“Inquilab Zindabad,” cried three 20-something youths while standing before the gallows at Lahore Central Jail. They had become heroes and protests were held across the country demanding their release. Exactly 86 years ago on this day, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were hanged to death owing to their role in the murder of British police officer Saunders. “It is easy to kill individuals but you cannot kill the ideas,” Bhagat Singh once said. True to this saying, his life is an inspiration for all of us. The sacrifices made by him, Sukhdev and Rajguru are an example for the youngsters. In Bollywood, our freedom fighters have been immortalised through films which have enjoyed widespread acclaim.
Here are five songs based on Bhagat Singh which will instil a fresh lease of patriotism within you.
Mera Rang De (The Legend of Bhagat Singh): This is the first song which comes to our mind whenever he hear the name Bhagat Singh. Ajay Devgn immortalised the revolutionary in Rajkumar Santoshi’s 2002 drama The Legend of Bhagat Singh. His National Award winning performance was applauded across the country. The song is picturised when Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru are on their way to be executed. Composed by music maestro AR Rahman, the patriotic song crooned by Sonu Nigam and Manmohan Waris will give you goosebumps whenever you listen to it.
Ae Watan (Shaheed): In one of the most patriotic films made in Bollywood, Manoj Kumar played the role of Bhagat Singh in 1965 film Shaheed. Prem Chopra played Sukhdev and Anant Marathe essayed the role of Rajguru. The song Ae Watan was sung by Mohammad Rafi and composed by Prem Dhawan. The latter had penned the lyrics for the song which is intensely patriotic.
Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna (The Legend of Bhagat Singh): Bhagat Singh and his associates are facing torture by police officials inside the jail. However, nobody can break their spirit as they get inspiration from the poem Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna. The poem was originally written by Bismil Azimabadi and immortalised by Ram Prasad Bismil, who was hanged to death for his role in Kakori train loot case. Here, the song voiced by Sonu Nigam was picturised on Ajay Devgn in the film.
Des Mere (The Legend of Bhagat Singh): If you are a die-hard follower of Bhagat Singh and want to do something for the country, do not miss this track from The Legend of Bhagat Singh. Sung by Sukhwinder and composed by AR Rahman, the song is picturised on Ajay Devgn who plays the titular role of Bhagat Singh in the movie. The song begins when Bhagat Singh joins the organisation led by Chandrashekhar Azad and begins freedom struggle. Each and every line in the song will motivate you to do get out of your comfort zone and do something for your country.
Pagdi Sambhal Jatta (The Legend of Bhagat Singh): We all know Indians were treated as second-class citizens in their own country by the British. The song Pagdi Sambhaal Jatta from the same film is a call to the people to stand up against the atrocities and resist the British. Sung by Sukhwinder Singh, the track has inspiring lines like ‘Tod ghulami ki zanjeerein, badal de tu apni taqdeerein (break shackles of slavery and change your destiny) which are indeed patriotic. Check out the song here.
Any other song which you remember?
Also read: Why 23-year-old Bhagat Singh didn’t believe in God
