Remembering Balraj Sahani

Balaraj Sahani was born on the first of May a hundred years before. His birth falling on the World Labour Day though a coincidence is yet befitting, for he was well known for his leftist leanings.

However, his birth centenary coinciding with the centenary of Indian cinema is of much greater significance, is symbolic. Balaraj epitomized what was the best in Hindi cinema. He was an actor par excellence, completely identified himself with the character he played . He was perhaps at his best in the film Seema. 

I, in particular, like a prayer in this film – Tu pyar ka saagar hai. The prayer penned by peerless Shailendra, given lilt by arguably the best composer duo of Shanker and Jaikishen, conveys so enchantingly the metaphysics of life and death. And more I tune to it, more I find it gaining in sublimity, especially in the backdrop of the present day stupidity, vulgarity and obscenity summed up by Bubbly badmash hai.

I urge, please get tuned to Tu pyar ka saagar hai.

I have attempted a loose rendering for those who do not understand Hindi.

O The Brimming Expanse

Of Compassion,

We crave of You

But just a drop,

We should fade into obscurity 

If unrequited ! 

The fledgling manifestation

Of a caged spirit

Is restive to soar,

Though, alas,

The wings are tender

The eyes misty

And yet to soar

Beyond the sea

Of this existence !

O The Merciful

Tell him

Where did he 

Come to this pass from,

Where did he go astray ?!

O The Brimming Expanse

Of Compassion,

We crave of You

But just a drop,

We should fade into obscurity 

If unrequited ! 

Here, and now,

The life celebrates itself

But the death beacons 

A moment later, there,

What demarcates the two

Is an existential riddle,

O The Wise One

Whisper in my eager ears

Which yonder did I really

Come from !

O The Brimming Expanse

Of Compassion,

We crave of You

But just a drop,

We should fade into obscurity 

If unrequited !