Farewell O Sister/Daughter – Chali Kaun Se Des – Boot Polish

It was the first week of February, when my sister was on the way to airport to catch her return flight to Shanghai. That time I shared with her, this song from the film Boot Polish (1954), which speaks about the pain of parting of brother & sister.

Use of simple words by Shailendra, to touch the right nerve of the disconsolate souls. A simple composition, with main use of Bulbul Tarang and Dholak to pour the feelings in the song. Sentimental rendition by Talat Mahmood & Asha Bhonsle gives perfect justice to SJ’s immortal composition.
In this film, the little boy Bhola’s sister is missing and he is desperately searching her all the way. There he comes across a poor blind person (On screen – Kaviraj Shailendra himself) singing this song.

Chali kaunse desh gujariya tu saj dhaj ke
Chali kaunse desh gujariya tu saj dhaj ke
Jaun piya ke desh O rasiya main saj dhaj ke
Jaun piya ke desh O rasiya main saj dhaj ke
Chali kaunse desh gujariya tu saj dhaj ke

A very emotional moment in the wedding ceremony when your beloved daughter / sister – the bride, is all set to leave your home to go permanently to her husband’s place.

Chhalke maat pita ki ankhiya, rowe tere bachpan ki sakhiyan
Bhaiya kare pukar ho
Bhaiya kare pukar na ja ghar aangan taj ke
Jaun piya ke desh O rasiya main saj dhaj ke
Chali kaunse des gujariya tu saj dhaj ke

On the other hand the bride is having mixed emotions. She is eager to meet her husband but at the same time, also feeling very sad for parting from her parents, brother and all the dear ones. But, she sanely describes her feelings –

Duur des mere pi ki nagariya, main unki woh mere sanwariya
Bandhi lagan ki dor ho
Bandhi lagan ki dor maine sab soch samajhke
Jaun piya ke des O rasiya main saj dhaj ke
Chali kaunse des gujariya tu saj dhaj ke

It is a well accepted tradition that, after marriage the girl goes to her husband’s place and all the happiness and meaningfulness of her life lies there only. Lekin ……….. Ab Ye Baat Dil Ko Bhala Kaisa Samajhae. Bichadane Ka Dukh To Hota Hi Hai Na !!
After sharing this song, I was just resting on the bed with my little angel sleeping in my arms. I was thinking – One day my daughter will also grow up and will go to her husband’s house. Then, how difficult it would be for me to live without her. And if her husband is staying at such a distant place? No …. I just can’t imagine. This mere thought leads me to tears.

In 1950s, communication was difficult and time consuming. Now-a-days technology has brought the world closer. Through Facebook, WhatsApp, etc. we can always remain virtually connected with anybody from any part of the globe. May be, when my daughter will grow up, there will be more advanced techniques available with us. But, technology cannot be a substitute for personal attachment. The emotions of disconsolate parents / brother will always remain the same. Because, with the help of Facebook and WhatsApp you can only interact with your child but ………… neither you can wipe out the tears of your child nor you can hug your child.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3coVpjGgopI