One more list: the songs that inspire

After listing my favourite romantic songs, I am still in the mood for yet another list. But, this time of the songs that happen to be sources of inspiration for me. These are the songs that soothe me when I am feeling low and give me strength to take the challenges head on. Then again, even if I am not feeling low, I listen to these songs for motivation – motivation to go on, to find a purpose in life, or even test my limits (must admit I am reminded every time that I haven't yet reached my limits and that I am fully capable of pushing myself still further).

The first song that comes to my mind is, but of course, "Ha raham…" from the film Aamir. Now, I wouldn't explain why it is my favourite, having devoted a full length blogpost to it; but, I will say that it puts in words what I feel for the superpower in the heaven above. "kya majaal teri marzee ke aage… bando ki chal jayegi… thaame ungli jo tu kathputli ki… chaal badal jayegi, jayegi…" The lyrics simply take my breath away and put me in awe as to how better can one describe God.

The only song that follows close to "Ha raham…" would be "Tere Ishq mein…" from Rekha Bhardwaj's soulful album Ishqa Ishqa. Gulzar sa'ab's soothing lyrics meshed with Rekha's mesmerizing voice simply transport me to another world. Best way to listen to the song: put on your earphones and put the song on repeat mode. You are sure to fall peacefully asleep by the third play no matter how restless you were when you started listening to it. Try it out.

Another song I really like is "Khudi ko kar buland itna…" by the Pakistani band Junoon. It's an aggressive song that recharges you to be strong against all odds. By the way, I also like a few other Junoon songs like "Sayonee" and "Zamaane ke andaaz…"; only if Junoon could have publicized the former as much as they marketed the latter.

One good song is "Saiyaan ve…" from the film Tara Rum Pum. I did not really like the film but I adore the song. It truly inspires you to hold on in the time of distress, and work bit-by-bit to achieve your goal. "Boond-boond hai banta saagar… dhaaga-dhaaga banti chaadar… tinka-tinka tu bhi jod apna ghironda bana…"

There are some songs which you do not really understand – say if the language is not known to you; but you still connect to it. The song "Bandeya" from the Pakistani film Khuda ke liye is one such song. I don't really get the essence of the lyrics. But, somehow it rejuvenates me none the less.

Now, it seems like I am actually getting into Sufi stuff. I really have to scratch my head to think of the non-Sufi songs that inspire me (except one which I'll mention last). Yes, I now remember a song that I really liked till a couple of years ago. After all, when we talk of motivational songs, how can one forget "Chale chalo…" from Lagaan. It's not a song. It's your way to victory. In your mind, keep chanting to yourself, "Koi hamse jeet naa paye, chale chalo, chale chalo… Ruk jaye jo takraye, chale chalo, chale chalo… Toot gayi jo ungli utthi… Paanch ungli to ban gayi mutthi…"

Then again, the title track of the film Lakshya is a fireball. "Lakshya to har haal mein pana hai…". Actually, that's how I think about my goals. I usually don't give myself options once I am decided that I want to do something. And, more often than not, I end up achieving those goals because I tell myself again and again, "Yeh to har haal mein karna hai."

On similar lines as the Lagaan song is the song "Chak de India" from the famous SRK starrer. It inspires you to work in the best interest of your country. Although, it is of little help when it comes to seeking inspiration for life in general, nevertheless, it's the call to wear your Patriotism on your sleeve and put your best foot forward in the services of the country.


Of course, I cannot miss "Allah ke bande" from the movie Waisa bhi hota hai part 2. Even despite the strange movie title, there seems to be no flaw with this song and it can easily be touted as the "Keep going on..." anthem.

"Yun hi chala chal rahi…" from Swades is another of my favourites. Kailash Kher rose to stardom with this song and surely not without reason. It was a beautiful song and all the people associated with it did absolute justice to it, be it AR Rahman, the lyricist Javed Akhtar or the three singers, Kailash Kher, Udit Narayan or Hariharan. I also like Javed sa'ab's lines from another Swades song. "Raam hi toh karuna mein hai, shaanti mein Raam hai… Raam hi hai ekta mein, pragati mein Raam hai… Raam bhakton hi nahin shatru ke bhi chintan hai… Dekh taj ke paap Raavan, Raam tere mann mein hai… Raam tere mann mein hai, Raam mere mann mein hai… Raam toh ghar ghar mein har, Raam har aangan mein hai… Mann se Raavan jo nikaale, Raam uske mann mein hai…" This truly summarizes that God resides in the purest and humblest hearts. What better way to say it than this!

Last song that I mentioned above is "Bhool jaa…" by singer with the beautiful voice, Shaan. It is an awesome song that tells you that "the past is the past for a reason and if someone in the past wanted to be in your present or future they would have fought harder for it." It tells you that the people who did not value you in your life did not really deserve to be a part of your life and now is the time to get over the relationships gone sour; to take lesson from the same so as to not make the same mistakes again; and finally, to move on. This song has helped me a lot in my life and I am sure it has touched many more lives in the same fashion.