The brutal rape-murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata has shaken the nation to its core, prompting an outpouring of anger and grief. In response, prominent singers from across India, known for their soft, romantic numbers, have shifted their focus to deliver powerful messages of protest and demand for justice through their music. From Arijit Singh to AP Dhillon and Rupam Islam, these artists are using their platforms to voice the collective outrage over the crime and call for societal change.
Arijit Singh, widely celebrated for his romantic ballads, has released a song titled "Aar Kobe" ("If not now, then when?"), which he describes as a call to action rather than just a protest song. The track, released on Tuesday, resonates with the anguish and frustration over the persistent systemic injustices faced by women in India. Arijit poses a series of poignant questions to the listeners: "When will the voice be strong? When will the mind be free? When will you open your eyes? When will we sympathize?" Each question is a direct challenge to the status quo, urging people to stand up and demand change. The song’s crescendo intensifies with each repetition of the hook "Aar Kobe," underscoring the urgency for immediate action. Since its release, "Aar Kobe" has garnered over 300,000 views on YouTube, with more than 47,000 likes, indicating widespread resonance with its message.
Punjabi singer AP Dhillon, known for his hits like "Brown Munde," also took to music to express his grief and anger. He posted a short video on Instagram, where he questioned the societal values that have led to such heinous crimes against women. "Is it a crime to be born a girl?" he asks in his song, highlighting the plight of women in a society that has failed to protect them. Dhillon’s video, which has been viewed 5.6 million times and received over 340,000 likes, also reflects on the unchanged reality since the 2012 Nirbhaya case, questioning why women still have to fight for the basic right to live in peace.
Rupam Islam, a stalwart of Bengali rock music, added his voice to the chorus with "Khoto" ("Wound"), a deeply moving song that delves into the collective pain and trauma inflicted by the RG Kar incident. In "Khoto," Rupam questions the notion that time heals all wounds, suggesting instead that time has become tainted by the very scars it is supposed to mend. The song is a raw reflection of society’s deep-seated anguish and a call for accountability. Rupam's lyrics serve as a stark reminder of the unresolved pain from past atrocities like the Asifa and Nirbhaya cases, urging listeners to confront these realities head-on.
Even less mainstream artists like Haryanvi singer Akshay Foji have stepped forward with protest songs. Foji’s rap track "Insaf ki Awaz" ("The Voice of Justice") captures the emotional turmoil and anger of those demanding justice for the Kolkata victim. He calls for national unity and a collective responsibility to act against such crimes. Foji’s song advocates for a societal shift towards compassion and respect for all, urging listeners to embrace a new mindset where truth and justice prevail.
These songs are more than just expressions of sorrow and anger; they are rallying cries for a nation to wake up and address the deep-rooted issues that perpetuate violence against women. The fact that artists who typically produce romantic or upbeat music are now turning their talents toward protest songs signals the gravity of the situation. When musicians, who are often seen as cultural barometers, shift their tone from serenading to demanding justice, it is a clear indication that something has gone terribly wrong.Â
The widespread response to these songs, from millions of views to thousands of comments, reflects the collective consciousness of a society that is no longer willing to stay silent. As these artists continue to use their platforms to amplify the demand for justice, their music serves as a powerful tool for change, urging listeners to join the fight against violence and oppression. In a country where music has always been a vital part of the cultural fabric, these protest songs mark a significant shift, challenging the status quo and calling for a new, more just melody for the future.
Â
