Scriptures and Screenplays: The Dual Legacy of Dr. Iqbal Durrani

Bollywood thrives on spectacle—grand narratives, magnetic personalities, and stories that captivate, amuse, and inspire. Yet amid this dazzling world, only a few artists have the courage to turn away from fame and pursue a path that is deeply introspective and spiritually profound. Dr. Iqbal Durrani, celebrated for directing hits like Phool Aur Kaante, is one such rare visionary. Over six transformative years, he stepped away from the glamour of cinema not to chase another blockbuster, but to embark on a spiritual journey: translating the ancient Samaveda into Hindi and Urdu.

This remarkable pursuit transcends scholarship—it is a mission of harmony, compassion, and rediscovery of shared human values. Through his work, Durrani reminds us that storytelling’s truest power lies not just in the frame of a film, but in its ability to awaken the soul of a civilization.

A Song of Unity: Durrani’s Samavedic Vision

Among Hinduism’s sacred texts, the Samaveda holds a unique distinction as the “Veda of Chants and Melodies.” Unlike the Rigveda, it emphasizes rhythm and music, guiding ancient rituals through divine sound. Translating such a spiritually charged text is an immense challenge, requiring both devotion and linguistic insight.

Dr. Iqbal Durrani took on this challenge with a transformative purpose. By translating the Samaveda into Hindi and Urdu, he opened a rare dialogue between linguistic and cultural worlds. “My goal,” he explained, “was to share the Samaveda’s message of universal love and spiritual kinship. Its melodies know no religion—they belong to humanity itself.”

A Journey of Dedication

For someone accustomed to the fast-paced world of Bollywood, six years of immersion in ancient texts is no small commitment. The process required meticulous study, self-discipline, introspection, and considerable personal sacrifice. Financial constraints and doubts were constant companions. Yet, Durrani remained steadfast, guided by an unwavering sense of purpose.

“There were times when I questioned if I could continue,” he admits. “But there was an internal calling, a sense of destiny. It felt less like a choice and more like a sacred duty.”

His mission is reminiscent of the Mughal prince Dara Shikoh, who centuries ago sought to bridge religious divides by translating the Upanishads and Vedic texts into Persian. Durrani sees himself as a modern torchbearer of that vision, using the Samaveda to promote understanding, harmony, and a shared spiritual heritage. Dr. Iqbal Durrani realized the dream that Dara Shikoh was prevented from completing under Shah Jahan’s rule—a feat accomplished during the tenure of Vishwa Guru Narendra Modi.

Translating Beyond Words
Translation is never a simple act of converting words from one language to another. It is, at its core, an interpretive art. Durrani’s work ensures that the essence of the Samaveda—the spirit of its verses, the beauty of its chants, and the depth of its wisdom—is not lost to contemporary readers. It is about making the ancient accessible, relevant, and resonant for a world that is often fractured by misunderstanding and division.

“The Samaveda teaches us about the harmony of life, the interconnectedness of all beings,” Durrani says. “My aim was to preserve that essence while making it understandable and meaningful for today’s readers.”

A Launch that Spoke Volumes

The launch of Durrani’s Hindi and Urdu translations of the Samaveda was more than a book release; it was a powerful statement. Held at the historic Red Fort, a symbol of India’s rich and syncretic past, the event drew attention from diverse quarters. Attendees included RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, prominent Muslim clerics, and Bollywood personalities, highlighting the potential of the Samaveda to act as a bridge across faiths and communities.
“This gathering was a testament to what I believe,” Durrani reflects. “It showed me that beneath superficial differences, people are yearning for connection, for shared humanity. The Samaveda, with its emphasis on universal truths, can serve as a catalyst for harmony.”

Media coverage, particularly by Zee News, acknowledged the significance of the event. It went beyond religious discourse to underscore the idea of shared cultural heritage, demonstrating how literature and art can foster dialogue, understanding, and unity.

From Cinematic Storytelling to Spiritual Narratives

Before embarking on this spiritual journey, Durrani was a familiar face in Bollywood. He had directed and produced numerous commercial hits, occasionally acting in villainous roles within his own films. These experiences, rather than being a distraction, equipped him with a unique perspective. Understanding human motivations, crafting compelling narratives, and connecting with audiences are skills honed in the cinematic world—skills that have enriched his work on the Samaveda.

“My film career taught me the power of storytelling,” Durrani explains. “It taught me how to reach people’s hearts and minds. This project, in a way, is the most important story I’ve ever tried to tell.”

In many ways, Durrani’s translation project is a continuation of his cinematic work: telling a story, evoking emotion, and touching lives. The only difference is the medium—where once he worked with reels and scripts, now he works with Sanskrit verses, melodies, and translations that speak directly to the human soul.

Uniting Hearts Through Ancient Wisdom

Amid growing societal polarization, Durrani’s work highlights the timeless relevance of the Samaveda. His translations show that sacred texts are not exclusive possessions—they can become instruments of harmony, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.

“When people from different walks of life engage with this work, it confirms my belief,” he says. “At its core, our spiritual heritage belongs to everyone. Recognizing that is a step toward meaningful connection and collective unity.”

Recognition and Legacy

The India Book of Records has recognised Durrani as the first individual to translate the Samaveda into both Hindi and Urdu in a single publication—a landmark achievement. His work is now available through resources like Awaz – The Voice and the India Book of Records, making this ancient wisdom accessible to modern readers and inspiring cross-cultural dialogue.

His literary contributions also include “Gandhi se Pehle Gandhi”, an inspiring book that sheds light on the life of Birsa Munda, often referred to as “Gandhi before Gandhi” for his revolutionary role. The book details the struggle, bravery, and national pride of this great tribal leader who led an impactful movement against the exploitation of the British Raj and local landlords. It seeks to bring his significant contribution to the freedom struggle into the mainstream national narrative. The book was launched by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Durrani continues to work in the world of cinema. He is collaborating with Mukesh Khanna on an ambitious new film, Baba Jaan, which explores the unconventional love story between an elderly Muslim man and a sacred cow. This project, much like his translation work, reflects Durrani’s commitment to telling stories that challenge societal norms, promote understanding, and explore shared humanity.

A Life Transformed

Dr. Iqbal Durrani’s journey from Bollywood director to spiritual bridge-builder exemplifies personal transformation at its most profound. It is a journey from the pursuit of commercial success to the pursuit of enlightenment, empathy, and social harmony. His work on the Samaveda is not the conclusion of his story but the beginning of a larger mission: demonstrating that understanding, compassion, and unity are attainable when we reach beyond superficial differences and embrace our shared heritage.

In an era where differences often dominate headlines, Durrani offers a different narrative—a melody from the past, translated for the present, and designed to harmonise the future. His unscripted journey is a reminder that the most impactful stories are sometimes those that transcend the screen and resonate directly with the human spirit.

Through his cinematic vision and spiritual endeavour, Dr Iqbal Durrani proves that legacy is not just measured by box-office hits but by the lives touched, the minds opened, and the hearts inspired. In translating the Samaveda for a modern world, he has written a story that transcends language, religion, and culture—a story of unity, understanding, and the enduring power of human connection.

The Samaveda Today

The Samaveda remains one of the four primary Vedas, revered for its hymns and melodies. Durrani’s translation brings this ancient wisdom into contemporary relevance, emphasising harmony, interconnectedness, and the universal truths that bind humanity. As readers engage with this work, they are not just reading a text; they are participating in a cultural dialogue that spans centuries and faiths, fostering understanding in a world that deeply needs it.

Through his dedication, sacrifice, and vision, Dr. Iqbal Durrani has shown that stories—whether on screen or on paper—have the power to transform society. And in his hands, the melodies of the Samaveda have found a voice that resonates far beyond their ancient origins, touching the hearts of all who seek connection, understanding, and unity.

The Pillars of Bharat
We talk often of India’s greatness, but true greatness rests on the foundation of its institutions—the four pillars that uphold our republic. A nation is only as strong as the integrity of these systems. Today, we need to hold a mirror to each of them and ask: Is the mortar holding these bricks still strong with Dharma (righteousness), or is it crumbling under Swaarth (self-interest)?

The Administration (The Iron Frame)

The bureaucracy, the “iron frame” of India, is meant to be the tireless servant of the people. It is the bridge between policy and the common citizen. But too often, this frame has rusted. The ideal of the impartial administrator—dedicated, non-political, and focused solely on execution—is often betrayed by red tape, inefficiency, and corruption. The focus has shifted from seva (service) to satta (power). We need officers whose loyalty is to the law and the public, not to the passing political masters.

An impact assessment reveals that the majority of people come to AIIMS Delhi due to its reputation for specialised, high-quality, and low-cost care, which is often unavailable in other parts of the country. This influx from across India and neighbouring countries strains the hospital’s infrastructure and resources, creating long waiting times despite the opening of new regional AIIMS. There is an urgent need to create and provide a similar infrastructure that matches the standards and infrastructure in Delhi, including the human capital. There is no dearth of talented doctors in India who need to be retained within India by offering incentives to match International standards to make India a health tourism destination for the world

The Political System (The Will of the People)

Politics is the heart of democracy, where the nation’s vision is debated and forged. Yet, the raajneeti (politics) of today seems polluted by opportunism. Where are the leaders who exemplify genuine sacrifice and vision? When the electoral process becomes a marketplace where principles are exchanged for power, the entire national character is diluted. The true role of the political class is to inspire collective loyalty and foster unity, not to deepen divisions for short-term electoral gain.

The Judicial System (The Scale of Justice)

The judiciary is the final conscience of the nation—the temple where the scales of justice must always remain perfectly balanced. It is meant to be the unwavering shield against executive and legislative overreach. When the common person seeks justice, they must find quick, impartial resolution, without delay or prejudice. Any hint of compromise, influence, or massive backlog undermines the public’s faith in the very concept of Rule of Law. For a society to thrive, the pursuit of truth must be swift and absolute in the courts.

The Banyan Tree of Justice

“The Banyan tree first grows toward the sky, and then its roots return to the earth. This is why the Banyan is called a Rishi (a sage or wise one).

Our nation’s law (judicial system) has been growing toward the heights, and I sincerely hope its roots will also return to the earth like the Banyan, ensuring that justice can be delivered to the common man.”

Journalism (The Fourth Estate)

The press, or the ‘Fourth Estate,’ is entrusted with the sacred duty of holding power accountable and speaking the truth fearlessly. It is meant to be the voice of the voiceless, shining a light on darkness. But today, the glare of sensationalism often overshadows the light of truth. When the media becomes an instrument of partisan politics or commercial interest, it ceases to be a pillar of democracy and becomes a tool of propaganda. The nation needs fearless reporters, not just loud anchors—those who serve the truth, not their owners or sponsors.

“Journalism is not what is shown, but what needs to be shown or written about—the things that are often hidden from the public.” 

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Step in, master,
This, here, is a bazaar of flesh.
Chest…
Throat…
Limbs…
Thighs…
Pick your cut, it’s here for the taking.
But heed this one decree:
Come soaked in liquor’s numb embrace.
Or else, when night’s feast is served,
And “morsels” are heaped upon your plate,
You might see “daughters” staring back.

It happened to me once…
My own blood, torn from my womb,
My son,
Slunk to my door.
Fate was kind—he saw the truth,
The cord that bound us,
And fled into the dark.

But these…
Whose spawn are they?
Defiling, clawing,
Ravaging
Their own “Mother India”!!

– Dr Iqbal Durrani
(Translated by Pradyot Ranjan)

Pic Courtesy: pegasus photography/ images are subject to copyright