A TV commercial to capture my attention in recent times was the one on Tata Medical Center, Kolkata. It portrayed the story of a nine year old girl Koel and her fight against Cancer. Conceived by Geeta Gopalakrishnan, and produced and directed by Vibha Bakshi, over 30 TV channels across India had carried this ad film (Click here to watch it).
Koel's struggle and her eventual triumph over the dreaded disease is said to have moved the Tatas to embark on this 'journey of hope'. On 16 May 2011, Ratan Tata threw open a 'not-for-profit', 'state-of-the-art' and 'straight-from-the-heart' facility for the treatment and rehabilitation of Cancer patients.
The film, a seamless string of striking stills, sends out a clear message with rare poignancy. Naturally, in the make-believe world of advertisements where trash rules the day (Read 'Outright Uncouth'), this film arouses a sense of awe and esteem.
The theme song set to music by Suman Chattopadhyay is incredibly gripping. It keeps haunting you, even as it elevates you from a sense of despair to hope. The original version of this beautiful song was rendered by Lopamudra Mitra for a drama serial 'Sonkhbas', and later included in her popular album 'Anya Haoar Anya Gaan'.
The lyric and meaning follow. Thanks to my brother P P Deb, for capturing the soul of this beautiful song in English.
Google to listen/watch this soul-filling rendition.
Koel's struggle and her eventual triumph over the dreaded disease is said to have moved the Tatas to embark on this 'journey of hope'. On 16 May 2011, Ratan Tata threw open a 'not-for-profit', 'state-of-the-art' and 'straight-from-the-heart' facility for the treatment and rehabilitation of Cancer patients.
The film, a seamless string of striking stills, sends out a clear message with rare poignancy. Naturally, in the make-believe world of advertisements where trash rules the day (Read 'Outright Uncouth'), this film arouses a sense of awe and esteem.
The theme song set to music by Suman Chattopadhyay is incredibly gripping. It keeps haunting you, even as it elevates you from a sense of despair to hope. The original version of this beautiful song was rendered by Lopamudra Mitra for a drama serial 'Sonkhbas', and later included in her popular album 'Anya Haoar Anya Gaan'.
The lyric and meaning follow. Thanks to my brother P P Deb, for capturing the soul of this beautiful song in English.
Google to listen/watch this soul-filling rendition.
Tumi shono na amaar kotha
Tumi dekho na amaar chokh
Mukhe jome thaak neerabata
Buke nibir raatri hok
You do not listen to my story
Nor do you look into my eyes
You do not sense my calmness
Nor the dark nights in my heart.
Tumi shono na amaar gaan
Tumi eshona onto raate
Thak sthhobdhhota jaar taan
Buke shanto nibir raate
You do not listen to my song
Nor come by the end of night
Yet the melody stays in my heart
Throughout the quiet night.
Tumi shono na amaar brishti
Tumi dekho na amaar jhhor
Dao onno akashe drishti
Buke ratrir mormor
You do not soak in my rain
Nor do you sway in my storm
As you gaze at the other horizon
The night echoes in my heart.
Tumi shono na amaar hashi
Tumi dekho na chokher jol
Ami raatrike bhalobashi
Buke ondhokarer dhol
You do not see my smile
Nor do you sense my sorrow
I love the nights
As my heart is ever in shadow.
Fear of Cancer is instinctive.
To let that fear strangle life is cowardice.
Rajuda, thanks for stopping by my blog. What a coincidence that you have also written about the song, but I am not surprised. Its hard to listen to it and forget it. And thanks so much for the lyrics and translation. I've been singing the song to myself and now I realize how wrong my lyrics have been!!!
ReplyDeleteWill be checking your blog too!
hey I heard the song too..but i never concentrated on the lyrics..thanks for the lyrics. :)nice post.
ReplyDeleteRaj,
ReplyDeleteExcellent, this has left me speechless and there are tears pricking the corners of my eyes, how can anyone describe sorrow so well?
Thanks very much for posting the music link. I was searching this since I saw this ad. It is so beautifully presented for the cause.
ReplyDeleteThanks once again.
Anjul
just amazing! i feel so wonderful that there are people who are moved by the advert as well as the song.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rajuda. I have been searching for it for a long time. You have given not only the lyrics and meaning of the song, but also the best referral link to it as well as its complete background.
ReplyDeleteA perfect example of how a topic can be and should be treated. Keep going
I am late to catch up with this. But after reading its lyrics and the background, the song has terribly moved me. A rare gem, indeed. Thanks a million for writing about it, friend.
ReplyDeleteI was also very touched by the song and the ad. Thanks a lot for sharing your feeling and explaining the meaning of very well versed song.
ReplyDeleteWow. What a song! I already listened to it 5 or 6 times reading the words and their meanings. Isn't it true that music has no borders at all? Thanks Mr Rajuda.
ReplyDeleteWow! What lyrics! Beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteNo matter how this world and its people are changing, there will always be a few to admire and appreciate good things. This post is a clear example. I am moved by the film, the song and the great cause for which it was presented. I am also touched by the comments left by some visitors. My belief in humanity stands reinforced.
ReplyDeletePlease continue the excellent work you are doing. Thanks
I maybe 5 years late to catch up with this song, but it proves one thing - That good music lives beyond time. I am moved not by the lyrics or music alone, but TATA's taste in choosing this song to create an absolutely wonderful ad. Who told humanity has lost its sense of virtues and values? There are still many to support a noble cause and many more to appreciate the spirit behind. Thanks Raj.
ReplyDeleteGod..
ReplyDeleteHave no words
Madhavy