Loved Amar Singh Chamkila's Climax Song 'Vida Karo'? It Is Inspired By Shiv Kumar Batalvi’s Poem

Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra’s ‘Amar Singh Chamkila', which released on Netflix recently, is becoming one of the most loved films of the year till now. The Imtiaz Ali directorial is being praised by critics and audiences both for its compelling storyline, direction, stellar performances by the lead cast, and the music composed by AR Rahman. Songs like ‘Baaja’, ‘Tu Kya Jaane’ had become popular even before the film’s release but after the release, a particular song used in the climax of the film is garnering attention. The track titled 'Vida Karo’ is a soulful song with beautiful lyrics.  

About Vida Karo song
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta also praised the song while reviewing the film on Instagram. The song comes in the background at the end when both Chamkila (played by Diljit Dosanjh) and Amarjot (played by Parineeti Chopra) are shot dead. The song is a poignant farewell for the two singers who were assassinated for doing what they loved the most, who faced societal judgement for their music. The song aptly describes the judgement Chamkila faced all his life and now as he leaves the earth, he calls out the world for their biases towards him. It's a powerful acceptance of his fate, a final call out against prejudice.

Arijit Singh and Jonita Gandhi have given their voice to the track and Irshad Kamil penned the lyrics which is inspired by famous Punjabi poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi’s poem of the same name. 

The lyrics of the song reads:  

“Mainu Vida Karo Mainu Vida Karo Ji Ab Vida Karo Mere Yaara  
Mainu Vida Karo Mainu Vida Karo Ji Maine Jana Hai Us Paar  
Tum Sabhi Saaf Sahi Hoon Matmela Main  
Tum Sabhi Paak Magar Paap Ka Dariya Main  

Mainu Vida Karo Mainu Vida Karo Ji Ab Vida Karo Mere Yaar  
Jhooth Bhala Kyon Bologe Tum  
Sab Sach Kehte Ho Meri Nahi Hai Duniya Jisme Tum Sab Rahte Ho  
 
Hmm Saath Tumhare Aur Rahoon Main Mera Toh Mann Tha  
Sach Hai Yahaan Pe Jo Bhi Bura Tha Mere Kaaran Tha  
Mainu Vida Karo Mainu Vida Karo Ji Ab Vida Karo Mere Yaara  
 
Mere Sar Pe Sari Tohmat  
Tum Dhar Dena 
Main Toh Main Hoon  
Rooh Bhi Meri Paagal Kar Dena  
 
Tum Khush Rahna  
Sab Kuchh Sahna Mujhko Aata Hai  
Toote Taare Ka Dharti Se Kaisa Naata Hai  

Mainu Vida Karo Mainu Vida Karo Ji  
Ab Vida Karo Mere Yaar  

Mainu Vida Karo Mainu Vida Karo Ji  
Maine Jaana Hai Us Paar  
Tum Sabhi Saaf Sahi Hoon Matmela Main  
Tum Sabhi Paak Magar Paap Ka Dariya Mein  
Mainu Vida Karo Mainu Vida Karo Ji  
Ab Vida Karo Mere Yaar...” 

Batalvi's poems as inspiration for Bollywood songs
This is not the first time that Batalvi’s poem has inspired a Bollywood song. Imtiaz Ali’s 2009 film Love, Aaj Kal’s popular song ‘Aaj din Chadeya’ is also inspired by Batalvi’s poem of the same name. Diljit Dosanjh starrer Udta Punjab’s ‘Ik Kudi’ is also inspired by Batalvi’s beautiful Punjabi poem.  

About Shiv Kumar Batalvi 
Born in pre-partition Punjab in 1936, Batalvi was a poet, writer, and playwright of Punjabi literature. Batalvi is best known for his romantic poetry, characterised by its passionate intensity, and the pain of unrequited love. He earned the title ‘Birha Da Sultan’ (The King of Yearning) for his ability to capture the depths of longing and separation.  

Batalvi wasn't limited to romance, his play, ‘Loona,’ based on an ancient Punjabi legend established him as a versatile writer. His work also mirrored societal issues and human relationships.

Batalvi died at the age of 36. 

Lyrics of Batalvi's poem 'Mainu Vida Karo':

Maenu vida karo mere Raam, 
Maenu vida karo. 
Kosa haNj shagan paao saahnu, 
Birha tali dharo, 
Te maenu vida karo! 

Vaaro peeR mere de sir toN, 
Naen saraaN da paani. 
Is paani nu jahg vich vanDo, 
Har ik aashak taani, 
Prabh ji je koi booNd bache, 
Uhda aape ghuT bharo, 
Te maenu vida karo! 

Prabh ji es vida de vele, 
Sachi gahl alaaeeye. 
Daan karaaeeye jaaN kar moti, 
TaaN kar birha paaeeye. 
Prabh ji hun taaN birhoN-vihooni 
MiTi mukat karo, 
Te maenu vida karo! 

Dudh di rute ambaRi moee, 
Baabal baal-varese, 
Joban-rute sajan mariya 
Moye geet paleTHe. 
Hun taaN Prabh ji haaRa je 
SaaDi baaNh na ghuT phaRo 
Maenu vida karo. 

Kosa haNj shagan paao saahnu