Rockstar has completed eleven years (time flies, we know!) A decade later, the timeless masterpiece is still as spectacular and magical as it was back in those days.
Probably one of the finest musical romantic dramas in the history of Indian Cinema, Rockstar is still the benchmark of artistic films that have a hint of realistic crises with its tragedy.
Imtiaz Ali’s film has something that remains unconquerable to this day– the albums of his movies. Whether it was Love Aaj Kal, Love Aaj Kal 2, Tamasha, or Rockstar– the tracks of his films are irresistible and capture the difficult side of human emotions.
So, as a tribute to all those melodies and songs, let us watch Rockstar again, but in a different way— defined by its songs!
1. Jo Bhi Main
“Jo bhi main kehna chahoon
Barbaad kare alfaaz mere”
The film opens with Janardhan Jakhar (Ranbir Kapoor) struggling with some goons and running away to his concert. Then the scene cuts back to his college days where he is observed singing the same song.
We get to know that at some point Janardhan was a typical college guy with aspirations of being a star. Jo Bhi Main characterizes his helplessness in expressing himself.
The irony of his words complicating and misconstruing his emotions further is conveyed in the lyrics.
2. Katiya Karoon
“Saari raati katiya karoon
Katiya karoon, katiya karoon”
What makes an artist a true artist? Khatana says to Janardhan that heartbreak is common in every artist. On his way to understanding that sentiment, he proposes to Heer, who rejects him but they soon become friends.
We see some of their beautiful moments with the song playing in the background, neither of them aware of their love for each other yet.
Janardhan is still more eager to feel that same heartbreak than to realize his love for the girl.
3. Kun Faya Kun
“Jab Kahin Pe Kuch Nahi Bhi Nahi Tha
Wahi Tha Wahi Tha Wahi Tha Wahi Tha”
Janardhan was not always arrogant and fierce, he was once a simpleton and life was not always fair. His brother hurls him out of the house, accusing him of stealing money.
This scene portrays how heartbreaks received through family damage us more than those by lovers.
No matter how many songs we listen to, only Kun Faya Kun has the power to give our hearts that satisfaction. The chills down our spine after listening to Kun Faya Kun and believing that when everything goes wrong there is a supreme power looking after us, because “Be and It Is!”
4. Phir Se Ud Chala
“Phir se Ud Chala
Ud ke choda hai jahaan neech mein tumhare ab hoon hawale”
Phir Se Udd Chala marks the beginning of Jordan in him. Heer is married to a man in Prague. However, she still has feelings for JJ.
Phir Se Ud Chala portrays his journey with Heer, struggles in his own life and career, and the fun time he had with his friends.
5. Hawa Hawa
“Jaati kahaan hai woh
Khabri ne peechha kiya
Rani ko ghar se aata
Jaate dekha Hawa Hawa”
JJ is finally enjoying his life and has become an eminent singer. His life has come to a standstill and we see him stable until he meets Heer once again
6. Aur Ho
“Aur ho, aur ho
Saans ka shor ho
Aanch bhi aur badhe
Aur ho, aur ho”
Heer and Jordan meet in Prague where Heer reveals that she is suffering from some health issues. When the two talk about her marriage, it is evident that Heer is unhappy.
Jordan sings “Aur Ho” passionately in a concert where Heer is also present and we can catch a drift of that old flame of love between the two of them thriving again.
As their friendship gets intimate, Heer is dealing with her guilt and decides to leave.
7. Sadda Haq
“Besalika main, uss gali ka main
Na jis mein haya, na jis mein sharam”
When Heer rejects JJ and the police take him for trespassing charges pressed by Heer’s husband, JJ has finally morphed into Jordan– a man who has nothing to lose and is ready to go down the path of self-destruction.
We see the frustrated and angry artist singing violently about his rights. All Jordan wanted was to live a happy life with a girl he loved; however, sadly, he was deprived of it.
8. Nadaan Parindey
“Kyun desh-bidesh phire maara Kyun haal-behaal thaka haara”
Jordan comes to know that Heer has finally taken a divorce and her health is declining. The two confess their love for each other and we see them living their life to the fullest.
They went together to Himachal where Jordan had his first concert. Unfortunately, Heer’s condition deteriorates and she is rushed to a hospital where she falls into a coma. Jordan is miserable and unable to escape from the guilt as Heer’s family accuses him of her condition.
Nadaan Parindey encircles his entire life and how he doesn’t want anything from it except for Heer’s recovery. However, recognizing her condition, he realizes that Heer will not make it out alive.
Evolving as the ‘bad boy’ of rock, he abuses the media, beats the police, and soon gains international fame like his idol.
9. Tum Ho
“Tum ho mere liye
Mere liye ho tum yun
Khud ko main haar gaya
Tum ko, tumko main jeeta hoon”
In the end, the film switches to the present, we see Jordan standing still in the middle of his concert and Heer walking towards him.
This is a symbolic manifestation of Nadaan Parinda i.e. Heer returning home– reuniting with Jordan, not physically but spiritually.
The film ends on a profound note that the person we love never truly leaves us and even if we cannot see them, we can always feel them.
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