Music as food of love — from Majrooh to Nora Fatehi

INDIAN film songs have never been mere entertainment. They have always reflected the emotional depth, cultural sensibility and aesthetic refinement of society. There was a time when Hindi cinema explored themes of love, attraction and even physical intimacy with remarkable grace. The language was suggestive yet restrained, expressive yet dignified. However, in the present era, particularly with the growing influence of rap and commercialised music, that delicate balance appears to be fading, and is increasingly being replaced by a tendency towards explicitness and sensationalism.

The recent controversy surrounding Nora Fatehi's dance number "Sarke chunar teri sarke" exemplifies this shift. The song has drawn sharp criticism for its allegedly vulgar lyrics and overtly suggestive presentation. Public outrage has spilled across social media platforms, informal gatherings and discussion forums. The Central Board of Film Certification reportedly took note after a complaint was filed by advocate Vineet Jindal. Even the Human Rights Commission is said to have issued a notice.

A similar uproar was witnessed in the case of "Tateeree" by singer-rapper Badshah. The Haryanvi rap track faced backlash for lyrics and visuals perceived as obscene and objectifying. Legal complaints followed and the Haryana State Commission for Women summoned the artiste for an explanation. His failure to appear reportedly led to strict directions, including calls for arrest, passport seizure and performance restrictions within the state. Matters escalated when an FIR alleged indecent content involving inappropriate imagery set in school-like environments. Eventually, the song was withdrawn and an apology issued. Yet, the larger question remains unresolved: where to draw the line between artistic freedom and social responsibility?

These incidents indicate a broader trend. Many modern songs seem to push the boundaries of taste, employing language and imagery that appear crude and uncomfortable to a significant section of listeners. Expressions that allude to sexual acts or objectify individuals often replace the nuanced portrayal of romance that once defined film music. Such lyrics often reflect a tone of dominance and superficial bravado rather than genuine emotional connection.

The growing popularity of such content is perhaps the most concerning aspect. Music videos frequently showcase themes of violence, aggression and material excess — guns, luxury cars and power. In certain segments, including Punjabi pop and rap, motifs of dominance and machismo dominate the narrative. While these elements may create instant appeal and excitement, they risk shaping cultural attitudes, especially among the impressionable youth who absorb these images rapidly.

Creative freedom is the cornerstone of artistic expression and must be respected. However, it is important to recognise that enduring art often emerges from a harmonious blend of imagination, language and restraint. When subtlety is replaced by bluntness, the aesthetic quality of expression tends to diminish.

A glance at the songs of earlier decades reveals a striking contrast. Even then, themes of love, longing and physical closeness were central, yet they were conveyed with elegance and poetic sophistication. Lines such as "Aaj sajan mohe ang laga lo" or "Piya ang lag lag ke bhai sanwali main" express a desire for closeness, but do so with grace and musicality. Similarly, "Shararat karne ko lalchaye re mera man" captures playful yearning without crossing into vulgarity.

Even more direct expressions of romance were crafted with finesse. Songs like "Hoth mile jab hothon se", "Choomu tere galon ko, tere balon ko", and "Tere badan se khushbu aaye" acknowledge physical attraction, yet their lyrical beauty ensures they never sound crude.

Consider the timeless "Bahon mein chale aao" by Majrooh Sultanpuri, which invites closeness with warmth and affection rather than provocation. Or the evocative "Raat akeli hai, bujh gaye diye…" that creates an atmosphere of quiet intimacy through imagery and tone. Such compositions demonstrate how emotional depth can coexist with dignity.

Metaphor played a vital role in older songwriting. Expressions like "Main nadiya phir bhi main pyasi" convey longing with poetic richness while lines like "Tere labon ko choom loon main" remain suggestive yet refined. Even vibrant songs like "Aa jaane jaan mera ye husn jawan" celebrate youth and allure with theatrical charm rather than crudity.

Importantly, songs addressing youth and desire — "Charhti jawani meri chaal mastani", "Teri jawani tapta mahina" or "Aaj main jawan ho gai hoon" — maintained a delicate balance. Their playful tone and poetic wrapping ensured that expression never descended into indecency. The line "Bachpan to abhi rootha hi nahin" beautifully captures the transition into youth while preserving innocence, an achievement rarely seen today.

It would be unfair, however, to suggest that modern music lacks all refinement. Several contemporary compositions uphold the tradition of subtle romance. Songs such as "Pehla nasha", "Tum hi ho", "Raatan lambiyan", "Kesariya" and "Tera ban jaunga" demonstrate that audiences still respond to sincerity, melody and emotional authenticity.

The deeper concern with many present-day songs also lies in the worldview they project. Emphasis on wealth, aggression and objectification risks normalising such values. When music glorifies such superficial markers of success, it may influence aspirations and social behaviour.

Cinema and music have always existed in a dynamic relationship with society: they reflect prevailing trends and shape them. Therefore, it is reasonable to question whether the pursuit of instant popularity and viral success should come at the expense of artistic dignity and cultural sensitivity.

Ultimately, this discussion is not intended as condemnation but as reflection. It seeks to recall a time when film music balanced romance, playfulness and poetic beauty without resorting to vulgarity. That legacy remains a valuable guide for contemporary creators.

Perhaps what is needed today is a renewed appreciation for artistry — where metaphor, imagination and linguistic elegance enrich the portrayal of love and human emotion. When that balance is restored, Indian film songs can continue to evolve while retaining the timeless charm that once made them enduring cultural treasures.