While space scientists continue their cosmic flirtation with the moon, establishing more communication links with that cool, glowing celestial body, we Indians have always had a more intimate relationship with it. In fact, from a very early age, most of us of Indian heritage were informed that the guy up there in the sky is not just any celestial neighbor but a dear relative — Chanda Mama, or Moon Uncle, if you will.
Growing up, we were introduced to a popular children’s magazine named “Chandamama,” which was an easy-read comic filled with ancient Indian folklore, where Chanda Mama played his role in nurturing our imaginations. It was our early glimpse into the world of myth and magic where the moon wasn’t just a rock orbiting the Earth but a friendly uncle keeping a watchful eye on us from above.
The moon has always occupied a special spot in the Indian social and cultural scene and Hindu mythology. But for Bollywood, the moon is more than just a shiny celestial prop — it’s the ultimate romantic accomplice! For poets, it’s an object of love, a witness to tender moments, a symbol of beauty, imagination, and sometimes even a go-between for lovers separated by fate, distance, or family feuds. The film “Chaudhvin Ka Chand” comes to mind immediately, with its unforgettable title song, “Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho, Ya Aftab Ho,” still echoing in our hearts more than 50 years after the film’s release.
And then, there are the countless Hindi film songs where Uncle Chanda takes center stage, making cameo appearances in the lyrics as if he were on Bollywood’s payroll. Remember “Dum Bhar Jo Udhar Moon Phere, O Chanda, Main Tumse Pyaar Kar Loongi”? It seems Chanda Mama has been moonlighting as Cupid! Or how about “Chalo Dildar Chalo, Chand Ke Paar Chalo,” where the moon becomes a far-off destination for lovers seeking a romantic getaway?
The moon has been a silent witness in “Na Yeh Chand Hoga Na Taare Rahenge, Magar Hum Hamesha Tumhare Rahenge,” a melancholic companion in “Chand Phir Nikla Magar Tum Na Aaye,” and a flirtatious conspirator in “Khoya Khoya Chand, Khula Aasman.” It has played a dutiful postman in “Chanda Re Mori Patiyan Le Ja, Patiyan Le Ja, Sajan Ko Pahucha De Re,” and even a reluctant therapist in “Chanda Re Chanda Re, Kabhi To Zameen Par Aa, Baithenge Baatein Karenge.”
These are just a few of the oldies that come to mind, but there are many more where the moon shines bright as the main character in the imaginative lyrics of Hindi film songs. It seems that for every mood, every moment, every lover’s sigh, or every tear of longing, there is a moon up there, playing its part in the drama of Bollywood, ever willing to be the muse for our melodies.
Promod Puri.com 