Mann Ke Manjeere

Mann Ke Manjeere, by Shubha Mudgal - an old song, ten years old in fact. And it's based on a true story, which makes it that much more powerful.

It came up in conversation with Vishakha the other day, and she was like, do you remember it, especially the video, it's a lovely one, I'd sent it to you then (pre youtube days).

And you all over again marvel at how it's no more about finding the right cassette or cd or even email, and that it's just a click away. (And we actually wonder, and at that condescendingly, at why this generation is tuned into instant gratification :)

Here's some interesting information on the song from wikipedia:

Mann ke Manjeeré was a music video, and ultimately an entire campaign created by human rights organization Breakthrough which promoted women's rights. 

Breakthrough was launched with Mann ke Manjeeré: An Album of Women's Dreams, which won the 2001 National Screen Award in India for best music video. The full campaign, focused on promoting women's rights and bringing attention to domestic violence, is based on the music video and album of the same name.

The aesthetically and emotionally powerful music video was shot by Shoojit Sircar and Gary and tells the true story of Shameem Pathan, who courageously broke out of her abusive marriage and became a truck driver to support herself and her child away from her violent husband. 

It's sung by Shubha Mudgal, composed by Shantanu Moitra, with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi. Mita Vashisht, (another favorite), stars in the music video, which was viewed by over 20 million people worldwide. The Hindu described the impact of Mann ke Manjeeré saying, "Mann ke Manjeeré has made a breakthrough by claiming public space for women's aspirations."