In the glittering world of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut web series ‘Heeramandi’, one song stands out not just for its opulent visuals but for its deep historical roots. ‘Sakal Bana’, rendered with royal grandeur during a pivotal nath utarai ceremony, captures the essence of spring’s arrival on Basant Panchami. But this isn’t mere Bollywood flair—it’s a timeless melody tracing back to 14th-century Sufi poet Amir Khusro.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of nature’s transformation: ‘Sakal bana phool rahi sarson, ban ban phool rahi sarson, ambwa phoote tesu phoole, koyal bole daar-daar, gori karat singaar, sakal bana.’ Mustard fields bloom golden, mango buds burst, tesu flowers flare, and koels call from branches as maidens adorn themselves. This celebration of renewal filled the screens in ‘Heeramandi’, where dancers in yellow attire rejoiced Alamzeb’s life-changing moment.
Yet, the song’s origin is profoundly personal. Amir Khusro, the legendary musician and disciple, composed it for his grieving guru, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Devastated by his nephew’s death, the saint had withdrawn from the world, refusing food and conversation. On Basant Panchami, Khusro spotted women in yellow carrying mustard flowers for Goddess Saraswati. Inspired, he donned yellow garb, gathered the blooms, and sang ‘Sakal Bana’ before his master. The sight and sound melted the saint’s sorrow, bringing a smile to his face.
This act of devotion birthed an annual tradition at Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah, where Sufi Basant is celebrated with ‘Sakal Bana’ and ‘Aaj Basant Mana Le Suhagan’. The melody symbolizes guru-shishya love amid spring’s joy. Bhansali masterfully revived it in ‘Heeramandi’, linking it to a courtesan’s ritual unveiling, marking her entry into the bazaar’s royal world with a chosen ‘king’ patron.
From a Sufi healer’s touch to Netflix’s lavish spectacle, ‘Sakal Bana’ bridges centuries, evoking emotions of love, loss, and rebirth. As Basant Panchami approaches, it reminds us of music’s power to heal and unite.