The soul of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara: Javed Akhtar’s poetic touch

Javed Akhtar’s poetries in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara add to the artistry and sophistication of the film. On 'World Poetry Day', let's celebrate him and his poems. 

“Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are all noble pursuits, and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”

Nothing encapsulates the importance of poetry in human life better than the aforementioned words by Tom Schulman, from the 1989 film Dead Poets Society. Poetry consumption has unfortunately dwindled drastically over the last couple of years thanks to the internet and the avalanche of quick entertainment options it has brought with it. However, cinema and social media have kept this art alive and continue to reach its connoisseurs. Our biggest exposure and access to poetry in these times has been via Bollywood! If you are somebody like me who was raised on a heavy dose of Bollywood films, you’ll have no qualms in admitting that Bollywood has had a major impact on your personality. Amitabh Bachchan as the angry young man in Zanjeer, Deewar, and Trishul inspired us to voice our dissent against oppression and injustice. We understood the importance of standing up for our dignity in Lagaan and experienced what love and heartbreak could feel like through Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Veer Zara and Kal Ho Naa Ho. 

As we grew older, the complexities of our emotions intensified and there were a couple of bittersweet learnings and un-learnings as we realized the struggles and responsibilities that come with adulthood, tangled in the circle of being lost and found. We needed lessons on self-discovery and films like Wake Up Sid and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara served those to us very well! However, a string that ties all these lessons, realizations, and inspiration together was Javed Akhtar, the wizard of words who is a library of wisdom in human form.

Also Read: Momentous poems you must read by the Nightingale of India - Sarojini Naidu 

Javed Akhtar, through the philosophy in his films and songs, taught us all-round lessons in various aspects of life. One that has resonated most with the audience is his poetry in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The film that explored the themes of friendship, self-discovery and living life to the fullest was elevated by Javed Akhtar’s profound poems. His poetries were a significant element that added a layer of depth and emotional resonance to the movie and captured the essence of the characters' inner battles and their journey of self-realization. The poems, recited by Farhan Akhtar’s character Imran, gave the audience direct access to the thoughts and feelings of each character which proved to be more impactful than any dialogues in those scenes could have been.

Given how it's World Poetry Day, it's only befitting to revisit some of the most memorable poems from the film!

‘Dil aakhir tu kyun rota hai’:

"Dil aakhir tu kyun rota hai" conveys the universal experience of dealing with pain and sadness (Yeh jo gehre sannate hain, Waqt ne sabko hi baante hain). The verse also served as a moment of reflection that inspired the characters, and the viewers to confront their emotional battles resiliently. It addressed the inevitability of sorrow and the importance of finding acceptance and in turn comfort in it. (Aankh teri bekaar hi nam hai, Har pal ek naya mausam hai, Kyun tu aise pal khota hai, Dil aakhir tu kyun rota hai).

Apne honay pe mujhko yaqeen aa gaya

This poem describes the moment where a person dwells into his inner-self after detaching from the external world and his realizations thereafter (Na kahin hai zameen, Na kahin aasmaan, Sarsaraati huyi tehniyaan, pattiyaan, Keh rahi hain ki bas ek tum ho yahaan). It is an expression of understanding one’s true identity and existence, one experiences while immersing himself into the vast and meaningful experiences life has to offer, breaking away from the mundanity of their daily routine. (Aisi gehraiyaan, Aisi tanhaiyaan, Aur main sirf main, Apne honay pe mujhko yaqeen aa gaya)

Zinda ho tum: 

This poem stressed the significance of maintaining a sense of wonder with childlike curiosity and of embracing new experiences- (Dilon mein tum apni Betaabiyan leke chal rahe ho Toh zinda ho tum, Nazar mein khwabon ki Bijliyan leke chal rahe ho, Toh zinda ho tum). Reinforcing the central themes of the film, the poem is a message to live life fully, breaking free from the shackles and fears in life (Hawa ke jhokon ke jaise Aazad rehno sikho, Tum ek dariya ke jaise Lehron mein behna sikho). The poetry encouraged the viewers to live a life that is full of experiences, and not to be held back by their fears. (Tum ek dariya ke jaise Lehron mein behna sikho, Har ek lamhe se tum milo, Khole apni bhaayein)

In essence, Javed Akhtar's poetries in general and particularly in "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" are a treasure trove of life lessons and wisdom, one that will keep guiding and inspiring generations to live a life worth living.

 Which is your favorite poem from ZNMD? Tell us in the comments below

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