217. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Raha Gardishon Mein Hardam..

Movie: Do Badan (1966)
Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni
Music: Ravi
Bombay Main Release at: Alankar Cinema.



When the Love Star is pushed into a vicious revolution of Misfortune, Rafi Sahaab sings: Raha Gardishon Me.n Har Damm....

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original lyrics:


rahaa gardisho.n me.n har damm, mere ishq kaa sitaaraa,
ALWAYS UNFORTUNATE HAS BEEN THE STAR OF MY LOVE,

rahaa gardisho.n me.n har damm, mere ishq kaa sitaaraa,
ALWAYS UNFORTUNATE HAS BEEN THE STAR OF MY LOVE,

kabhee Dagmagaayee kashtee, kabhee kho gayaa, kinaaraa,
SOMETIMES THE BOAT ROCKED, SOMETIMES THE SHORE WAS LOST,

rahaa gardisho.n me.n har damm,
ALWAYS UNFORTUNATE HAS BEEN...


koee dil ke khel dekhe, ke muhabbato.n kee baazee,
SHOULD THE HEART’S FROLICS SOMEONE MIND, OR THE STAKES OF LOVE?

koee dil ke khel dekhe, ke muhabbato.n kee baazee,
SHOULD THE HEART’S FROLICS SOMEONE MIND, OR THE STAKES OF LOVE?

woh qadam qadam pe jeete, mai.n qadam qadam pe haaraa,
SHE WON AT EVERY PACE, I LOST OUT AT EVERY STEP,

rahaa gardisho.n me.n har damm, mere ishq kaa, sitaaraa,
ALWAYS UNFORTUNATE HAS BEEN THE STAR OF MY LOVE,

rahaa gardisho.n me.n har damm..,
ALWAYS UNFORTUNATE HAS BEEN....


yeh hamaaree badd-naseebee, jo nahee.n toh aur kyaa hai,
IF THIS ISN’T OUR MISFORTUNE, THEN WHAT IS IT?

yeh hamaaree badd-naseebee, jo nahee.n toh aur kyaa hai,
IF THIS ISN’T OUR MISFORTUNE, THEN WHAT IS IT?

yeh hamaaree badd-naseebee, jo nahee.n toh aur kyaa hai,
IF THIS ISN’T OUR MISFORTUNE, THEN WHAT IS IT?

ke ussee ke ho gaye hamm, jo na ho sakaa, hamaaraa.
FOR, WE GAVE OURSELF TO THE ONE, WHO COULDN’T BE OURS.

rahaa gardisho.n me.n har damm, mere ishq kaa, sitaaraa,
ALWAYS UNFORTUNATE HAS BEEN THE STAR OF MY LOVE,

Rahaa gardisho.n me.n har damm....
ALWAYS UNFORTUNATE HAS BEEN...


pa.de jab ghamo.n se paale, rahe miT ke miTne waale,
WHEN THE SORROWS SEIZED, DEVASTATED WERE THE ONES WHO UNDERWENT DEVASTATION.

pa.de jab ghamo.n se paale, rahe miT ke miTne waale,
WHEN THE SORROWS SEIZED, DEVASTATED WERE THE ONES WHO UNDERWENT DEVASTATION,

jise maut ne na poochhaa, usse zi.ndagee ne maaraa.
HE, WHOM THE DEATH DENIED, WAS KILLED BY LIFE.

rahaa gardisho.n me.n har damm, mere ishq kaa sitaaraa,
ALWAYS UNFORTUNATE HAS BEEN THE STAR OF MY LOVE,

kabhee Dagmagaayee kashtee, kabhee kho gayaa, kinaaraa,
SOMETIMES THE BOAT ROCKED, SOMETIMES THE SHORE WAS LOST,

Rahaa gardisho.n me.n har damm....
ALWAYS UNFORTUNATE HAS BEEN...


NASIR.

The course of true love never did run smooth – Shakespeare.

216. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Itni Badi Dunya...

Movie: Toofan Mein Pyar Kahan (1966)
Lyrics: Prem Dhawan
Music: Chitragupt

Versatile Rafi Sahaab commendably modulates his voice to suit the great natural actor, Ashok Kumar, while singing on the pangs of loneliness in: Itnee Badee Dunya.....

Roman Translation/English Translation of the original lyrics:



Itnee ba.dee dunyaa, jahaa.n itnaa ba.daa melaa,
SUCH A BIG WORLD, WITH SUCH A MULTITUDE OF PEOPLE,

magar mai.n, h.N ha.N ha.N,
BUT AS FOR ME? (sarcastic grin)

kitnaa akelaa,
HOW LONESOME AM I!

kitnaa akelaa,
HOW LONESOME AM I!

Itnee ba.dee dunyaa, jahaa.n itnaa ba.daa melaa,
SUCH A BIG WORLD, WITH SUCH A MULTITUDE OF PEOPLE

magar mai.n, h.N ha.N ha.N,
BUT AS FOR ME? (sarcastic grin)

kitnaa akelaa,
HOW LONESOME AM I!

kitnaa akelaa,
HOW LONESOME AM I!


ay dil gha.dee bhar ko, mil ke kare.n baate.n,
O HEART, FOR A MOMENT, LET’S TALK TO EACH OTHER,

ay dil gha.dee bhar ko, mil ke kare.n baate.n,
O HEART, FOR A MOMENT, LET’S TALK TO EACH OTHER,

kaTtee nahee.n aise tanhaa, meree raate.n,
THE LONELY NIGHTS OF MINE DON’T PASS SO,

sab ko milaa saathee, jabhee aayee milan belaa,
EVERYONE FOUND HIS COMPANION, WHEN THE TIME CAME FOR THE UNION,

magar mai.n, h.N ha.N ha.N,
BUT AS FOR ME? (sarcastic grin)

kitnaa akelaa ...
HOW LONESOME AM I!

kitnaa akelaa.
HOW LONESOME AM I!


guzre dino.n kaa hai, dhu.ndhalaa nishaa.n baaqee,
OF THE DAYS GONE BYE, A FAINT TRACE REMAINS,

guzre dino.n kaa hai, dhu.ndhalaa nishaa.n baaqee,
OF THE DAYS GONE BYE, A FAINT TRACE REMAINS,

dil toh bujhaa kab se ab hai, dhu_aa.n baaqee,
THE HEART HAS EXTINGUISHED SINCE LONG, NOW THE SMOKE REMAINS,

dukhte huwe dil pe, bhalaa kyaa-kyaa nahee.n jhelaa,
WELL, WHAT NOT THE ACHING HEART HAS ENDURED!

magar mai.n, h.N ha.N ha.N,
BUT AS FOR ME, (sarcastic grin)

kitnaa akelaa,
HOW LONESOME AM I!

kitnaa akelaa,
HOW LONESOME AM I!

Itnee ba.dee dunyaa, jahaa.n itnaa ba.daa melaa,
SUCH A BIG WORLD, WITH A MULTITUDE OF PEOPLE,

magar mai.n,
BUT AS FOR ME,

kitnaa akelaa,
HOW LONESOME AM I!

kitnaa akelaa.
HOW LONESOME AM I!

NASIR.

“The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.”
Mother Teresa

215. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Tumne Mujhe Dekha...

Movie: TEESRI MANZIL (1966)
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: R.D. Burman
Bombay's main release at: Naaz Cinema.


Sadness lingers in this romantic number of Rafi Sahaab: Tumne Mujhe Dekha...

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original lyrics:


tum ne mujhe, dekhaa, ho kar, mehrbaa.n,
YOU LOOKED UPON ME WITH COMPASSION,

ruk gayee yeh zamee.n, tham gayaa aasmaa.n,
THE EARTH STOOD STILL, THE HEAVENS CAME TO A HALT,

jaan-e-mann, jaan-e-jaa.n,
O SWEETHEART, SOUL OF MY SOUL,

tum ne mujhe, dekhaa, ho kar, mehrbaa.n,
YOU LOOKED UPON ME WITH COMPASSION,

ruk gayee yeh zamee.n, tham gayaa aasmaa.n,
THE EARTH STOOD STILL, THE HEAVENS CAME TO A HALT,

jaan-e-mann, jaan-e-jaa.n,
O SWEETHEART, SOUL OF MY SOUL,

tum ne mujhe, dekhaa,...
YOU LOOKED UPON ME....


o~~ kahee.n dard ke sehraa me.n, rukte chalte hote,
MOVING, RESTING, SOMEWHERE IN THE WASTELAND OF PAIN,

inn ho.nTho.n kee hasrat me.n, tapte, jalte hote,
FLUSHED AND BURNING WITH DESIRE FOR THESE LIPS,

mehrbaa.n ho gayee.n, zulf kee badliyaa.n,
CURLS OF BLACK-CLOUDS TURNED BENEVOLENT,

jaan-e-mann, jaan-e-jaa.n,
O SWEETHEART, SOUL OF MY SOUL,

tum ne mujhe, dekhaa, ho kar, mehrbaa.n,
YOU LOOKED UPON ME WITH COMPASSION,

ruk gayee yeh zamee.n, tham gayaa aasmaa.n,
THE EARTH STOOD STILL, THE HEAVENS CAME TO A HALT,

jaan-e-mann, jaan-e-jaa.n,
O SWEETHEART, SOUL OF MY SOUL,

tum ne mujhe, dekhaa,...
YOU LOOKED UPON ME....


O~~ lekar yeh hasee.n jalwe, tum bhee na kahaa.n pahu.nche,
WITH ALL THIS BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY, WHERE YOU, TOO, HAVE LANDED,

aakhir ko mere dil tak qadmo.n, ke nishaa.n pahu.nche,
AT LAST, THE FOOT-PRINTS HAVE REACHED UP TO MY HEART,

khatm se ho gaye, raaste sab yahaa.n,
ALL THE PATHS SEEM TO HAVE ENDED HERE,

jaan-e-mann, jaan-e-jaa.n,
O SWEETHEART, SOUL OF MY SOUL,

tum ne mujhe, dekhaa, ho kar, mehrbaa.n,
YOU LOOKED UPON ME WITH COMPASSION,

ruk gayee yeh zamee.n, tham gayaa aasmaa.n,
THE EARTH STOOD STILL, THE HEAVENS CAME TO A HALT,

jaan-e-mann, jaan-e-jaa.n,
O SWEETHEART, SOUL OF MY SOUL,

tum ne mujhe, dekhaa, ho kar, mehrbaa.n,
YOU LOOKED UPON ME WITH COMPASSION,

NASIR.

“All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness ... the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.”
Dalai Lama

214. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Naseeb Me.n Jis Ke Jo Likhaa Thaah...

Movie: Do Badan (1966)
Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni
Music: Ravi
Bombay Main Release at: Alankar Cinema.

Rafi Sahaab’s evergreen number: Naseeb Me.n Jis Ke Jo Likhaa Thaah...

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original lyrics:



Naseeb me.n jis ke jo likhaa thaah,
THAT WHICH WAS WRITTEN IN SOMEONE’S DESTINY

voh teree mehfil me.n kaam aayaa,
THAT CAME TO BE USED IN YOUR GATHERING,

Naseeb me.n, jis ke jo likhaa thaah,
THAT WHICH WAS WRITTEN IN SOMEONE’S DESTINY

voh teree mehfil me.n kaam aayaa,
THAT CAME TO BE USED IN YOUR GATHERING,

kisee ke hisse me.n pyaas aayee,
SOMEONE’S LOT WAS THE “THIRST”,

kisee ke hisse me.n jaam aayaa,

SOMEONE WAS ALLOTTED “WINE,”

naseeb me.n, jis ke jo likhaa thaah...
THAT WHICH WAS WRITTEN IN SOMEONE’S DESTINY...


mai.n ik fasaanaa hoo.n bekasee kaa,
MINE IS A STORY OF HELPLESSNESS,

yeh haal hai, meree zi.ndagee kaa,
THIS IS THE STATE OF MY LIFE...

mai.n ik fasaanaa, hoo.n bekasee kaa,
MINE IS A STORY OF HELPLESSNESS,

yeh haal hai, meree zi.ndagee kaa,
THIS IS THE STATE OF MY LIFE...

yeh haal hai meree zi.ndagee kaa,
THIS IS THE STATE OF MY LIFE:

na husn hee, mujh ko raas aayaa,
NEITHER THE BEAUTY APPEALED TO ME

na ishq hee mere kaam aayaa,
NOR DID LOVE ITSELF PROVE USEFUL TO ME,

naseeb me.n jis ke jo likhaa thaah ...
THAT WHICH WAS WRITTEN IN SOMEONE’S DESTINY...


badal gayee.n teree ma.nzile.n bhee,
YOUR DESTINATIONS ALSO CHANGED,

bichha.d gayaa, mai.n bhee kaarvaa.n se
I, TOO, STRAYED AWAY FROM THE CARAVAN,

badal gayee.n, teree ma.nzile.n bhee,
YOUR DESTINATIONS ALSO CHANGED,

bichha.d gayaa, mai.n bhee kaarvaa.n se,
I, TOO, STRAYED AWAY FROM THE CARAVAN,

bichha.d gayaa, mai.n bhee kaarvaa.n se,
I, TOO, STRAYED AWAY FROM THE CARAVAN,

teree muhabbat ke raaste me.n,
IN THE PATH OF YOUR LOVE

na jaane yeh kyaa maqaam aayaa,
WHO KNOWS WHAT STATION ARRIVED,

naseeb me.n jis ke jo likhaa thaah ...
THAT WHICH WAS WRITTEN IN SOMEONE’S DESTINY...


tujhe bhulaane ki koshishe.n bhee,
EVEN MY EFFORTS IN TRYING TO FORGET YOU

tamaam naakaam ho gayee.n hai.n,
HAVE ALL BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL,

tujhe bhulaane ki koshishe.n bhee,
EVEN MY EFFORTS IN TRYING TO FORGET YOU

tamaam naakaam ho gayee.n hai.n,
HAVE ALL BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL,

tamaam naakaam ho gayee.n hai.n,
ALL HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL,

kisee ne zikr-e-vafaa kiyaa jab,
WHEN SOMEONE BROACHED “FIDELITY,”

zubaa.n pe teraa hee naam aayaa,
ONLY YOUR NAME CAME TO BE SPOKEN,

Naseeb me.n, jis ke jo likhaa thaah,
THAT WHICH WAS WRITTEN IN SOMEONE’S DESTINY

voh teree mehfil me.n kaam aayaa,
THAT CAME TO BE USED IN YOUR GATHERING,

kisee ke hisse me.n pyaas aayee,
SOMEONE’S LOT WAS THE “THIRST”,

kisee ke hisse me.n jaam aayaa,
SOMEONE WAS ALLOTTED “WINE,”

naseeb me.n, jis ke jo likhaa thaah...
THAT WHICH WAS WRITTEN IN SOMEONE’S DESTINY...

Nasir.

"Love is like a tree in the four seasons of change. It can either bloom and blossom into a warm, loving relationship, or it can slowly turn, fade, and die, and grow unbearably bitter and cold."

Source Unknown

PART 3: THE PHILANTHROPIC SIDE OF MOHAMMED RAFI.

PART 3: THE PHILANTHROPIC SIDE OF MOHAMMED RAFI.


In Parts 1 and 2 we elaborated the philanthropic side of Mohammed Rafi Sahaab, the Man with a Golden Voice as well as a Golden Heart, the Legendary and ever-popular playback singer of India, in so far as his charitable giving of financial help and assistance was concerned.

But, then, philanthropy has many other dimensions as well. One of them is the moral dimension. Despite being in a film industry in the 20th Century, it appears that Rafi Sahaab waged a constant jihad against self-interest, ego, sloth, temptation and evil that conquers any ordinary human being. But Rafi Sahaab was no ordinary human being. He far exceeded the moral standards of the Bollywood film industry in comparison with which he clearly emerges as a saint. Yes, if one has to name a saint in Bollywood, then Rafi Sahaab’s is the only one name. No, I’m not referring to his impeccably regular habits of “Namaaz” (prayers to God) as well as the 3 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., “Riyaz” (exercising and perfecting the melodies of music by singing in seclusion). It was as if Rafi Sahaab knew that he was fulfilling some sort of primeval covenant with his Creator who had gifted him with that golden voice with which it was his duty to bring a sense of fulfilment not only to himself but also to those who heard him and who, on hearing him, went into raptures. If these were the fifteenth or the sixteenth centuries, Rafi Sahaab surely would have been a wandering minstrel or faqeer, composing his own lyrics and music and singing them in towns and villages, in wilderness and deserts singing of Universal God. Or perhaps he would have been a real Baiju Bawra competing with Tansen in the court of Emperor Akbar. He was truly a “Karm-Yogi”, a dedicated playback singer, who gave his best to the film music irrespective of the fact whether he was paid or not for his labour and without jeopardising the interest of the producers or the music directors. He never demeaned or embarrassed the recipients of his charitable deeds.

How well Rafi Sahaab gave without embarrassing the recipients can be measured from his system of distribution of the Zakaat amount. For the uninitiated, Zakaat is a sort of compulsory Islamic tithe of 2.5% of one’s wealth, to be systematically given each year for the benefit of the poor who may include relatives as well as strangers. Zakaat applies to surplus cash, gold, silver and commercial items but does not include the amount that may be additionally given out of kindness and generosity for the benefit of the needy. According to the reports, Rafi Sahaab used to distribute the Zakaat amount during the month of Ramadan each year. This amount was divided and distributed by means of the many packets that had a dedicated number, given to the recipients, marked on the packets. At any given time during the day the recipients would go to Rafi Sahaab’s bungalow and pick up their packets after providing their dedicated number to the distributor who generally happened to be the Secretary of Rafi Sahaab. This system ensured that there was no pomp or show in the least on part of Rafi Sahaab while having the Zakaat amount distributed. There were no hassles involved too.

Rafi Sahaab's self-effacement here can be highlighted by a living illustration which provides a contrary case of pomp and show. In Mumbai’s Bandra vicinity itself, (exact location is suppressed) there is this house of some wealthy person. When the time comes for distribution of the Zakaat amount we find the young and the old, women and children jostling against each other to lay their hands on the amount being distributed. Sometimes we find a queue where the poor and the needy just sit in anticipation of the alms and charity all day long to the curiosity of the passers-by. Now compare this with the system of Rafi Sahaab and we realize how vanity and pride never touched him even when he provided a sizeable amount of his earnings every year to the needy people who never even got to see their benefactor while collecting their packets.

It is a pity that sometimes many sterling facts of life of an individual are suppressed either out of discretion or some other reasons. One fact that is being constantly overlooked or glossed over or even ignored in the case of Rafi Sahaab is that during the Ramadan of the fateful year, 1980, he learnt much to his anguish and pain that the Zakaat packets had not been distributed in time. The Holy Month was almost ending. He took that omission so very much to his heart, that it seriously affected his health. Even at that point of time he did not miss his appointments with the music directors. And as is universally known, in that state he recorded his life’s last film song, TU KAHIN AAS PASS HAI DOST, for a movie called Aas Pass under the baton of Laxmikant-Pyarelal who never realized that they were recording the last song of this great soul. Rafi Sahaab felt tired but the clock of life was still ticking. He had one more commitment to honour the next day. Some people were coming all the way from Calcutta (Kolkata) to record his Bengali song for their Kali Pooja Album. Even in his worst health, he had no heart to turn them away. How could he? For he believed that those who came to Rafi’s residence should not go away empty- handed. He sat for the rehearsal from 9:30 a.m., not telling his near and dear ones how he was fighting for life. It was only three hours later that he revealed his true state of health. But the damage had been done. He had suffered a massive heart-attack. The end came soon.

What suddenly dawns on us is that apart from being a saint, Rafi Sahaab was also a martyr. Has any one heard of a case where a person jeapardises his health for the sheer reason that the charity amounts were not distributed in a timely manner? Or of a person who just to honour one’s professional commitments, would continue to endure the excruciating pain of an impending heart-attack for three hours at length ? But that was the sterling character of Rafi Sahaab who was a philanthropist par excellence as well as a saint and a martyr. Is it any wonder, therefore, that when Rafi Sahaab died in the holy month of Ramadan the entire locality of Bandra and the known and the unknown faces of the Bollywood fraternity as well as thousands of outsiders formed the huge procession that followed his bier to the grave, braving torrential rains? Even after 28 years of his sad demise, nearly a thousand people from all over the country, including his fans, the film and the TV personalities, gathered at his grave in the burial grounds of the Juhu Mosque to pay homage to their departed icon, the Great Indian Legendary Playback Singer, Mohammed Rafi Sahaab.

CONCLUDED

NASIR

213. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Guzre Hain Aaj Ishq Mein...

Movie: DIL DIYA DARD LIYA (1966)
Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni
Music: Naushad


Rafi Sahaab sings on the unrequited love and vengeance for Thespian Dilip Kumar: Guzre Hai.n Aaj Ishq Me.n


Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original lyrics:


guzre hai.n aaj ishq me.n, hamm uss, maqaam se
TODAY WE’VE GONE THROUGH THAT STATION OF LOVE,

guzre hai.n, aaj ishq me.n, hamm uss, maqaam se
TODAY WE’VE GONE THROUGH THAT STATION OF LOVE,

nafrat see, ho gayee hai, muhabbat ke naam se,
A SORT OF HATRED HAS EMERGED FOR THE NAME OF “LOVE,”

guzre hai.n - ....
WE’VE GONE THROUGH....

hamm ko na yeh gumaan thaa, o sa.ngdil sanam,
O STONE-HEARTED BELOVED, WE’D NO IDEA THAT

raah-e-wafaa se, tere behak jaaye.nge qadam,
YOUR STEPS WOULD STRAY FROM THE LOYAL PATH,

chhalkegaa zehar bhee teree, aa.nkho.n ke jaam se,
POISON WOULD BRIM OVER FROM THE WINE OF YOUR EYES.

guzre hai.n aaj ishq me.n, hamm uss, maqaam se
TODAY WE’VE GONE THROUGH THAT STATION OF LOVE,

guzre hai.n - ....
WE’VE GONE THROUGH....


o bewafaa, teraa bhee yoo.n hee TooT jaaye dil,
O FAITHLESS ONE, MAY YOUR HEART ALSO BREAK THUS,

tuu bhee ta.dap, ta.dap ke, pukaare ke haay dil,
MAY YOU ALSO SQUIRM AND WRIGGLE, CRYING: “WOE TO HEART,”

teraa bhee saamnaa ho, kabhee gham kee shaam se,
MAY YOU ALSO SOMETIMES FACE THE EVENING OF GLOOM,

guzre hain - ...
WE’VE GONE THROUGH - ...

hamm woh nahee.n jo pyaar me.n, ro kar guzaar de.n,
WE’RE NOT OF THOSE WHO GO THROUGH LOVE SHEDDING TEARS,

parchhaai.n bhee, ho teree toh Thokar pe maar de.n,
EVEN IF IT WERE YOUR SHADOW, WE’D KICK IT,

waaqif hai.n hamm bhee khoob, har ek i.ntaqaam se,
WE, TOO, ARE WELL-VERSED WITH EACH AND EVERY RETALIATION,

guzre hai.n aaj ishq me.n, hamm uss maqaam se
TODAY WE’VE GONE THROUGH THAT STAGE OF LOVE,

nafrat see, ho gayee hai, muhabbat ke naam se,
A SORT OF HATRED HAS EMERGED FOR THE NAME OF “LOVE,”

guzre hai.n aaj ishq me. n - ....
TODAY WE’VE GONE THROUGH LOVE....

NASIR

Vengeance taken will often tear the heart and torment the conscience.
Arthur Schopenhauer.

212. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Jaata Hoon Main...

Movie: Daadi Maa (1966)
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Roshan.
Bombay Main Release: Naaz Cinema.

Rafi Sahaab sings this song with a charged emotion that forcefully conveys life’s frustration. The heavenly Voice of Rafi Sahaab has a resounding impact more so on a person who may have suffered setbacks and frustrations in life from the childhood to the youth, making it difficult to control the tears streaming down the cheeks.

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original lyrics:



jaataa hoo.n mai.n mujhe, ab naa bulaanaa,
I’M OFF TO, DON’T SUMMON ME NOW,

meree yaad bhee apne, dil me.n na laanaa,
DON’T RECALL EVEN MY MEMORIES TO YOUR MIND,

meraa hai kyaa meree, manzil na koyee Thikaanaa,
WHAT’S WITH ME, I’VE NEITHER DESTINATION NOR ADDRESS,

jaataa hoo.n mai.n....
I’M OFF TO....


pyaasaa thaah bachpan jawaanee bhee, meree pyaasee,
A CRAVING CHILDHOOD I’D, MY YOUTH TOO IS ATHIRST,

peechhe ghamo.n kee galee, aage udaasee,
THE SORROWS' LANE IS BEHIND; AHEAD IS THE GLOOM,

pyaasaa thaah bachpan jawaanee bhee, meree pyaasee,
A CRAVING CHILDHOOD I’D, MY YOUTH TOO IS ATHIRST,

peechhe ghamo.n kee galee, aage udaasee,
THE SORROWS’ LANE IS BEHIND; AHEAD IS THE GLOOM,

ho~~~ mai.n tanhaaee kaa raahee, koyee apnaa naa begaanaa

A WAYFARER OF LONELINESS, I’VE NO FRIENDS NOR FOES,

mujhe, ab naa bulaanaa,
DON’T SUMMON ME NOW,

meree yaad bhee apne, dil me.n na laanaa,
DON’T RECALL EVEN MY MEMORIES TO YOUR MIND,

meraa hai kyaa meree, manzil na koyee Thikaanaa,
WHAT’S WITH ME, I’VE NEITHER DESTINATION NOR ADDRESS.


mujh ko ha.see bhee milee saaye, liye dukh ke,
EVEN THE LAUGHTER THAT I GOT HAD THE SHADES OF SORROWS,

khul ke na royaa kisee, kaa.ndhe pe jhuk ke,
I NEVER WEPT HEARTILY, LEANING ON SOMEONE’S SHOULDERS,

mujh ko ha.see bhee milee saaye, liye dukh ke,
EVEN THE LAUGHTER I GOT HAD THE SHADES OF SORROWS,

khul ke na royaa kisee, kaa.ndhe pe jhuk ke,
I NEVER WEPT HEARTILY, LEANING ON SOMEONE’S SHOULDERS,

ho~~~ meraa jeewan bhee kyaa hai, adhooraa saa ik afsaanaa
OH WHAT’S THIS LIFE OF MINE – SORT OF AN INCOMPLETE TALE.

mujhe, ab naa bulaanaa,
DON’T SUMMON ME NOW,

meree yaad bhee apne, dil me.n na laanaa,
DON’T RECALL EVEN MY MEMORIES TO YOUR MIND,

meraa hai kyaa meree, manzil na koyee Thikaanaa,
WHAT’S WITH ME, I’VE NEITHER DESTINATION NOR ADDRESS,

jaataa hoo.n mai.n....
I’M OFF TO....


thaah pyaar kaa ik diyaa wo bhee, bujhaa Daalaa,
I’D A LAMP OF LOVE, EVEN THAT’S BEEN EXTINGUISHED,

dhu.Ndhalaa saa bhee kahee.n, kyoo.n ho ujaalaa,
WHY SHOULD EVEN THE FAINTEST OF LIGHT BE SOMEWHERE?

thaah pyaar kaa ik diyaa wo bhee, bujhaa Daalaa,
I’D A LAMP OF LOVE, EVEN THAT’S BEEN EXTINGUISHED,

dhu.Ndhalaa saa bhee kahee.n, kyoo.n ho ujaalaa,
WHY SHOULD EVEN THE FAINTEST OF LIGHT BE SOMEWHERE?

ho~~~ ab un yaado.n se keh doh, meree duniyaa me.n naa aanaa
OH! TELL THOSE MEMORIES NOT TO ENTER INTO MY UNIVERSE,

mujhe, ab naa bulaanaa,
DON’T SUMMON ME NOW,

meree yaad bhee apne, dil me.n na laanaa,
DON’T RECALL EVEN MY MEMORIES TO YOUR MIND,

meraa hai kyaa meree, manzil na koyee Thikaanaa.
WHAT’S WITH ME, I’VE NEITHER DESTINATION NOR ADDRESS.

NASIR.

“Good bye, proud world! I'm going home; Thou art not my friend, and I'm not thine” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

211. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Mere Dushman Tuu Meree Dosti ko Tarse...

Movie: Aaye Din Bahaar Ke (1966)
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Main release in Bombay: Roxy Cinema.


When Sadness leads to Vengeance, Rafi Sahaab sings: Mere Dushman Tuu Meree...

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original lyrics:


Mere dil se, sitamgar, tuu ne achchee, dillagee kee hai,
O OPPRESSOR, WHAT A CRUEL JOKE YOU’VE PLAYED ON MY HEART,

Ke bann ke dost, apne doston se, dushmani kee hai,
FOR, IN THE GUISE OF A FRIEND, YOU’VE BEEN HOSTILE TO YOUR FRIENDS.

Mere, dushman tuu meree, dostee ko tarse,
O MY FOE, MAY YOU ACHE FOR MY FRIENDSHIP,

mere dushman, tuu meree, dostee ko tarse,
O MY FOE, MAY YOU ACHE FOR MY FRIENDSHIP,

mujhe gham dene waale, tuu khushee ko tarse,
O MY GIVER OF SORROWS, MAY YOU ACHE FOR HAPPINESS,

mere dushman,...
O MY FOE...


tuu phool bane patjha.d kaa,
MAY YOU BECOME AN AUTUMN FLOWER,

tujh pe, bahaar na aaye kabhee
NO SPRING SHOULD EVER COME TO YOU,

meree, hee tarah, tuu ta.dpe,
MAY YOU SQUIRM JUST LIKE ME,

tujh ko, qaraar na aaye kabhee,
NO PEACE SHOULD EVER COME TO YOU,

tujh ko, qaraar na aaye kabhee,
NO PEACE SHOULD EVER COME TO YOU,

jiye tuu iss tarah ke, zi.ndagee ko tarse,
MAY YOU LIVE THUS THAT YOU ACHE FOR LIFE,

mere dushman tuu meree, dostee ko tarse,
O MY FOE, MAY YOU ACHE FOR MY FRIENDSHIP,

mere dushman....
O MY FOE...


itnaa toh asar kar jaaye.n,
MAY THERE BE AT LEAST AN IMPACT OF

meree, wafaaye.n O bewafaa
MY LOYALTIES, O FAITHLESS ONE,

ik roz tujhe, yaad aaye.n,
MAY A DAY COME WHEN YOU REMEMBER

apnee, jafaaye.n O bewafaa
YOUR OWN BETRAYALS, O FAITHLESS ONE,

apnee, jafaayen O bewafaa,
YOUR OWN BETRAYALS, O FAITHLESS ONE,

pashemaa.n ho ke roye,
WAILING WITH REMORSE

tuu ha.nsee ko tarse,
MAY YOU ACHE FOR LAUGHTER,

mere dushman, tuu meree, dostee ko tarse,
O MY FOE, MAY YOU ACHE FOR MY FRIENDSHIP,

mere dushman...
O MY FOE...


tere gulshan se ziyaadaa, veeraan koee, veeraanaa na ho
MORE DESOLATE THAN YOUR ROSE GARDEN, MAY THERE BE NO DESOLATION,

iss duniyaa me.n koee, teraa, apnaa to kyaa, begaanaa na ho
IN THIS WORLD, LET ALONE SOMEONE OF YOUR OWN, MAY THERE BE NOT EVEN A STRANGER,

apna toh kyaa, begaanaa na ho,
LET ALONE SOMEONE OF YOUR OWN, MAY THERE BE NOT EVEN A STRANGER,

kisee kaa pyaar kyaa tuu, berukhee ko tarse.
LET ALONE THE LOVE OF SOMEONE, MAY YOU ACHE FOR APATHY,

mere dushman tuu meree, dostee ko tarse,
O MY FOE, MAY YOU ACHE FOR MY FRIENDSHIP,

mujhe gham dene waale, tuu khushi ko tarse,
O MY GIVER OF SORROWS, MAY YOU ACHE FOR HAPPINESS,

mere dushman.
O MY FOE!

NASIR.

“Cursing is invoking the assistance of a spirit to help you inflict suffering. Swearing on the other hand, is invoking, only the witness of a spirit to an statement you wish to make.”
John Ruskin quotes

210. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Aap Ke Pehloo Mein Aakar...

Movie: MERA SAAYA (1966)
Lyrics: Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
Music: Madan Mohan


Rafi Sahaab’s unforgettable song: Aap Ke Pehloo Me.n Aakar....

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original lyrics:


aap ke, pehloo me.n aakar, ro diye
COMING BY YOUR SIDE, WE WEPT,

aap ke, pehloo me.n aakar ro diye,
COMING BY YOUR SIDE, WE WEPT,

daastaan-e-gham sunaakar, ro diye
RELATING THE TALE OF SORROW, WE WEPT,

aap ke, pehloo me.n aakar ro diye....
COMING BY YOUR SIDE, WE WEPT.

zindagee ne, kar diyaa, jab bhee udaas
WHENEVER LIFE MADE US UNHAPPY,


zindagee ne, kar diyaa, jab bhee udaas
WHENEVER LIFE MADE US UNHAPPY,

aa gaye, ghabraa ke hamm, ma.nzil ke paas,
BEING FRIGHTENED, WE CAME NEAR THE DESTINATION,

sar jhukaayaa, sar jhukaakar ro diye,
BOWED OUR HEAD, BOWING OUR HEAD WE WEPT.

aap ke, pehloo me.n aakar ro diye....
COMING BY YOUR SIDE, WE WEPT.


shaam jab, aa.nsoo bahaatee, aa gayee,
WHEN EVENING CAME SHEDDING TEARS,

shaam jab, aa.nsoo bahaatee, aa gayee
WHEN EVENING CAME SHEDDING TEARS,

har taraf, gham kee udaasee, chhaa gayee,
THE GLOOM OF SORROW SPREAD ALL AROUND,

deep yaado.n ke jalaakar, ro diye
LIGHTING THE LAMP OF MEMORIES, WE WEPT.

aap ke, pehloo me.n aakar ro diye.
COMING BY YOUR SIDE, WE WEPT.

gham judaaee kaa sahaa, jaataa nahee.n
UNBEARABLE IS THE GRIEF OF ABSENCE,

gham judaaee, kaa sahaa, jaataa nahee.n
UNBEARABLE IS THE GRIEF OF ABSENCE,

aap ke, bin ab rahaa, jaataa nahee.n,
LIVING WITHOUT YOU IS NAUGHT,

pyaar me.n, kyaa-kyaa ga.nvaakar ro diye.
LOSING OUT ALL IN LOVE, WE WEPT.

daastaan-e-gham sunaakar, ro diye
RELATING THE TALE OF SORROW, WE WEPT,

aap ke, pehloo me.n aakar, ro diye.
COMING BY YOUR SIDE, WE WEPT.

NASIR.

I wept thy absence - o'er and o'er again
With what a deep devotedness of woe
Thinking of thee, still thee, till thought grew pain,
And memory, like a drop that, night and day,
Falls cold and ceaseless, wore my heart away!
Thomas Moore

209. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Bhari Duniya Mein Aakhir...

Movie: DO BADAN (1966)
Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni
Music: Ravi


Rafi Sahaab exudes the helplessness of a star-crossed lover in a voice full of pain and emotions in his Bhari Duniya me.n Aakhir Dil....

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original lyrics:


Bharee duniyaa me.n aakhir dil, ko samjhaane kahaa.n jaaye.n,
IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD, FOR MOLLIFYING THE HEART, WHERE TO GO,

Bharee duniyaa me.n aakhir dil, ko samjhaane, kahaa.n jaaye.n
IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD, FOR MOLLIFYING THE HEART, WHERE TO GO?

muhabbat ho gayee jin ko, woh deewaane kahaa.n jaaye.n,
THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE, WHERE SHOULD SUCH CRAZY ONES GO?

Bharee duniyaa me.n aakhir dil, ko samjhaane, kahaa.n jaaye.n
IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD, FOR MOLLIFYING THE HEART, WHERE TO GO?

bharee duniyaa.....,
THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD....


lage hai.n shammaa par pehre, zamaane kee nigaaho.n ke
ON THE BELOVED, THE WORLD’S KEEPING AN EYE,

lage hai.n, shammaa par pehre, zamaane kee nigaaho.n ke,
ON THE BELOVED, THE WORLD’S KEEPING AN EYE,

zamaane kee nigaaho.n ke,
THE WORLD’S KEEPING AN EYE,

jinhe.n jalne kee hasrat hai, ....
THOSE WHO DESIRE TO BE CONSUMED...

jinhe.n jalne kee hasrat hai, woh parwaane kahaa.n jaaye.n,
THOSE WHO DESIRE TO BE CONSUMED, WHERE SHOULD SUCH LOVERS GO?

muhabbat ho gayee jin ko, woh deewaane kahaa.n jaaye.n,
THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE, WHERE SHOULD SUCH CRAZY ONES GO?

Bharee duniyaa me.n aakhir dil, ko samjhaane kahaa.n jaaye.n,
IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD, FOR MOLLIFYING THE HEART, WHERE TO GO?

bharee duniyaa, ....
THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD....


sunaanaa bhee jinhe.n mushkil, chhupaanaa bhee jinhe.n mushkil
THOSE WHICH ARE DIFFICULT EVEN TO NARRATE, THOSE WHICH ARE DIFFICULT EVEN TO HIDE,

sunaanaa, bhee jinhe.n mushkil, chhupaanaa bhee jinhe.n mushkil,
THOSE WHICH ARE DIFFICULT EVEN TO NARRATE, THOSE WHICH ARE DIFFICULT EVEN TO HIDE,

chhupaana bhee jinhe.n mushkil,
THOSE WHICH ARE DIFFICULT EVEN TO HIDE,

zaraa tuu hee bataa ay dil, ....
O HEART AT LEAST LET ME KNOW....

zaraa tuu hee bataa ay dil, woh afsaane kahaa.n jaaye.n,
O HEART AT LEAST LET ME KNOW, WHERE SHOULD SUCH TALES GO?

muhabbat ho gayee jin ko, woh deewaane kahaa.n jaaye.n,
THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE, WHERE SHOULD SUCH CRAZY ONES GO?

Bharee duniyaa me.n aakhir dil, ko samjhaane, kahaa.n jaaye.n
IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD, FOR MOLLIFYING THE HEART, WHERE TO GO,

bharee duniyaa, .....
THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD...


nazar me.n uljhane.n dil me.n, hai aalam beqaraari ka
CONFUSIONS IN SIGHT, A STATE OF RESTLESSNESS IN THE HEART,

nazar me.n, uljhane.n dil me.n, hai aalam beqaraari ka,
CONFUSIONS IN SIGHT, A STATE OF RESTLESSNESS IN THE HEART,

hai aalam beqaraari ka...,
A STATE OF RESTLESSNESS...

samajh me.n kuchh nahee.n aataa,...
CAN’T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING...

samajh me.n kuchh nahee.n aataa, sukoo.n paane kahaa.n jaaye.n,
CAN’T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING , TO FIND PEACE, WHERE TO GO?

muhabbat ho gayee jin ko, woh deewaane kahaa.n jaaye.n,
THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE, WHERE SHOULD SUCH CRAZY ONES GO?

Bharee duniyaa me.n aakhir dil, ko samjhaane kahaa.n jaaye.n,
IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD, FOR MOLLIFYING THE HEART, WHERE TO GO,

bharee duniyaa.....
THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD...

NASIR.

"If love was a choice, who would ever choose to feel such exquisite pain."
- Anna and The King.

208. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Koi Saagar Dil Ko Behlaataa Nahin..

Movie: DIL DIYA DARD LIYA (1966)
Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni
Music: Naushad


Rafi Sahaab in his element singing for Thespian Dilip Kumar: Koee Saaghar Dil Ko Behlaataa Nahee.n....

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original lyrics:


Koee, saaghar, dil ko behlaataa nahee.n,
NO GOBLET IS ABLE TO CHEER THE HEART,

Koee, saaghar, dil ko behlaataa nahee.n,
NO GOBLET IS ABLE TO CHEER THE HEART,

bekhudee me.n bhee, qaraar aataa nahee.n,
NO PEACE COMES EVEN IN INEBRIATION,

Koee saaghar, dil ko behlaataa nahee.n.
NO GOBLET IS ABLE TO CHEER THE HEART.


mai.n koee, patthar nahee.n, insaan hoo.n,
I’M A HUMAN BEING, NOT SOME STONE,

mai.n koee, patthar nahee.n, insaan hoo.n,
I’M A HUMAN BEING, NOT SOME STONE,

kaise keh doo.n, gham se ghabraataa nahee.n,
HOW CAN I SAY THAT I’M NOT AFRAID OF THE SORROW?

Koee, saaghar, dil ko behlaataa nahee.n,
NO GOBLET IS ABLE TO CHEER THE HEART,

bekhudee me.n bhee, qaraar aataa nahee.n,
NO PEACE COMES EVEN IN INEBRIATION.


kal to sab theh, kaaravaa.n ke, saath saath,
IN THE PAST ALL WERE TOGETHER IN A CARAVAN,

kal to sab theh, kaaravaa.n ke, saath saath,
IN THE PAST ALL WERE TOGETHER IN A CARAVAN,

aaj koee raah dikhlaa-taa nahee.n.
TODAY, THERE IS NO ONE TO SHOW THE WAY.

Koee, saaghar, dil ko behlaataa nahee.n
NO GOBLET IS ABLE TO CHEER THE HEART,

bekhudee me.n bhee, qaraar aataa nahee.n,
NO PEACE COMES EVEN IN INEBRIATION.


zi.ndagee ke, aaeene ko, to.d doh,
SHATTER THE MIRROR OF LIFE,

zi.ndagee ke, aaeene ko, to.d doh,
SHATTER THE MIRROR OF LIFE,

iss me.n ab kuchh bhee nazar, aataa nahee.n.
NOTHING IS VISIBLE IN IT NOW.

Koee, saaghar, dil ko behlaataa nahee.n,
NO GOBLET IS ABLE TO CHEER THE HEART,

bekhudee me.n bhee, qaraar aataa nahee.n,
NO PEACE COMES EVEN IN INEBRIATION.

Koee, saaghar, dil ko behlaataa nahee.n,
NO GOBLET IS ABLE TO CHEER THE HEART.

NASIR.

"A full bottle of wine may not be intoxicating but a single drop of true love intoxicates."
Source Unknown

207. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Khaamosh Zindagi ko...

Movie: NAAG MANDIR (1966)
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Lyrics: Shiv Kumar Saroj



A Rare Treat from Rafi Sahaab: Khaamosh Zindagee Ko....

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original lyrics:


Please see the Revised Version: https://bityl.co/5zVW

or put Naag Mandir in Search Box. 

206. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Main Bewafaa Naheen Hoon...

Movie: PREET NA JAANE REET (1966)
Music: Kalyanji Anandji
Lyrics: Qamar Jalalabadi.

A great rendition by Rafi Sahaab: Main Bewafaa Nahin Hoon....

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original lyrics:



Mai. n bewafaa naheen hoon, tere pyar kee qasam,
I’M NOT UNFATIFHUL , BY YOUR LOVE I SWEAR,

Mai. n bewafaa naheen hoon tere, pyar kee qasam,
I’M NOT UNFAITHFUL, BY YOUR LOVE I SWEAR,

Iqraar jo kiya usee, iqraar kee qasam,
THE PROMISE THAT I MADE, BY THE VERY PROMISE I SWEAR,


Iqraar jo kiya usee, iqraar kee qasam,
THE PROMISE THAT I MADE, BY THE VERY PROMISE I SWEAR,

Mai. n bewafaa naheen hoon tere, pyar kee qasam.
I’M NOT UNFAITHFUL, BY YOUR LOVE I SWEAR.


Maana hamaare pyaar ka, aalam badal gayaa,
AGREED THAT THE UNIVERSE OF OUR LOVE HAS CHANGED,

Maana hamaare pyaar ka, aalam badal gayaa,
AGREED THAT THE UNIVERSE OF OUR LOVE HAS CHANGED,

apne hee dil kee aag se, kaashaana jal gayaa,
BY THE VERY FIRE OF OUR HEART THE HOUSE BURNT DOWN,

dil phir bhi hai vahi tere, deedaar kee qasam.
EVEN THEN IT’S THE SAME HEART, BY YOUR SIGHT I SWEAR,

Mai. n bewafaa naheen hoon, tere pyar kee qasam.
I’M NOT UNFAITHFUL, BY YOUR LOVE I SWEAR.


Ulfat ke phool gil gaye, qismat kee dhool me.n,
LOVE’S FLOWERS GOT MUCKY IN THE FATE’S DUST,

Ulfat ke phool gil gaye, qismat kee dhool me.n,
LOVE’S FLOWERS GOT MUCKY IN THE FATE’S DUST,

khushbu hai, tere saans kee, har ek phool me.n,
FRAGRANCE OF YOUR BREATH EXISTS IN EVERY FLOWER,

iss pyaar ke lute huwe, gulzaar kee qasam.
BY THIS LOOTED GARDEN OF LOVE I SWEAR.

Mai. n bewafaa naheen hoon, tere pyar kee qasam
I’M NOT UNFAITHFUL, BY YOUR LOVE I SWEAR,

Iqraar jo kiya use, iqraar kee qasam
THE PROMISE I MADE, BY THE VERY PROMISE I SWEAR,

Mai.n be-wafaa naheen hoon tere, pyar kee qasam.
I’M NOT UNFAITHFUL, BY YOUR LOVE I SWEAR.

NASIR.

“All lovers swear more performance than they are able”
- William Shakespeare quotes

205. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Kyaa Se Kyaa Ho Gayaa...

Movie: Guide (1965)
Music: S.D. Burman
Lyrics: Shailendra



Rafi Sahaab singing on the fickleness of love: Kyaa Se Kyaa Ho Gayaa

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original lyrics:



kyaa se kyaa ho gayaa,
WHAT’S COME TO PASS

bevafaa .a.a.a,
O FAITHLESS ONE

tere pyaar me.n,
IN YOUR LOVE,

chaahaa kyaa kyaa milaa,
WHAT WE’D HOPED FOR AND WHAT DID WE GET

bevafaa .a.a.a,
O FAITHLESS ONE

tere pyaar me.n
IN YOUR LOVE.

Chorus: hmmm, hmmm,AA~~AA~~~~


chalo suhaanaa bharam toh TooTaa,
COME , ATLEAST THE PLEASANT PRETENSION IS OVER ,

jaanaa ke husn kyaa hai,
WE RECOGNISED WHAT “ A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN “ IS ,

ho o o~~~..

chalo suhaanaa, bharam toh TooTaa,
COME, AT LEAST THE PLEASANT PRETENSION IS OVER,

jaanaa ke husn kyaa hai,
WE RECOGNISED WHAT “A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN” IS,

kehtee hai jis ko pyaar duniyaa,
THAT WHICH THE WORLD CALLS “LOVE,”

kyaa cheez kyaa balaa hai,
WHAT AN AFFLICTION THAT THING IS!

dil ne kyaa naa sahaa,
WHAT NOT THE HEART HAS SUFFERED ?

bevafaa .a.a.a
O FAITHLESS ONE,

tere pyaar me.n,
IN YOUR LOVE,

chaaha kyaa kyaa mila,
WHAT WE’D HOPED AND WHAT DID WE GET

bevafaa .a.a.a,
O FAITHLESS ONE

tere pyaar me.n
IN YOUR LOVE.

Chorus: AAA~~AAA~~


tere mere dil ke beech ab toh,
NOW BETWEEN YOUR HEART AND MINE

Sadiyo.n ke faasle hai.n,
THERE’S A DISTANCE OF CENTURIES,

a.nh~~.an.h.~~~ a. Nh~~~

tere mere, dil ke beech ab toh,
NOW BETWEEN YOUR HEART AND MINE

sadiyo.n ke faasle hai.n,
THERE IS A DISTANCE OF CENTURIES NOW,

yaqeen hogaa kise ke hamm tum,
WHO’L L BELIEVE THAT YOU AND I

ik raah sa.ng chale hai.n,
HAVE WALKED THE SAME PATH TOGETHER,

honaa hai aur kyaa,
WHAT ELSE IS TO HAPPEN!

bevafaa .a.a.a,
O FAITHLESS ONE

tere pyaar me.n,
IN YOUR LOVE,

kyaa se kyaa ho gayaa,
WHAT’S COME TO PASS

bevafaa .a.a.a,
O FAITHLESS ONE

tere pyaar me.n
IN YOUR LOVE.

NASIR.

since then thy trains my younger years betrayed,
And for my faith ingratitude I find;
False love, desire, and beauty frail, adieu.
Dead is the root whence all these fancies grew.
- Sir Walter Raleigh

THE KHWAJA OF AJMER AND THE MUGHAL EMPERORS.

Got back today, 03.12. 2008, after visiting the shrine of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti Ajmeri Sanjari (R.A.) (1141-1230 Christian Era). When I had landed at Ajmer Shareef on Friday, 28th November 2008, the road traffics were out of gear since there was a heavy police bandobast (surveillance) in the wake of Mulayam Singh - the Samajwadi leader's visit to the shrine of the Sufi Saint.

Now, as all of us know, there are so many biographies and books available regarding the teachings, the life and times of this great Saint (Awliya-Allah) who is also known as the Ghareeb Nawaaz or the Patron of the Poor. Hence, these are not being mentioned here. As for Ajmer, besides its ancient history, it has been the place of royal retreat of the Mughals and has served as an army base for the Mughal Emperors. Ajmer was conquered by Emperor Akbar in 1559 c.e. He began paying homage at the shrine since 1562 after hearing a minstrel sing the praises of the Saint.

However, what is relatively less known is what I got to read from secular sources many years ago. These concerns many of the Saint's marvels or 'Karaamaat' even after passing away from the worldly life, in relation to the military successes of Emperor Akbar (reign 1556-1605).

For example, it is mentioned that the Mughal Emperor Akbar who was a regular visitor to the shrine of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (R.A.) could conquer the forces of Mirzas and annex Broach (Bharuch) Baroda (Vadodra)and Surat with a small band of just 200 men after crossing the Mahi river - thanks to the blessings of the Saint. According to a folklore in Surat, after conquering Gujarat Akbar was on his way back when the Mirzas instigated a rebellion against him. But with just 3,000 men, Akbar was able to subdue an army ten times stronger than his. It is said that the rebels were disoriented and also mentally affected when they encountered the presence of spirits in Akbar's army. Akbar was able to wrest Ahmedabad (Amdawad)without a battle since he had previously paid his homage at the shrine of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (R.A.)who, according to the legends, has hundreds of spirits under his control.

After subduing the rebel Mirzas in Gujarat, Akbar reached Ajmer in March 1576. In April, the same year, Akbar sent an army of 5,000 men under Raja Man Singh of Ambar (Jaipur) to subdue Rana Pratap (1540-1597) the ruler of Mewar, who had been resisting the Mughal forces ever since he had lost the Chittor Fort to them. The conquest of the Fort of Chittor by the emperor itself offers an interesting story. In 1568, during his annual visit to the Dargah, Akbar took a vow that if he were able to conquer the Fort he would visit the Dargah on foot. True enough, his wishes were granted, and according to his vow, Akbar began the journey from Chittor to the Dargah on foot, trudging the hot sands in stages. He thus reached the Dargah where he paid homage to the Saint and offered alms to the poor. That was the beginning of his annual visits to the shrine of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (R.A.).

Coming back to the expedition of 1576 by Raja Man Singh, Akbar himself remained in the Camp at Ajmer at that time. Rana Pratap blocked and destroyed the food and water supply line from Ajmer to Chittor. It is said that having planned to kill Akbar in his own tent, he along with his followers reached Akbar's camp at night when he found Akbar fast asleep. But to his surprise, he found the camp being guarded by some transparent and shadowy figures. Rana Pratap gave obeisance to them and went back to his own place. A battle was fought at Haldighati, which lasted just four hours. During the battle, Rana Pratap was advised by his generals to flee the battle-field which he did while riding his famous horse, Chetak. It is interesting to note that in this battle, Akbar's army was led by Raja Man Singh - a Hindu Rajput, and Rana Pratap's army was led in the front by Hakim Khan Sur Pathan - a Muslim general who actually laid down his life defending the lost battle of Haldighati. His annual 'urs' is held in Haldighati by the Rajputs. That the victory at Haldighati was due to the blessings of the 'Peer' is also borne out by history books and as such when the famous elephant "Ramprasad" which had been captured in that battle was presented to Akbar, he was overjoyed and re-christened it as "Peerprasad" or "Gift of the Saint". It is also mentioned in history books that Emperor Akbar used to visit the shrine at Ajmer on every 'Urs' and seek the blessings of the Saint.

Historians have written that after December 1584, Akbar "had no time to spare for Mewar". However, the popularly held belief is that Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (R.A.) had told the Emperor in a dream that he should not involve himself with the Rana or otherwise there were chances of his losing the Punjab province.

Emperor Akbar lived for 12 long years in Lahore from 1585 onwards for his Punjab campaigns. After returning from Lahore in 1597, Akbar again wanted to lead a battle against Rana Pratap when he saw the same dream again wherein the Saint told him that it was of no use. Rana Pratap died at Chavand in early 1597 under puzzling circumstances at the age of 57 as a result of injuries sustained by him while tying the bow-string. Thus ended the saga of Rana Pratap.

Akbar had ordered for the construction of a huge cauldron for preparation of sweet food for offerings on the occasion of his victory of Chittorgarh. The cauldron is still located near the shrine along with a larger one, which was built later by Akbar's third son, Emperor Jahangir, when he presented himself at the Dargah in the eight year of his reign in 1613. Jehangir, too, moved his court from Agra to Ajmer for three years from 1613 to 1616 and took advantage of being close to the Shrine of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (R.A.)while supervising the Mewar campaign of his son, Khurram (later emperor Shah Jahan). In fact, Jehangir was responsible for putting an end to the long, protracted Mewar struggle. According to the New Cambridge History of India, the successful subjugation of Mewar may have been one of Jehangir's vow at the shrine. The emperor admitted that he and his family had derived great blessings from the illustrious soul of the Saint of Ajmer and, as such, made generous offerings at the shrine. He also lavished gifts and Jagirs to all the 'Gaddi Nashins' of the Darbar. The Jehangir Nama enlists the details of his major donations and contributons at the Dargah. As a token of gratitude to the Sufi Saint, he even donned pearl earrings having recovered from a dangerous illness. The donning of earrings became a fashion at the emperor's court.

The Mughal emperors had in fact carried out many constructions in Ajmer, as elsewhere in Hindustan, such as mosques, pavillions, buildings and well laid out gardens. Akbar built a palace which now houses a museum. Shah Jahan built marble pavilions around the Ana Sagar Lake in addition to a well laid out garden near it. As regards the shrine, its construction was begun by Iltutmash (reign 1211-1236 c.e.) the saintly Sultan of Delhi. He was a great follower and contemporary of the Sufi Saint. Akbar's father, Humuyun (1508-1556) had the dome of the shrine constructed. Akbar built a mosque adjacent to the shrine while his grandson, Shahjahan (1592-1666)also built the Shahjahani Masjid in the Dargah precincts in gratitude to the Sufi Saint by whose blessings he had defeated the Rana of Mewar for the second time. After his Deccan success (1637), Shah Jahan presented himself again at the shrine and gifted the silver fencing which is still found around the saint's tomb. A daughter of Shah Jahan, Chimni Begum, got a women' prayer room built near the Dargah. It is known that the later Mughal emperors such as the puritan Aurangzeb (1618-1707) too used to visit the shrine of the Sufi Saint for blessings and thanksgiving.

The shrine of the patron Saint of the Poor attracts the poor and the rich alike. The list can be endless as ever since emperors, kings, heads of states, dignitaries, and men of importance along with millions of commoners as well as high-ranking saints and faqirs have continued to pay their homage and derive benefits and blessings at the shrine of the Sultan-e-Hind. The Hindus and the Muslims as well as those from other castes and creeds rub shoulder to shoulder in their efforts to seek the blessings of the Sufi Saint and spread love and sunshine in their own lives as well as carry on the Sufi Saint's message of peace and goodwill, love and charity, to one and all. Feeding the hungry, helping the distressed, and redressing the wronged are some of the other messages of the Sufi Saint, which the visitors to the shrine emulate.

In today's violent world, the relevance of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (R.A.), who combined service to God with service to mankind, is all the more significant.

NASIR.

204. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Hamm Tumse Judaa Ho ke...

Movie: EK SAPERA EK LUTERA (1965)
Lyrics: Asad Bhopali
Music: Usha Khanna


One of the most popular songs of Rafi Sahaab: Hamm Tumse Judaa Hoke...

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original lyrics:


Hamm tum se judaa ho ke, mar jaayenge ro-ro ke,
ON PARTING FROM YOU WE’LL DIE WEEPING,

hamm tum se judaa ho ke, mar jaayenge ro-ro ke,
ON PARTING FROM YOU WE’LL DIE WEEPING,

mar jaayenge ro-ro ke...
WE’LL DIE WEEPING...


duniyaa ba.dee zaalim hai, dil to.d ke ha.nstee hai,
THE WORLD IS A HUGE TYRANT, IT LAUGHS AFTER BREAKING THE HEART,

duniyaa ba.dee zaalim hai, dil to.d ke ha.nstee hai,
THE WORLD IS A HUGE TYRANT, IT LAUGHS AFTER BREAKING THE HEART,

ik mauj kinaare se, mil ne ko tarastee hai,
A WAVE YEARNS FOR MEETING WITH THE SHORE,

keh do na koee roke
TELL ‘EM THAT NONE SHOULD HOLD IT BACK,

keh do, na koee roke,
TELL ‘EM THAT NONE SHOULD HOLD IT BACK.

hamm tum se judaa ho ke, mar jaayenge ro-ro ke,
ON PARTING FROM YOU YOU WE’LL DIE WEEPING,

mar jaayenge ro-ro ke...
WE’LL DIE WEEPING...


sochaa thaah kabhee doh dil, milkar na judaa ho.nge,
AT TIMES, WE HAD THOUGHT THAT AFTER BEING UNITED, THE TWO HEARTS WOULD NEVER PART,

sochaa thaah kabhee doh dil, milkar na judaa ho.nge,
AT TIMES, WE HAD THOUGHT THAT AFTER BEINGUNITED, THE TWO HEARTS WOULD NEVER PART,

maaloom na thaah hamm yoo.n, naaqaam-e-wafaa ho.nge,
WE NEVER KNEW THAT WE’D FAIL THUS IN FULFILLING OUR PLEDGE,

qismat ne diye dhoke
THE FATE BETRAYED US

qismat ne, diye dhoke,
THE FATE BETRAYED US.

hamm tum se judaa ho ke, mar jaayenge ro-ro ke
ON PARTING FROM YOU WE’LL DIE WEEPING,

mar jaayenge ro-ro ke...
WE’LL DIE WEEPING...


waade nahee.n bhoole.nge, qasme.n nahee.n to.denge,
WE’LL NOT FORGET OUR PROMISES; WE’LL NOT BREAK OUR OATHS,

waade nahee.n bhoole.nge, qasame.n nahee.n to.denge,
WE’LL NOT FORGET OUR PROMISES; WE’LL NOT BREAK OUR OATHS,

yeh tay hai ke hamm dono.n, milnaa nahee.n chho.denge,
‘TIS DECIDED THAT WE’LL NOT STOP SEEING EACH OTHER,

jo rok sake roke
WE DARE ANYONE TO STOP US,

jo rok, sake roke,
WE DARE ANYONE TO STOP US.

hamm tum se judaa ho ke, mar jaayenge ro-ro ke
ON PARTING FROM YOU, WE’LL DIE WEEPNG,

hamm tum se judaa ho ke, mar jaayenge ro-ro ke
ON PARTING FROM YOU, WE’LL DIE WEEPING,

mar jaayenge ro-ro ke...
WE’LL DIE WEEPING...

NASIR.

Someday, when we both reminisce we'll both say, 'There wasn't too much we missed,' and through the tears we'll smile when we recall we had it all for just a moment.
Author: St. Elmo's Fire

203. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Hamen Kya Jo Har Soo...

Movie: Namaste Ji (1965)
Music: G S Kohli
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi


Rafi Sahaab's singing about the children of darkness in Hamen Kya Jo Har Soo...

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Lyrics:




hame.n kyaa jo har soo...
WHAT IT GOTTA DO WITH US, IF ALL AROUND ....

hame.n kyaa jo har soo, ujaale huwe hai.n
WHAT IT GOTTA DO WITH US, IF ALL AROUND, THE BRIGHTNESS HAS OCCURED,

hame.n kyaa jo har soo, ujaale huwe hai.n,
WHAT IT GOTTA DO WITH US, IF ALL AROUND, THE BRIGHTNESS HAS OCCURRED,

ke hamm to a.ndhero.n ke, paale huwe hai.n
FOR, BY THE DARKNESS WE’VE BEEN NURTURED,

ke hamm toh a.ndhero.n ke ...
FOR , BY THE DARKNESS...

hame.n kyaa jo har soo, ujaale huwe hai.n,
WHAT IT GOTTA DO WITH US, IF ALL AROUND, THE BRIGHTNESS HAS OCCURRED,

ke hamm toh a.ndhero.n ke, paale huwe hai.n,
FOR, BY THE DARKNESS WE’VE BEEN NURTURED,

ke hamm toh a.ndhero.n ke ...
FOR, BY THE DARKNESS...


hamaaree nahee.n hai yeh, chiraago.n kee duniyaa
OURS IS NOT THE WORLD OF THESE LAMPS,

hamaaree toh hai dil ke, daagho.n kee duniyaa
THE STAINS OF THE HEART IS OUR WORLD,

hamaaree toh hai dil ke, daagho.n kee duniyaa
THE STAINS OF THE HEART IS OUR WORLD,

yahee daagh jal-jal ke, chhaale huwe hai.n,
THESE VERY SINGEING STAINS HAVE TURNED INTO BLISTERS.

ke ham to a.ndhero.n ke, paale huwe hai.n,
FOR BY THE DARKNESS WE’VE BEEN NURTURED,

ke ham to a.ndhero.n ke ...
FOR BY THE DARKNESS...


bahaaro.n ne jaane, kahaa.n phool baa.nTe,
WHO KNOWS WHERE THE FLOWERS THE BLOSSOMS HAVE DISTRIBUTED,

hamaare chaman me.n, khile sirf kaa.nTe,
IN OUR GARDEN ONLY THE THORNS HAVE SPRUNG UP,

hamaare chaman me.n, khile sirf kaa.nTe,
IN OUR GARDEN ONLY THE THORNS HAVE SPRUNG UP,

yeh insaaf bhee kyaa, niraale huwe hai.n
WHAT A NOVEL JUSTICE HAS BEEN ADMINISTERED!

ke hamm toh a.ndhero.n ke, paale huwe hai.n,
FOR, BY THE DARKNESS WE’VE BEEN NURTURED,

ke hamm toh a.ndhero.n ke ...
FOR BY THE DARKNESS...


kisee aur kaa dil, jo yoo.n TooT jaataa,
IF THE HEART OF SOMEONE ELSE HAD THUS BEEN BROKEN,

toh shaayid Khudaa se bhee, vo rooTh jaataa
THEN PERHAPS EVEN WITH GOD HE MIGHT HAVE BEEN DISPLEASED,

toh shaayid Khudaa se bhee, vo rooTh jaataa
THEN PERHAPS EVEN WITH GOD HE MIGHT HAVE BEEN DISPLEASED,

hamee.n hai.n jo yeh gham, sa.mbhaale huwe hai.n
‘TIS ONLY US WHO ‘VE COPED WITH THIS SORROW,

ke hamm toh andhero.n ke pale huwe hai.n,
FOR BY THE DARKNESS WE’VE BEEN NURTURED,

ke hamm toh andhero.n ke...
FOR BY THE DARKNESS....

NASIR.

Look at little children in kindergarten. They're all different without trying to be. As long as they're unselfconsciously being themselves, they can't help but shine. It's only later, when children are taught to compete, to strive to be better than others, that their natural light becomes distorted.
Marianne Williamson.

202. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Kal Chaman Thaah...

Movie: KHANDAAN (1965)
Lyrics: Rajinder Krishan
Music: Ravi

Rafi Sahaab singing about a house divided: Kal Chaman Thaah...

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original lyrics:


mujhe jab jab, bahaaro.n kaa, zamaanaa, yaad aayegaa
WHENEVER THE TIMES OF SPRING WILL COME TO MY RECOLLECTION,

kahee.n apanaa bhee thaah, ik aashiyaanaa, yaad aayegaa.
THAT WE’D OUR HOME TOO SOMEWHERE, WILL COME TO MY RECOLLECTION.

kal chaman thaah, aaj ik, sehraa huwaa,
YESTERDAY IT WAS A GARDEN, ‘TIS A WILDERNESS TODAY,

dekhte hee, dekhte, yeh kyaa huwaa,
WHAT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE THE EYES!

kal chaman thaah, aaj ik, sehraa huwaa,
YESTERDAY IT WAS A GARDEN, ‘TIS A WILDERNESS TODAY,

dekhte hee, dekhte, yeh kyaa huwaa
WHAT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE THE EYES!

kal chaman thaah ...
YESTERDAY IT WAS A GARDEN....


mujhko barbaadee kaa koee, gham nahee.n,
RUINATION IS NOT WHAT I GRIEVE ABOUT,

mujhko barbaadee kaa koee, gham nahee.n,
RUINATION IS NOT WHAT I GRIEVE ABOUT,

gham hai barbaadee kaa kyu.n, charchaa huwaa.
MY GRIEF IS WHY THE “RUINATION” WAS DISCUSSED.

kal chaman thaah, aaj ik, sehraa huwaa,
YESTERDAY IT WAS A GARDEN, ‘TIS A WILDERNESS TODAY,

dekhte hee, dekhte, yeh kyaa huwaa,
WHAT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE THE EYES!

kal chaman thaah ...
YESTERDAY IT WAS A GARDEN....


ek chhoTaa saa thaah meraa, aashiyaa.n,
I’D MY SMALL NEST,

ek chhoTaa saa thaah meraa, aashiyaa.n,
I’D MY SMALL NEST,

aaj tin-ke se alag, tin-kaa huwaa.
TODAY, ALL THE STALKS AND STRAWS HAVE FALLEN APART.

kal chaman thaah, aaj ik, sehraa huwaa,
YESTERDAY IT WAS A GARDEN, ‘TIS A WILDERNESS TODAY,

dekhte hee dekhte, yeh kyaa huwaa,
WHAT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE THE EYES!

kal chaman thaah ...
YESTERDAY IT WAS A GARDEN....


sochtaa hoo.n apne ghar ko, dekh kar,
ON LOOKING AT (WHAT WAS ONCE) MY HOME, I REFLECT....

sochtaa hoo.n apne ghar ko, dekh kar,
ON LOOKING AT (WHAT WAS ONCE) MY HOME, I REFLECT:

ho naa ho, yeh hai meraa, dekhaa huwaa.
HAVEN’T I SEEN THAT ONE BEFORE?

kal chaman thaah, aaj ik, sehraa huwaa,
YESTERDAY IT WAS A GARDEN, ‘TIS A WILDERNESS TODAY,

dekhte hee, dekhte, yeh kyaa huwaa
WHAT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE THE EYES!

kal chaman thaah ...
YESTERDAY IT WAS A GARDEN....


dekhne vaalo.n ne dekhaa, hai dhuaa.n,
THE SMOKE THE ONLOOKERS HAVE SEEN,

dekhne vaalo.n ne dekhaa, hai dhuaa.n,
THE SMOKE THE ONLOOKERS HAVE SEEN,

kisne dekhaa, dil meraa, jaltaa huwaa.
MY BURNING HEART – NO ONE HAS SEEN.

kal chaman thaah, aaj ik, sehraa huwaa,
YESTERDAY IT WAS A GARDEN, ‘TIS A WILDERNESS TODAY,

dekhte hee, dekhte, yeh kyaa huwaa
WHAT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE THE EYES!

kal chaman thaah ...
YESTERDAY IT WAS A GARDEN....

NASIR

“A House divided against itself cannot stand....’
Abraham Lincoln.