Every year New Delhi welcomes people and their hopes. People from across the nation find themselves attracted to this city because of its prestige, politics, and power- thinking they might not become millionaires but would be able to afford bare necessities- food, clothing, and shelter.

However, that is a distant dream. These people find themselves in a vicious circle of selective development – always on the edge of losing it all. They make the Eighty Percent – and for them escaping the vicious circle is a generational challenge.

After the success of Borrowed Dreams: The Canadian Experience in 2023, Insight Media has worked on a docu-series called the Eighty Percent, presenting its first part Ashamed of My Capital in 2024. The national capital is the pinnacle as the administrative, political, and cultural nerve center of a country. The national capital’s infrastructure, institutions, and global connectivity play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s development trajectory and projecting its influence on the world stage. One of New Delhi’s major institutions is its MCD dumpsites or rather its mountains of trash, an infrastructure like none. Our team decided to investigate one of these institutions and arrived at the Bhalswa landfill in Rajiv Nagar of north Delhi. 

Our documentary reflects upon the life of the people living around the Bhalswa MCD dumping site. It exposes the hardship and struggle people of Bhalswa are subjected to and have no control over. A skyline of eagles along with a rancid stench welcomed us at the hill. A local resident, Mohammad Ali recalls how their morning routine is no less than war being fought on the border. He states “We all are daily wage labourers not Beaurocrat. We have to wake up early in the morning, fill water from the tankers, get ready, drop our kids to school and also somehow reach our work at 9:00 every morning. It is not less than any war being fought on the border”. Another resident of the Bhalswa settlement talks about how the dumping site has taken away his prime years. For Ishak Ali breathing has become cumbersome to the point where he cannot walk two steps without losing his energy. A mother of a 10 month old baby shared about how she had to leave her child with her relatives as the fires, smoke, and leachate were making it impossible for her baby to stay with the mother.

The Julaha are the invisible layer of life separating the world from the hill of trash. This   community is recognised as a scheduled caste under the Indian constitution and majority of them are rag pickers and people that work on the garbage hill. We got to know about their story hidden from the world, never part of the mainstream news, buried underneath the hill of trash. They are subjugated to methane which causes neurological disorder, cognitive impairment, and acute respiratory disorder. All of these lead to serious growth and development stunting in future generations, making sure leaving the vicious cycle of poverty and lack of social mobility is unfeasible. 

The Bhalswa landfill is an un-engineered site lacking necessary technology to prevent the environment from degradation. Moreover, the landfill exceeds the limit of 20 meters of height for un-engineered landfills. Without the essential technology all that accumulates at the hill finds its way in the groundwater and the nearby water body. We decided to test the MCD water that is supplied by the Delhi government to the people living near the Bhalswa settlement, water that is claimed to be fit for drinking. The water sample was given to the Shree Ram Food and Pharma research centre to test for quality of drinking water.                                                                                        

The report revealed the water to be infested with high levels of calcium, magnesium, and total dissolved solids (TDS). These can cause health issues like kidney stones if consumed regularly.  The presence of coliform bacteria, commonly found in sewage and waste, suggests serious microbial contamination. This makes the water unsafe and poses risks of waterborne diseases. High levels of heavy metals and hardness can damage kidneys, liver, and bones over time. This report was shared with Dr. Sandihya Bhargava, a public health expert. He relayed his views as “Heavy metals can cause severe damage to the liver, skin, it’s also carcinogenic in nature and coliform bacteria particularly can also result in severe diarrhea, which is also one of the leading causes of undefined mortality across India. Root cause, there are, uh, many root causes of it. First and foremost is industrial affluence going in the water bodies, then human waste going into water bodies, improper water disposal plant, and excess, at times, uh, to reduce the amount of, uh, bacteria or pollutants in the water. The government uses chlorine, they put chlorine into the water and at times is, uh, filled excessively.” To watch the documentary and doctor’s analysis find the link here.

The eagles circling above Bhalswa seem to symbolize the grim reality of its residents—waiting to claim the remains of their dreams, aspirations, and, eventually, their lives. The rancid stench is a metaphor for the false promises made to these people, promises as toxic as the environment they endure.

Insight Media’s Ashamed of My Capital sheds light on the plight of Bhalswa’s residents and the systemic neglect they face. To watch the full documentary and Dr. Bhargava’s analysis, click here.

The story of Bhalswa is not just about a landfill; it is a mirror reflecting the failures of urban development, governance, and humanity itself.

Fondly called Panchamda, Rahul Dev Burman (R.D. Burman) remains an iconic figure in the annals of Indian music history. His compositions have not only stood the test of time but have also continued to enchant and inspire new generations of music lovers. Known for his innovative use of instruments and his ability to blend Indian and Western musical traditions, Burman’s work is a testament to his prodigious talent and creative genius. However, like many great artists, Burman’s career is not without its controversies, particularly regarding the originality of some of his most famous compositions.

The Genius of R.D. Burman

R.D. Burman was born into a musical family, being the son of the legendary music director S.D. Burman. His entry into the world of music seemed almost preordained, and he quickly carved out a niche for himself with his distinctive style. Burman’s ability to fuse rock, disco, jazz, and classical music with traditional Indian sounds was revolutionary. His work in movies like “Sholay,” “Amar Prem,” and “Yaadon Ki Baaraat” showcased his versatility and his knack for creating timeless melodies.

His innovative approach to music can be seen in songs like “Dum Maro Dum,” which incorporated psychedelic rock influences, and “Mehbooba Mehbooba,” with its Middle Eastern undertones. Burman’s music was not just about entertainment; it often pushed the boundaries of what was expected in Bollywood at the time, bringing a fresh perspective to film scores and soundtracks.

The Shadow of Plagiarism

Despite his towering achievements, R.D. Burman has often been accused of drawing heavily from Western music, leading to allegations of plagiarism. This aspect of his career, while controversial, highlights a broader trend within Bollywood, where the lines between inspiration and imitation often blur.

1. “Mehbooba Mehbooba” and Demis Roussos’s “Say You Love Me”: The iconic song from “Sholay” (1975) bears a striking resemblance to Demis Roussos’s “Say You Love Me” (1974). The melody and structure are notably similar, showcasing Burman’s knack for adapting and Indianizing Western tunes.
2. “Tumse Milke” and Leo Sayer’s “When I Need You”: The romantic ballad from “Parinda” (1989) mirrors the melody of Leo Sayer’s 1976 hit.
3. “Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko” and Bojoura’s “If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium”: This beloved song from “Yaadon Ki Baaraat” (1973) closely follows the tune of Bojoura’s 1969 track.
4. “Mil Gaya Humko Saathi” and ABBA’s “Mamma Mia”: The 1977 song “Mil Gaya Humko Saathi” draws from ABBA’s famous 1975 hit.
5. “Jeevan Ke Din” and Francis Lai’s “Love Story Theme”: The theme from “Love Story” (1970) can be heard in “Jeevan Ke Din” from “Bade Dilwala” (1983), again reflecting Burman’s eclectic influences.
6. “Aao Twist Karein” and Chubby Checker’s “Let’s Twist Again”: The 1965 song from “Bhoot Bungla” is a clear adaptation of Chubby Checker’s 1961 hit, highlighting Burman’s ability to infuse Western rock and roll into Bollywood music.
7. “Tera Mujhse Hai” and Elvis Presley’s “The Yellow Rose of Texas”: The melody of this 1973 song from “Aa Gale Lag Jaa” is reminiscent of Elvis’s 1964 rendition.

Bollywood’s Culture of Borrowing

R.D. Burman was not alone in this practice; Bollywood has a long history of borrowing from Western music. This trend can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Western music often provided a rich repository of melodies and rhythms that were novel to Indian audiences. Secondly, the film industry’s fast-paced nature sometimes necessitated quick solutions, making adaptations a practical choice. Lastly, there was an inherent cultural exchange, with Bollywood constantly evolving through the integration of diverse musical influences.

While such practices raise ethical questions about originality and artistic integrity, they also underscore a broader phenomenon of cultural assimilation and transformation. The adaptations often resulted in a unique sound that, while rooted in Western traditions, bore the distinct imprint of Indian musical aesthetics.

Did you know, that Pritam has copied 45+ songs too? Click here to know more.

In a world where music transcends language and culture, Pranavi Madaan stands as a testament to the power of melody and lyrics. She’s not your typical artist; she’s a regular person navigating the complexities of life while using music as her guiding light. Pranavi’s journey into the world of music is a story of innate talent, family influence, and a passion that has been burning within her since childhood.

Growing up in a musical family, Pranavi was surrounded by the enchanting tunes of legends like Jagjit Singh, Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, Rafi, Sonu Nigam, and more. Her parents were not just music enthusiasts; they were brilliant singers themselves. Evenings and car trips were a symphony of timeless melodies, laying the foundation for Pranavi’s deep connection to music. Her father’s familiarity with Western pop music introduced her to the likes of Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, and Backstreet Boys at a young age.

Pranavi’s musical journey began to take shape when she discovered her own talent for singing. From an early age, she could effortlessly recreate songs by ear on the keyboard and mesmerize audiences with her soulful voice. Her first taste of the stage came at the tender age of 5 or 6, when she began participating in school competitions, consistently winning several awards until she reached grade 12. Her teachers recognized her exceptional talent and encouraged her to pursue music professionally, but her parents insisted on her completing her education and securing a stable job.

As she grew older, her passion for music never left her. It was always there, quietly beckoning her to take the leap into the world of professional music. The dream of making music was a constant presence, a beacon that guided her path.

Pranavi’s creative process is deeply rooted in real-life experiences and emotions. Her songs often originate from personal feelings or scenarios she envisions. Her recent creation, “Mere Ware,” is a poignant reflection of the longing for closure after a separation. The lyrics resonate with anyone who has ever wondered if the person they once loved still thinks about them, even when it’s best for both parties to move on.

The phrase “Das ki haal hai tera, Mere Ware soch ke” (loosely translated to “tell me if it hurts when you think about me, too”) became the cornerstone of the song, and the melody flowed seamlessly from there. Pranavi’s ability to translate raw emotions into lyrics and music is what sets her apart as a truly gifted artist.

As for what’s next for Pranavi Madaan, she remains uncertain about the path ahead. However, one thing is clear: her dedication to making music that resonates deeply with listeners is unwavering. She aspires to carve out an alternate genre for her unique style of songs, especially in an industry where uniformity often prevails. Pranavi’s goal is to create feel-good music that is relatable and has the power to evoke a profound emotional response in her audience.

In a world where music can touch the soul, Pranavi Madaan’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of melodies and lyrics. As she continues to explore her passion for music, there’s no doubt that her creations will continue to captivate hearts and inspire others to follow their own dreams, one soulful note at a time. Pranavi Madaan is not just an artist; she’s a storyteller, a dreamer, and a musical force to be reckoned with.