8 Times Baul Songs Became The Means Of Expression In Bengali Cinema

Baul, which is a religion and a belief itself, has been heterogeneous from its origin where both Hindu and Muslim minstrel practiced a liberal form of spirituality. Their freethinking is reflected in their songs like this one written by Lalon Fakir. "Sob Loke Koy Lalon Ki Jaat Sangsare" is a well-known melody where the legend, who himself never confirmed about his religion, beautifully mocked the religious alienation.

Composed by Radharaman Dutta, a prominent minstrel of 19th century, 'Bhromor' conveys the pain of Sri Radha in her own words. The old melody resonates the agony of separation in a timeless manner, that even now it is capable of expressing the anguish of parting souls in the modern era and how! Shiboprosad Mukherjee incorporated the track in 'Praktan', and it opened the hearts of former lovers without uttering a single word.

Lalan Sai's 'Barir Kache Arshinagar' eliminates the limitations of mundane words and delves into spiritual realism using effortless allegories. In Aparna Sen's movie based on William Shakespeare's 'Romeo And Julliet', the song redefined the romance merging it with divinity. Parvathy Baul gave the song a new dimension by singing it in her own style.

'Milan hobe kotodine amar moner manusher sone' - the lyric itself says it all. The eternal search for the soul mate found a musical interpretation in Lalon's undying song. Aptly chosen by the film director, nothing could strike the note of the much-appreciated film better than this ages old folk song.

Cherished as one of the most acclaimed films of this time, the title of the film has itself been borrowed from a beautiful baul gaan, 'Tomay hrid majharey rakhbo, chere debo na'. A movie inspired by a tragedy as sinister as 'Othelo', used not one but two tender baul geeti 'Tomay hrid mahare rakhbo' and 'Dekhechi rupsagore moner manus' which came out as an absolute contrast of the massacre that becomes inevitable at the end of the cinema.

While narrating the story of Anthony Firingi, another legend of Bengali folk, Kabi Gaan in this case, the film couldn't miss to pay homage to the iconic Lalan Sai and his ultimate creation ' Jaat Gelo Jaat Gelo Bole', where the minstrel demolished the very base of 'caste' system with his spontaneous wit and melody. Among the mellifluous Kabi Gaan, this Baul number only emphasized the variety and diversity of our musical heritage.

A movie entirely based on the life of Lalon Fokir, the mystic, songwriter, thinker, reformer, and the most prominent and adored 'Baul' of all time, 'Moner Manush' was enriched with several celebrated and lesser known Lalon Geeti. It will be an understatement to call the album a treat for folk music lovers.

Unlike the other songs on this list, 'Kotoi Rongo Dekhi Duniyay' wasn't an ancient folk number, but an original track from Satyajit Ray's 'Heerak Rajar Deshe'. With a satirical undertone, the minstrel's song correctly points out the irony of work and wealth division and discrimination in the society. Penned down and composed by the maestro himself, the song remains relevant even after 36 years of its release.