Resham ki ho ya khaddar ki,
Hai jitni bhi jaisi bhi zindagi
Hai mere muqaddar ki
Ishwar ne kam diya nahi,
Badle mein kuch liya nahi
Aukaat se baahar main gaya nahi
Is baat ka gum maine kiya nahi
Pair utne hi failaye maine
Jitni lambayi thi chaddar ki
Resham ki ho ya khaddar ki
Hai jitni bhi jaisi bhi zindagi
Hai mere muqaddar ki.
With words as deep as these from his pen, it is no wonder the lyricist Rakesh Kumar popularly known as Kumaar composes song lyrics like no other. These words express his outlook to life and let listeners feel the depth of emotion when listening. Some of his most famous songs include Sooraj Dooba Hai, Dilli wali Girlfriend, Kaala Chashma, and the most famous and iconic song that we have all grooved to, Ishq Tera Tadpave. All of his songs cut across genres in the hummable way and flow of his words that lend it to impromptu singing on any occasion.
The lyricist is known for infusing a Punjabi Tadka in his songs, which make it accessible to people. Although he doesn’t mind the label, Kumaar does mention that he uses the language as a way to take the song forward. One example he quotes of this is the song Jag Soona Soona Lage in Om Shanti Om. The song was written by Javed Akhtar and Kumaar emphatically emphasizes how his use of language was appreciated and utilized by Javed Akhtar. However, Kumaar also emphasizes how he can transcend genres and mentions the song Main to nahin hoon insaanon mein from Oh My God! which touched both Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal and captured the essence of the film’s philosophy. “ Given a chance, I too can write Sufi lyrics “, he said in an interview a few years back.
Indeed, his lyrics can fit any mood indeed like in the iconic song Ishq Tera Tadpave though Kumaar is quick to add “There is no accounting for audience taste”. Kumaar added that he wrote it as a sad song but the singer Sukhbir changed it to a pulsating Bhangra beat, which became a sensation instantly.
Kumaar loves writing and working and that is evident from his latest outing writing Besharam Rang and Jhoome Jo Pathaan with Vishal Dadlani and by himself. He is hopeful of change and we and the audience wish for this change too. As long as Kumaar keeps writing.
