What do the songs of 1950’s Hindi cinema have in common with the poems of Bhakti saint-poets? As we explore the histories of constitutional ideas through Bhakti poetry, we find a striking resonance in the values underpinning the Constitution of our modern republic. We begin our journey in 20th century Bombay, where the film industry has created a new public sphere for expression by artists, lyricists and songwriters, who speak to a pan-India audience through the immense reach of this new medium. The pre-Independence Progressive Writers Association and its baton-bearing successors, the Indian People's Theatre Association, endeavour to create a new public consciousness. The lyrics of Sahir Ludhianvi, Majrooh Sultanpuri, and Shailendra thrum with a yearning to remind people of their rights and duties.

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