For The Child In You – Dadi Amma Maan Jaao – Gharana

The bond between grandparents and the grandchild is something that cannot be described little words. Almost all the grandparents are, be it maternal or paternal, fond of their grandchildren and they shower their choicest blessings on the little ones. For them the child is everything. Even the children simply adore their grandparents and like to spend most of their time with them; playing, having their favourite food together or simply doing nothing, but all the moments are special.

These two are more of friends than relatives. They play, they fight, they get upset with each other and very easily make amends with each other and no one else can come between the two parties; they dare not!

This song from the film Gharana (1961) captures that small nokjhok between the grandmother and the grandchildren. She is upset over some issue and these two tots take up the challenge of calming her down and are adamant on making her smile.

Dadi Amma Dadi Amma Maan Jaao
Chhodo Ji Ye Gussa Zara Hans Ke Dikhao
Dadi Amma Dadi Amma Maan Jaao

The two children sing this amazing song for their dadi and ask her to forget her anger and smile. The way these two sing the song, one feels that they are talking to a little girl and not a grownup. They persuade her by doing all the drama, the singing, the dance, et all.

Chhoti Chhoti Baaton Pe Na Bigada Karo
Choti Choti Baaton Pe Na Bigada Karo
Gussa Ho To Thanda Pani Pee Liya Karo
Khaali Pili Apna Kaleja Na Jalao
Dadi Amma Dadi Amma Maan Jaao

Says the grandchild to his grandma, that stop being upset over small, petty things. He even asks her to drink cool water to calm her anger. And in a ‘tapori’ style they tell her not to steam up unnecessarily.

The innocence of the kids is something that steals your heart away. The moment they enter the room with the plate full of food, you know what is going to unfold in front of you and the song doesn’t let you down one bit! Look at the little one when he breaks into a dance in the interlude.

Dadi Tumhein Hum To Maana Ke Rahenge
Dadi Tumhein Hum To Maana Ke Rahege
Khaana Apne Haathon Se Khila Ke Rahenge
Chaahe Hamein Maro Chaahe Hamein Dhamakao
Dadi Amma Dadi Amma Maan Jaao

With an air of self assurance, the kids confidently tell their grandmother that her heart will succeed in winning over her heart. That they will feed her with their two little hands and break her fast (which was taken up due to some issue). And that they are ready to get scolded or even a little beating from her would be taken as a blessing.

The music by Ravi is funny, happy and has all the elements that a kids’ song should have. To top it, it is sung by Asha Bhosle and Kamal Barot. Not even for a minute we feel that the song is sung by adults. The innocence of the child in the voice of both the singers is pure talent.

Kudos to Shakeel Badayuni for writing so wonderful lyrics. They are easy on the ears and have a rhythm of their own. It is difficult to get into the child zone and then write something; be it story, song or dialogues. One has to be very careful while choosing the words and Shakeel Badayuni excels in this department.

Kaho To Tumhari Hum Champi Kar De
Piyo To Tumhare Liye Hukka Bhar De
Hansi Na Chhupao Zara Aankhein To Milao
Dadi Amma Dadi Amma Maan Jaao

Slowly we see that the granny is losing her command over her stern expressions and is amused by little circus which is going on in her room. The two little monkeys tell her that they would give her a nice head massage, help her smoke the hukka if at all these things help in calming her down.

The way the kids massage the granny’s head is so funny that you cannot help but laugh. The child actors Master Randeep and Moppet Raju have done a wonderful job be it acting, dancing or simply being kids.

Gale Lag Jaao Dil Saaf Karo Maa
Achhi Si Kahani Koyi Hum Ko Sunao
Dadi Amma Dadi Amma Maan Jaao
Chhodo Ji Ye Gussa Zara Hans Ke Dikhao
Dadi Amma Dadi Amma Maan Jaao

Here the two request their grandmother to just forget everything and give them a hearty hug. They ask her to ditch her anger and tell them a nice story and let things be normal again. Because they cannot see her in such a mood and when she is upset, the entire house becomes a completely different place for them.

The plea is finally accepted by the dadi and she embraces her two kids with love and is actually happy to do so.
Lalita Pawar plays a tyrannical matriarchal figure in this movie, a role that she mastered completely. But her camaraderie with the kids is something that is so unique that we feel that the hard outer shell is just a facade and she really is a normal grandmother after all. She does not lip sync the song but her expressions say more than a thousand words; from complete rage, to amusement, to concealing a laugh, adoration, and finally the laughter that was held back for a long time. A super actress!

This song is dedicated to all the grandparents and all the grandchildren. May the bond stay unbroken forever and may the child in us live forever.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU6MFuHl3ZQ