It’s not any rare or unknown fact that there are three Hindi film songs played in the backdrop of one of the key sequences of much appreciated English film ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (2004) - an unusual Science fiction/romantic drama directed by Michel Gondry.
However what remains unexplored is the relationship between the Hindi film songs and the actual theme of the English film revolving around a future-invention through which a person can get his or her chosen memories removed from the mind forever by paying a certain amount.
Here, it’s quite possible that the choice of these 3 songs was randomly made by the team as per their availability or just to give the particular sequence a different feel. But if one looks into their lyrics and the situation together, then all three amazingly fit into the narration, perfectly in-sync with the scene, edited accordingly.
The insertion comes within the first 15 minutes of the film, where both Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet meet again as strangers, after having erased each other from their memories post a sudden break-up.
But meeting as two strangers, Kate yet again begins liking Jim, the same man with whom she was in love with in the past, instinctively! As they both chat, she invites Jim into her apartment and at that very moment we get to hear a female voice (of Lata Mangeshkar) singing in the backdrop saying,
“Tere Sang Pyaar Main Nahin Torhna"
A line perfectly matching the situation of Kate re-discovering her love for the same person.
Next, the camera shifts to Jim, who is also having a similar feeling getting attracted towards Kate (yet again) and here we get to hear a male voice (of Mohd. Rafi) singing,
“Mera Mann Tera Pyaasa"
Typically representing Jim’s actual feelings in that adorable situation.
As the lines end, the focus comes back to Kate and we again hear the same female’s voice (Lata Mangeshkar) in the background singing,
“Wada Na Torh, Wada Na Torh"
The lines are heard when Kate is proposing to Jim and he is ready to go without giving much attention to Kate’s proposal……. again exactly as per the situation expressing Kate’s inner mind.
Now, cannot say that whether these lyrics were the reason behind choosing these particular songs befitting the given situation or not. But in any case they beautifully compliment the sequence and come out as perfect choices made enhancing the English classic.
Thankfully the three songs from film NAGIN, GAMBLER and DIL TUJHKO DIYA along with their creators got duly credited in the soundtrack of ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND as required. So do check it out, if you haven’t seen the film or scene yet and enjoy the moment.
Cheers!
(The article also got featured in UC-News Mobile App in October 2017)
