By Arshad Mahmud
As the intense heat of June and July ripens the mango orchards across Southasia, it brings with it a timeless cultural transition. The scorching summer gives way to the monsoon, a season of welcome relief but also of heavy, humid afternoons. Today, we often escape this sticky discomfort by retreating into air-conditioned spaces. Yet, not so long ago, communities found comfort, joy, and emotional fulfillment in a far more natural way.
In celebration of these eco-friendly traditions and shared seasonal heritage, MoUSICi presents a beautiful reimagining of “Jhoola” (The Swing). Bringing together the classical poetry of Ameer Khusrau and a legendary contemporary composition, this musical piece serves as a bridge between generations and a nostalgic look at traditions that once kept us in complete harmony with nature.
Watch the full music video here: Jhoola on YouTube
I originally composed ‘Jhoola’ during the 1980s. It was beautifully sung by Nayyara Noor. The lyrics were provided by Fatima Surayya Bajiya, and the programme was produced by Khwaja Najam-ul-Hassan.
Revisiting this composition after so many years has been both a nostalgic and deeply rewarding experience, done in the hope of introducing it to a new generation and, perhaps, reminding ourselves of traditions that once enriched our lives while remaining in complete harmony with nature. I realize that we may never fully return to those simpler ways of living. But dreams have always been the beginning of meaningful change, and fortunately, there is no cost to dreaming.
The people in those days, in order to mitigate the effect of this uncomfortable weather, tied swings to the sturdy branches of mango trees, and families, friends, and especially young girls would gather beneath the orchards to spend long humid afternoons together. The gentle movement of the swings provided the breeze which brought amazing relief and happiness accompanied by laughter, conversation and songs.
Looking back, one cannot help but marvel at how environmentally friendly and emotionally fulfilling those traditions were. It was this reflection that inspired me to share this song once again: a song that captures the atmosphere, emotions, and memories of those humid monsoon days beneath the mango trees.
Arshad Mahmud is a music composer, actor, and educator in Karachi, deeply involved in preserving and innovating Southasian classical and contemporary music.
Feature image: A screenshot from the video
About the Sapan Blog
This special edition of Sapan Blog is a collaboration between Sapan and MoUSICi. It may be reproduced with due credit to Sapan / MoUSICi.
The Sapan Blog is a space for reflection, commentary, and conversation by members of the Southasia Peace Action Network community. Here, Sapaners, journalists, peacebuilders, artists, and thinkers share personal essays and perspectives that connect Southasia’s stories, challenges, and triumphs. From culture to climate, sport to solidarity, these blogs go beyond the headlines to bring you the region’s heart and humour.
Why do we write ‘Southasia’ as one word? Because our histories are intertwined, our futures interlinked, and our struggles deeply connected.
Listened to the beautiful song “ Jhoola “.Absolutely marvellous . My thanks to the Composer , Zanaab Arshad Mahmud ji . I have listened to it 4 times . Such lyrics are no longer written . If they are written then no one uses them for a song . Our main source of music has been Bollywood ( unfortunately). Even in Indian Idol how often someone sings Classical or non filmi songs . Rarely . Waqt badal gaya hai . Waqt ke saath log badal gaye hein . Pyaar mohabbat khatm ho chuki hai .
Chaliyan chhorein – Zhule ke bol
ek baar phir sunte hain .
Khuda hafiz / namaskaar .
Dr. Ranjit Singh Budaunwala
Thank you for reading and for your appreciation.