1983 Masoom‘s soundtrack – that brought together film industry’s legends Gulzaar (lyricist) and R.D. Burman (composer) – is a fine example of the everlasting power of art. 

The movie, that starred Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi as leads, was adapted from Erich Segal’s novel, Man, Woman and Child. 

Directed by Shekhar Kapur, Gulzar not only penned the lyrics for this movie but also wrote its screenplay. Which explains why, till date, this remains one of the finest adaptations that Hindi cinema has seen. 

However, it wasn’t just the movie’s story and direction that made it timeless. The music played an integral role in taking the story forward and also captured the unsaid emotions the characters lived through.

The songs truly helped set multiple situations in the film, and yet, on their own still retained a magical quality. Though Lakdi Ki Kaathi and Tujhse Naraz Nahin Zindagi became classics in the truest sense of the term, the other two tracks were just as wonderfully composed and written, if not more so. 

Here’s a look at why these four songs still set a smile on our face, even as they bring a lone tear to our eyes:  

1. Do Naina Aur Ek Kahaani

Shabana Azmi sings this song as a lullaby in the movie, but the words hold a far more intimate reckoning for her – because these are the expression of the sorrow she is living with. The hurt over her husband’s infidelity, the guilt and confusion over the way she is treating an innocent child, and the concern for her daughters. And through it all, Rahul (Jugal Hansraj) – with silent tears- reminisces about his own mom. 

The song’s soothing music is almost a contrast to its heartwrenching lyrics – making it a melancholic number you just can’t shake off! It also won Aarti Mukherji the Filmfare award for the Best Female Playback Singer.  

Listen to the song here.

2. Huzur Iss Kadar 

This soft, playful number is a stark reminder of how the music in the past never employed crass lyrics or loud music to display mischievous situations. As the men drink and play around, the song – with both the lyrics and the beats – remains an innocent expression of flirtation.

Listen to the song here.

3. Tujhse Naraz Nahin Zindagi

Undoubtedly one of the most popular tracks from the movie, this song won Gulzar the Filmfare Award for the Best Lyricist. Perhaps because, in his trademark style, Gulzar expressed profound feelings with the simplest of words – after all, how do you explain to your child that his ‘innocent’ questions hold far too complex, mature answers?

Listen to the song here.

4. Lakdi Ki Kathi

Even today, this song is a favourite children’s song. But more than that, during the movie, this song conveys a very important message – children don’t hold in their heart hate or guilt. They bond, simply for the joy of companionship. Perhaps there’s a thing or two that we forget as adults, but shouldn’t!

Listen to the song here.

Both R.D. Burman and Gulzar are legends in their own right. But when the two came together, they gifted this movie, and the film industry, a soundtrack that will forever hold a place in our hearts. 

Design credits: Shubham Gupta

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