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A look into the past reveals that bhajans or religious songs have come a long way in weaving a place into the human hearts. Religious songs are composed for spiritual salvation and peace. Composers have derived inspiration from religious conviction and different faiths. In Hindu religion religious songs are known as bhajans or kirtans. They songs are simple and in lyrical language express sentiment of love for the Divine. Religious songs like ‘Maine chakar rakho ji’ (sung by female saint Meerabai) ‘Shri Ramchandra kripalu bhaj’ (Tulsidas) and ‘Mai nahi makhan khayo’ (by Surdas a Hindu saint) are considered to be classical bhajans and have transcended language barriers too.
Bhajans are sung by a group of devotees with a designated lead singer. They narrate the episodes from lives of Gods, preaching of saints and descriptions of divine glory. Such songs always had a special place in Hindi cinema. ‘Man tadpat’ from Baiju Bawra in 1952 and ‘Ae malik tere bande’ from Do Ankhen Barah Haath still evoke the same sentimental feelings.
Today there are upcoming new singers who have glamorized these spiritual songs for the young to understand. Besides being seen on the silver screen, they have also made their way into our homes through the small screen. Anup Jalota the famous gazhal singer turned into bhajan singer after he got a break and got to sing for a religious film ‘Shirdi ke saibaba’ which became a runaway hit. Jagjit Singh, Chitra Singh, Hari Om Sharan, Nandini Sharan are some of the singers who took these religious song to new heights with a large number of music lovers. Despite popularity of remixes and pop music, the essence of bhajans has been able to make a place of their own in 21st century. They continue to evoke spiritual interest in the listener.
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