New Delhi, April 20 -- This song from Baiju Bawra (1952) is a landmark Hindi film bhajan that serves as a shining example of India's national integration, cultural harmony, and secularism in art. Although a devotional song dedicated to the Hindu deity Hari (Lord Vishnu), it was created by a team of Muslim artists -Mohammed Rafi was the singer, Naushad the music director, and most importantly, the lyricist who penned it was Shakeel Badayuni.

Despite being a Muslim, Shakeel's lyrics were profound and reflected supreme level of longing and devotion, showcasing deep respect for Hindu religion. The song is an example of how art can transcend religious boundaries; how it can transport audiences beyond religious identity. The song remains an en...