Bollywood music is known for its catchy tunes and dance numbers, but what often goes unnoticed is the clever wordplay and witty lyrics that are a hallmark of the genre. From playful puns to clever alliterations, the use of wordplay in Bollywood music is an art form in itself, and one that deserves to be appreciated.
One example of wordplay in Bollywood music is the use of homophones – words that sound the same but have different meanings. In the song “Badtameez Dil” from the movie “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani,” the lyrics play with the word “dil” (heart) and “bill” (balance). The line “Tere bina, jeena nahi / Mera dil, hai bilkul, paisa” (Without you, I cannot live / My heart is just like my balance, zero) uses the homophones to create a playful analogy between love and money.
Another technique often used in Bollywood lyrics is alliteration, where words that start with the same sound or letter are repeated. In the song “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” from the movie of the same name, the line “Kya karun haye, kuch kuch hota hai” (What should I do, something is happening inside me) uses the repeated “K” sound to create a sense of tension and unease, mimicking the emotions of the protagonist.
But perhaps the most common form of wordplay in Bollywood music is puns, where words with multiple meanings are used for their double entendre. In the famous song “Choli Ke Peeche” from the movie “Khalnayak,” the line “Main toh, bas teri Choli ke peeche chhupun” (I will hide behind your blouse) uses the word “choli” (blouse) to allude to a hidden desire, cleverly playing on the word’s sensual connotations.
Wordplay in Bollywood music is not only entertaining but also adds depth and complexity to the lyrics. It challenges the listener to think beyond the surface level, and appreciate the artistry and craft that goes into creating such clever wordplay. So the next time you’re bobbing your head to a Bollywood tune, take a closer listen and see if you can catch any of the wordplay that makes the genre so rich and engaging.