Incidentally, this week I saw two versions of the classic Iqbal poem – Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua Ban Ke.
The Good Ol’ Version By Siza Roy
Let’s back up a little.
A colleague of mine asked me if I have watched a YouTube video. Looking at the title, I knew, without watching it, the lyrics and the singer.
Yep, it was Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua Ban Ke Tamanna Meri in Siza Roy‘s powerful and soulful vocals. Let’s admit it, we have all loved that rendition of Lab Pe Aati… at some point in our lives. Mine was more than two decades ago – in 1999. I am ancient.
It was a dark auditorium filled with guests. The stage was dimly lit. The opening music came on the speakers in full volume, jolting me. I am very jumpy, especially in dark places. Darpok.
Then, multi-coloured lights started to dance as the singer’s sweet voice boomed in the microphone. 8-10 little girls dressed in white were part of the chorus and a teenage girl lead the vocals. It gave me goosebumps. I had been reciting the same poem for ages, but our version was plain and simple. This one had a tune that targeted hearts and a voice so soulful, you feel a sense of euphoria.
Later, I found out that the vocals are by Siza Roy. Whoever that girl is, she had terrific voice.
Dua e Reem
Moving on…
After I watched that video, my YouTube feed showed a Shoaib Mansoor / Mahira Khan video titled Dua e Reem. YouTube history is very smart.
What a video!
The lyrics are only slightly changed to suit a oppressed bride and a progressive bride. These lyrics changes are subtle and intelligent; the visual are high definition and every single woman looks PERFECT – from their costumes to makeup to expressions.
And, the vocals are so powerful, so strong, so raw.
My only problem? Mahira Khan’s loud “bas”. I may have noted earlier in my blog posts that I don’t like her, especially her voice. So, barring that, this Dua e Reem was fabulous.
Shoaib Mansoor has penned the parodies has done a brilliant job. Damiah Farooq, Shehnaz and Mahek Ali‘s vocals add to the charm of the song, also representing a women from each age group.
As it turns out, this was a International Women’s Day release.
Small Segment in Ae Watan
And then, there is Ae Watan. In the middle of the song, one verse of Lab Pe Aati is included, but boy is that touchy.
In conclusion, Iqbal’s words have that effect, no matter what tune you choose to sing it in, it will affect you just as much.
Shabana Mukhtar
