Ruk Jana Nahin is from Imtihan (Trial, Hindi movie, 1974) directed by Madan Sinha. Vinod Khanna, Tanuja and Bindu played the lead roles in the movie . The lyrics of the song were written by Majrooh Sultanpuri, the music was composed by Laxmikant–Pyarelal, and Kishore Kumar did the playback singing.
In the movie, the song plays in the background of the opening titles of the film as Pramod (Vindo Khanna) – an idealist son of a wealthy businessman who doesn’t want to live under the shadow of his father – appointed as a lecturer, journeys to join the college. The song introduces Pramod's philosophy of not being attached to wealth attained by birth and portrays him as a noble and happy soul whom even the sun doesn't scorch and bows to.
Song situation/Movie synopsis: While working as a new lecturer in a college, the protagonist is falsely accused by a jealous female student who is the daughter of the chairman of the college. Added to that are troubles from a gang of students led by a rowdy and hostile faculty members. Pramod decides to quit, but Madhu, the Principal's daughter who loves him, tells she believes in him and stands by him. She advises him to prove the charges against him as false, so they don't have to leave but continue to live, together, in the same city. Pramod thanks her for showing the right path, gathers necessary evidence and proves to the college management that the allegations were fabricated. However, admitting that he failed in his attempts to reform the students, he resigns from the college and leaves. Madhu joins him in his onwards journey.
It's an inspiring and educative film in which the hero, – like Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who left behind his royal life in pursuit of truth, – leaves his prosperous family. But unlike the prince who became Buddha and preached of the illusion of the world, Pramod lives in the world by his ideals of truth and love and is not attached to the conventional position or security the society gives.
Kishore Kumar’s rendering has a philosophical tone, and among the covers of the song, Jaya's cover conveys better the fighting spirit in the lyrics. This video of Timeless Music and Talks has parts from Jaya’s cover and, for the lines omitted by her, alterrnate visuals have been provided (movie footage can't be used as the titles roll throughout the song). YouTuber Amir’s cinematic visuals of his trek in the Himalayas [Amir Explores, July 2024] has been found apt and used as the alternate visuals, with gratitude.
The Hindi lyrics of the song have been translated into English and displayed on the video to enable the wider audience to understand and appreciate it better.
For non-profit cultural and educational purposes.
Click to watch the video: https://youtu.be/OWtuz5_RTQQ
