Did you know that the viral song trending on Coke Studio is actually a classic Bhojpuri folk song known as a Kajri?

The story behind this haunting melody traces back to the legendary singer and courtesan, Gauhar Jaan.

Gauhar Jaan originally performed this song to express her profound grief when her lover, Aslam, left their home in Kachaudi Gali for Mirzapur.

Aslam, who was also a young revolutionary, was eventually arrested by the British colonial government and exiled to Rangoon (modern-day Burma) via ship – a detail referenced in the lyrics as "sip" (ship).

Heartbroken and furious, Gauhar Jaan’s lyrics reflect her deep resentment toward the British rule that tore her life apart, famously lamenting that had she held a blade, she would have fought back against those who left her home desolate.