The Roshans: A surface-level homage
The Sufi qawwali from Barsaat Ki Raat, “Na Toh Caravan Ki Talaash Hai,” is a fifteen-minute masterpiece that epitomizes Roshan Lal Nagrath’s musical genius. For me, Roshan’s legacy is deeply personal. Growing up in a home where music was the lifeblood, his haunting melodies from Baware Nain (1950)—especially “Khayalon Mein Kisi Ke Aaya Nahi Karte”—were omnipresent. My father, a teenager when the film was released, would often sing it with my mother, his face lit with joy. Those moments wove music into the fabric of our lives and passed on through generations. Watching The Roshans on Netflix rekindled those golden memories of childhood when we sat around the radio or gramophone to listen to music that was larger than the films. But the docuseries — directed by Shashi Ranjan and produced by Ranjan and Rakesh Roshan – while celebrating the Roshan family’s immense contributions to music and cinema, misses opportunities to delve deeper into the emotional and creative journeys that defined their work. The surface-level homage feels incomplete, lacking the raw complexity and depth that Roshan Lal Nagrath brought to his compositions.
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Roshan Lal Nagrath: The Rhythm King
At the heart of this dynasty is Roshan Lal Nagrath. Born in 1917 in Gujranwala (now in Pakistan), the visionary composer was more than a musician; he created emotional landscapes, blending Indian classical traditions with contemporary cinematic rhythm. His collaborations with lyricists like Sahir Ludhianvi gave us classics such as “Zindagi Bhar Nahin Bhoolegi” (Barsaat Ki Raat) and “Rahe Na Rahe Hum.”
Roshan’s obsession with rhythm set him apart. He used it not merely as a backdrop but as the music’s pulse, crafting orchestrations that fused Indian instruments like the sitar and tabla with violins and mandolins. His innovative style, especially his use of Raag Yaman, and his ability to understand the depth of the lyrics penned by Indivar and Anand Bakshi, made for some truly memorable music. Although he did not get a lot of fame in his lifetime, listeners, and singers of the current era are indebted to his art that shaped Bollywood’s golden era. However, the series fails to explore how his rhythmic legacy deeply influenced his sons Rajesh and Rakesh Roshan, or how the creative environment of the Roshan household, including the role played by Ira Nagrath, herself a singer, became a crucible for innovation.
Skimming over formative struggles
Rajesh Roshan, spurred by his wife’s encouragement, forged a unique path in Bollywood with hits like Julie (1975). Yet, The Roshans skims over his struggles, such as battling alcoholism and reconciling artistic integrity with commercial demands. Rajesh’s music has traces of his father’s music; perhaps had the father lived to see his son succeed, it would have made the story deeper and sweeter.
The series touches briefly on Rakesh Roshan’s early struggles as an actor before spotlighting his successes as a director with films like Karan Arjun (1995) and Krrish (2006). His work, infused with rhythmic precision, reflects the psychological weight of carrying his father’s aura and family’s legacy, a nuance the series glosses over. His ability to create high-octane cinematic spectacles was rooted in the same rhythmic sensibility his father pioneered. He lived a simple life and strived hard to overcome personal challenges like being stabbed by a gangster and having oral cancer.
When the focus shifts to Hrithik Roshan, the docuseries highlights his global stardom and we all once again fall in love with this Greek god with quicksilver moves. Fans in India and the world over catapulted him into a sensation but the series fails to fully explore the personal challenges that shaped him. Overcoming a stutter and scoliosis, Hrithik channeled his struggles into discipline and grace, evident in his famous dance moves. His performances—from Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000) to Guzaarish (2010)—reflect a precision born from his family’s legacy. His movements aren’t just inherited; they’re an extension of the rhythmic pulse instilled in him from childhood.
A Missed Opportunity
While The Roshans provides a nostalgic look at the family’s legacy, it barely scratches the surface of the intricate rhythmic thread connecting their personal and professional lives. The series fails to capture how rhythm—literal and metaphorical—shaped their artistry or how they grapple with the weight of their legacy in a rapidly evolving industry.
Despite its limitations, The Roshans rekindled my love for the larger-than-life immortal music, reminding me of the timeless genius of Roshan Lal Nagrath and the enduring heartbeat of rhythm that continues to echo through this remarkable family. Roshan was right! His songs will always bloom in our hearts, fragrant and joyful. “Rahe Na Rahe Hum, mahka karenge ban ke kali, ban ke sada, bage wafa mein…”