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Saara Jahan Hamara — In 1950’s Bombay

We begin our journey in the film studios of 1950’s Bombay (then not yet known as Bollywood) where lyricists like Sahir Ludhianvi, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Shailendra, and others are using the power of their poetry to awaken people to the spirit of Constitutional Values

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What do the songs of 1950’s Hindi cinema have in common with the poems of Bhakti saint-poets? 

As we explore the histories of constitutional ideas through Bhakti poetry, we find a striking resonance in the values underpinning the Constitution of our modern republic. We begin our journey in twentieth century Bombay, where the film industry has created a new public sphere for expression by artists, lyricists and songwriters, who speak to a pan-India audience through the immense reach of this new medium. The pre-Independence Progressive Writers Association and its baton-bearing successors, the Indian People’s Theatre Association, endeavour to create a new public consciousness. The lyrics of Sahir Ludhianvi, Majrooh Sultanpuri and Shailendra thrum with a yearning to remind people of their rights and duties. 

Bhakti Republic is presented by Amit Basole, Professor of Economics and Head, Centre for Sustainable Employment at Azim Premji University.

CREDITS:

Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Riju R Krishna, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar 

Acknowledgements:

A special thanks to Atif Anwar, Omkar Deshmukh, Seema Hussain, S. Pranesh (students at Azim Premji University) 

Further reading

On Sahir Ludhianvi 

On Majrooh Sultanpuri:

Article: When Majrooh Sultanpuri was jailed for writing against Nehru | The Print | Sabrang India


On Shailendra:

Article | The Print: Shailendra — the Leftist poet and Dalit genius whose lyrics define beauty of simplicity

Article | The Forward Press: Shaken Up By Shailendra (the article mentions his caste as Dhursia — cobbler)

Article | The Jamia Review: On the Poetry of Shailendra: A Folk Poet of Hindustani Cinema


On Annabhau Sathe:

Article | The Wire: Annabhau Sathe’s Writings Contributed Significantly to Anti-Caste, Anti-Class Ideas

Article | The Indian Express: Anna Bhau matured the purpose of literature to serve the Dalit cause

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About Radio Azim Premji University 

Radio Azim Premji University is the radio station for the eternal student in you, providing a view into the world with a variety of engrossing shows on topics of your interest from constitutional values, history, culture, art, science, mathematics, and more. Our shows are free, non-commercial, and meant for educational purposes only. Radio Azim Premji University is available on your favourite podcast platforms. Tune in to discover more.