I am sitting here in my cabin, listening to some old songs.These old songs take me to a different world. I cant imagine a single day without music. Radio, one of the most strong media, has really lost its glory... It has become modern and  have different perception.Good, melodious and meaningful songs work as food for the soul. I have experienced it many a times. At times when I am depressed or sad, I feel like listening to songs that have sensible lyrics, melodious soft composition and tunes. Old songs sung by Lata Mangeshkar are therapy in it self.  Innocence in her voice and emotions soothe my sad mood. Bhajans sung by late Rafi saab too work wonders, if you listen those old bhajans sung by Rafi saab, you will definitely feel cosmic vibrations, at least this is what I  feel. Non filmi Ghazals sung by him too are superb, and marvellous.Songs take me to a different world, I become so nostalgic. Some songs create a sort of ‘déjà vu’, then I get very very restless. Some very blurred, mixed, abstract visions type start coming in my mind, and I try very hard to recollect what and where that particular song  is taking me to. Some songs make me feel the sheer beauty of untouched nature, green lush vast fields, swaying trees and serene and divine atmosphere and surroundings. I totally get engrossed in the song, What I feel is very difficult to express. But it is ‘pucca’ that I certainly get a ‘kick’ from songs.  I used to listen (still I pay attention) to each instrument, specially Tabla and  Sitar..that gives rhythm to song.

I remember those days when I used to listen to Radio Ceylon, it used to start from 6 in the morning with Van-Shipley guitar or some instrumentalmusic,then songs from any one film, then ‘purane geet’, then it was ‘aap ki farmaish’, then non filmi songs, Naat and Qawwallis, and last programme had some instrumental music or Vocal classical. At ten it would go off the air. I can never forget the deep, soothing voice of Radio Ceylon’s announcer, one “Gopal Sharma, Baljeet(most probably Late Sunil Dutt), Then our all time favorite Amin Sayani..wah… unparalleled, supreme  people…The signature tune of that old "been' still haunts me...i wish  it starts once again....

Those were the days when we all used to really relish each song, my mother used to tell us about the scenes or about the film. Johrabai Ambala wali,Noorjahan, Uma Devi,Karan Deewan, Shamshad Begum, geeta Dutt, Talat Mahmood, CH Atma, Jagmohan, Pankaj Mullick….…..so many names comes to my mind whose songs have left an impression on my mind that can not be erased. Then Rafi, Lata, Hemant Kumar, Asha , Manna Dey, Mukesh carried the tradition with sincereity and zest. Old songs sung by these singers are treasures, they can still make you feel divine, serene or cry. Such was the depth.  I don’t know whether present generation knows about those non-filmi geet, but they were the treat for the ears and heart. Those Beautiful songs with equally beautiful lyrics have rendered solace to many hurt hearts. Where have those songs gone, must be lying in some corners of dark room. I could buy some Pankaj Mullick and Jagmohan’s CD, but couldn’t get any other.  

 I remember a song, it was a duet. It used to induce sort of melancholy… I forgot the lyrics or tune, but its impact is etched in my memory. My mother used to tell me that this song had lead few to the verge of committing suicide. The instrument played in it still haunts my memory. That song was banned from playing in any programme.This song used to be played in one ‘Urdu programme’ that used to be relayed by ‘All India Radio’. This particular programme used to start from 3 ‘o clock or so.  I remember the Announcer (at that time they were known as announcer, not RJ) used to tell something about that particular song. Listening to Radio was considered very important and fashionable. At that time songs used to influence lives.  Where have those songs vanished?  Nowadays, fast, loud songs, hip-hop, rap and what else…don’t know have taken place. But Thanks to Sonu Nigam, Shaan,Kunal Ganjawala and Shankar Mahadevan, who are composing and singing beautifully. Hundreds of thanks to Jagjeet Singh, Hariharan, Suresh Wadkar, Manhar…they are keeping the tradition of soulful singing alive…….. list is long really!

Good songs are like dew on  the grass, oasis in the desert, medicine for the hurt soul,

The world of soft, melodious songs definitely have therapeutic effect, they can heal and soothe the bruised heart, give peace to agonized mind, wipe flowing tears, give sheer joy and can make feel serene.

By the way, Late Kumar Gandharva  is also one of my very favorite.