When I think of Bollywood and Michael Jackson, I automatically think of this song.

It’s not an obvious copy of anything Jackson, which definitely were common in the 80’s.

The song “Urvashi” by A.R. Rahman was definitely before his Slumdog days, even before his Chaiya Chaiya days. The song, which was from Prabhu Deva’s film Humse Hai Muqabala, makes you feel nostalgic for the 1990s and for the late Michael Jackson.

The song made the now famous singer/ composer Shankar Mahadevan famous. Rahman, who joined Mahadevan for the vocals, made the song extremely popular and catchy.

Today, there are many noteworthy composers who take risks with their music, such as Pritam, Salim-Sulaiman, Vishal-Shekhar and Shankar Ehsaan Loy. In the 90’s, it was Rahman who left the typical Jatin-Lalit and Nadeem-Shravan melodies and made music that was distinctly original, whether it was Roja, Bombay, Dil Se, Taal or Rangeela.

“Urvashi” in particular stands out to me. For one, it was one of his early hits, before his name was a household one in the north (he was already extremely popular in South India). And the other is definitely because of the lyrics of the song.

The chorus simply says, “Take it easy Urvashi,” and the whole point of the song is to just go with the flow, a modern version of Dev Anand’s “Mein zindagi ka saath nibhaata chala gaya.”

Some favorite verses from the song are sometimes comical, sometimes revolutionary. Some favorite verses translated:

Urvashi, Urvashi, take it easy, Urvashi
…..
The way to win is by having a take it easy policy
There are only four days of bliss,
Youth is a fantasy

The power went off during Chitrahaar (popular TV show)
take it easy policy

After studying, still failed
take it easy policy

Father said that you’re mother’s enemy
take it easy policy

Commit sins, and wash them away
take it easy policy
……
Cats aren’t vegitarians, not everyone is God
Women won’t have equal rights without a revolution
Times have changed, old thoughts won’t work

She didn’t come for the movie
take it easy policy

If there’s an old hag sitting next to you
take it easy policy

If you have to work on Sunday
take it easy policy

She loves but then asks for money

It’s an incredible song, made better with Prabhu Deva’s dance moves. Here’s the video: