Interesting it is to watch a music video taking on serious issues confronting society in an entertaining and fun way. This is what Palash Sen’s Euphoria latest video –– Halla Bol does. It comes as a whiff of fresh air in the clutter of sad and romantic numbers showing a young man and woman lip-synching in a picturesque vale abroad.
Like his latest video, Palash too, minces no words and shoots straight. “As musicians it is our duty not to just belt out romantic or sad numbers. Being a part of the society we need to express what people think and make a statement. Personally for me our foremost duty as a human being is to empathise with others and express our thoughts and feelings.”
But does his outlook fit in present atmosphere stifled by intolerance? He shoots back: “Intolerance has always been there. Otherwise, why did the Partition take place? Why have the riots been taking place since time immemorial? I support freedom of expression and the right to speak one’s mind. One is free to criticise politicians, political parties and policies but not the country. The country comes above everything, region, party and denomination.” Then should responsible citizens forsake their right to point out the wrongs? “No, on the contrary, they should but that should not entail ridiculing the nation as that is what gives us an identity.”
On drawing his attention to recent censorship issue of Udta Punjab Palash says he does not believe film industry’s version. “There are too many loopholes in the story presented by the media. Also remember there are three sides to a story –– my side, your side and the truth. So none of us know what really transpired.” Having said that, he adds that amazingly the industry which cribs about censorship fails to introspect . “Have they ever given a thought to as to why so many crass films are being produced depicting sex, violence and drugs? Do they spare a thought to the deteriorating lyrics and music?” Tough questions!
Coming to the video, its simple and rhyming lyrics by Palash and Deekshant Sahrawat set to foot-tapping music are very catchy and relatable. Sample the line tharra wohi purana leke, nayi bottle mein daal (old wine in a new bottle), conveys what our politicians famously do every five years. Zara zor se boliyo, yahan naram koi na sunta shows how ineffectual are words of sanity spoken softy. The reference to the king of good times declaring himself pauper is very obvious to the businessmen who have landed several banks in bad debts. The visuals complement the lyrics well by using fancy dresses, make-up and situations lending humour and colour to the proceedings.
Sparing none, the video takes on the politicians who irrespective of the treatment meted out simply hang on while continuing to indulge in corruption, nepotism and use of muscle power. Equally harsh on media, it makes fun of news anchors, blowing up non-issues and converting them into national headlines.
The breaking news appearing on the screen about Sunny Deol losing one kilogram weight of his 2.5 kg fist while another stating Palash being accused of being sexy and pleading guilty evoke good laugh.
Palash takes whatever is put out by the media with a pinch of salt. “Everything from political to entertainment news is allegedly paid for or planted. Who do we trust?”
Citing Salman Khan’s recent analogy on rape, he questions, “What was the need to create so much hype? Did it really merit so much of space and in the end of who benefited from it? Unfortunately, a notable achievement by ISRO does not get that much of air time in our country. What is the reason for this partiality?”
Well, this is an era when self promotion and marketing are essential for success. “Yes, and that is why I want to impress quiet people who do not profess to be left or right to open up. This song is an anthem for this meek populace.” That is why one sees Palash hard selling a megaphone in the video. But will the meek not inherit the earth? Pat comes Palash’s reply, “Yes, provided ignoring all the rhetoric they search their soul, speak up and launch halla bol.”
Palash says he does not know about the change but then meaningful music can wake and shake up people and make them question as to what is going around them. “Quit accepting whatever is dished out and voice your choices. Why should one accept bad films and songs, corrupt politicians and decisions favouring vested interests, diktats of religious heads and businessmen who swindle the country?” he asks. “We need to shed the chalta hai attitude and don the nahin chale ga one,” he says before signing off.
