'Hoshiyar Rehna' song: Kabir’s poem plays out aptly in Baadshaho

Rajasthani folk music has a unique flavour, the instruments and the singer's unique voices, set the music apart from other regional music forms in the country. The Rajasthani traditional folk music has been tapped into Hindi cinema with music directors blending the Rajasthani flavour into Hindi film songs — Kesariya Balam from Dor (2006), Nimbooda from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) — to name a few.  

The makers of Baadshaho have recreated a classic Kabir poem, 'Hoshiyar Rehna', for the film.

The song is no where close to the classic Rajasthani styled tracks made so far in Hindi cinema. However, it is one that plays out to the situation in Baashaho perfectly, as Bhawani (Ajay Devgn), Dalia (Emraan Hashmi) and co. are preparing to loot gold. 

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Singer Neeraj Arya, who is the lead vocalist of the band Neeraj Arya’s Kabir Cafe, has sung the song. The band is known for its musical revisits to poems and songs by the 15th century poet.

Arya has created a contemporary version of the same song before. As good as he was with his earlier recreation, Arya lacks conviction in his singing in the Baadshaho version. While there’s a slight drop in the rhythm, his voice cracks towards the end too.

Nevertheless, the powerful, philosophical poem by the 15th centurey poet, Kabir, manage to keep you hooked till the end. 

The song could not have been used in a more appropriate film than Baadshaho.

The film is set to be released on 1 September.