FEELING NOSTALGIA

Back in the days when I called Vientiane, Laos, my home, life moved at a slower, more deliberate pace. The world felt smaller, yet somehow richer, as if every experience carried a deeper weight. One of the most defining moments of my youth came in the form of an Indian movie that left an indelible mark on my soul—ມົນຮັກຝັງໃຈ *Monhuk fungchai*.

I first watched movie in theatre in southern city known as Pakse.  In a capital Vientiane a few years later where I first truly enjoyed watching a masterpiece of art. This was at a time when the cultural landscape of Laos was tightly controlled, and only films from select countries were permitted to grace the silver screen. Indian movies, with their vibrant colours, sweeping emotions, and unforgettable music, were among the few that made the cut. And ມົນຮັກຝັງໃຈ *Monhuk Fungchai*? It was nothing short of a revelation.

The film was a tapestry of love, tragedy, music, and dance—a symphony of emotions that resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just a movie; it was an experience. The story unfolded like a dream, pulling me into its world of heartbreak and beauty. The songs, oh, the songs! They were hauntingly beautiful, each note weaving its way into my heart. For the first time, I found myself understanding the lyrics, as songs were in Lao/Thai. The music transcended language, speaking directly to my soul.

I watched ມົນຮັກຝັງໃຈ *Monhuk Fungchai* again and again, each viewing deepening my connection to its story and soundtrack. The melodies became the soundtrack of my youth, playing in my mind as I wandered the streets of Vientiane. The film’s influence seeped into my own appreciation for music and cinema, shaping the way I saw the world and the stories it could tell.

Listening to these two songs by ກົງລາ ວົງສຳພັນ “Kongla Vongsamphanh” like stepping into a time machine. The nostalgia is overwhelming, a bittersweet reminder of a simpler time when a single movie could ignite a lifelong passion. ມົນຮັກຝັງໃຈ *Monhuk Fungchai* wasn’t just a film; it was a gateway to a world of emotion, artistry, and imagination. And for that, it will always hold a special place in my heart.