Echoes of Tradition: Old ‘Patang’ song takes flight as Majlis campaign picks up

Hyderabad: Elsewhere in the country the Chaleya song of Jawan might be a rage, but in Hyderabad an old Bollywood number has taken the center stage. Day in and day out one can hear the Muhammad Rafi-Lata Mangeshkar duet - Chali Chali Re Patang Meri Chali Re – resonating across the city.

The timeless charm of this 1957 Hindi song from the movie Bhabi seems to have cast a spell on the locals. No, this musical phenomenon is not a whimsical trend. It’s rather a strategic move by a political party to leverage the song's thematic relevance.

No prizes for guessing. The song’s central motif, ‘'patang' (kite) aligns seamlessly with the election symbol of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen. And the party couldn't find any better song to popularize its symbol. In a stroke of ingenious campaigning, the Majlis president, Asaduddin Owaisi, has adopted this classic tune to not only connect with the masses but also to imprint the party’s symbol into the collective consciousness of the city. The familiarity and nostalgia associated with the song serve as a powerful tool in making the political message more relatable and enduring.

As the election draws near, this iconic tune has turned into a veritable anthem in Hyderabad's Old City, the Majlis bastion.

The musical campaign of Majlis extends beyond the auditory realm. Across the old city the skyline is adorned with the glow of illuminated kites. These luminous symbols not only add a picturesque quality to the night sky but also serve as a visual testament to the party's influence and strategic messaging.

The use of cultural elements, such as a vintage Hindi song and the symbolism of a kite, reflects a nuanced understanding of the local ethos. Hyderabad, with its rich history and diverse cultural tapestry, responds favorably to campaigns that tap into its heritage. By choosing a song that resonates with the upcoming Sankranti festival, the Majlis has effectively created a unique and memorable political narrative.

As the Rafi-Lata duet continues to echo through the streets and the illuminated kites dance across the night sky, the political landscape of Hyderabad undergoes a subtle yet impactful transformation. The fusion of culture, music, and politics is a sure shot way of heating up the electioneering. The Majlis campaign vehicles, adorned with flags and slogans, weave through the labyrinthine streets with ‘patang’ song blaring.

Amidst the cacophony of electioneering, local kite makers find themselves at the heart of a socio-political carnival. For many families in Dhoolpet, Yakhutpur and Moghalpura kites are a source of living and elections comes as a blessing in disguise. While they make money, their creations become symbols of hope and allegiance.

Not just this. The historic Charminar area is now transformed into a workshop of democracy. Skilled hands are busy crafting the kites in vibrant shades, each carrying the visage of the party leaders.

“We are making kites of Asaduddin Owaisi and Akbaruddin Owaisi with the line MIM ke 7 chmakte sitare”, says Rajesh, a kite maker at Charminar``. The Assembly elections have proved a windfall to kite makers as the Majlis places huge orders. These flying canvases, which are given away freely, are a rage among children.

As the sun sets on the Charminar, the kites, like political aspirations, continue to dance in the fading light.