Fragile And Indefinite As Life – Aye Zindagi Gale Lagaa Le – Sadma

As we trod on its path, life shows us many of its facets. Mostly through the human relationships. Some indefinite, some negligible, some fragile.

Sadma (1983), one of the most unusual stories in Hindi cinema!! It portrays the purest form of love having all highs and lows. The tragedy of loving unconditionally and losing it in the end. Sridevi (Nehalata/Reshmi) regresses to her childhood following a car accident. She is rescued by Somu (Kamal Hasan) from a brothel. Somu accepts this situation as a blessing in his monotonous life as a school teacher. He nurtures, cocoons and protects Reshmi, the child-woman. He however falls in love with her. But the vulnerability in their relationship is the plus point of Sadma (reminding you of the line from another Gulzar song- Haath se chhooke inhe rishton ka ilzaam na do). Kamal Hasan’s electrifying performance specially in its climax will leave you numb for days to come. Sridevi is spectacular and leaves you spellbound in her role as a 5 year old!!

Music director Ilayaraja’s debut in Hindi films. It is mellow and sounds fresh. The complexity of instruments in this particular song is the work of sheer genius. Just listen to the interludes.

Suresh Wadkar’s voice makes the song a pure listening experience. With a mind blowing background music, Suresh Wadkar’s voice easily catches the combination of high and low pitches. Though its a great tune but tough to sing, Suresh Wadkar has handled it very well. His voice suave and smooth.

Gulzar again plays with the lyrics here, asking life to accept/embrace as he is. Ae zindagi gale laga le, humne bhi tere har ik gham ko gale se lagaya hai, hai na? I’m dealing with the sorrows you have given me without any complaint. You too do the same. Humne bahaane se, chupke zamaane se, palkon ke parde mein ghar bhar liya,Gulzar says, he’s a very simple man who is content with small portions in life. Managing to make a house under the eyelids. That’s all the space he needs which thankfully his life has allowed, tera sahara mil gaya hai zindagi. Chhota sa saaya tha, aankhon mein aaya tha, humne do boondon se man bhar liya, humko kinara mil gaya hai zindagi – I saw the rain-bearing clouds you offered me, yet I took just 2 drops of it and despite that I remained anchored in my own place because of you, O life. I didn’t get washed away with the flow.
The complexities of life, the poignant innocence hits the right chord with you!! Fragile and indefinite as your life. Handle with care.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BXqAnZWqdQ