BATHINDA: The Punjabi version of the Italian protest song, ‘Bella Ciao, ‘called’ Wapas Jao ‘is becoming a hit with agricultural protesters. The song is in solidarity with protesting farmers from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and other states.
“This is not a translation of the original ‘Bella Ciao’, but a version in Punjabi, in solidarity with the farmers. ‘Bella Ciao’ (Goodbye beautiful) is a popular Italian protest song that originated in the late 19th century. The workers sang it in protest at the harsh working conditions in the rice fields of northern Italy. Versions of Bella Ciao continue to be sung around the world as an anti-fascist anthem of freedom and resistance. This Punjabi version was written and sung by Poojan Sahil for a campaign led by activist Harsh Mander, ”said the author and filmmaker. Natasha badhwar, creative producer of the music video.
“This is not a translation of the original ‘Bella Ciao’, but a version in Punjabi, in solidarity with the farmers. ‘Bella Ciao’ (Goodbye beautiful) is a popular Italian protest song that originated in the late 19th century. The workers sang it in protest at the harsh working conditions in the rice fields of northern Italy. Versions of Bella Ciao continue to be sung around the world as an anti-fascist anthem of freedom and resistance. This Punjabi version was written and sung by Poojan Sahil for a campaign led by activist Harsh Mander, ”said the author and filmmaker. Natasha badhwar, creative producer of the music video.
He said the song is an effort to bring the struggle of protesting farmers on Delhi’s borders under harsh conditions to a wider audience.
Ajaypal, one of the protesters, said that the cultural expression of dissent gets instant traction and “Wapas jao” is one such example.
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