AR Rahman changed the song of Nazrul! There was an uproar over 'Pippa'! Producers apologized, apology not accepted!!

AR Rahman changed the song of Nazrul! There was an uproar over ‘Pippa’! Producers apologized, apology not accepted!!

November 17, 2023

Know what is the whole truth of this song?

Reactions on social media have intensified on a song from the film ‘Pippa’ streamed on OTT channel Prime Video. Hindi and Bengali-speaking people are expressing their anger over a song in the film. Despite clarifications and apologies from the film production company, composer AR Rahman and director Raja Menon, neither the song has been removed from the film nor the criticisms are decreasing. Let us tell you that this is a revolutionary-patriotic song written by the famous poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Whose lyrics are-“Kaarar Oi Lohu Kapat..”

Let us tell you that the way Rabindra Tagore’s Geetanjali is kept in the homes of Bengal and Bangladesh, Nazrul’s Geeti is given more importance in the common and literate homes. The line of the song which came into controversy about Kazi Nazrul Islam is in reviewatory words –

” Kara oh iron door

bhenge fall cholera

Lopat Rokto Jamaat

Shikal Pujaar Pashan Bedi,

Ore Oi Tarunisha Baja

tor proloya direction

Nuruk Gacher

The ancient altar…”

It is said that Nazrul was very poor. The songs written by him were published in newspapers and magazines from which he got some money. “Kararai Lohu Kopat” (meaning ‘Break the iron doors of the prison…’) was a patriotic song written for freedom. This song was published in the magazine ‘Banglar Katha’ in 1922. Then it is also compiled in Nazrul’s poem book ‘Bhangar Gaan’. In 1949, Famous Label Music Company recorded the audio of this song. Another record company recorded this song in 1952. All the songs of Nazrul have not been found because he used to sell songs for Rs 500 in financial crunch. This song is an upbeat song and can be heard on every exciting occasion. This song of Nazrul has been adapted by music composer AR Rahman in the film ‘Pippa’. Nazrul’s grandson – painter Kazi Anirban and his granddaughter (living in the United States) Anandita Kazi – have accused the film company and Rahman of distortion of the song. He and Nazrul’s fans on social media allege that Rehman has killed the soul of the country’s rebel poet by changing the rhythm and tune of the iconic lines written by him.

Here the film company has given clarification and apologized on behalf of the producer, director and musician. He says that literary lines promote his intention not to tamper with the lines written by Nazrul but as a form of reverence for the poet. And, they have also obtained written permission and music license from the author family for the same. Nazrul’s family is not satisfied with this apology. He says that it should be removed from the film immediately. Anirban says that the tune, rhythm and distortion of the song were not allowed in the approval given by his mother. Huge reactions have started coming in on social media in support of Nazrul’s family. Voices of protest are being raised that an Oscar-winning musician like AR Rahman should not do this. Names like singer Sonu Nigam, Neeraj Madhav, Hemanti Shukla, historian Chinmay Guha have come forward among those who have registered their protest and the process of protest is continuing. People are pouring words of reproach on Rahman. Let us tell you that people like Tagore and Nazrul had written compositions in the context of the country’s independence. The story of the film ‘Pippa’ is the story of the independence movement of Bangladesh in 1971. The film stars Ishaan Khattar and Mrunal Thakur in lead roles. Whatever happens, the works should not be tampered with.

– Sharad Rai