Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra’s ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’, recently released on Netflix, is becoming one of the most liked films of this year so far. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film is being praised by critics and audiences for its compelling story, direction, stellar performances from the lead actors and music composed by AR Rahman. Songs like ‘Baja’, ‘Tu Kya Jaane’ had become popular even before the release of the film, but after the release, a special song used in the climax of the film is attracting people’s attention. The track titled ‘Vida Karo’ is a soulful song with beautiful lyrics.
About Vida Karo Song
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta also praised the song while reviewing the film on Instagram. The song plays in the background at the end when Chamkila (played by Diljit Dosanjh) and Amarjot (played by Parineeti Chopra) are both shot dead. The song is a touching farewell to two singers who were murdered for doing what they loved, who faced social criticism for their music. The song accurately describes the judgment that Chamkila faced throughout her life and now that she is leaving Earth, she is telling the world about the prejudices against her. It is a powerful acceptance of her fate, a final call against prejudice.
Arijit Singh and Jonita Gandhi have lent their voices to the track and Irshad Kamil has written the lyrics which are inspired by the famous Punjabi poet. Poem of the same name by Shiv Kumar Batalvi.
The lyrics of the song are as follows:
“I say goodbye, I say goodbye, now goodbye my friend.
Goodbye to me, goodbye to me, I have gone to the other side.
You all are clear and correct, I am Matamela.
You all are pure but I am a river of sin.
Goodbye to me, goodbye to me, goodbye now my friend
why would you lie
You all tell the truth, this is not my world in which you all live.
Hmm, I wanted to stay with you more.
It’s true that whatever bad happened here was because of me.
Goodbye to me, goodbye to me, goodbye now, my friend.
all the blame on my head
you hold it down
I am me
drive my soul crazy
you stay happy
I know how to tolerate everything
How is a falling star related to the earth?
Goodbye to me, goodbye to me sir
now goodbye my friend
Goodbye to me, goodbye to me sir
I have gone beyond
You all are clear and correct, I am Matamela.
All of you are pure but in the ocean of sin.
Goodbye to me, goodbye to me sir
Now bid farewell my friend…”
Batalvi’s poems inspire Bollywood songs
This is not the first time that Batalvi’s poetry has inspired a Bollywood song. The popular song ‘Aaj Din Chadheya’ from Imtiaz Ali’s 2009 film Love, Aaj Kal is also inspired by Batalvi’s poem of the same name. Diljit Dosanjh starrer Udta Punjab’s ‘Ik Kudi’ is also inspired by Batalvi’s beautiful Punjabi poetry.
About Shiv Kumar Batalvi
Born in 1936 in pre-partition Punjab, Batalvi was a poet, writer and playwright of Punjabi literature. Batalvi is known for his romantic poetry, which is characterized by its emotional intensity and the pain of unrequited love. His ability to capture the depths of longing and separation earned him the title of ‘Birha da Sultan’ (King of Sadness).
Batalvi was not limited to romance only, his play ‘Luna’ based on an ancient Punjabi tale established him as a versatile writer. His work also reflects social issues and human relationships.
Batalvi died at the age of 36.
Lyrics of Batalvi’s poem ‘Mainu Vida Karo’:
Manu, farewell my Ram,
Farewell Manu.
Kosa hanj shagan pao sahnu,
Birha clap,
Farewell Te Manu!
Guys, please give me your head,
The water in my eyes.
There is no place in this water where witches want to go,
Every tear shed,
Prabhu ji no boond left,
Suffocate yourself,
Farewell Te Manu!
Lord ji bid farewell,
Sachi gahl alaiye.
Donate pearls by knowing them,
Look and get separated.
Lord, I am the one who is separated from others.
free the soil,
Farewell Te Manu!
Ambari Moi who gave milk,
Babylon Baal-Varese,
Joban-Rute Saajan Maria
Moe songs fade away.
hun ta prabh ji hara je
don’t suffocate with bare arms
Farewell Manu.
Kosa Hanj Shagan Pao Sahanu