Healing Beyond the Clinic

Dr Kirti Samudra “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” This thought by Mother Teresa finds reflection in the life of Panvel-based diabetologist Dr Kirti Samudra, who has spent decades caring not only for her family but also thousands of patients who see her as their guide. As we mark International Women’s Day, stories like hers remind us that women of substance often shape society quietly through compassion, resilience and dedication. Doctor, mother, homemaker,...

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Dr Kirti Samudra “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” This thought by Mother Teresa finds reflection in the life of Panvel-based diabetologist Dr Kirti Samudra, who has spent decades caring not only for her family but also thousands of patients who see her as their guide. As we mark International Women’s Day, stories like hers remind us that women of substance often shape society quietly through compassion, resilience and dedication. Doctor, mother, homemaker, mentor and philanthropist — Dr Samudra has balanced many roles with commitment. While she manages a busy medical practice, her deeper calling has always been service. For her, medicine is not merely a profession but a responsibility towards the people who depend on her guidance. Nagpur to Panvel Born and raised in Nagpur, Dr Samudra completed her medical education there before moving to Mumbai in search of better opportunities. The early years were challenging. With determination, she and her husband Girish Samudra, an entrepreneur involved in underwater pipeline projects, chose to build their life in Panvel. At a time when the town was still developing and healthcare awareness was limited, she decided to make it both her workplace and home. What began with modest resources gradually grew into a trusted medical practice built on long-standing relationships with patients. Fighting Diabetes Recognising the growing threat of diabetes, Dr Samudra dedicated her career to treating and educating patients about the disease. Over the years, she has registered nearly 30,000 patients from Panvel and nearby areas. Yet she believes treatment alone is not enough. “Diabetes is a lifelong disease. Medicines are important, but patient education is equally critical. If people understand the condition, they can manage it better and prevent complications,” she says. For more than 27 years, she has organised an Annual Patients’ Education Programme, offering diagnostic tests at concessional rates and sessions on lifestyle management. Family, Practice With her husband frequently travelling for business, much of the responsibility of raising their two children fell on Dr Samudra. Instead of expanding her practice aggressively, she kept it close to home and adjusted her OPD timings around her children’s schedules. “It was not easy,” she recalls, “but I wanted to fulfil my responsibilities as a mother while continuing to serve my patients.” Beyond Medicine Today, Dr Samudra also devotes time to social initiatives through the Bharat Vikas Parishad, where she serves as Regional Head. Her projects include Plastic Mukta Vasundhara , which promotes reduced use of single-use plastic, and Sainik Ho Tumchyasathi , an initiative that sends Diwali faral (snack hamper) to Indian soldiers posted at the borders. Last year alone, 15,000 boxes were sent to troops. Despite decades of service, she measures success not in wealth but in goodwill. “I may not have earned huge money,” she says, “but I have earned immense love and respect from my patients. That is something I will always be grateful for.”

The Missing Magic of Festival Songs in Bollywood

Abhijit Joshi
Sep 20, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

The Missing Magic of Festival Songs in Bollywood

It’s common in offices or colleges to hear someone say, “HOLI KAB HAI? KAB HAI HOLI... KAB…

KAB.” This famous line is from Gabbar Singh, played by Amjad Khan, in the classic film Sholay. In the same movie, Hema Malini and Dharmendra, who live in the village Ramgarh, dance to the song Holi Ke Din Jab Dil Mil Jate Hai. Even after 50 years, this film continues to leave an impact, showing how strong Hindi films have been across generations.

Celebrating festivals with singing and dancing is an integral part of Hindi films. But recently, songs celebrating festivals like Diwali, Karwa Chauth, and Christmas have faded from the scene, while songs on Ganpati and Holi took center stage. However, even those songs have become rare in the last few years.

In recent times, a few movies have managed to leave an impact with their festival songs. The Ganpati song from Hrithik Roshan’s Agneepath and the Holi song from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani are examples, but otherwise, festival songs are missing.

There was a time when audiences eagerly waited for festival songs, and films were often released around festivals. Many of these songs are still played during celebrations. Some of the iconic ones include:

Dahi Handi Songs: Dahi Handi, celebrated on the second day of Krishna Janmashtami, is marked with joy in many parts of India, but Mumbai’s celebration is unique. Bollywood has captured this energy in several movies like Bluffmaster, Khuddar, Agneepath, Badla, and Hello Brother. Veteran actor Shammi Kapoor’s iconic song Govinda Aala Re from Bluffmaster (1963) remains popular, but Mach Gaya Shor from Khuddar (1982), featuring Amitabh Bachchan, is an all-time hit that still gets people dancing. The song Chandi Ki Daal Pe from Hello Brother (1999) struck a chord with younger audiences and is still played today. Another favorite is Go Go Govinda from OMG – Oh My God. However, in recent years, no new Dahi Handi song has had the same effect.

Ganpati Songs: A few iconic Ganpati songs have continued to resonate with audiences. Deva Shri Ganesha from Agneepath (2012), thanks to Ajay-Atul’s music, is played throughout the 10-day Ganesh festival. The original Ganpati song from the older Agneepath didn’t have the same impact as the 2012 version. Mourya Re from the remake of Don (2006) starring Shahrukh Khan also became a hit, as did Sadda Dil Vi Tu from ABCD, which is a favorite in Ganesh pandals. However, in the last decade, no new Ganpati songs have been as popular.

Holi Songs: Filmmakers have always loved Holi songs for their ability to show love and festivity. Classic Holi songs like Holi Ke Din (Sholay), Rang Barse (Silsila), Ang Se Ang Lagana (Darr), and Holi Khele Raghuveera (Baghban) continue to be played every year. Recent songs like Lahu Munh Lag Gaya from Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela and Jai Jai Shivshankar from War have added to the collection, but none have achieved the legendary status of Amitabh Bachchan’s Rang Barse. In the last 5-6 years, no new Holi song has stood out.

Diwali Songs: Despite being one of the biggest festivals, Diwali has very few songs associated with it. Only 7-10 Diwali songs are memorable. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is a rare example, where Jaya Bachchan’s character waits for her son Shahrukh Khan, welcoming him with an aarti. Films like Vastav, Amdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiya, and Taare Zameen Par feature Diwali songs, but overall, the festival lacks iconic musical representation.Festival songs in Hindi cinema seem to be losing their charm, with no major releases in recent years. Hopefully, Bollywood will bring back the magic of festival songs that audiences love. Let’s hope for the best.

Healing Beyond the Clinic

The Missing Magic of Festival Songs in Bollywood

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