Parsha’s Cholo Bhuley Jai: A rainbow after the storm

Music has long been intertwined with protest, serving as a powerful means to express human struggles and amplify the voices of those fighting for justice. A song can unite people, inspire action, and give a movement purpose and momentum. It becomes more than just a background tune—it fuels the cause. 

While many may believe that protest music must be intense and hard-hitting to stir emotions, Parsha Mahjabeen proved otherwise. Known for her soothing classical voice, Mahjabeen dedicated a song titled "Cholo Bhuley Jai" to the recent protests. 

The melody was gentle, accompanied only by a ukulele, yet it beautifully captured the stories of the fallen and the ongoing struggle. Instead of inciting anger, the song offered a calming, soulful respite to those enduring hardship, much like a soothing breeze after a difficult battle.

"The song was basically about expressing what I felt at the time," Parsha said. "It wasn't something I spent much time planning; the lyrics and melody came together rather spontaneously. The country was facing a turbulent crisis, and I couldn't just sit back and watch the horrors unfold. So, I expressed my feelings through 'Cholo Bhuley Jai,' trying to convey what was in my heart," she explained.

Now a song like this, published during a highly volatile movement, was sure to have drawn all kinds of attention, including some really bad ones. Parsha however did not really face any direct threats or damaging comments. But it still doesn't mean that indirectly she didn't receive any such reactions. Maybe some of them can be found in the comment boxes of her social media.

What mattered most to Parsha with this song was her desire to simply speak the truth. Unlike many songs crafted for widespread appeal, this one was created to reflect the reality of the situation and express what had been left unsaid. 

"If you watch the video, you'll see that I didn't put any grand effort into it. The song was written and released in the same way anyone might do at home. The intention was to stand up and speak the truth. I never sought any wide reach with 'Cholo Bhuley Jai'; I just wanted to express myself," Parsha explained.

And that is what makes Parsha and her song stand out from the rest. It was a simple and honest attempt at standing for the right thing. As a person and a human being, she values righteousness and truth more than anything. She will always take a stand for what's right and nothing can make her stray away from it.

She has a few things she expects from the current era of Bangladesh. But most importantly what she wants to see is a comprehensive curriculum and activities for schools, where children will not just learn what is written in the books; but where they will also learn values and morals. The way schools are now, they do not do enough to teach awareness to children, which needs to be changed.

The recent movement was excruciating and gritty. Out of the millions of voices though, came Parsha's calm melody, like the rainbow after a storm. It was truly much needed, almost like someone singing 'Wayfaring Stranger' towards the end of a battle.