Why do we sometimes cry listening to our favourite old songs?
Last night, I got the desire to see 1952 iconic movie Baiju Bawra after five decades. As each song was played from ‘Jhule mein pawan ke aayi bahaar’ as Gauri and Baiju grow up, to ‘Tu Ganga ki mauj’, ‘Door koi gaaye’, ‘Insaan bano’, Bachpan ki mohabbat ko, ‘Mujhe bhool gaye saanwariya’, ‘Man tadpat Hari darsan ko aaj’ and ‘O duniya ke rakhwaale’; I felt the eyes and heart becoming more and more moist.
Why do we cry? Oh, I will give anything to have those movies and songs again; flute was an essential instrument, there was simplicity, there was innocence and there was as Badshaah Akbar said in the movie: Azmat!
I was thrillrd to see that credits to Ustaad Amir Khan and DV Paluskar ranked ahead of playback singers Rafi, Lata and Shamshad Begum.
Why do we cry?
Does anyone have the answer? Well, I posed this question in my Facebook Group ‘Yaad Kiya Dil Ne’ (I had to make this group when in the last group ‘Dil Ki Nazar Se’ people started putting up frivolous posts. All my groups, on the other hand, are based on the principle of mutual-learning than merely groups for entertainment and socialising). Here are the responses from some of my friends on the group.
1. Nitin Shringarpure “Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of Powerful feelings. It takes its origins from the emotions recollected in tranquillity” William Wordsworth, “Same is the thing with crying”.
2. Surekha Saini Well my reason for crying is a bit stupid. ..when I listen to these songs I start relating myself to the character n feel the same pain through lyrics n music the character must be feeling in that situation. …n I cry every time when I listen to. .Mann tadpat Hari darsan ko aaj…and..O duniyaa ke rakh wale. ..from my childhood so no chance of memories related to the songs…I mentioned both poetry n music. ..as a child I used to cry with no reason but now its lyrics n poetry n of course singing. ..n if I relate myself to the character means movie n the storyline come naturally. ..until I understand the film thoroughly how can I relate myself to the character. …actually mera dil mere dimag se jyada kaam karta hai. …
3. Raj Dutta When ever our Soul wishes to have a bath…it takes the body and the brain though a memory trip facilitated by sense organs mostly eyes and ears…the brain does some chemical locha and triggers and squeezes the tears ducts…moistening your eyes and sinuses…And lo the Soul is fresh again…sentimentally and temperamentally formatted…But my late eldest Tayyaji never wept even on the demise of his near and dear ones…When I once asked him the reason He in a shayrana andaz said, “Bahut roya hoon Ghame zindagi mein, Ab toh ansuon ne bhi mujhe bhula diya hai”…He had taken part in WW II.
Raj Dutta then put up a Pakistani song by Rahim Shah to explain this:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=KyHanHl5X30%3F
This only means one thing that the very songs that we rued kept us away from storyline and “avoidable” at that time when we used to see movies as children and teenagers, are actually the most wonderful memories of the movies of that time. And remember how we used to compare with Hollywood matter-of-fact, “professionally made” “no nonsense and no songs” movies?
There is no better way to express emotions than through poetry.
Tears are also seen as a ‘release’ of emotions. Indeed, at deep and traumatic shocks, the docs get worried if the affected person does not cry. There are many theories about crying. One lovely one was given to us by Mukesh through Anand Bakshi and Laxmikant Pyarelal in 1967 movie Milan:
Mubaarak ho sab ko samaa ye suhaanaa mai.n khush huu.N mere aa.Nsuo.n pe na jaanaa mai.n to diivaanaa diivaanaa diivaanaa – 2
Hazaaro.n tarah ke ye hote hai.n aa.Nsuu agar dil me.n Gam ho to rote hai.n aa.Nsuu khushii me.n bhii aa.Nkhe.n bhigote hai.n aa.Nsuu inhe.n jaan sakataa nahii.n ye zamaanaa mai.n khush huu.N mere aa.Nsuo.n pe na jaanaa mai.n to diivaanaa diivaanaa diivaanaa – 2
The other is the 1964 movie Hamrahi song put together by Hasrat Jaipuri and Shankar Jaikishen and Rafi for Rajendra Kumar:
Ye aa.Nsuu mere dil kii zubaan hai.n -2
mai.n ro_uu.N to ro de.n aa.Nsuu
mai.n ha.Ns duu.N to ha.Ns de.n aa.Nsuu
ye aa.Nsuu mere dil kii zubaan hai.n -2
Aa.Nkh se Tapakii jo chi.ngaarii, har aa.Nsuu me.n chhabii tumhaarii
chiir ke mere dil ko dekho, bahate lahuu me.n priit tumhaarii
ye jiivan jaise sulagaa tuufaan hai
ye aa.Nsuu mere dil ki zubaan hai.n -2
mai.n ro_uu.N to ro de.n aa.Nsuu
mai.n ha.Ns duu.N to ha.Ns de.n aa.Nsuu
ye aa.Nsuu mere dil kii zubaan hai.n -2
So then why did the eyes start becoming moist with the very first song: Jhule mein pawan ke aayi bahaar even though the song is nice, happy and romantic song in the movie Baiju Bawra?
Here are the responses:
Ritu Soni I cry sometimes because I connect with the lyrics and music to a very emotional and personal level and sometimes I cry as I feel where all this has gone.. The simple beautiful people and life.
Manju Saigal Mittal Tears r just an expression of emotion I think!
Surekha Saini Ravi ji. …its not necessary that u cry only when you feel sad or hurt…Hum log jab anandit hote hain tab bhi to aankhe chhalakti hain. …Ab main. ..Mann tadpat Hari darsan ko aaj. ..pe kyon roti hun….may be its my desire to see God…reason for crying while listening to a song varies person to person. ..
Vipan Kohli Much has been written by Surekha ji Raj Ritu Soni and Nitin Shingarpure about tears. Here’s Hindi poem on tears. I don’t know who wrote it but it appealed to me the moment I read it.
आंसू छंद नहीं होते हैं आंसू नियम नहीं होते हैं
भावों की अनुभूति है आंसू, कभी ख़ुशी कभी गम होते हैं.. मैंने देखे सुख के आंसू, हंसते गाते झिलमिल आंसू
दुःख मे भी देखे हैं आंसू, दर्द भरे रोते से आंसू.. हुई बिदाई जब बिटिया की, छलक पड़े आँखों से आंसू
गौरव के पल आने पर भी, बह निकले आँखों से आंसू.. कभी किसी की मृत्यु हुई जब, बरबस बहते देखे आँसू
खुशियों के अवसर पर भी तो, रुक न सके आँखों मे आंसू.. दरिया कभी बनाते हैं आंसू, मोती सम पलकों मे आंसू
जार-जार रोते हैं आंसू, बार-बार आते हैं आंसू.. दिल ने जब भी रोना चाहा, सुख गए आँखों के आंसू
प्यार जहां इनको मिल पाया, छलक गये आँखों से आंसू.. सुख में भी आँखों मे आंसू, सूरदास के बहते आंसू
ऊँच -नीच का भेद न करते, नर-नारी के आते आंसू.. प्रियतम की चाहत है आंसू, माँ नयनो मे ममता आंसू भाई बहन का प्यार हैं आंसू, जीवन का श्रृंगार है आंसू..
At this stage, Amit Lambah and Maj Vishwas Mandloi took opportunity to post some Aansu songs (the group is meant for that) such as:
“Teri aankh kay aansoo pii jaoon aisi meri taqdeer kahan”
“Tukde hain mere dil kay aye yaar tere aansoon, dekhey nahin jaate hain dildaar tere aansoo.”
“Rona kabhi nahi rona …chahe toot jaye koyi khilona”
I, therefore, realised that whilst I was looking for reasons as to why does one cry listening to old favourites, everyone has own reasons for the same. This thought itself was covered so nicely by Sahir Ludhianvi (I regard this as his best) in the 1961 Hum Dono’s most beautiful song:
कभी ख़ुद पे, कभी हालात पे रोना आया
बात निकली, तो हर इक बात पे रोना आया
हम तो समझे थे कि हम भूल गए हैं उनको
क्या हुआ आज, ये किस बात पे रोना आया
किस लिये जीते हैं हम किसके लिये जीते हैं
बारहा ऐसे सवालात पे रोना आया
कौन रोता है किसी और की ख़ातिर ऐ दोस्त
सबको अपनी ही किसी बात पे रोना आया
Vipan Kohli, at this stage, put up a most beautiful Punjabi song by Jimmy Shergil: Rona Chadita Mahi Mahi
Raj Dutta wasn’t to be left behind and put up: Aaj bahut roya main….
https://youtube.com/watch?v=qqd4RyezpP0%3F
Here is a moistening of eyes of different nature as a tribute to all my friends on YKDN: Yaaro mera saath nibhaao roz aisi mehfil kahan:
rahe na kuch aaj sab luta do
dilo me jitna hai pyar baki
rahe na kuch aaj sab luta do
dilo me jitna hai pyar baki
rang ho jitne bhi yahi saja do
hogi na kal ye bahar baki
hasi ke chirag jalao ho gayi raat jawan
bhig jaye aaj palke aao hase itna
yaro mera sath nibao roj aisi mahfil kaha
bhig jaye aaj palke aao hase itna
kisi liye koi luta to gham kya
jine ko ek ye khushi bahut hai
kisi liye koi luta to gham kya
jine ko ek ye khushi bahut hai
mile na mile ek sanam ki bahe
mujhe tumhari basti basti bahut hai
dekho aise dur na jao pyar ka yahi hai sama
bhig jaye aaj palke aao hase itna
yaro mera sath nibao roj aisi mahfil kaha
bhig jaye aaj palke aao hase itna
aao hase itna aao hase itna
And since it was the death anniversary of Talat Mehmood and since Patita is the movie of the title song of the group, I put up one more reason why aansu jhalak jaate hain.
Please enjoy: Hain sabase madhur woh geet jinhe…
हैं सबसे मधुर वो गीत जिन्हें, हम ददर् के सुर में गाते हैं
जब हद से गुज़र जाती है खुशी, आँसू भी छलकते आते हैं
हैं सबसे मधुर वो गीत
(पहलू में पराये दर्द बसाके, हँसना हँसाना सीख ज़रा
तू हँसना हँसाना सीख ज़रा ) – २
तूफ़ान से कह दे घिर के उठे, हम प्यार के दीप जलाते हैं
हम प्यार के दीप जलाते हैं
हैं सबसे मधुर वो गीत …
(काँटों में खिले हैं फूल हमारे, रंग भरे अरमानों के
रंग भरे अरमानों के ) – २
नादान हैं जो इन काँटों से, दामन को बचाये जाते हैं
दामन को बचाये जाते हैं
हैं सबसे मधुर वो गीत …
(जब ग़म का अन्धेरा घिर आये, समझो के सवेरा दूर नहीं
समझो के सवेरा दूर नहीं ) – २
हर रात की है सौगात यही, तारे भी यही दोहराते हैं
तारे भी यही दोहराते हैं
हैं सबसे मधुर वो गीत …
HAIN SABSE MADHUR WO GEET -TALAT MEHMOOD…
Manik Lakhkar Chava Awwww…. long discussion. Ravi, there is and can not be any remote control. One feels like crying… aansu bahane dijiye. Cry for some one with some one… the drop of pearls are too valuable…. for you, me for every one.
Evani Leela Aansoo aanaa matlab aatma parmatma ko chu rahi hai. Jab dil se dil ke taar juDte hain to jo bridge banta hai, wohi aansoo hote hain. Jab koi drishya dekha, kuch suna, kuch mehsoos kiya, kisi ki uaad aayi, koi kitab yaa kahani paDhi to aanssoo bhi chalakte hain, muskaan bhi khilti hai. Inn donon par jab sanyam nahin hai to samjho hum uss paramatma ke kareeb hain.
Evani Leela Phoolon ki khushboo bhi aapko rulasakti hai khushi se, bachon ki kilkaari bhi rulasakti hai. Manik Lakhkar Chava se poochiye jab humne inki poti par geet post kiye to kyon royi. Humne jab anniversary lar geet post kiye to kyon aansoo chalke?
Evani Leela Aansoo aur muskaan donon par jab hamara vash na rahe to hum saamne wale ke dil ke ander samaa gaye. Isi liye jab geetkaar ke shabd humen rulate hain to iska matlab hai, woh geetkaar hamare dil mein ufar gaya aur usne woh kaha jo hum khud kehna chahte the. Jab woh shabd hum tak pahunchte hain to hamare dil ke taaron mein jhankaar hoti hai. Wohi niyam sangeet ke liye bhi laagoo hota hai.
Amit Lambah “Jo hamne dastaan apni sunayii aap kyon roye….hamara dard o gham hai yeh issay kyon aap sehte hain, yeh kyun aansoo hamare aapki aankhon se behte hain….. qayamat aapke ashkon ne dhayi aap kyon roye .jo hamne dastaan aoni sunayi…..naa yeh ansoin rukke to dekhiye phir hum bhi ro denge, hum apne ansoo on mein chaand taaron ko dubbo denge, fanaah ho jayegi saari khudaayi aap kyon roye…
Evani Leela Maine ek baar ek choti si kahaani paDhi thi, jismein do sceintist shukr grah par pahunchte hainn wahan par ek hi praani dikha jo ek talab mein tair raha tha. Use ek sceintist ne dekha aur use chune ki koshish ki.par woh haath na aakar door door tairta …See More
This started another round of Aansu songs with Vipan Kohli suggesting that we have a Flash Fest on Aansu
Maj Vishwas Mandloi Jo hamne dastaan apni sunayi … aap kyu roye …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf3RhMt_ljU
I reminded them that the other day Surekha Saini commented how at one time she was jealous of my comments on Evani Leela’s posts and comments.
“Now, take this post itself. All of us, in answer to the question ‘Why Do We Cry With Our Favourite Songs?‘ thought of this as an oopurtunity to put up Aansu songs. Some even suggested that we have an Aansu Fest here itself. Not Evani Leela. She responded with ‘dil se’ (something that she does in all her posts and comments, beautifully and brilliantly, in the wee hours of the morning after all the dust had settled down, as to why do we cry.
Now, you will understand, brothers and sisters, this special relationship of not just brother and sister but of love, dard, empathy, and emotions. I remember the time about two years back when her description of a song would be one or two words: eg, Song#1 and the first word of the song such as Aansu. However, I saw in her someone special, someone who feels deeply. The result is for all of you to see.
Evani Leela came up with a gem, at this stage that Aansu and Muskaan are two sides of the same coin. In her own words: “Maine yehi mehsoos kiya ki aansoo aur muskaan sikke ke do pehlu hain. Kisi bhi tarf dekgo sikke ki value kum nahin hoti. Haan yeh baat alag hai ki humari aankhen num hon to tapasya doosron ke aansoo pee saken to paramatma ka vardaan.
She put up a beautiful song by Shailendra from the 1959 Raj Kapoor Movie Anadi:
किसी की मुस्कुराहटों पे हो निसार
किसीका दर्द मिल सके तो ले उधार
किसीके वास्ते हो तेरे दिल में प्यार
जीना इसी का नाम है
किसी की …
(माना अपनी जेब से फ़कीर हैं
फिर भी यारों दिल के हम अमीर हैं ) – (२)
मिटे जो प्यार के लिये वो ज़िन्दगी
जले बहार के लिये वो ज़िन्दगी
किसी को हो न हो हमें तो ऐतबार
जीना इसी का नाम है
(रिश्ता दिल से दिल के ऐतबार का
ज़िन्दा है हमीं से नाम प्यार का ) – (२)
के मर के भी किसी को याद आयेंगे
किसी के आँसुओं में मुस्कुरायेंगे
कहेगा फूल हर कली से बार बार
जीना इसी का नाम है
So, ultimsately, I had dozens of excellent replies as to why do we cry when we listen to old favourite songs.
We feel for the era gone by: our own as well as the era of the song, we feel for the Lyricists, Music Directors, Singers and Actors of those movies. We relive their emotions. We are touched by the simplicity and innocence in people as there used to be (Read: Hindi Songs And The Age of Innocence). There are many valid reasons.
I think, there is one more reason; and that is the great longing to belong (both emotionally and poetically) and call something one’s own: my own thoughts with which I relate to others who have similar (if not identical thoughts); someone who can understand my state of mind; something that I can call my own.
I am past sixty years of age now. And yet, at the end of six decades of going through this world, are friends my own? No. Are relatives my own? No. Are my children I can call my own? No. Is there something I can call my own? Hardly. Songs and poetry are something that helped me build my own private world. I cry when I am reminded of this world, however small, where I was I and I am still I
I was in school when Trini Lopez’s number by the name What Have I Got Of My Own? was released. I later heard the song from pop-singer Ajit during Summer Festival in Shimla.
The lyrics of the song went like this:
What have I got of my own, my own?
What have I got of my own?
The castles I build when I lie in the sand,
Belong to a king in a fairy tale land.
The treasures I find, when I dream in my sleep,
Are gone in the dawn. not a thjng I can keep.
What have I got of my own, my o~own?
What have I got of my own?
The stars all belong high in heaven above.
My heart belongs to the one that I love.
The rivers that flow all belong to the sea.
What have I got that belongs to me?
What have I got of my own, my o~own?
What have I got of my own?
I hope someday before too long
My heart will sing a happy song.
I’m tired of being lonely, unhappy and sad.
I wanna have the things that other men have.
What have I got of my own, my o~own?
What have I got of my own?
Solo interlude
If I could choose one thing forever to hold,
I know I would never choose diamonds or gold.
Just give me one true love to be mine alone,
Then I’ll have all the things of my own, my own.
What have I got of my own?
I was embarking on my journey through life and hence everything appeared within reach, everything was to be owned, to belong.
Four and half decades later, I am not too sure if anything at all belongs to me. Of course religion and scriptures tell me that finally when we go, we don’t take anything with us. And yet, there is this innate desire to own, to possess, to relate to; to be a little more precious than a speck of dust.
My own.
What have I got of my own?
I cry when I realise that just like Baiju Bawra, Naushad, Shakeel and Rafi; everything will pass away and even the memories would get blurred. As Shakeel, Naushad and Rafi voiced in the 1948 movie Mela:
ये ज़िंदगी के मेले, दुनिया में कम न होंगे
अफ़सोस हम न होंगे
इक दिन पड़ेगा जाना, क्या वक़्त, क्या ज़माना
कोई न साथ देगा, सब कुछ यहीं रहेगा
जाएंगे हम अकेले, ये ज़िंदगी …
दुनिया है मौज-ए-दरिया, क़तरे की ज़िंदगी क्या
पानी में मिल के पानी, अंजाम ये के पानी
दम भर को सांस ले ले, ये ज़िंदगी …
होंगी यही बहारें, उल्फ़त की यादगारें
बिगड़ेगी और चलेगी, दुनिया यही रहेगी
होंगे यही झमेले, ये ज़िंदगी …
These personalities are still being remembered at least by some one like me who relives their and my own era through their songs.
Who would ever think of me….. a katra (drop of water) in the river?
थक गया हूँ अब मैं ज़िन्दगी के झमेले में
गुम हो गया हूँ सरापर दुनिया के मेले में
मेरा वजूद क्या है मेरी हक़ीक़त क्या है?
पूछता हूँ अपने आप से यह सवाल अकेले में.
कोई जवाब नहीं आता सब धुंधला दिखता है
कौडी के बदले यहाँ इंसान बिकता है,
क्या मैं भी ऐसी “इंसानियत” की शख्सियत हूँ?
जो हो गुनाहगार पर मासूम लिखता है?
मुझे याद है अब भी वह सुहाना बचपन
वह हंसना खेलना वह लापरवाह लड़कपन
ज़िन्दगी ढूँढ़ते ढूँढ़ते कभी सोचा ही न था
वही तो था ज़िन्दगी का खूबसूरत अपनापन.
ज़िन्दगी ने ला दिया अब उस मुकाम पे
जुर्माना लग गया है अब किसी भी आराम पे
कभी जिस्म थक गया है कभी दिमाग हुआ है बंजर
तरस आ रहा है दिल – ऐ – नाकाम पे.
काश किसी जगह मिल जाए इस दिल को सुकून
आँख बंद हो जाए सर्द हो जाए ये गर्म खून
सांस थम जाए उभरते जज़्बात खामोश हो जाएँ
क़त्ल हो जाए दिल ओ दिमाग का जूनून.
बहुत देख लिया बहुत सोच लिया बहुत जी लिया
ग़म का जाम सुबह शाम पी लिया
फरेब – ऐ – नज़र से हयात बेइत्मेनान है
कांपते होंठों को मैंने कस के सी लिया.
(Pic courtesy: insideechenrysbrain.typepad.com)
Thak gaya hoon ab main zindagi ke jhamele mein
Gum ho gaya hoon saraapar duniya ke mele mein
Mera wajood kya hai meri haqeeqat kya hai
Poochhta hoon apne aap se yeh sawaal akele mein.
Koi jawaab nahin aata sab dhundhla dikhta hai
Kaudi ke badle yahan insaan bikta hai,
Kya main bhi aisi “insaaniyat” ki shakhsiyat hoon?
Jo ho gunaahgaar par maasoom likhta hai?
Mujhe yaad hai ab bhi wo suhaana bachpan
Wo hansna khelna wo laaparwaah ladhakpan
Zindagi dhoondte dhoondte kabhi socha hi naa tha
Wohi to tha zindagi ka khoobsurat apnaapan.
Zindagi ne laa diya ab us mukaam pe
Jurmaana lag gaya hai ab kisi bhi aaraam pe
Kabhi jism thak gaya hai kabhi dimaag hua hai banjar
Taras aa raha hai dil-e-nakaam pe.
Kaash kisi jagah mil jaaye is dil ko sukoon
Aankh band ho jaaye sard ho jaaye yeh garm khoon
Saans tham jaaye ubharte jazbaat khaamosh ho jaayen
Qatl ho jaaye dil o dimaag kaa junoon.
Bahut dekh liya, bahut soch liya, bahut jee liya
Gham kaa jam subah sham pi liya
Fareb-e-nazar se hayaat beitmaynan hai
Kaampte hontho ko maine kas ke si liya.
Why do I shed tears, year after year, on the day of the death anniversary of Shakeel (the name means Handsome or Good Looking), today, 20th April? Is it because he died too young (Having been born on 3rd Aug 1916, he was only 53 when he died on this day in 1970)? I am not even well versed in Urdu, not even a hundredth of what he was and yet I pray to God that before I die I should be able to write at least a couplet as good as he wrote.
On the 10th of January this year I started a Facebook group ‘Main Shayar To Nahin’ primarily to air my devotion for him and some other Urdu poets. I regularly put up Shakeel’s poetry with meanings so that more and more people can savour his excellence. I call him the King of Irony since no one can write irony better than he did. Just one example:
Na milata gham to barbaadi ke afsaane kahan jaate? If there was to be no sorrow, where would odes of ruin find a place
Agar duniya chaman hoti to veeraane kahan jaate? If the world would be just a garden, where would deserts find a place
Chalo achha hua apano mein koi gair to nikala, It is good that amongst own people there was an outsider too
Agar hote sabhi apane to begaane kahan jaate? If all people were your own (in the world) where would strangers find a place
We were a slave nation for 31 years of his 53 that he walked on this earth. All his contemporaries wrote about social inequalities, poverty, slavery and the like. Shakeel wrote about Love, Mohabbat, Ishq, Wafa, Ulfat; it is as if he lived in a different world. In addition, his god faring nature ensured that he also wrote the finest Bhajans in Hindi movies.
Lets start the journey into his Ghazals. This is the first part; more to follow:
Ghazal #1
His most famous ghazal had Irony, Gham, Despondency and ruefulness in adequate measures; a ghazal made famous by Begum Akhtar, Mallika-e-Ghazal (Queen of Ghazals), though other vied to sing it too.
Please enjoy: Aye mohabbat tere anjaam pe rona aaya….
Aye Mohabbat Tere Anjaam Pe Ronaa Aayaa O love your outcome makes me cry
Jaane Kyun Aaj Tere Naam Pe Ronaa Aayaa Today I do not know why the mention of your name makes me cry
Youn To Har Shaam Ummidon Mein Guzar Jaati Hai As it is that every evening passed by in expectations
Aaj Kuch Baat Hai Jo Shaam Pe Ronaa Aayaa Today something is there that the evening makes me cry
Kabhi Taqdeer Ka Maatam Kabhi Duniyaa Ka Gilaa Sometimes I grieve for my destiny, sometimes I blame the world
Manzil-e-Ishq Mein Har Gaam Pe Ronaa Aayaa Every step I take towards the destination of love makes me cry
Mujh Pe Hi Khatam Huaa Silsila-e-nauhagari With me ended series of lamenting
Is Kadar Gardish-e-Ayyaam Pe Rona Aaya To this extent the vicissitudes of fortune made me cry
Jab Huaa Zikr Zamaane Mein Mohabbat Ka Shakeel When there was a discussion on love, worldwide, Shakeel
Mujh Ko Apne Dil-e-Naakaam Pe Ronaa Aayaa The futile struggles of my love made me cry
Ghazal #2
Another of his ghazals made immortal by Begum Akhtar had the same despondency, irony, sadness about it. Words melted into tears.
Please enjoy: Mere humnafas, mere humnuwa, mujhe dost ban ke daga na de….
Mere Humnafas, Mere Humnawaa, My soul-mate, my dearest friend
Mujhe Dost Ban Ke Dagaa Na De Do not be my friend and betray me
Main Hoon Dard-e-Ishq Se Jaan-Valab, The pain of love has left me lifeless
Mujhe Zindagi Ki Dua Na De Do not give to me the blessing of life
Main Gham-E-Jahan Se Nidhaal Hoon I am listless with the sorrow of life
Ke Saraapaa Dard-O-Malaal Hoon I am head to toe in the pain of grief
Jo Likhi Hai Mere Naseeb Mein What has been written in my fate
Wo Aalam Kisi Ko Khudaa Na De May God not grant to anyone this state
Na Ye Zindagi Meri Zindagi Neither this life is my life
Na Ye Daastaan Meri Daastaan Nor this story is my story
Main Khayaal O Weham Se Door Hoon From thoughts and fancies I am far away
Mujhe Aaj Koi Sadaa Na De May anyone not call me today
Mere Ghar Se Door Hain Raahatein Relief is distant from my home
Mujhe Dhoondhti Hain Musibatein Trouble has been searching for me
Mujhe Khauf Yeh Hai Ke Mera Pataa I am scared of this, that my address
Koi Gardishon Ko Bataa Na De May someone not reveal to my misfortunes
Mujhe Chhodd De Mere Haal Par, Let me please be on my own
Teraa Kyaa Bharosaa Hai Chaaragar How can I rely on you, O healer
Ye Teri Nawaazish-e-Mukhtasar, This inadequate favor of yours
Meraa Dard Aur Badhaa Na De May it not further aggravate my pain
Meraa Azm Itnaa Buland Hai My resolve is so sublime
Ke Paraaye Sholo-n Kaa Darr Nahin That the fire-bolts of others scare me not
Mujhe Khauf Aatish-e-Gul Se Hai, I fear the flare within the flower
Ye Kahin Chaman Ko Jalaa Na De May it not set the garden ablaze
Mere Daagh-e-Dil Se Hai Roshni, The scar of my love begets a radiance
Isi Roshni Se Hai Zindagi This radiance begets an existence
Mujhe Darr Hai Aye Mere Chaaragar, I am scared of this O healer of mine
Ye Chiraag Tu Hi Bujha Na De May you not yourself, blow out this lamp
Mera Chashm-E-Shauq Tera Bharam The desire in my eyes is a delusion for you
Rahe Umr Bhar Yoon Hi Taaza Dam Shall be fresh like this all of it’s life
Naa Pukaar Us Ko Ke Wo Sanam Do not call her or that darling of yours
Kahin Jal Ke Jalwa Dikha Na De May she not light up to display her splendour
Dar-E-Yaar Par Badi Dhoom Hai There is a big ruckus at the door of my lover
Wahi Aashiqon Ka Hujoom Hai That mob of her suitors has gathered there
Abhi Neend Aayi Hai Husn Ko My sweetheart has just now gone to sleep
Koi Shor Kar Ke Jagaa Na De By their noise they may not wake her up
Kabhi Jaam Lab Se Lagaa Diya Sometimes she takes the wine-cup to my lips
Kabhi Muskura Ke Hataa Diyaa Sometimes she smiles and takes it away
Teri Chedh Chaadh Aye Saaqiyaa This teasing of yours O bar-tender
Meri Tishnagi Ko Badhaa Na De May it not intensify my longing for you
Wo Uthein Hain Leke Khum-o-Suboo, She rises-up holding a cup of wine
Are Aye ‘Shakeel’ Kahaan Hai Tu Listen O Shakeel Where are you
Tera Jaam Lene Ko Bazm Mein To take away your cup of wine
Koi Aur Haath Badha Na De May Someone else not extend his hand
Ghazal #3
Whilst Beghum Akhtar sang some of his non-filmy ghazals, the best filmy ghazals of Shakeel Badayuni were sung by both Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar. But, the fact is that they sang some of his non-filmy ghazals too.
Here is one of my favourites by Lata Mangeshkar: Aank se aankh milata hai koi…
Aa.Nkh se aa.Nkh milaataa hai ko_ii Someone is making his eyes rest on mine
Dil ko khii.Nche liye jaataa hai ko_ii Someone is tugging at my heart
Vaa-e-hairat ke bharii mahafil me.n Alas in this party full of wonder
Mujh ko tanhaa nazar aataa hai ko_ii
I find someone is alone
Sub.h ko KHunuk fanaa.oñ ki qasam I vow by the happy weather of the morning
Roz aa aa ke jagaata hai ko_ii Someone comes again and again to awaken me
Manzar-e-husn-e-do-aalam ke nisaar Offering of the spectacle of the beauty of two world
Mujh ko aa-iina dikhaataa hai ko_ii Someone his showing me the looking-glass
Chaahiye Khud pe yaqiin-e-kaamil One should have firm belief on oneself
Hausalaa kis kaa ba.Dhaataa hai ko_ii Who is there to provide encouragement?
Sab karishmaat-e-tasavvur hai “Shakeel” All are miracles of imagination, Shakeel
Varanaa aataa hai na jaataa hai ko_ii Else no one comes, no one goes
Ghazal #4
Another singer who added his name into the list of immortal ghazal singers was Talat Mehmood.
Here is he singing Shakeel’s famous ghazal: Meri zindagi hai zaalim tere gham se aashkara…
Merii zindagii hai zaalim, tere Gam se aashkaaraa My life is a manifestation of your sorrow, O tyrant Teraa Gam hai dar-haqiiqat mujhe zindagii se pyaaraa The truth is that your sorrow is dearer to me than my life
Vo agar buraa na maane to jahaa.N-e-rang-o-buu me.n If she won’t mind then in this world of colour and fragrance
Mai.n sukuun-e-dil kii Khaatir koii Dhuu.NDh luu.N sahaaraa May I search for support for the sake of peace of my heart?
Ye fulak fulak havaaye.N ye jhukii jhukii ghaTaaye.N These happy winds, these low rain bearing clouds
Vo nazar bhii kyaa nazar hai jo samajh na le ishaaraa What kind of eye is that which can’t take this hint?
Mujhe aa gayaa yaqii.n saa yahii hai merii ma.nzil I have come to believe that this is my destination
Sar-e-rah jab kisii ne mujhe daffa’atan pukaaraa On the road when someone called me spontaneously
Mai.n bataauu.N farq naasih, jo hai mujh me.n aur tujh me.n I can tell you my counsellor, the difference between you and me
Merii zindagii talaatum, terii zindagii kinaaraa My life is like a sea-storm, your life is like a shore
Mujhe guftaguu se ba.Dakar Gam-e-izn-e-guftaguu hai More than the conversation, I have grief of permission to converse
Wahii baat puuchhte hai.n jo na kah sakuu.N dobaaraa She asks me about that thing that I can’t repeat
Koii aye ‘Shakeel’ dekhe, ye junuu.N nahii.n to kyaa hai Someone should see this, Shakeel, isn’t it madness
Ke usii ke ho gaye ham jo na ho sakaa hamaaraa That I became hers but she couldn’t be mine
Ghazal #5
These ghazals are not in any order. Here is a famous ghazal of his (there are none of his ghazals that are not famous!). This has been sung by Pankaj Udhas.
Please enjoy: Kaise keh doon ke mulaaqaat nahin hoti hai….
Kaise kah duu.N ki mulaaqaat nahii.n hotii hai How can I say that meeting with her doesn’t take place?
Roz milate hai.n magar baat nahii.n hotii hai We meet everyday but don’t say anything
Aap lillaah na dekhaa kare.n aaiinaa kabhii For God’s sake, don’t ever see a looking-glass
Dil kaa aa jaanaa ba.Dii baat nahii.n hotii hai It is not such a big thing that I fell for you
Chhup ke rotaa huu.N terii yaad me.n duniyaa bhar se Stealthily from the world I cry in your memory
Kab merii aa.Nkh se barasaat nahii.n hotii hai That’s why rain of tears don’t freely fall from my eyes
Haal-e-dil puuchhane vaale terii duniyaa me.n kabhii You aske me the wellness of my heart, in your world at any time
Din to hotaa hai magar raat nahii.n hotii hai Day rises but night never comes
Jab bhii milate hai.n to kahate hai.n kaise ho “Shakeel” When you meet me you ask me how are you, Shakeel
Is se aage to koii baat nahii.n hotii hai Post this, no other conversation takes place
https://youtube.com/watch?v=I3-BbFDE5ys%3F
Ghazal #6
Anyone singing any of Shakeel’s ghazals would gain instant immortality. Begum Akhtar did and also Nirmala Devi, actor Govinda’s mother. She was a Hindustan classical vocalist of the Patiala Gharana and her rendition of Shakeel’s ghazal Bana bana ke tamanna mitayi jaati hai got her fame.
Please enjoy: Bana bana ke tamanna mitayi jaati hai….
Banaa banaa ke tamannaa miTaa_ii jaatii hai Craving is repeatedly built up and destroyed
Tarah tarah se vafaa aazamaa_ii jaatii hai In many different ways fidelity is tested
Jab un ko merii muhabbat kaa aitabaar nahii.n When she has no trust in my love
To jhukaa jhukaa ke nazar kyo.n milaa_ii jaatii hai Then why does she meet my eyes lovingly?
Hamaare dil kaa pataa vo hame.n nahii.n dete She doesn’t let me know where has my heart gone
Hamaarii chiiz hamii.n se chhupaa_ii jaatii hai My own thing is kept hidden from me
‘Shakeel’ duurii-e-manzil se naa-ummiid na ho Shakeel, destination is far, don’t lose hope
Manzil ab aa hii jaatii hai ab aa hii jaatii hai You are about to reach the destination now
Ghazal #7
This is very good and you ought to read it with translation. However, I couldn’t find either the video or the audio for this except for a recitation by Nomaan Shauque. It is still a very fine ghazal.
Please enjoy: Woh hamase door hote jaa rahe hain…
Woh hamase door hote jaa rahe hain She is moving far from me
Bahut maghroor hote jaa rahe hain And becoming arrogant
Bas ik tark-e-mohabbat ke iraade Only the resolve for break-up
Hamen manzoor hote jaa rahe hain Is becoming increasingly acceptable to me
Manaazir the jo firdaus-e-tasavvur The scenes of paradise of imagination that were earlier accepted
Vo sab mastuur hote jaa rahe hain Are becoming hidden now
Badalti jaa rahi hai dil ki duniyaa The world of the heart is changing
Naye dastuur hote jaa rahe hain
New customs are arising
Bahut maghmuum tha jo deeda o dil Very sad was the sight of my heart
Bahut masruur hote jaa rahe hain Very cheerful is she becoming
Wafa par murdaani si chha chali hai Fidelity has the shadow of death over it
Sitam kaa noor hote jaa rahe hain She is becoming the light of the oppression
Kabhi woh pass aaye jaa rahe the At one time she was coming closer
Magar ab door hote jaa rahe hain But now she is moving farther
Firaq-e-hijr ke taareek lamhe The dark moments of parting and separation
Saraapaa noor hote jaa rahe hain Totally are becoming clearernow
Shakeel, ehsaas-e-gumnaami se keh do Shakeel, let the feeling of anonymity know
Ke ham mashhuur hote jaa rahe hain That I am becoming famous now
Ghazal #8
Begum Akhtar again and this time with a much simpler ghazal.
Please enjoy: Khush hoon mera husn-e-talab kaam to aaya…
Khush huu.N ki meraa husn-e-talab kaam to aayaa I am happy my way of wanting beauty has found a use
Khaalii hii sahii merii taraf jaam to aayaa Even though empty at least the wine glass has been offered to me
Kaafii hai mere dil ki tasallii ko yahii baat This thing is sufficient for the consolation of my heart
Aap aa na sake aap kaa paiGaam to aayaa You couldn’t come but at least your message came
Apano.n ne nazar pherii to dil ne to diyaa saath When my own people moved away at least the heart accompanied me
Duniyaa me.n koii dost mere kaam to aayaa In this world at least some friend was of some use
Wo subah kaa ehasaas ho yaa.N merii kashish ho It may be the feeling of morning or my attraction
Duubaa hua Khurshiid sar-e-baam to aayaa Sinking Sun came to the corner of the terrace
Log un se ye kahate hai.n ki kitane hai.n “Shakeel” aap People tell her how Shakeel (good-looking) is she
Is husn ke sadaqe me.n meraa naam to aayaa At least my name was uttered in the offering of the beauty
https://youtube.com/watch?v=fbYP0Y3pHXc%3F
Ghazal #9
If I have given you a ghazal of his sung by Lata Mangeshkar, I am bound to give you one by Asha Bhosle (Asha ji). This is from the 1953 movie Hazaar Raten.
Please enjoy: Meri Zindagi Pe Na Muskaraa Mujhe Zindagi Kaa Alam Nahin….
Merii zindagii pe na muskaraa mujhe zindagii kaa alam nahii.n Don’t smile on my life, I have no anguish about life
Jise tere Gam se ho vaastaa vo Khizaa.N bahaar se kam nahii.n The one that’s related to your sorrow, that autumn is not less than spring
Meraa kufr haasil-e-zuud hai meraa zuud haasil-e-kufr hai My disbelief is in the realm of abstinence, my abstinence is in the realm of disbelief
Merii bandagii vo hai bandagii jo rahiin-e-dair-o-haram nahii.n My devotion is that devotion that’s not pledged to temple or mosque
Mujhe raas aaye Khudaa kare yahii ishtibaah kii saa_ate.n God willing my moments of ambiguity should become acceptable
Unhe.n aitabaar-e-vafaa to hai mujhe aitabaar-e-sitam nahii.n She at least has trust in love, I don’t have trust in her tyranny
Vahii kaaravaa.N vahii raaste vahii zindagii vahii marahale Same caravan, same raods, same stages of life’s journey
Magar apane-apane muqaam par kabhii tum nahii.n kabhii ham nahii.n But in our own stations, sometimes you ain’t there, sometimes I am not there
Na vo shaan-e-jabr-e-shabaab hai na vo rang-e-qahar-e-itaab hai Neither is there pride in being a young man, nor is there atmosphere of havoc and displeasure
Dil-e-beqaraar pe in dino.n hai sitam yahii ki sitam nahii.n These days my restless heart is oppressed that there is no oppression
Na fanaa merii na baqaa merii mujhe ai ‘Shakeel’ na Dhuu.NDiye Neither I own mortality nor death, please don’t search for me
Mai.n kisii kaa husn-e-Khayaal huu.N meraa kuchh vujuud-o-adam nahii.n I am someone’s beauty of thought, I don’t have life or after life
Ghazal #10
K Asif’s 1960 magnum opus Mughal-e-Azam was as famous for depicting the love affair between Prince Salim and courtesan Ananrkali as for its songs and ghazals penned by Shakeel Badayuni with Naushad Ali’s music.
The best ghazal of the movie in his characteristic style is this.
Please enjoy in Lata’s voice: Aye ishq ye sab duniya waale bekaar ki baatein karte hain….
Ae ishq ye sab duniya wale Oh love! All these people of the world
Bekaar ki baatein karte hai Talk nonsense (about love)
Payal ke ghamon ka ilm nahin They don’t have any knowledge of the pain in the ankle bells
Jhankaar ki batein karte hai And then they talk about its jingling (sarcasm)
Ae ishq ye sab duniya wale Oh love! All these people of the world
Har dil me chhupa hai teer koi In every heart there is a hidden arrow
Har paanv me hai zanjir koi In every leg there is a shackle
Puchhe koi unase gham ke maze May someone go and ask them the joys of grief
Jo pyaar ki batein karte hai All those who talk about love
Ae ishq ye sab duniya wale Oh love! All these people of the world
Ulfat ke naye deewano ko The ones who have recently fallen in love
Kis tarah se koi samjhaye How to make them understand
Nazron pe lagi hai paabandi Here, there is a restriction on gazing
Deedar ki baatein karte hai And they are talking about getting a glimpse
Ae ishq ye sab duniya wale Oh love! All these people of the world
Bhanware hain agar madhosh to kya If the bees are intoxicated, then what
Parwane bhi hain khamosh to kya If the moths are silent, then what
Sab pyaar ke nagme gaate hai All of them sing melodies of love
Sab yaar ki baatein karte hai All of them talk about their beloved’s
Ae ishq ye sab duniya wale Oh love! All these people of the world
Bekaar ki baatein karte hai Talk nonsense
Ae ishq ye sab duniya wale Oh love! All these people of the world
https://youtube.com/watch?v=2_scqYgA92s%3F
Ghazal #11
A beautiful ghazal sung very beautifully by Kusum Sharma. Please keep thinking of what I have told you about irony.
Shaayad aaGaaz huaa phir kisii afasaane kaa Perhaps there is beginning of a new romantic tale
Hukm aadam ko hai jannat se nikal jaane kaa Edict has been given to Adam to quite the paradise
Un se kuchh kah to rahaa huu.N magar allaah na kare I am saying something to her but it shouldn’t be Allah
Vo bhii mafahuum na samajhe mere afasaane kaa She too is not able to understand the meaning of my tale of love
Dekhanaa dekhanaa ye hazarat-e-vaa_iz hii na ho.n See again that it shouldn’t be the mister preacher himself
Raastaa puuchh rahaa hai ko_ii maiKhaane kaa He is asking for the way to the tavern
Beta’alluq tere aage se guzar jaataa huu.N Without your acknowledging I pass in front of you
ye bhii ek husn-e-talab hai tere diivaane kaa This too is a way of longing for your mad-lover
hashr tak garmii-e-ha.ngaamaa-e-hastii hai “Shakeel” Until the day of judgment the heat of riotous life is there
sil-silaa Khatm na hogaa mere afasaane kaa The series of my tales of love shall never conclude
https://youtube.com/watch?v=xav5wjLUcs0%3F
Ghazal #12
Once again, I couldn’t find a video or audio for this ghazal. But, nevertheless, it is a beautiful ghazal.
Please enjoy: Teri mehfil se uthkar ishq ke maaron pe kyaa guzari….
Terii mahafil se uThakar ishq ke maaro.n pe kyaa guzarii What happened with the love-stricken who left your assembly?
muKhaalif ik jahaa.N thaa jaane bechaaro.n pe kyaa guzarii The world was inimical, God knows what happened to the poor souls?
Sahar ko ruKhsat-e-biimaar-e-furqat dekhane vaalo O you who look at the departure of ill with separation in the mornings
kisii ne ye bhii dekhaa raat bhar taaro.n pe kyaa guzarii Did you ever think what happened to the stars in the nights?
Sunaa hai zindagii viiraaniyo.n ne luuT lii milakar I have heard that life was looted by the deserted places
na jaane zindagii ke naaz_baradaaro.n pe kyaa guzarii God knowswhat happened to those who tolerate coquetry in life?
Ha.Nsii aa_ii to hai bekaif sii lekin Khudaa jaane Laughter came but joylessly God knows
mujhe masaruur paakar mere Gam_Khvaaro.n pe kyaa guzarii After finding me cheerful what happened to my sympathisers?
Asiir-e-Gam to jaa.N dekar rihaa_ii paa gayaa lekin Prisoners of sorrow escaped after sacrificing their life
kisii ko kyaa Khabar zindaa.N kii divaaro.n pe kyaa guzarii Who knew what happened to the cells of the living?
Ghazal #13
This one is so perfect that I often marvel at its beauty. Once again, I could neither find a video or an audio.
Please enjoy: Ab taq shikaayetein hain dil-e-bad-naseeb se….
Ab taq shikaayetein hain dil-e-bad-nasiib se Until now she has complaints about my unfortunate heart
Ik din kisi ko dekh liya tha kariib se All I did was to see her closely
Aksar ba-zom-e-taraq-e-mohabbat Khudaa gavaah Often with the pride and determination of renouncing love, God be my witness
Guzraa chala gaya huun dayaar-e-habiib se I have crossed the place of the beloved
Dast-e-Khizaan badh ke wahin usako chun liya Autumn’s hand came forward to select the one
Jo phool gir gaya nigaah-e-andaliib se Flower that had fallen from Nightingale’s glance
Ahl-e-sukoon se khel naa ai mauj-e-imbisaat O wave of ecstasy do not play with those who are at peace
Ik din ulajh ke dekh kisi gham-nasiib se One day battle with those who are destined for grief
Naa ahl-e-naaz ko bhi mile fursat-e-niyaaz People of vanity will not find leisure for amorous words
Main duur hat gaya who jo guzre kareeb se I distanced myself when they passed close to me
Ye kis Khata pe rooth gayi chashm-e-iltifaat On whose oversight glance of love became angry
Ye kab kaa intiqaam liya mujh gareeb se I don’t understand of which thing’s revenge was this
Unake bagaair bhi hai wohi zindagi ka daur Without her too there is era of life
Halaat-e-zindagi hain magar kuchh ajeeb se Circumstances of life are there but a little strange
Samajhe huye the husn-e-azal jisako hum Shakeel The one who I had imagined to be eternal beauty
Apna hi aks-e-rukh nazar aaya kareeb se From close it turned out to be own reflection of face
Ghazal #14
Ghazal-king Talat Mehmood again with a very beautiful ghazal of Shakeel Badayuni.
Please enjoy: Unase umeed-e-ruunuumaai hai….
Un se ummiid-e-ruunumaa_ii hai There is hope of guidance/leadership from her
Kyaa nigaaho.n kii maut aa_ii hai Are my eyes heading for death?
Dil ne Gam se shikast khaa_ii hai Heart has been defeated by sorrows
Umr-e-raftaa terii duhaa_ii hai There is appeal to the past life
Dil kii barbaadiyo.n pe naazaa.N huu.N I am proud of the ruins of heart
Fatah paakar shikast khaa_ii hai I have tasted defeat after victory
Mere maa_abad nahii.n hai dair-o-haram My house of worship is not the temple of sanctuary
Ehatiyaatan jabii.n jhukaa_ii hai I have bowed my forehead to my misgivings
Vo havaa de rahe hai.n daaman kii She is fanning with the hem of her dress
Haaye kis vaqt niind aa_ii hai I don’t know when I went to sleep
Khul gayaa un kii aarazuu me.n ye raaz The secret in her longing became known
Ziist apanii nahii.n paraa_ii hai Life is not mine but belongs to someone
Duur ho Gunche-o-gul merii nazar se Remain away from my sight flowers and buds
Tuu ne merii ha.Nsii churaa_ii hai You robbed me of my laughter
Gul fasurdaa chaman udaas ‘Shakeel’ Flower is disappointed, garden is saddened
Yuu.N bhii aksar bahaar aa_ii hai Sometimes spring comes in this manner
https://youtube.com/watch?v=QopXvVHibYs%3F
Ghazal #15
Must end Part I of this labour of love for Shakeel Badayuni’s poetry in the form of Ghazals with this Yaad ghazal.
Please enjoy: Rooh ko tadapa rahi hai unaki yaad….
Ruuh ko ta.Dapaa rahii hai un kii yaad Soul is tormented by her memory
Dard ban kar chhaa rahii hai un kii yaad Pain is the manifestation of her memory
Ishq se ghabaraa rahii hai un kii yaad Scared of love is her memory
Rukate rukate aa rahii hai un kii yaad It is coming haltingly is her memory
Vo ha.Nse vo zer-e-lab kuchh kah uThe She laughed and whispered something
Khvaab se dikhalaa rahii hai un kii yaad It is as if her memory is showing me dreams
Mai.n to Khuddaarii kaa qaa_il huu.N magar I am in favour of self-respect, but
Kyaa karuu.N phir aa rahii hai un kii yaad What can I do when her memory comes to me?
Ab Khayaal-e-tark-e-rabt zabt hii se hai Now there is affinity towards tolerance of thought of giving up
Khud ba Khud sharmaa rahii hai un kii yaad By itself her memory is shy
Please await Part II of Immortal Ghazals of Shakeel Badayuni
इस से पहले के बेवफाई का मुझे दो तगमा,
अपने एहसास में आने दो वह प्यारा नग़मा;
जो दिल की धड़कन के साज़ से जुबां तक पहुंचा,
कहाँ आगाज़ हुआ था और कहाँ तक पहुंचा.
इस से पहले के बेवफाई का …..
पास रह कर भी तुम दूर चले जाते थे,
मेरी मजबूर तमन्ना को और भी तरसाते थे,
दिल की आवाज़ बन के रह जाती थी सदमा.
इस से पहले के बेवफाई का …
ये दीवार मैंने नहीं तुम्ही ने तो बनायी थी,
कहाँ थी तुम जब पास सिर्फ तन्हाई थी?
मेरी खामोशी उस वक़्त थी मेरे दिल की मेहमान,
इस से पहले के बेवफाई का …
अब हम नहीं, तुम नहीं और हयात भी नहीं,
उल्फत की राहों में सुलगते जज़्बात भी नहीं,
सिसकियाँ भर के खत्म हो गए सब अरमान.
इस से पहले के बेवफाई का …
(Pic courtesy: www.smsmaja.com)
Iss se pehle ke bewafai kaa mujhe do taghma,
Apane ehsaas mein aane do woh pyaara naghma;
Jo dil ki dhadhkan ke saaz se zubaan tak pahuncha,
Kahaan aagaaz huaa tha aur kahaan taq pahuncha.
Iss se pehle ki bewafai kaa…..
Pass reh kar bhi tum door chale jaate the,
Meri majboor tamanna ko aur bhi tarsaate the,
Dil ki awaaz ban ke reh jaati thi sadma.
Iss se pehle ke bewafai kaa…
Ye deewar maine nahin tumhi ne to banaayi thi,
Kahaan thi tum jab pass sirf tanhaayi thi?
Meri khaamoshi us waqt thi dil ki mehmaan,
Iss se pehle ke bewafai kaa…
Ab ham nahin, tum nahin woh hayaat bhi nahin,
Ulfat ki raahon mein sulagate jazbaat bhi nahin,
Siskiyan bhar ke khatam ho gaye sab armaan
Iss se pehle ke bewafai ka…
The title of this post sounds a bit parochial since it doesn’t include the other two services. Well, there is a reason. Read on.…
When I was undergoing the Staff Course in Wellington (Nilgiris), in the Castle Quarters that we stayed in, there were three other houses: one belonging to an IAF officer and the other two to army officers. The IAF officer Thakurdesais and us occupied the ground floor whereas the Army officers, as always, were the upper-crust due to sahayaks that they had at their disposal. So, whilst Lyn and I did everything with our own hands, the army sahibs and ladies had a number of flunkies helping them. When the rations were delivered, for example, we stood in the queues with their sahayaks whilst they looked down on us from their balconies, sipping Nilgiri tea and biting on cocktail idlis.
I got posted to Naval Headquarters after that and after a few months of waiting, we were allotted a flat in SP Marg defence quarters. Our immediate neighbour was an Arty Colonel Surinder Singh.
Once, we were getting ready to go for an official party, when the door-bell rang and there stood Nachhinder, Col Surinder’s wife. Both Surinder and Nachhinder were very genial and excellent neighbours and we had a great thing going as neighbours and friends.
When Lyn opened the door, she had my uniform shirt in her hand since she was in the process of fixing stripes and other paraphernalia.
This gave Nachhinder an opportunity to rag me though I was not present. “Look at yourself, Lyn” she said in mock horror, “Your good for nothing husband has converted you into a flunkie. Call him. I shall teach him not to ill-treat the lady of the house”.
I was in an inside room but could clearly hear the conversation.
“He can’t come out now” replied Lyn with great finality.
“Aha” ejaculated Nichhinder in mock scorn, “The laat-sahib is resting whilst you are doing all the menial work for him….”
“No” said Lyn, “He can’t come out now because he is ironing my saree”.
(Pic courtesy: imgkid.com)
P.S. Now, do you understand why navy couples are meant for each other?!
P.P.S. We also didn’t have much though in our hearts we were rich and still are. On one of our early anniversaries, we bought a plaque and hung it in the house. It gave us enormous happiness and satisfaction. It read: “We don’t have much but we have each other”. We tried to make up with Love what we lost because of not having flunkies and riches.
Part II
“SPECIAL” WEEKEND BREAKFAST
What is so “special” about a breakfast of Parathas, Sooji Halwa, Aloo Bhaaji, Dahi; you may ask?
Well, only this that my wife and I made it together with our kitty Minnie helping as much as she could by excitedly jumping all around the kitchen.
Laajwaab?
When a meal is made together
By a husband and his wife
It is full of Love and Sweetness
The meal itself has Life.
What we make is not so important
The process is full of fun
Too many cooks spoil the broth, they say,
But, what if they cook like one?
It is the best way to start the day
Making a meal that’s so rare
It is a treat not just for the mouth
You pair, you care, you share.
Thanks Lyn for making life as beautiful as this breakfast together.
आज फिर तसव्वर में उनका दीदार हो गया
खुदा की रहनुमाई पे फिर से ऐतबार हो गया
ना मेरे करीब हैं वो ना मुझसे दूर रहते हैं
फिर से दिल की अफरा तफरी का आसार हो गया
ज़िन्दगी सेहरा बनी थी उनकी अलैहदगी में
उनके मिलते ही आलम गुलज़ार हो गया
हमने माना करामात-ऐ- ख्याल ही था लेकिन
चंद लम्हों के लिए दिल खुशगवार हो गया
मुझे यकीन है तग़ाफ़ुल मुझे वह नहीं करते
उनकी खामोशी से ही इश्क़ का इज़हार हो गया
हैरत तो उनको खूब होगी मेरे अंदाज़-ऐ-वफ़ा पे
अब मुझे अपनी तन्हाई से भी प्यार हो गया
(Pic courtesy: www.flickr.com)
Aaj phir tasuvvar mein unaka deedaar ho gaya
Khuda ki rehnumaai pe phir pe phir se aitbaar ho gaya
Naa mere kareeb hain vo naa mere door rehate hain
Phir se dil ki afraa tafri kaa aasaar ho gaya.
Zindagi sehra bani thi unaki alahaidgi mein
Unake milate hi aalam gulzar ho gaya
Hamane maana ke karaamaat-e-khayaal hi tha lekin
Chand lamhon ke liye dil khushgavaar ho gaya.
Mujhe yakeen hai taghaful mujhako woh nahin karate
Unaki khaamoshi se hi ishq kaa izhaar ho gaya
Hairat to unako khoob hogi mere andaaz-e-wafa se
Ab mujhe apni tanhaayi se bhi pyaar ho gaya.
मेरी आरज़ू-ऐ- मोहब्बत के जनाज़े पे वो भी उदास थे
कहीं मरने वाला उनका कोई हबीब तो नहीं?
यह हालात-ऐ-वफ़ा का ही कोई अंजाम लगता है
वरना ज़ालिम तो वह हैं पर कोई रकीब तो नहीं
क्या खून-ऐ-जिगर के बाद कोई अफ़साना बाकी है?
इस बद नसीब के कहीं ऐसे नसीब तो नहीं?
उनके नक्श-ऐ-कदम से कहीं ये फिर ना धड़कने लगे
इतना तो यह बेचारा नजीब तो नहीं
लटके हुए थे आज तक उनकी उल्फत के फंदे से
वह फिर भी कहते थे कोई सलीब तो नहीं
हमने दो जहां उनके किये एक कर दिए
उन्होंने फरमाया आम है, कोई अजीब तो नहीं
जलते गए, सहते गए, बहते रहे यह अश्क़
फिर भी तेरे रुखसार के करीब तो नहीं
तेरे दौलत-ऐ-ग़म मेरी बज़्म में ही तो रहते हैं
दिल तेरे बाजार-ऐ-इश्क़ में इतना गरीब तो नहीं
(Pic courtesy: www.galleryhip.com)
Meri aarzoo-e-mohabbat ke janaaze pe who bhi udaas the
Kahin marne waala unaka koi habeeb to nahin?
Yeh halaat-e-wafa ka hi koi anjaam lagata hai
Warna zaalim to who hain, par koi rakeeb to nahin.
Kyaa khoon-e-jigar ke baad bhi koi afsaana baaki hai?
Is badnaseeb ke kahin aise naseeb to nahin?
Unake nakshe-e-kadam se kahin who phir naa dhadakane lage?
Itana to yeh bechaara najeeb to nahin.
Latake huye the aaj taq unaki ulfat ke fande se
Who phir bhi kehate the koi saleeb to nahin
Hamane do jahan unake liye ek kar diye
Unhone farmaata aam hai ajeeb to nahin.
Jalate rahe, sehate rahe, behate rahe yeh ashq
Phir bhi tere rukhsaar ke kareeb to nahin
Tere daulat-e-gham meri bazm mein hi to rehate hain
Dil tere bazaar-e-ishq mein itana gareeb to nahin.
A few days after our 68th Independence Day, last year, I gave you a compendium of The Best Azaadi (Independence) Poems, together with their translations. A large number of people have messaged to me that it is the finest compendium available on the Internet.
Now, a few days after our 66th Republic Day, I give you – what I consider as – the best patriotic songs. Sometimes, we are filled with anxiety about our country; at others, we are downright cynical. I myself took a reality check four years back with How Proud Should We Be Of Indian Republic At 62? However, we do recognise the fact that it is better to be free, independent and a sovereign republic than to be under a foreign yoke. With all our problems, there won’t be too many of us who don’t love our country India, both as a geographical entity and as an idea or concept. These songs, therefore, not only reflect our history but how and why we love India, that is, Bharat.
The very first song that comes to mind is of course Vande Mataram. It translates into ‘I praise thee, Mother’; wherein Mother is Bharat Mata. The poem was penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in his 1882 classic Anand Math, which was later (in 1952) made into a movie by the same name by Hemen Gupta who was private secretary to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and who, in 1961, directed Kabuliwala based on a story by Nobel Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore. The music of the movie was given by my favourite singer and music director Hemant Kumar. Vande Mataram had many versions sung by many; the latest being on music composed by Oscar winner AR Rehman. However, my favourite is naturally the one sung by Hemant da, even though the movie itself had another version sung by Lata Mangeshkar, widely regarded as one of the best.
Lets now turn to Tarana-e-Hind (Anthem of the People of Hindostan) or the National Song of India: Saare Jahan Se Achha or Better Than The Whole World. It was penned by the Urdu poet Muhammad Iqbal and was published in the weekly journal Ittehad on 16th Aug 1904. It was the leading poem/song of our opposition to the British rule. In the 1950s, the Sitar Maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar composed the music of the national song and Melody Queen Lata Mangeshkar sang it. It also became the marching tune of the Indian Armed Forces. India’s astronaut, in 1984, in an interview with the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in answer to a question by her as to how India appeared from the outer space promptly replied (and gladdened the hearts of millions of Indians): “Saare jahan se achchha”!
Please enjoy our national song Saare Jahan Se Achchha sung by Lata Mangeshkar on the music of Pandit Ravi Shankar:
saare jahaa.N se achchhaa, hindostaa.n hamaaraa
ham bulabule hai.n isakii, vo gulasitaa.n hamaaraa
gurabat me.n ho.n agar ham, rahataa hai dil vatan me.n
samajho vahii.n hame.n bhii, dil ho jahaa.N hamaaraa, saare …
parvat ho sabase uu.Nchaa, hamasaayaa aasamaa.N kaa
vo sa.ntarii hamaaraa, vo paasavaa.n hamaaraa, saare …
godii me.n khelatii hai.n, jisakii hazaaro.n nadiyaa.n
gulashan hai jisake dam se, rashk-e-jinaa.n hamaaraa
saare …
ai aab-e-rau.nd-e-ga.ngaa! vo din hai yaad tujhako
utaraa tere kinaare, jab kaaravaa.n hamaaraa, saare …
majahab nahii.n sikhaataa, aapas me.n bair rakhanaa
hindii hai.n ham vatan hai.n, hindostaa.n hamaaraa, saare …
yuunaan, misr, romaa.n, sab miT gae jahaa.N se
ab tak magar hai baakii, naam-o-nishaa.n hamaaraa,
saare …
kuchh baat hai kii hastii, miTatii nahii.n hamaarii
sadiyo.n rahaa hai dushman, daur-e-jahaa.N hamaaraa, saare …
Kadam kadam badhaye jaa was the regimental quick march of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Written by Pt. Vanshidhar Shukla. Composed by Ram Singh Thakur who served in Netaji’s Indian National Army and was of Nepali origin. The song is also currently the regimental quickmarch of the Indian Army.
Please enjoy: Kadam kadam badhaye jaa, khushi ke geet gaaye jaa….
( kadam-kadam ba.Dhaaye jaa
Kushii ke giit gaaye jaa
ye zi.ndagii hai qaum kii
tuu qaum pe luTaaye jaa ) -2
( tuu sher-e-hind aage ba.Dh
marane se phir bhii tuu na Dar
u.Daa ke dushmano.n kaa sar
ju.D-e-watan ba.Dhaaye jaa ) -2
kadam-kadam ba.Dhaaye jaa
Kushii ke giit gaaye jaa
ye zi.ndagii hai qaum kii
tuu qaum pe luTaaye jaa
( chalo chale.n pukaar ke
Gam-e-nishaa.N sa.mbhaal ke
laa qile pe gaa.D ke
laharaaye jaa laharaaye jaa ) -2
( kadam-kadam ba.Dhaaye jaa
Kushii ke giit gaaye jaa
ye zi.ndagii hai qaum kii
tuu qaum pe luTaaye jaa ) -2
https://youtube.com/watch?v=bQcBNutX4GY%3F
This song sung by Lata Mangeshkar on a day after Republic Day in 1963, immediately after the Sino-Indian War of 1962, in Ramlila Maidan, New Delhi, brought the Indian Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru to tears. In 2013 when the song turned its glorious 50 years, it was sung by Lata ji at Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai whereat the Armed Forces personnel with gallantry medals were re-honoured.
The lyrics of the song were written by Kavi Pradeep, the national poet; and the music was composed by C Ramchandra.
Please enjoy: Aye mere watan ke logo….
ai mere vatan ke logo
tum khuub lagaa lo naaraa
ye shubh din hai ham sab kaa
laharaa lo tira.ngaa pyaaraa
par mat bhuulo siimaa par
viiro.n ne hai praaN ga.Nvaae
kuchh yaad unhe.n bhii kar lo -2
jo lauT ke ghar na aaye -2
ai mere vatan ke logo.n
zaraa aa.Nkh me.n bhar lo paanii
jo shahiid hue hai.n unakii
zaraa yaad karo qurabaanii
jab ghaayal huaa himaalay
khatare me.n pa.Dii aazaadii
jab tak thii saa.Ns la.De vo
phir apanii laash bichhaa dii
sa.ngiin pe dhar kar maathaa
so gaye amar balidaanii
jo shahiid…
jab desh me.n thii dIvaalii
vo khel rahe the holI
jab ham baiThe the gharo.n me.n
vo jhel rahe the golii
the dhanya javaan vo aapane
thii dhanya vo unakii javaanii
jo shahiid…
koii sikh koii jaaT maraaThaa
koii gurakhaa koii madaraasii
sarahad par maranevaalaa
har viir thaa bhaaratavaasii
jo khuun giraa pav.rat par
vo khuun thaa hi.ndustaanii
jo shahiid…
thii khuun se lath-path kaayaa
phir bhii banduuk uThaake
das-das ko ek ne maaraa
phir gir gaye hosh ga.Nvaa ke
jab ant-samay aayaa to
kah gaye ke ab marate hai.n
khush rahanaa desh ke pyaaro.n
ab ham to safar karate hai.n
kyaa log the vo dIvaane
kyaa log the vo abhimaanii
jo shahiid…
tum bhuul na jaao unako
is liye kahii ye kahaanii
jo shahiid…
jay hind… jay hind kii senaa -2
jay hind, jay hind, jay hind
After the success of 1957 Mother India, in 1962 Mehboob Khan made Son of India. As compared to the big cast of Mother India including Nargis, Khan took lesser known Simi Grewal, Kamaljith, Jayant and Kumkum in the lead roles. However, he retained the team of my favourite lyricist Shakeel Badayuni and music director Naushad Ali for the songs of the movie. For a young and newly independent nation, the voice of Shanti Mathur singing Nanha Munna Rahi Hoon was just what India wanted. It became a super-hit song instantly and is reflective of a resurgent India.
Please enjoy: Nanha munna raahi hoon…
nanhaa munnaa raahii huu.N, desh kaa sipaahii huu.N
bolo mere sa.ng, jay hi.nd, jay hi.nd, jay hi.nd …
raste pe chaluu.ngaa na Dar-Dar ke
chaahe mujhe jiinaa pa.De mar-mar ke
ma.nzil se pahale naa luu.ngaa kahii.n dam
aage hii aage ba.Dhaau.ngaa kadam
daahine baae.n daahine baae.n, tham! nanhaa …
dhuup me.n pasiinaa bahaau.ngaa jahaa.N
hare-bhare khet laharaae.nge vahaa.N
dharatii pe faake na paae.nge janam
aage hii aage …
nayaa hai zamaanaa merii na_ii hai Dagar
desh ko banaau.ngaa mashiino.n kaa nagar
bhaarat kisii se na rahegaa kam
aage hii aage …
ba.Daa ho ke desh kaa sitaaraa banuu.ngaa
duniyaa kii aa.Nkho.n kaa taaraa banuu.ngaa
rakhuu.Ngaa uu.nchaa tira.ngaa haradam
aage hii aage …
shaa.nti ki nagarii hai meraa ye vatan
sabako sikhaauu.ngaa pyaar kaa chalan
duniyaa me.n girane na duu.ngaa kahii.n bam
aage hii aage …
This song from the 1965 movie Shaheed on the lives and sacrifices of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev still makes my hair stand on end. The lyricist was Prem Dhawan and music was also composed by him. It was sung by Mohammad Rafi. The version that gives you goose pimples is when Bhagat Singh’s mother visits him in the jail before he and his two friends are taken to the gallows. There is promise in the song that ‘O, mother, your son will not die even after he is hanged and is fortunate to be wedded to the nation’.
Please enjoy: Ai watan, ai watan hamako teri kasam….
tuu nA ronA, ke tU hai bhagat si.nh kii maa.N
mar ke bhI laal terA maregaa nahii.n
Dolii cha.Dhake to laate hai dulhan sabhii
ha.Nsake har koI phaa.Nsii cha.Dhegaa nahii.n
jalate bhii gaye kahate bhii gaye
aazaadii ke paravaane
jiinaa to usiikaa jiinaa hai
jo maranaa desh par jaane
jab shahiido.n kii Dolii uThe dhuum se
deshavaalo.n tum aa.Nsuu bahaanaa nahii.n
par manaao jab aazaad bhaarat kA din
us gha.Dii tum hame.n bhuul jaanaa nahii.n
ai vatan ai vatan hamako terii qasam
terii rAho.n mai.n jaa.n tak luTaa jaaye.nge
phuul kyaa chiiz hai tere kadamo.n pe ham
bhe.nT apane saro.n kii cha.Dhaa jaaye.nge
ai vatan ai vatan
koii pa.njaab se, koii mahaarAshhTr se
koii yuu pii se hai, koii ba.ngaal se
terii puujaa kii thaalii me.n laaye hai.n ham
phuul har ra.ng ke, aaj har Daal se
naam kuchh bhii sahii par lagan ek hai
jot se jot dil kii jagaa jaaye.nge
ai vatan ai vatan …
terii jaanib uThii jo kahar kii nazar
us nazar ko jhukaa ke hii dam le.nge ham
terii dharatii pe hai jo kadam Gair kaa
us kadam kaa nishaa.N tak miTaa de.nge ham
jo bhii diivaar aayegii ab saamane
Thokaro.n se use ham giraa jaaye.nge
When it comes to a patriotic song that still gives you goose pimples, there is nothing to beat this one from Chetan Anand’s 1964 movie Haqeeqat (Reality) that sought to recreate the reality of 1962 Sino Indian War. The movie starred Dharmendra and Priya Rajvansh besides Balraj Sajni, Vijay Anand, Jayant and Sanjay Khan.
This song was penned by Kaifi Azmi who had mastered the art of writing simple words powerfully. Music was composed by Madan Mohan and the song was sung by Mohammad Rafi.
Please enjoy: Kar chale hum fida jaano tan saathiyo….
(kar chale ham fidaa jaan-o-tan saathiyo.n
ab tumhaare havaale vatan saathiyo.n ) – (2)
saa.Ns thamatii ga_ii nabz jamatii ga_ii
phir bhii ba.Dhate kadam ko na rukane diyaa
kaT gaye sar hamaare to kuchh Gam nahii.n
sar himaalay kaa hamane na jhukane diyaa
marate marate rahaa baa.Nkaapan saathiyo.n, ab tumhaare …
zi.ndaa rahane ke mausam bahut hai.n magar
jaan dene kii rut roz aatii nahii.n
husn aur ishq dono.n ko rusavaa kare
vo javaanii jo khuu.N me.n nahaatii nahii.n
baa.Ndh lo apane sar par kafan saathiyo.n, ab tumhaare …
raah qurbaaniyo.n kii na viiraan ho
tum sajaate hii rahanaa naye qaafile
fatah kaa jashn is jashn ke baad hai
zi.ndagii maut se mil rahii hai gale
aaj dharatii banii hai dulhan saathiyo.n, ab tumhaare …
khii.nch do apane khuu.N se zamii.n par lakiir
is taraf aane paaye na raavaN koii
to.D do haath agar haath uThane lage
chhuune paaye na siitaa kaa daaman koii
raam bhii tum tumhii.n lakshmaN saathiyo.n, ab tumhaare …
Lets turn to a little more modern movie and little more modern song. I love this song for its pathos and quiet resolve in the face of unequal war perpetrated on India by the terrorists from across the border. It brought national acclaim to two people: the story-writer and director of the movie Mani Ratnam and its music director AR Rehman. The 1992 movie Roja was first made in Tamil starring Arvind Swamy and Madhoo who nearly received the National Best Actress Award until she was beaten by Dimple Kapadia. The music got the Best Movie on National Integration Award and Best Music Director award for AR Rehman in his debut movie. The soundtrack of the movie by Rehman was declared by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the ten best sound tracks.
The song has the lyrics by PK Mishra and sung by Hariharan.
Please enjoy: Bharat hamako jaan se pyaara hai….
Bhaarat hamako jaan se pyaaraa hai
sabase nyaaraa gulistaa.n hamaaraa hai
sadiyo.n se bhaarat bhuumi duniyaa kii shaan hai
bhaarat maa.n kii rakshaa me.n jiivan qurbaan hai
bhaarat hamako jaan se …
uja.De nahii.n apanaa chaman, TUTe nahii.n apanaa vatan
duniyaa dhar dharatii korI, barabaad naa karade koii
mandir yahaa.N, masjid vahaa.N, hinduu yahaa.N muslim vahaa.N
milate rahe ham pyaar se
jaago …
hindustaanii naam hamaaraa hai, sabase pyaaraa desh hamaaraa hai
janmabhuumi hai hamaarii shaan se kahe.nge ham
sabhii to bhaaI-bhaaI pyaar se rahe.nge ham
hindustaanii naam hamaaraa hai
aasaam se gujaraat tak, ba.ngaal se mahaaraashhTr tak
jhanakii sahii gun ek hai, bhaashhaa alag sur ek hai
kashmiir se madraas tak, kah do sabhii ham ek hai.n
aavaaz do ham ek hai.n
jAgo …
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Wqb4HIcZ-Gc%3F
Talking about AR Rehman, one can never forget his Maa Tujhe Salaam that has been sung by him on his own music. Its lyrics are by Mehboob. AR Rehman has a way of reaching to the hearts of our countrymen with his music and this song really assumed iconic proportions.
Please enjoy: Maa tujhe salaam….
maa.N
(mother)
va.nde maataram
(I pray to you, o mother)
yahaa.N-vahaa.N saaraa jahaa.N dekh liyaa hai
(here and there, i have seen the entire world)
kahii.n bhii tere jaisaa ko_ii nahii.n hai
(but, there is no one anywhere like you)
assii nahii.n sau din duniyaa ghuumaa huu.N
(I have travelled across the world, not for eighty, but for a hundred days)
nahii.n kahii.n tere jaisaa ko_ii nahii.n hai
(no one anywhere, like you no one is there)
mai.n gayaa jahaa.N bhii bas terii yaad thii
(wherever i went, only your memories were there)
jo mere saath thii mujh ko ta.Dapaatii-rulaatii
(that had accompanied me, torturing me, making me weep)
sab se pyaarii terii suurat pyaar hai bas teraa pyaar hii
(your face is the loveliest of them all, your affection is the only love)
maa.N tujhe salaam
(oh mother! i salute to you)
ammaa tujhe salaam
jahaa.N tuu hai vahaa.N mai.n teraa huu.N divaanaa mai.n
(wherever you are, i am there, i am mad after you)
jhuumuu.N naachu.n gaa_uu.N tere pyaar kaa taraanaa mai.n
( i swing, i dance, i sing, the song of your love)
cha.ndaa nahii.n suuraj nahii.n duiyaa kii daulat nahii.n
(i don’t want the moon, nor the sun, nor the wealth of this world)
bas luuTuu.Ngaa tere pyaar kaa khazaanaa
(i will only loot the treasure of your love)
ek nazar jab terii
(one glance of yours)
hotii hai pyaar kii
(you cast on me, filled with love)
duniyaa tab to merii chamake damake mahake re
(then my world shines, glitters, smells)
teraa cheharaa suuraj jaisaa chaa.Nd sii ThaND hai pyaar me.n
(you face is like the sun, the coolness of the moon is in your love)
tere paas hii mai.n aa rahaa huu.N apanii baa.Nhe.n khol de
(i am going to come near you, you please spread your arms)
jor se mujhako gale lagaa le mujhako phir vo pyaar de
(and hug me enthusiatically, grant me again that love of yours)
tuu hii zi.ndagii hai tuu hii merii mohabbat hai
(only your are the life, only you are my love)
tere hii pairo.n me.n jannat hai tuu hii dil tuu jaa.N maa.N
(the paradise lies only in your feet, you are my heart, you are my life, oh mother!)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=jDn2bn7_YSM%3F
Lets now turn to a song that has been filmed in the National Defence Academy at Khadakvasala, near Pune (Maharashtra). It is from the 1970 film Aadmi Aur Insaan. Lyrics of this vivacious song were penned by Sahir Ludhianvi and music composed by Ravi. The song was sung by Mahendra Kapoor, S Balbir and Joginder.
Please enjoy: Yaara dildaara mera dil karta…..
dil karta o yara dildara mera dil karta
o yara dildara mera dil karta
aisa kuch kar paye yado me bas jaye
dil karta o yara dildara mera dil karta
o yara dildara mera dil karta
ho sadiyo jahan me ho charcha hamara
dil karta o yara dildara mera dil karta
o yara dildara mera dil karta
jalti mashale leke milni ki raato me
milni ki rato me
aage aage hum chale yaro ki baraato me
yaro ki baraato me
fanse koi bholi bhali apni bhi baato me
apni bhi baato me
kisi ki kalaayi aaye apne bhi haatho me
apne bhi haatho me
ho sadiyo jahan me ho charcha hamara
dil karta o yara dildara mera dil karta
o yara dildara mera dil karta
aisa kuch kar paye yado me bas jaye
dil karta o yara dildara mera dil karta
o yara dildara mera dil karta
nit naye dhundhe mujhe nit naye mile ho
nit naye mile ho
pariyo me ghire rahe kabhi na akele ho
kabhi na akele ho
gum ki ghataaye ho ki khushiyo ke rele ho
khushiyo ke rele ho
dono se nibhaane wale hum albele ho
hum albele ho
ho sadiyo jahan me ho charcha hamara
dil karta o yara dildara mera dil karta
o yara dildara mera dil karta
aisa kuch kar paye yado me bas jaye
dil karta o yara dildara mera dil karta
o yara dildara mera dil karta
humsa jiyala koi mile na hajaro me
mile na hajaro me
mare chahe jiye rahe agli kataro me
agli kataro me
jhalke hamara lahu kal ki baharo me
kal ki baharo me
ashqo ka tauhafa hoke bant jaye yaaro me
bant jaye yaaro me
ho sadiyo jahan me ho charcha hamara
dil karta o yara dildara mera dil karta
o yara dildara mera dil karta
aisa kuch kar paye yado me bas jaye
dil karta o yara dildara mera dil karta
o yara dildara mera dil karta
o yara dildara mera dil karta
o yara dildara mera dil karta
o yara dildara mera dil karta
o yara dildara mera dil karta
https://youtube.com/watch?v=3adU-Pg7g-o%3F
Lets get back to 1954 movie Jagriti (Awakening) directed by Satyen Bose. It won the Filmfare Best Movie Award and brought for its lead actor Abhi Bhattacharya the Best Supporting Actor Award. This songs lyrics, once again, are by Kavi Pradeep who has excelled in writing patriotic songs. Music is by Hemant Kumar and the song has been sung by Mohammad Rafi.
Please enjoy: Ham laayen hain toofaan se kishati nikaal ke….
paase sabhii ulaT gae dushman kii chaal ke
akshar sabhii palaT gae bhaarat ke bhaal ke
ma.nzil pe aayaa mulk har balaa ko Taal ke
sadiyo.n ke baad phir u.De bAdal gulaal ke
ham laae hai.n tuufaan se kashtii nikaal ke
is desh ko rakhanaa mere bachcho.n sambhaal ke
tum hii bhavishhy ho mere bhaarat vishaal ke
is desh ko rakhanaa mere bachcho.n sambhaal ke
dekho kahii.n barabaad nA hoe ye bagiichaa
isako hR^iday ke khuun se baapuu ne hai sii.nchaa
rakkhaa hai ye chiraaG shahiido.n ne baal ke, is desh ko…
duniyaa ke daa.nv pe.nch se rakhanaa nA vaastaa
ma.nzil tumhaarii dUr hai lambaa hai raastaa
bhaTakaa nA de koii tumhe.n dhokhe me.n Daal ke, is desh ko…
aiTam bamo.n ke jor pe ai.nThii hai ye duniyaa
baaruud ke ik Dher pe baiThii hai ye duniyaa
tum har kadam uThaanaa zaraa dekha bhaal ke, is desh ko…
aaraam kii tum bhuul bhulayyaa me.n nA bhuulo
sapano.n ke hi.nDolo.n pe magan hoke nA jhuulo
ab vaqt aa gayaa hai mere ha.Nsate hue phuulo.n
uTho chhalaa.Ng maar ke aakaash ko chhuu lo
tum gaa.D do gagan pe tira.ngaa uchhaal ke, is desh ko…
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ddrx8288qwA%3F
What can you say about this song? You can only marvel at its lyrics that represents how India was known for the nation with Sone Ki Chidhiya. Rajinder Krishan, its lyricist needs to be congratulated for the words that became immortal, a cherished dream in later years. Music is by Hansraj Behl who has not only given music for several Punjabi movies but also for Hindi movies. It has been sung by Mohammad Rafi. The song is from the 1965 movie Sikander-e-Azam.
Please enjoy: Jahan daal daal par sone ki chidhiyan karti hain basera….
jahaa.N Daal-Daal par
sone kii chi.Diyaa.n karatii hai baseraa
vo bhaarat desh hai meraa
jahaa.N satya, ahi.nsaa aur dharm kaa
pag-pag lagataa Deraa
vo bhaarat desh hai meraa
ye dharatii vo jahaa.N R^ishhi muni
japate prabhu naam kii maalaa
jahaa.N har baalak ek mohan hai
aur raadhaa har ek baalaa
jahaa.N suuraj sabase pahale aa kar
Daale apanaa pheraa
vo bhaarat desh hai meraa
alabelo.n kii is dharatii ke
tyohaar bhii hai alabele
kahii.n diivaalii kii jagamag hai
kahii.n hai.n holii ke mele
jahaa.N raag ra.ng aur ha.Nsii khushii kaa
chaaro aur hai gheraa
vo bhaarat desh hai meraa
jahaa.N aasamaan se baate karate
ma.ndir aur shivaale
jahaa.N kisii nagar me kisii dvaar par
koii na taalaa Daale
prem kii ba.nsii jahaa.N bajaataa
hai ye shaam saveraa
vo bhaarat desh hai meraa …
https://youtube.com/watch?v=-0kPkqkrHPk%3F
Lastly, I give you a song from Manoj Kumar’s 1967 movie Upkaar in which for the first time the villain Pran shifted to good roles. Manoj Kumar was an artificial stereo-typed actor but he excelled in making movies on patriotic themes. The movie Upkaar was also known for Kalyanji Anandji’s music and Indeevar’s lyrics. This very popular song has been sung in the silk-smooth voice of Mahendra Kapoor.
Please enjoy: Mere desh ki dharti…..
mere desh kii dharatii sonaa ugale, ugale hiire motii
mere desh kii dharatii …
bailo.n ke gale me.n jab ghu.ngharuu jiivan kaa raag sunaate hai.n
Gam kos duur ho jaataa hai khushiyo.n ke ka.nval muskaate hai.n
sunake rahaT kii aavaaze.n yuu.N lage kahii.n shahanaaI baje
aate hii mast bahaaro.n ke dulhan kii tarah har khet saje,
mere desh …
jab chalate hai.n is dharatii pe hal mamataa a.nga.Daaiyaa.N letii hai
kyuu.N naa puuje is maaTii ko jo jiivan kaa sukh detii hai
is dharatii pe jisane janam liyaa, usane hii paayaa pyaar teraa
yahaa.N apanaa paraayaa koI nahii.n hai sab pe hai maa.N upakaar teraa,
mere desh …
ye baaG hai gautam naanak kaa khilate hai.n chaman ke phuul yahaa.N
gaa.ndhii, subhaashh, Taigor, tilak, aise hai.n aman ke phuul yahaa.N
ra.ng haraa harii si.nh nalave se ra.ng laal hai laal bahaadur se
ra.ng banaa basa.ntii bhagat si.nh ra.ng aman kaa viir javaahar se,
mere desh …
Before we say Jai Hind, lets recall the 1910 poem of Nobel Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore and pray that India takes its rightful place in the great nations of the world:
Where The Mind Is Without Fear
by Rabindranath Tagore
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.
मेरी शाम से उसकी तन्हाईयाँ ना चुराओ
इसके पास इसके इलावा और कुछ नहीं
मैं यहाँ खुश हूँ मुझे वहां ना बुलायो
ना शौक, ना ख्वाइश, और कुछ नहींI
बेकसी की चादर ओढ़े सो रहा हूँ मैं
बुझे अरमान तले राख है, और कुछ नहीं
ये दौलत कभी कम न हो रो रहा हूँ मैं
अश्क़ों का खज़ाना है, और कुछ नहींI
मेरा हसीन आशिआना मुझे अब भी है याद
अब बर्बादी का आलम है, और कुछ नहीं
अब कौन सुनेगा मुझ गरीब की फ़रियाद
फ़टे दामन में दाग है, और कुछ नहींI
बुझा दो शमा, तोड़ डालो शीशा-ऐ-दिल
उम्मीद-ऐ-गम की दुनिया में और कुछ नहीं
इस ज़िन्दगी की शाम में कुछ तो हो हासिल
मुझे ख़ाक में मिला दो, और कुछ नहींI
हसरतों के सहारे कब तक चलेंगे हम
गर्दिश-ऐ-सफर में अब और कुछ नहीं
एक ही चिंगारी से देखना खूब जलेंगे हम
सूखी हड्डियां हैं, यादें हैं, और कुछ नहींI
Meri sham se usaki tanhaayiyan na churaayo
Isske pass isske siwaye aur kuchh nahin
Main yahan khush hoon, mujhe wahan naa bulaayo
Naa shauk, naa khwaaish, aur kuchh nahin.
Bekasi ki chaadar ode so raha hoon main
Bujhe armaano tale raakh hai, aur kuchh nahin
Ye daulat kabhi kam naa ho, ro raha hoon main
Ashqon ke khazaane hain, aur kuchh nahin.
Mera hasin aashiyana mujhe ab bhi ha yaad
Ab barbaadi ka aalam hai, aur kuchh nahin
Ab kaun sunega iss gareeb ki fariyaad
Fate daaman mein daag hai, aur kuchh nahin.
Bujha do shamaa, tod daalo shisha-e-dil
Umeed-e-gam ki duniya mein aur kuchh nahin
Iss zindagi ki sham mein kuchh to ho haasil
Mujhe khaak mein mila do, aur kuchh nahin.
Hasraton ke sahaare kab tak challenge ham
Gardish-e-safar mein ab aur kuchh nahin
Ek hi chingaari se dekhana aise jalenge ham
Sookhi haddiyan hain, yaaden hain, aur kuchh nahin.
ज़िन्दगी तब भी थी
ज़िन्दगी अब भी है
तब नया सूरज उगा था
तब जलते चिरागों की लौ में
अँधेरे दूर भागते थे
अब रौशनी को तरसते रात के साये
बढ़ते ही जा रहे हैं
सबेरा दूर है, बहुत दूर
ज़िन्दगी तब भी थी
ज़िन्दगी अब भी है
ज़िन्दगी तब भी थी
ज़िन्दगी अब भी है
चमन में फूलों की खुशबु से
फ़िज़ाएं मदहोश थी तब
अब मुरझाये फूल गिरते हैं मज़ार पे
सूखे पत्तों के संग
लहर आई थी चले गयी
हम साहिल पे अब भी खड़े हैं इंतेज़्ज़ार में
ज़िन्दगी तब भी थी
ज़िन्दगी अब भी है
ज़िन्दगी तब भी थी
ज़िन्दगी अब भी है
तेरे क़दमों की आहट से
बंधे थे मेरे दिल के तार
तेरी साँसों में तब था
मेरे ही प्यार का खुमार
अब खाली पैमानों की बज़्म में
हम प्यासे खड़े हैं
ज़िन्दगी तब भी थी
ज़िन्दगी अब भी है
ज़िन्दगी तब भी थी
ज़िन्दगी अब भी है
तब हम मुन्तज़िर थे
तेरे अहद-ओ-पैमान से
अब नींद से जागी हमारी आँख
मौत का नज़ारा ढूंडती है
काश उस ज़िन्दगी को रोक लेते वहीँ
जो अब हर कहीं जिन्दगी का सहारा ढूंडती है
ज़िन्दगी तब भी थी
ज़िन्दगी अब भी है
ज़िन्दगी तब भी थी
ज़िन्दगी अब भी है
फरक सिर्फ इतना है:
तब सब कुछ हमारे आगे था
अब सब कुछ हमारे पीछे है
तब हम कहते थे, “यही है ज़िन्दगी”
और अब? अब सवाल ही सवाल है:
“बस यही है ज़िन्दगी, क्या?”
ज़िन्दगी तब भी थी
ज़िन्दगी अब भी है
Zindagi tab bhi thi
Zindagi ab bhi hai
Tab naya suraj uga tha
Tab jalate chiraagon ki lau mein
Andhere door bhaagte the
Ab raushni ko tarsate raat ke saaye
Badate hi ja rahe hain
Sabera door hai, bahut door
Zindagi tab bhi thi
Zindagi aaj bhi hai
Zindagi tab bhi thi
Zindagi aaj bhi hai
Chaman mein phoolon ki khushbu se
Fizayen madhosh thi tab
Ab murjhaye phool girte hain mazaar pe
Sukhe patton ke sang
Lehar aayi thi chale gayi
Hum saahil pe ab bhi khade hain intezzaar mein
Zindagi tab bhi thi
Zindagi aaj bhi hai
Zindagi tab bhi thi
Zindagi aaj bhi hai
Tere kadmon ki aahat se
Bandhe the mere dil ke taar
Teri saanson mein tab tha
Mere hi pyaar ka khumaar
Ab khaali paimaano ki bazm mein
Ham pyaase khade hain
Zindagi tab bhi thi
Zindagi aaj bhi hai
Zindagi tab bhi thi
Zindagi ab bhi hai
Tab ham muntazir the
Tere ahad-o-paimaan se
Ab neend se jaagi hamaari aankh
Maut ka nazaara dhoondati hai
Kaash us zindagi ko roke lete wahin
Jo ab har kahin zindagi ka sahaara dhoondati hai
Zindagi tab bhi thi
Zindagi aaj bhi hai.
Zindagi tab bhi thi
Zindagi ab bhi hai
Fark sirf itana hai:
Tab sab kuchh hamaare aage tha
Ab sab kuchh hamaare peechhe hai
Tab ham kehte the, “Yehi hai zindagi”.
Aur ab? Ab sawaal hi sawaal hai:
“Bus yehi hai zindagi, kyaa?”
Zindagi tab bhi thi
Zindagi ab bhi hai.
