I was being romantic when I started with 'Labon ko labon pe.'

"I was being romantic when I started with 'Labon ko labon pe.'" – KK. In these words, KK speaks to the power of romance as expressed through music, and specifically, through a single, passionate line of lyrics. "Labon ko labon pe" (translated as "Lips on lips") carries a profound emotional weight, speaking not only to the intensity of romantic love but to the spiritual connection between two people. It is a line that evokes longing, desire, and a deep intimacy—the kind that transcends the superficial and enters the realm of the divine. The act of being "romantic," as KK describes it, is more than just performing a song; it is about creating an emotional space where love, in all its beauty and vulnerability, is brought to life and shared with the world.

In the ancient world, romantic expression often took form in poetry, songs, and stories that celebrated the union of hearts. The great poet Sappho, whose works on love and desire have transcended millennia, wrote of the deep emotional connection between lovers, often elevating the act of romantic intimacy to the level of the divine. Her poetry was filled with sensuality and emotion, capturing the profound impact that love can have on both the soul and the body. Romantic love, for Sappho, was not just an earthly connection but a cosmic force that transcended the individual and the mundane. Similarly, in KK’s music, the romanticism in the line “Labon ko labon pe” invokes a feeling of something larger than the individual—an emotional union that unites two souls in a moment of pure, unguarded affection.

Consider the famous myth of Eros and Psyche, which symbolizes the transformative power of love. Eros, the god of love, falls deeply in love with Psyche, a mortal woman, but their relationship is shrouded in mystery and difficulty. In one of the most poignant moments of the myth, Psyche finally comes face to face with Eros, and their kiss becomes not only an act of love but also a moment of divine revelation. Through this kiss, the couple’s love transcends its earthly limitations and becomes something sacred. In much the same way, KK’s romantic line carries with it the sense of love as an elevating force—one that is both intimate and transcendent. It is not merely about physical attraction but about emotional transformation and the connection between two people that elevates them beyond the ordinary.

The ancient Indian tradition also gives us a rich history of romantic expression, from the beautiful poetry of Kalidasa in Shakuntala to the Bhakti movement that intertwined devotion and love. In this context, the kiss or touch between lovers is often symbolic of something much deeper—of the union between the soul and the divine. The Geeta, the ancient scripture, speaks of the power of love and devotion as the highest form of connection between the human and the divine. In KK’s line, we see a reflection of this ancient spirit—the romantic kiss is not simply a fleeting act but a symbol of union, of souls meeting in a moment of vulnerability and longing.

The lesson KK imparts through his words is that romance is not just a feeling but a powerful, transformative act—an expression of the deepest parts of ourselves that we often keep hidden from the world. Romantic love, whether through a kiss, a song, or a glance, is an emotional exchange that goes beyond the physical realm, seeking to connect two souls in a way that feels both personal and universal. In this sense, romance is not simply about passion but about connection, the desire to share intimacy in its most sacred form.

In our own lives, we must recognize the power of romance to heal, connect, and elevate us. It is easy to view romantic gestures as fleeting or superficial, but true romance—whether through words, actions, or music—has the potential to deepen our relationships and transform our understanding of love. Whether in a relationship or a creative endeavor, we should strive to create moments that invite deep connection and intimacy, allowing ourselves to share our vulnerability with those we care for. Like the romantic act captured in KK’s song, we should embrace the power of presence, and show up for those we love, not only physically but emotionally and spiritually.

Ultimately, the romantic spirit is one of openness, vulnerability, and connection. Whether in a kiss, a song, or a simple moment of shared silence, love can transcend the boundaries of time and space, uniting us with others in ways that are both deeply personal and universally meaningful. Let us, like KK, seek to live romantically—not in grand gestures alone, but in the quiet, transformative moments of shared affection and emotional presence that define the depth of human connection. Through these moments, we will come to understand that romance, in its truest sense, is the essence of love—a force that elevates us, connects us, and reminds us of the beauty and power of our shared humanity.