Srinagar, April 21 -- In the course of my usual trawling of the Hindi media, I am struck by lyrics from a very distant, faded past. It was Kavi (poet) Pradeep's dire warning to India to watch out for threats from traitors within. These deadly enemies, the song featuring mega star Rajendra Kumar and sung in Manna Dey's stirring voice said, were hiding in our own homes, and menacing us over our walls: "Jhaankrahehainapnedushman, apniheedeewaron se/sambhalkerehnaapnegharmeinchhupehuyegaddaron se". It goes on to warn the patriot in us: "Hoshiyartumkoapne Kashmir kirakshakarnihai" (awake, for you have to also protect your Kashmir).
This was for Mahesh Kaul'sTalaq, released and nominated for the Filmfare Awards in 1958. Why has this again popped...