Indian folk songs have long served as a charming medium to capture the beauty of its customs and traditions. Among the many traditions, one that often brings smiles and nostalgia is the playful ritual
of scolding or teasing relatives during weddings. These customs, though humorous, carry deep cultural significance and emotion.
A Bride’s Tantrums – A Playful Part Of The Farewell Ritual
One such endearing tradition is when the bride throws mock tantrums before leaving for her in-laws’ home. This scene was beautifully portrayed by Sridevi in the iconic song from the film Chandni, where she playfully resists going to her new home.
Interestingly, this cinematic portrayal appears to draw inspiration from a traditional Punjabi folk song, whose lyrics are as meaningful as they are melodious.
Soul Of The Song: ‘Jutti Meri’ And Its Emotional Layers
The Punjabi folk song Jutti Meri captures the emotion-laden yet light-hearted moment when the bride is about to be taken to her in-laws’ house. In the song, the bride refuses to go and is lovingly persuaded by each member of her new family.
The verses describe the symbolic gifts brought by her in-laws to win her over: Her father-in-law (Saura) brings bangles, which she accepts but still refuses to go. Then, her brother-in-law (Der) arrives with a lehenga, again met with reluctance.
Finally, her husband arrives, slightly exasperated, and lovingly reminds her of their bond. Moved by his words, the bride joyfully agrees to go, walking away thumak thumak (gracefully swaying) with him.
A Sample Of The Lyrics (Translated In Spirit)
“Jutti Meri Jandiye Pahadiye De Naal
Te Paula Mera Janda Ae Us Dogre De Naal
Thumak Thumak Jandi Ae Mai De Naal….”
“My shoes go with the man from the hills, and my scarf with that Dogra boy… I walk away swaying with my beloved…”
The lyrics symbolically reflect the journey of the bride, both literal and emotional, as she prepares to embrace a new chapter of life.
A Folk Classic Inspiring Bollywood: ‘Main Sasural Nahi Jaungi’
This folk song inspired the much-loved Hindi track Main Sasural Nahi Jaungi, written by Anand Bakshi for the film Chandni. The song was picturised on Sridevi and Rishi Kapoor, where Sridevi playfully refuses to go with her in-laws, embodying the essence of the folk tradition with grace and humour.
The lyrics lovingly depict the teasing exchanges between the bride and her new family, encapsulating the bittersweet emotions of post-marriage customs. The song was sung by Pamela Chopra, wife of the film’s director Yash Chopra, and composed by the musical duo Shiv-Hari.
A Tradition That Blends Emotion And Playfulness
Whether in folk songs or film adaptations, this tradition of the bride’s mock resistance is deeply rooted in Indian culture. It blends emotion, humour, and drama, reflecting the complexity of marriage as a social transition, especially for the bride.
Through songs like Jutti Meri and Main Sasural Nahi Jaungi, these moments are preserved and passed down, continuing to resonate with audiences across generations.
