Review of Bollywood Songs: Chalte Chalte from Pakeezah

The rhythmic melancholy sung by Lata Mangeshkar is a thing of beauty. Each and every element of the song is put together like pearls in an exquisite pearl necklace. Kafi Azmi's lyrics make you feel the sadness of the character so deeply, that you could write a book about it.

Meena Kumari's expressions and incredible acting also plays a major role in that. She has portrayed the character of Sahibjaan with such beauty and elegance. Everything from her jewellery and costume to her body language is on point. Director Kamal Amrohi sketched all the set designs and camera movements, and personally selected every costume, right down to the bangles worn by the background dancers.

The grand indoor set looks marvelous. The ambience is perfectly set by the set designer, S.D. Najaf. The lighting perfectly goes with the song's mood.

Paakeezah was Josef Wirsching's last movie credited as a cinematographer. His composition of shots, camera angles and movements are a treat to watch. Throughout the song, the camera keeps capturing a wider and wider shot of the set therefore, revealing newer details.

As the story line of the song proceeds, the viewer begins to feel the agony of the character.

"Ye chiraag bujh rahe hai, mere saath jalte jalte."

The mesmerizing representation of this metaphor, when the moon hides as Meena Kumari sings these spell binding lyrics. This song is a true masterpiece!