 17th century. Similarly, songs and dances appear in Indian cinemas to enthrall the audience of modern generation.
The Indian film industry, also known as Bollywood, is the second largest film industry. This industry has gained immense success worldwide. One of the distinctive features of Bollywood is the presence of songs and dances in the movies. This form of creative art displayed by Bollywood has been the primary reason for the popularity of this industry. The songs and dances have been the integral part in a movie from the early days of Bollywood. Every motion picture contains at least four or more songs or dances. These songs and dances express the emotion of the character or the situation in the film. They also play vital role in gaining the attention of the audience.
Every song raises different themes. Emotion such as love, anger and sadness are
represented in a song. Hence, my research shall be on the importance of songs and dances in Indian cinemas. By taking into account, some of the super hit Indian songs of
the past eight years, I shall discuss on why and how are the songs presented in
Bollywood.
A major emotion presented in Bollywood music is love. One such song is “Silsila
Yeh Chahat Ka” from the film ‘Devdas’ released in 2002. This song is about a young girl eagerly waiting her lover. The actress and her lover had fallen in love with each other during their childhood. However, they were parted when the actor goes to England for academic purpose. Finally, the actor arrives back to his country after many years. The actress hears this news and she is filled with joy. She sings this song to express her excitement to meet the actor. She expresses her thoughts in the song. The lines “Silsila Yeh Chahat Ka Na Maine Bujhne Diya” states that the actress has never let down her desire to love the actor. Although so many years had passed, she still loves him and she looks forward to meet him. The lines “Ho Mere Piya Ab Aaja Re Mere Piya” explain the audience how impatient she has been to meet her lover. She wants the actor to appear faster. “Tum Vahan The Jhilmilaate Jagmagaate Khusiyon Mein Jhoomkar,Aur Yahan Jal Rahe The Hum” are the lines when the girl feels insecure about her lover. In those lines, she mentions that while she was passing through her lonely days, the actor must have enjoyed his time in the other part of the world. The actress wonders if the actor has found happiness there itself during his stay in England. The background settings of the song easily catch the eyes of the audience as the film is set to expose India (West Bengal ) of early 20th century. Whether be the colorful glasswork on the windows or the stunning wall tapestries, the crewmembers of the film have paid attention to every little detail. The lighting in the film further enhances the delicate work that has gone into the construction of these huge building. The actress Aishwarya Rai has danced gracefully in the song. She is attired with rich Indian silk and embroidered blouse.
Another love song “ Tumhe Jo Maine Dekha” from the film ‘Main Hoon Na’
released in 2004 is about the emotions of a young man upon how he feels when he sees
the actress. He admits that his love is growing for her and that he smells love in the air.
The line “TumheJo Maine Dekha, Tumhe Jo Maine Jaana, Jo Hos Tha Woh To Gaya”
states that the actor began to loose his consciousness after seeing the actress. In the film,
the character is completely at his kneels when he first sees the actress. His dreamy eyes
convey the audience that it is love at first sight. The character is completely mesmerized
by the beauty of the actress. The song has few comic scenes as well. The facial
expressions presented by the actor are humorous. He is enthralled to stand beside the
actress and he behaves foolishly in front of her because of nervousness. These hilarious
scenes make the audience break into laughter. The line “Pariyon Se Bhi Zyada Pyari Si
Ladki Koyi Hain Itni Kyun” means that the beauty of the actress excels the angels in
heaven. The lyrics of the song states how deeply the character has fallen in love. Another
line “Tumhi Ko Maine Puja, Tumhi Ko Chaha Paana” means that he adores her so much
that he even worships her. He looks forward to the day when he shall have her in his
arms. He desires to have her in his life. This song convinces the audience how passionate
the actor is for his love. This song is presented in the film to inform the audience that the
character has fallen in love. The actress Sushmita Sen, former Miss Universe looks
glamorous in this song as the song is all about praises of her beauty.
“ Kyun Hawa” is yet another romantic song from the film ‘Veer –Zaara’ released in 2004. This film is a love story about an Indian man falling in love with a Pakistani woman. Veer is the name of the male character while Zaara, the name of the female character. This song appears in the opening scene of the film perhaps to draw attention of the audience. The actor sings this song to express what awaits him in future. The actor has not yet met the actress but he feels that something exciting is going to happen in his life. The actor sings the first line of the song “ Kyun Hawa, Aaj Yun Gaa Rahi Hai” wondering why the wind is simply humming. He finds the sound of the wind mellow and feels that something good shall be happening. “Zindagi Kis Taraf Jaa Rahi Hai” is the line when the actor questions himself where is his life leading. In the song, the actor is walking in the green grass with full of energy as he represents young man looking forward to proceed in his love life. The line “Yeh Kiska Hai Chehera Jisse Mein, Har Ek Phool Mein Dekhta Hoon” is again a question that the character asks himself. He questions whose face is appearing in those flowers that he sees. The actor in this song has praised the beauty of nature and he has also compared the beauty of nature with the girl he is about to meet. The song is shot in Pakistan capturing the breath taking view of nature. Beautiful flowers, green grass, trees, and rivers are shown in the background as the actor strolls and sings the song. The face of the actress is not shown in the song. The camera focuses her image only. Her striking hair and delicate hands filled with bangles are exposed to the audience. The director must have wanted the viewers to feel the same curiosity felt by character.
Tragedy is yet another major emotion expressed in Bollywood music. Famous poet Percy Bysshe Shelley in his poem ‘To a Skylark’ wrote, “Our sweetest song are those that tell of saddest thought”. Similarly, many Bollywood audiences find tragic songs melodious and heart touching. The song “Aaa Bhi Jaa” from the film ‘Sur’ released in 2002 is a sad song of a forlorn man who pleads his lover to come back into his life. The song appears in the film after the actor argues with his lover and they end their relationship. However, the actor finds it difficult to forget her. The character sings the line “Mere Dil Ke Pagalpan ki O Seema Kya Hai” which means that he is turning insane without her in his life. The actor had deeply fallen in love with the actress and now he suffers to part with her. Another line that depicts the actors’ state of mind is “Kaise Kahoon Bechain Hain Dil Mera Tere Bina”. This line implies that the actor is depressed and he is struggling to live without her. The character also knows that his lover is in despair without him. In the lines “Andhoori Si Mere Bina, Raat Ko Ka Vida, Ae Subah Aa Bhi Jaa” , the character assumes that his lover is also gloomy after the end of their relationship. He waits for morning to approach faster. The morning represents the beginning of their relationship once again in his lyrical language. He wants to forget his past and the misunderstandings that they had. He anticipates reuniting with his lover and forming a happy relationship. This sorrowful song reflects pain and emptiness faced by the character. The song informs the audience how the character is hurt and disrupted. The facial expression of the character also best describes the pathetic situation. The singer Lucky Ali is the actor himself in the film. His deep and painful voice accompanied with melancholy violin tune makes the song serious but gives comfort to the ear.
The song “Tadap Tadap” from the film ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ released in 1999 is yet another tragic song. In this film, the actor is an anglo-Indian living abroad in Italy whose passion is music. He comes to India to learn classical Indian music from respected musician Pundit Darbar. While staying and learning music in his home, he falls in love with his daughter. The actor is banished when Pundit comes to know about this. The song appears in the film when the two lovers have to part and lead separate lives.The song shows the actor suffering and going through painful process to forget his lover. The word “Tadap” means to suffer. In the opening lines of the song, the actor states that he is suffering, as he will never be seeing his lover. In the lines “Mujhko Saza Di Pyar Ki Aisa Kya Gunah Kiya”, the character questions himself on what crime has he committed that he is given such harsh punishment. The actor grieves to part with his lover. “Tera Chehera Nazar Aaye Mujhe Din Ki Ujaalon Mein” states that he visualizes the image of his lover everywhere even though it is daylight. The actor is unable to forget his lover. In the lines “ Agar Mile Khuda To Poochhonga Khudaya Jism Mujhe Deke Mitttika Sheesay Sa Dil Kyon Banaya” the character says that if he ever meets God, he would ask Him why did He make his heart fragile as a glass. The character cannot bear the pain he is going through. The lyrics of the song are filled with sorrow. The song is shot in a desert with the actor walking alone. This song symbolizes the misery of the actor and the song is presented to depict the loneliness faced by the actor. The dry desert in the background represents his adversity. The actor is dressed in black color to inform the audience about his unhappiness and distress. The song transports the audience into the sad world of the actor.
Another major emotion expressed in Bollywood music is anger. The song
“Chale Chalo” from the film ‘Lagaan’ released in 2001 expresses anger. This film is about late 19thcentury India when the country was in the hands of British rulers and the Indians fight forheir land. The actor sings the song to influence his fellow citizens to overthrow the British colony. The opening lines of the song goes, “Baar Baar Haan, Bolo Yaar Haan, Apni Jeet Ho, Unki Haar haan” implies that they aspire to gain victory. The character commands everyone to speak out that they would bring down their enemies. In the song, the actor busily reaches out to the crowd convincing them to revolt against the British colony. Another line “Chale Chalo,Chale Chalo, Mit Jaave Jo Takraave, Chale
Chalo” states that whoever attempts to bring them down shall be destroyed. The actor
sings this song in order to boost the confidence of his countrymen. In the lines “Toot Gayi Jo Ungli Utthi, Paancho Mili To Ban Gayi Mutthi”, the actor states that the finger that is pointing at them shall be broken. The actor is reflecting his anger to the British rulers who cannot stand to see the social reformers of the country. He also explains that their five fingers can be crunched to strong fists to attack them. This song finely
showcased how the actor unites all the people around him to oppose the British rulers in
India. The background of the song has shown typical Indian village. The actors are
dressed as Indian farmers. They have put on Dhotis (traditional Indian dress worn
by the males) and simple shirts. Their opponents, the British are attired as the
Englishmen of 19th century.
Similarly, the message of unity is also expressed in a song. In the song “Kandhe
Se Kandhe” from the film ‘Lakshya’ released in 2004, the actor and his friends sing this song to generate strength and unity among themselves in order to bring down their enemies. This film is about a young man who does not have any mission in life. He simply ends up joining in an army unaware of what waits him in future. The film suddenly takes a twist when the actor has to go to the war zone in the border of India and Pakistan. The actor and his fellow soldiers sing this song to bring up courage among them. The starting line of the song goes, “Kandhon Se Milte Hain Kandhe, Quadmo Se Quadam Milte Hain, Hum Chalte Hain Jab Aise Toh Dil Dushman Ke Hilte Hain” which states that when all of them join hand in hand to fight with their enemies, then the enemies would be terrified. The actor recites those lines to demand unity among them. Another line of the song goes, “ Ab Jo Bhi Ho Shola Banke Pathar Hain Pighlane”. The actor has used simile in this line. He says that in order to perish their enemies, they should be as the terrorizing thunder, which can even melt rocks. The actor is building up audacity among his colleagues. The actor commands his friends to be fearless no matter what dangerous situation arises. They make up their mind to overcome any difficult circumstance without trembling. The line “ Nikle Hain Maidaan Mein Ham Jaan Hatheli Par Le Kar” states that they are in the battlefield risking their lives in order to save their country. They would go through anything to protect and preserve their country. The lyrics of the song consist of thoughts that reflect bravery, determination, and victory. The song triggers confidence to the group of soldiers who are going to battle against their enemy. The background of the song vividly represents the battlefield. High hills and base camps that reflect military life are meticulously presented in the motion picture. The actors are dressed in camouflage military uniform.
Conclusion
One may notice by now that songs and dances in Indian cinemas are meaningful. Crewmembers of the film devote plenty of time to make it successful. The songwriter, musicians and singer put their best effort to create a melodious song that best describes the emotion or situation occurring in the motion picture. In the other hand, the choreographer gives detail emphasis on the dance steps and facial expression of the actors in order to make the song more presentable. It is the responsibility of the costume designers to arrange for suitable clothing to be worn in the song. Finally, the director and cameraman focus on the background for the song to make the song more realistic. Through my research, the readers will realize that each songs and dances in Indian cinemas inform the emotion or situation undergone by the character. The filmmakers attempt to create all these scenes intricate and interesting as possible. In this research, the readers would also realize that songs and dances are created in Bollywood to entertain the audience. The costumes, make-up, lightings, background, and emotions are presented perfectly to gain the attention of the audience. To gain the attention of the audience and entertaining them has been of much importance for dramatist to filmmakers from early days. Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest”, in Act 4, Scene 1, displays mesmerizing event wherein the lead character Prospero calls upon spirits to perform masque for his daughter Miranda who is about to marry Ferdinand. The spirits perform a masque celebrating the lovers’ engagement. Shakespeare has written this scene to draw the attention of the audience. He was an innovative and creative writer having known the method to catch the attention of the audience back in the early 17th century. Similarly, songs and dances appear in Indian cinemas to enthrall the audience of modern generation.
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