This is a love song performed by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik. It’s from a romance musical film produced in India in 1988 called “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak.” I found it listening to an 80’s Indian playlist on YouTube and traced it back to a channel called Bollywood Classics. This song seems to be the title song of the drama (which was re-made in 2016). As you can imagine, it is extremely popular online with people still listening and commenting on the video even today!

This song/video was very interesting to me because of the clashing of two cultures. This song was written and sung in Hindi and uses traditional Indian instruments. In the beginning you can hear the violins come in and play through the entire piece, with the rhythm section being backed by tablas. It also sounds like potentially a Sarod is being employed for highlights. Watch the video however, and you’ll notice the strong western fashion influence. Without even looking up the release date I could tell it was made in the late 80’s early 90’s just from the hairstyles and clothing picked out for the set. 

The reason I ultimately picked this piece is because of this interesting blend of western influence within an Indian work. I really enjoy the sounds of Indian instruments and the different scales they use that western music doesn’t. Specifically, I like the contrast between the steady pulse of the drums against the flowing, somewhat detached melody floating over it. Plus, watching this video made me feel nostalgia from watching old MacGyver shows with my older brother just based on the late 80’s fashion. Even some of the style within the music reminds me of listening to 80’s music with my mom. (the long intro, the elongated vocal phrasing, etc.)

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWqjZpBtcxc

Some of the lyrics didn’t translate well but here is the best I got:

O my companion
waiting for you
The sun is giving sadaye
Floor of love
of love. of love.
O my companion
waiting for you
The sun is always giving
Floor of love
of love. of love.
Ho. O.
Now is the separation season
Two-moment mehnama
How it won’t be dark
Why won’t the storm stop?
How not to find the destination of love
of love. of love.