Rono’s ‘Gulaabi Rahi’ with Aarifah Breaks Hearts and Rose-Colored Glasses

Rono‘s much-awaited track “Gulaabi Rahi” is finally here, and this one is everything fans have been waiting for and more. Featuring the soulful Aarifah, Rono delivers an emotive track that chronicles the most treasured but often imbalanced aspects of love. The title, “Gulaabi Rahi,” translates to “Pink Journey,” as if it’s a poetic nod towards the rose-tinted glasses we wear when in love which is now on the cusp of cracking.

At the heart of “Gulaabi Rahi” is a breakup tragedy, the transparent realization that the love for which you have fought is escaping through your fingers. It really describes that feeling of helplessness about how hard it seems to let go, yet hang on to what is left in the relationship, which does not satisfactorily describe what you feel anymore. Rono and Taab’s haunting lyrics run nicely this time, laced with a storm of anger and sadness joining one emotional thread, amid which reluctant acceptance surfaces. The result can leave listeners deep in reflection; it’s one of those songs that stays with you long after you’ve hit pause.

But more than the lyrics, “Gulaabi Rahi” sounds like the ultimate depiction of the roller coaster of emotions experienced in love. Sonically, the song has an Eighties indie and alternative feel to it, with whirlwinds of rock drums, swirling guitars, and vintage synths taking you into the chaos of a relationship at its breaking point. Vocalist Rono lays down the vocals but is also on guitars, bass, and keys, so every layer blends seamlessly. Aarifah’s vocals are ethereal and add poignant contrast that adds to the depth of emotion in the song.

The team behind the track is no less impressive. Soutrik Chakraborty aka Zico from indie act Fox In The Garden, lends production and guitars, and Suyash Medh drums for it, and “Gulaabi Rahi” can be called a gem rich in sound. Production by Rono and Satyajit Chatterjee has given the track the feel of something old and new, perfect for the fans of indie music that hits hard on the emotional quotient.

The line “O kaise main chhodun, Ye zidd ki hai paana tujhe” is full of obstinacy, as if the protagonist has been fighting just to have you. The refrain “Hai pyaar, par kya ye chaahat gulaabi rahi” touches the very painful question of whether it’s still the same charm in a relationship. The song also speaks about the very situation of being turned into a mere object of convenience, with the line “Main hoon bas amaanat, Khilauna, tu chaahe wahi” (I’m just a possession, a puppet for your hands).

Apart from the new release, Rono will head out on a five-city tour in November where he will perform Gulaabi Rahi and other fan-favorite songs in a more intimate setting. Details on the dates will soon be shared for cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Goa and Kolkata. He said about the tour in an Instagram post, “I’ll be bringing this (and more) new music to some super intimate winter gatherings.”