Every now and then, someone not from India pops up somewhere in the world to croon this song, promptly making it to the social media hall of fame for the day or the week.
Now here is a Chinese man singing the legendary “Awaara Hoon” from the 1951 Raj Kapoor’ film Awaara. Perhaps powered by a delicious dinner at a restaurant, the singer launches into the song with heartfelt emotion.
His audience clearly knows and loves the song, for their provide the chorus and a table-thumping percussion backing with matching skill.
At a time when every famous Hindi film song gets a “cool” makeover in a new Hindi film – or is given the fusion treatment on Coke Studio – this purebred rendition of the original reminds us once again why some melody-and-lyrics combinations are evergreen.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!