‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’, the song: Yash Chopra’s signature romance, that remained incomplete

Late filmmaker Yash Chopra was arguably India’s most successful director, when it came to romantic films. His beautiful movies have even fetched him the title of ‘King of romance’. However, not just a dreamy direction, his movies were known for the melodious music that has always been an intrinsic part of the narrative.

It wouldn’t be wrong in saying that the filmmaker had a good ear for music. All of his projects had the best of music. In this journey of making some wonderful and meaningful musical scores for his films, the filmmaker collaborated with with music maestro AR Rahman and lyricist Gulzar for the first time for his last directorial project ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’. The film starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma in the lead roles indeed featured an amazing soundtrack with some melodious songs like ‘Challa’, ‘Heer’ and ‘Jiya Re’. But, unfortunately the title track ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ which was very close to Yash Chopra’s heart couldn’t be shot in the signature style of the late filmmaker. The reason being his untimely demise. Today, we are remembering about this as it’s the same day when ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ released in theatres, leaving behind this one last song which remains incomplete.

Talking about this heart-touching title track, it was meant to be featured on Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif romancing amidst the beauty of Switzerland. Many would remember Yash Chopra captured these beautiful landscapes in the most romantic and dreamy way possible. The title track was indeed meant to hold all the quintessential Yash Chopra features which were pure romance, the scenic Swiss Alps, a melodious track and Katrina in the trademark chiffon sari, which was designed by none other than Manish Malhotra. Who knew that it would turn out to be his incomplete wish, and the movie, his last song at the box office. (Also Check: Shah Rukh Khan looks dapper at the airport as he returns from Kolkata)

But, just before he could complete the shooting, he was hospitalised on October 13 as he was suffering from dengue and later, on October 21 passed away leaving behind a void that can never be filled in Indian cinema. After his demise, the audio track was retained in the film in the end titles and was released, featuring Yash ji’s visuals, capturing the moments of his, while shooting the movie. This step was taken for not tampering with Yash Chopra’s vision. As the track finishes, there comes a line that reads ‘and he lives on… forever’ which indeed he does with this beautiful song.

Certainly, ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ serves as a beautiful memory of Yash Chopra’s cinematic genius which will indeed keep him alive in our hearts forever.

Amod Pandit

Quiet, resonant, and creative, he can be seen immersed in his own world, and puts in his heart and soul into the one passion that he has, Bollywood. His line for survival? Feel happy to be a part of it.