Irshad sings his mind

Sadda Haq might be the youth anthem of the country for its unusual beats and lyrics, but Irshad Kamil thinks that it is the underlying aggression in the song that makes it such a hit

Irshad sings his mind

Sadda Haq might be the youth anthem of the country for its unusual beats and lyrics, but Irshad Kamil thinks that it is the underlying aggression in the song that makes it such a hit. And he says that penning it was a piece of cake for him because he could 'feel the song'. The poet, author and lyricist talks to CS about Sadda Haq and the new age lyrics:

Who: Irshad Kamil
What: Talking about new age lyrics
Where: At a park in Juhu

Anger unleashed
Sadda Haq is more than a song, it is actually an expression of aggression. I believe cinema and music of a particular country represents its society and people. In India especially, suppression has given rise to new trends in Bollywood. For example, the angry young man image of the 70s was created because people were exploited and the audience could relate to that image. Similarly in today's age, people are suppressed by self-imposed and societal expectations. And though we have the freedom of speech today, speaking the truth can land you in jail or with a hefty defamation suit. I am a rebellious person by nature, so while composing the song I didn't have to work too hard. Even before Imtiaz Ali shot the character or Ranbir Kapoor essayed it; I had lived Jordan and hence could feel what he would feel.

A new tune
The advent of new age lyrics has a lot to do with realism and practicality. Gone are the days when people went to theatres to see glossy romances. Today's audience has gotten rid of dreamy aspirations and the initiation of this real world started in early 2000 with films like Chameli. But in their quest to make realistic films and songs, the film industry is getting carried away. The use of English, abusive or explicit language is not a reality today. We haven't forgotten our roots and we don't roam around in bikinis. If films are supposed to be the society's mirror, I don't understand which society we are really reflecting. Also, most of these songs don't have an original thought behind themu00a0-- be it Munni or D K Bose.u00a0u00a0u00a0
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Youth connect
I would like to believe that abusive or Hinglish songs are the brain child of music directors, producers and directors. No lyricist, unless desperate for publicity, will pen down such lyrics. Producers and directors think by using English they can attract the youth. But these songs will only appeal to the English speaking metropolitan audience. What about those millions in the interiors? We Indians are usually repulsed by profanities, so how can we find it entertaining in a song? To connect to the youth, you need youthful thoughts. It's unfortunate that commerce today has taken over our inner conscious.u00a0u00a0