Simplicity – odd that such a concept can be used to describe the excruciating pain of separation in Raincoat, a story of two lovers, Ajay Devgan and Aishwariya Rai, who meet after years of separation. Yet it’s the sheer simplicity of director Rituparno Ghosh’s lyrics and Debjyoti Mishra’s understated compositions that so effectively convey a longing that is tangible. Add the rich timbre of Shubha Mudgal’s vocals and Gulzar’s recitation and you’ll understand why this is not a soundtrack to listen to if your loved one is oceans (or even a few miles) away.
The first track, Mathura Nagarpati kaahe tum Gokul jaao sets the scene, with a leavetaking, a return, although not quite the expected separation and union of those immortal lovers Radha and Krishna. In Piya tora kaisa abhimaan sung first by Hariharan and then by Shubha Mudgal – the latter laced with Gulzar’s poetry is much more effective - tells a little more of the couple’s story.
Kisi mausam ka jhonka tha
Jo is deewar par latki hui tasveer tirchi kar gaya hai
Gaye sawan me ye deewaren yun seeli nahi thi
Na jaane is dafa kyo in me seelan aa gayi hai
Daraare pad gayi hai aur seelan is tarah behti hai
Jaise khushk rukhsaaro pe geele ansoo chalte hai..
-Gulzar
Mudgal’s voice in this and the next two tracks, Raah dekhe and Akele hum nadiya kinare seems otherworldly, sending chills down one’s spine, oozing with longing.
hye, kitne baras beete tum ghar na aaye re
raah dekhe sawan bhadon, dariya pahaad
o re tere liye raah dekhe sajna saara sansar
dil tarse, phir barse mere baalam ke liye
hye kitne baras beete tum ghar na aaye re
raah dekhe kaale megha, nadiya ka paani
o re tere liye raah dekhe balma saari zindagani re
dil tarse, phir barse mere baalam ke liye
o re laut aao sajna, mera dil bulaae re
-Rituparno Ghosh
The last three tracks, sung by Meena Mishra and ‘saathiyon’ as the radio announcer would say in the north, are traditional banna-banni songs sung during wedding festivities, adding a touch of authenticity - the story apparently is set in Bihar.
There’s no guarantee that this Raincoat will offer much protection, but if your heart can stand the emotional downpour, it’s one you can’t afford to be without.
Raincoat
Director: Rituparno Ghosh
Music: Debjyoti Mishra
Lyrics: Rituparno Ghosh
Poetry: Gulzar