Articles

Music and Emotions

by Monali Dam

“Tanana Tanana  Nana  Na” remember this haunting title track of R.K Narayan Malgudi Days. Well, I am sure it is going to open a floodgate of memories and nostalgia. Malgudi Days the Doordarshan serial was loved by all age groups. Though the tune had no lyrics yet it instantly struck a chord with all. We are transported into our childhood and simpler times. Music tends to hit us on a deep level. Music has the power to tug at the heartstrings, and evoking emotions – whether it’s joy, sadness, or a sense of loss and belonging.

I am sure everyone in our childhood has crooned to “Jungle Jungle Baat Chali Hai Pata Chala hai”this bewitching tune from Jungle Book instantly uplifts our moods and also reminisces your childhood. Thus music has the ability to bring back a specific time of your life. It can be your childhood, youth, or the sunset years.
                     
There are songs that celebrate love like the iconic song “Jab Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya” from the movie Mughal -E-Azam where actress Madhubala as Anarkali is professing her undying love for Salim. Then there is the timeless, romantic melody “Paal Paal Dil ke Paas” sung beautifully by Kishore Kumar. This was an age of romantic, soothing melodies which made us believe in the magic of love. This was an era where music filled the infinite between two souls. There there are songs of separation, agony and the eternal wait for the lover are so well articulated in a song like a hit song “Lambi Judai” from the movie Hero.
                     
There are joyous songs that fill our hearts with happiness like the old classic “Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana”.The song enlightens us that life is a beautiful journey.
                     
Then there are peppy, rhythmic songs that force you to shake a leg like the old hit song of Asha Bhosle “Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja”.A video clip was on Twitter two years back about two elderly saree-clad women dancing on this number without a care in the world. Such is the power of music it moves you on all levels irrespective of age.
The relationship between music and memory is compelling. Songs from the past can stir powerful emotions and memories. It’s an experience almost everyone can relate,to hear a piece of music decades ago and be transported back to a particular moment in time, like stepping into a time machine. You can feel everything very strongly as if you were present in that moment.
                     
Music also has the power to heal. American singer Melody Gardot suffered a brain injury in a 2003 accident which left her without a voice and ability to talk. Her physician suggested music as a healing process in her treatment. She attributes her recovery to music therapy which helped her in getting her voice back too.”A great song always lifts your heart, warms the soul and makes you feel good”.
                     
“Without music, life would be a mistake,” said Friedrich Nietzsche, the German philosopher and I couldn’t agree more.
                     
About the Author:
Monali Dam is from Mumbai,a non-fiction writer, and a mother. Her quest for words keeps inspiring her every day. Her columns have appeared in print in Hindustan Times and Mumbai Mirror. Now she mainly writes on digital platforms and occasionally blogs on Times of India reader’s blog under the blog name #penpusher.

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