321. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Saarangaa Teri Yaad Mein....

Movie: SARANGA (1960)
Lyrics: Bharat Vyas
Music: Sardar Malik

Rafi Sahaab’s Rare Gem: Sarangaa Teree Yaad Me.n.....

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Hindi Lyrics:

Saarangaa teree yaad me.n ,
WHILE REMINISCING ABOUT YOU O SARANGA,

Nayn huwe bechayn,
THE EYES HAVE BECOME RESTLESS,

Madhur tumhaare milan binaa,
IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PLEASANT UNION WITH YOU

Din kaTte nahee.n rayn,
NEITHER THE DAYS PASS, NOR THE NIGHTS,

Madhuban ke madhu kunj me.n,
IN THE SUGARY BOWER OF THE HONEYED FOREST

Chalat birhaa sameer,
THE SONGS OF SEPARATION THE WIND BLOWS,

BaaT takoo.n teree mai.n priye,
I AWAIT YOUR ARRIVAL O SWEETHEART

Jal jamuna ke teer.
ON THE BANKS OF THE RIVER YAMUNA.

NASIR

Absence from whom we love is worse than death, and frustrates hope severer than despair. ~William Cowper

320. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Aa Zaraa Mere Hamnasheen...

Movie: POONAM (1981)
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri
Music: Anu Malik

Rafi Sahaab’s Hit Song for the debutant Music Director, Anu Malik for whom he remains the biggest source of motivation and inspiration:
Aa Zara mere hamm-nashee.n

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Urdu/Hindi Lyrics:



Aa zaraa, mere hamm-nashee.n, thaam le, mujhe thaam le
COME AWHILE MY COMPANION, HOLD ME, SUPPORT ME,

Aa zaraa, mere hamm-nashee.n, thaam le, mujhe thaam le,
COME AWHILE MY COMPANION, HOLD ME, SUPPORT ME,

Zindagee se bhaag kar, aaya hoo.n mai.n, mujhe thaam le,
I’VE COME ESCAPING FROM LIFE, SUPPORT ME,

Aa zaraa, mere hamm-nashee.n, thaam le, mujhe thaam le
COME AWHILE MY COMPANION, HOLD ME, SUPPORT ME,

Aa zaraa,...
COME AWHILE...


Apnee hastee se khud, mai.n pareshaan hoo.n,
PERPLEXED AT MY OWN EXISTENCE, AM I,

Jiskee manzil nahee.n, aisa insaan hoo.n,
A PERSON WITHOUT DESTINATION AM I,

Apnee hastee se khud mai.n pareshaan hoo.n,
PERPLEXED AT MY OWN EXISTENCE, AM I,

Jiskee manzil nahee.n, aisa insaan hoo.n,
A PERSON WITHOUT DESTINATION AM I,

Mai.n kahaa.n thaah kahaa.n se kahaa.n aa gayaa,
WHERE WAS I? WHERE HAVE I LANDED FROM?

Kyaa se kyaa, ho gayaa mai.n bhee hairaan hoo.n
HOW I’VE BEEN TRANSFORMED! ALSO BAFFLED AM I,

Aa zaraa, mere hamm-nashee.n, thaam le, mujhe thaam le
COME AWHILE MY COMPANION, HOLD ME, SUPPORT ME,

Aa zaraa, ...
COME AWHILE...


Bhuj gayaa bhee toh kyaa, apne dil kaa diyaa,
IF THE LAMP OF MY HEART HAS EVEN GONE OUT, SO WHAT!

Ab na royenge hamm, raushnee ke liye,
NOW WE WON’T WEEP FOR THE LIGHT,

Bhuj gayaa bhee toh kyaa, apne dil kaa diyaa,
IF THE LAMP OF MY HEART HAS EVEN GONE OUT, SO WHAT!

Ab na royenge hamm raushnee ke liye,
NOW WE WON’T WEEP FOR THE LIGHT,

Dil ka sheesha jo TooTa toh gham kyu.n kare.n,
WHY GRIEVE FOR THE FRAGILE HEART THAT’S BROKEN?

Dard kaafi hai bas, zindagee ke liye
THE PAIN IS SUFFICIENT ENOUGH FOR CARRYING ON WITH THE LIFE,

Aa zaraa, mere hamm-nashee.n, thaam le, mujhe thaam le
COME AWHILE MY COMPANION, HOLD ME, SUPPORT ME,

Aa zaraa,...
COME AWHILE...

Raat aatee rahee, raat jaatee rahee,
THE NIGHT KEPT ON COMING, THE NIGHT KEPT ON GOING,

Mere gham ka na lekin saveraa huaa,
BUT FOR MY SORROW THERE WAS NO DAWN OF RESPITE!

Raat aatee rahee, raat jaatee rahee,
THE NIGHT KEPT ON COMING, THE NIGHT KEPT ON GOING,

Mere gham ka na lekin saveraa huaa,
BUT FOR MY SORROW THERE WAS NO DAWN OF RESPITE!

Apne apne naseebo.n kee baate.n hai.n yeh,
THESE ARE THE MATTERS OF ONE’S OWN LUCK,

Jo milaa, hamm ko uss ka bahot shukriyaa,
WHAT WE RECEIVED, THANKS A LOT FOR THAT!

Aa zaraa, mere hamm-nashee.n, thaam le, mujhe thaam le,
COME AWHILE MY COMPANION, HOLD ME, SUPPORT ME,

Zindagee se bhaag kar, aaya hoo.n mai.n, mujhe thaam le
I’VE COME ESCAPING FROM LIFE, SUPPORT ME,

Aa zaraa.
COME AWHILE.

NASIR.

The best way to escape from your problem is to solve it.”
Dr. Robert Anthony.

319. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Tere Aane Ki Aas Hai Dost...

Movie: AAS PAAS (1981)
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Lyrics:Anand Bakshi


The heart-rending announcement, an ominous tone - all coming from the Immortal Rafi Sahaab in his last recorded film-song of his career before he departed for his heavenly abode on 31.7.1980: Tere Aane Kee Aas Hai Dost...

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Urdu/Hindi Lyrics:


Tere aaane kee, aas hai dost,
I’VE THE HOPE FOR YOUR ARRIVAL MATE,

Shaam phir kyoo.n, udaas, hai dost,
THEN WHY IS THE EVENING SAD, MATE?

mehkee mehkee fizaa, yeh kehtee hai,
THE FRAGRANT, PERFUMED AMBIENCE TELLS ME THAT

tu kahee.n, Aas Paas hai dost,
YOU’RE SOMEWHERE AROUND, MATE,

tu kahee.n, Aas Paas hai dost.
YOU’RE SOMEWHERE AROUND, MATE.

NASIR

The love that once was born can not die
For it has become part of us, of our life,
Woven into the very texture of our being.
Each of us would wish to leave some part of ourselves,
So here and now we bear witness to the one we knew in life,
Who now in death bequeaths a subtle part, precious and beloved,
Which will be with us in truth and beauty,
In dignity and courage and love
To the end of our days.
Algernon Black

318. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Tumko Khush Dekh kar...

Movie: AAP KE DIWAANE (1980)
Music: Rajesh Roshan
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi


Rafi Sahaab’s Solo version that he literally sang for a song: Tum ko Khush Dekh Kar....

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Urdu/Hindi lyrics:


tum ko Khush dekh kar, maiN  bahot Khush huwaa,
SEEING YOU HAPPY, I BECAME VERY HAPPY,


tum ko Khush dekh kar, maiN  bahot Khush huwaa,
SEEING YOU HAPPY, I BECAME VERY HAPPY,  


tum ko Khush dekh kar, maiN  bahot Khush huwaa...
SEEING YOU HAPPY, I BECAME VERY HAPPY, 

tumne kyaa, keh diyaa, hamne kyaa sun liya,
WHAT YOU HAPPENED TO SAY, WHAT WE HAPPENED TO HEAR,

tumne kyaa keh diyaa hamne kyaa sun liya,
WHAT YOU HAPPENED TO SAY, WHAT WE HAPPENED TO HEAR,

uljhaneN  miT gayeeN  aa gayaa chayn saa,
CONFUSIONS GOT EFFACED, A SORT OF CALMNESS CAME OVER,

dard ko mil gayee, jaise koyee dawaa,
AS IF THE PAIN GOT CURED,

tum ko Khush dekh kar, maiN  bahot Khush huwaa,
SEEING YOU HAPPY, I BECAME VERY HAPPY,

tum ko Khush dekh kar, maiN  bahot Khush huwaa,
SEEING YOU HAPPY, I BECAME VERY HAPPY,  


tum ko Khush dekh kar, maiN  bahot Khush huwaa,
SEEING YOU HAPPY, I BECAME VERY HAPPY,  


tum ko Khush dekh kar, maiN  bahot Khush huwaa...
SEEING YOU HAPPY, I BECAME VERY HAPPY, 

zindagee se magar, dostee hai baRee,
GREATER THAN LIFE IS THE FRIENDSHIP,

dostoN, dostee ke liye shukriyaa,
FRIENDS, THANKS FOR THE FRIENDSHIP,

tum ko Khush dekh kar, maiN  bahot Khush huwaa,
SEEING YOU HAPPY, I BECAME VERY HAPPY,  


tum ko Khush dekh kar, maiN  bahot Khush huwaa,
SEEING YOU HAPPY, I BECAME VERY HAPPY,  



NASIR

"The most I can do for my friend is simply to be his friend. I have no wealth to bestow on him. If he knows that I am happy in loving him, he will want no other reward. Is not friendship divine in this?"
---Henry David Thoreau

317. Mohammed Rafi's Sad Songs: Aise Na Theh Hamm Jaisi Hamaari...

Movie: SAJAN KI SAHELI (1980)
Music : Usha Khanna
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri


Rafi Sahaab’s 1980 hit: Aise Na Theh Hamm....

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Urdu/Hindi Lyrics TRANSLATED BY NASIR ALI:

The song explores themes of betrayal, humiliation, and the envious impact of others' opinions.

aise na theh hamm , jaisee hamaaree, kee ruswaayee, logo.n ne,
I WASN'T  THE TYPE FOR WHICH THE PEOPLE HUMILIATED ME,

kuchh tum ne –
PARTLY YOU...

kuchh tum ne, bad-naam kiya
PARTLY YOU DEFAMED ME,

kuch, aag lagaayee, logo.n ne,
PARTLY, THE PEOPLE KINDLED THE RAGE!

aise na theh hamm...
I WASN'T  THE TYPE ...


ho sakta hai, tumne jo dekha ho,
MAYBE, WHAT YOU SAW

sanam tumhaaree, nazro.n ka dokha ho,
SWEETHEART, WAS AN ILLUSION,

dil se na duur karo, yaar hame.n,
DON’T EVICT ME FROM YOUR HEART, MATE,

hamm ne kiyaa hai, pyaar tumeh..
‘TIS YOU I’VE LOVED!

ho sakta hai, tumne jo dekha ho,
MAYBE, WHAT YOU SAW

sanam tumharee, nazro.n ka dokha ho..
SWEETHEART, WAS AN ILLUSION!

ek zara see, baat pe kyaa kyaa, baat banaayee, logo.n ne..
FOR A SMALL THING, WHAT NOT THE PEOPLE COOKED UP!

kuchh tumne,
PARTLY YOU,

kuch tumne bad-naam kiyaa
PARTLY YOU DEFAMED ME,

kuch, aag lagaayee, logo.n ne,
PARTLY, THE PEOPLE KINDLED THE RAGE!

aise na theh hamm....
I WASN'T THE TYPE...

Thokar me.n is, dil ko liye,
STRIKING THIS HEART WITH YOUR FOOT,

to.d ke tum toh, chal bhee diye,
YOU EVEN WALKED AWAY, BREAKING IT,

Thokar me.n is, dil ko liye,
STRIKING THIS HEART WITH YOUR FOOT,

to.d ke tum toh, chal bhee diye,
YOU EVEN WALKED AWAY, BREAKING IT,

chal bhee diye...
EVEN WALKED AWAY,

tum ko KHabar kyaa, sheher me.n uss din,
YOU DON'T KNOW, IN THE TOWN THAT DAY

Eid manaayee, logo.n ne,
PEOPLE CELEBRATED IT LIKE ‘EID!

kuchh tumne...
PARTLY YOU,

kuchh tumne bad-naam kiyaa
PARTLY YOU DEFAMED ME,

kuchh, aag lagaayee, logo.n ne,
PARTLY, THE PEOPLE KINDLED THE RAGE,

aise na theh hamm , jaisee hamaaree, kee ruswaayee logo.n ne,
I WASN'T THE TYPE FOR WHICH THE PEOPLE HUMILIATED ME,

aise na theh hamm...
I WASN'T THE TYPE!

TRANSLATED BT NASIR ALI.

Quarrels would not last long if the fault was only on one side.
Francois Duc De La Rochefoucauld

316. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Jaane Waalon Ka Gham Toh Hotaa Hai...

Movie: KALI GHATA (1980)
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal



Rafi Sahaab’s one of the last songs: Jaane Waalo.n ka Gham toh Hotaa Hai...

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Urdu/Hindi Lyrics:



Jaane waalon kaa.. gham toh, hotaa hai...
WE GO THROUGH GRIEF FOR THE DEPARTED, INDEED,

Jaane waalo.n kaa, gham toh hotaa hai,
WE GO THROUGH GRIEF FOR THE DEPARTED, INDEED,

Jaane waalo.n kaa gham, toh hotaa hai,
WE GO THROUGH GRIEF FOR THE DEPARTED, INDEED,

Umr bhar kaun,
THROUGHOUT THE LIFE, DOES ANYONE...

Umr bhar kaun,
THROUGHOUT THE LIFE, DOES ANYONE...

Umr bhar kaun, kis ko rotaa hai,
DOES ANYONE WEEP THROUGHOUT THE LIFE FOR SOMEONE?

Jaane waalo.n kaa, gham toh hotaa hai...
WE GO THROUGH GRIEF FOR THE DEPARTED, INDEED...


Ek aa.nsoo toh, ek, qatra hai
A TEAR IS A DROP, EVEN SO...

Ek aa.nsoo toh, ek qatra hai,
A TEAR IS A DROP, EVEN SO...

Zindagee ko, isee se khatraa hai,
‘TIS BY THIS THAT THE LIFE’S IMPERILLED,

Aadmee ko,
AS FOR THE MAN...

Aadmee ko,
AS FOR THE MAN...

Aadmee ko, yahee, dubotaa hai,
AS FOR THE MAN, HE IS VERILY DROWNED BY IT,

Jaane waalo.n kaa, gham toh hotaa hai...
WE GO THROUGH GRIEF FOR THE DEPARTED, INDEED...


Raat dhaltee hai, din nikaltaa hai,
THE NIGHT DECLINES, THE DAY DAWNS,

Raat dhaltee hai, din nikaltaa hai,
THE NIGHT DECLINES, THE DAY DAWNS,

Waqt ke saath, sab badaltaa hai,
ALONG WITH THE TIME, ALL CHANGES TAKE PLACE,

Yeh huwaa hai,
IT HAS HAPPENED,

Yeh huwaa hai,
IT HAS HAPPENED,

Yeh huwaa hai, yahee toh, hotaa hai,
IT HAS HAPPENED, THIS HAPPENS INDEED,

Jaane waalo.n ka, gham toh hotaa hai...
WE GO THROUGH GRIEF FOR THE DEPARTED, INDEED...


Aao ab aur, kuchh kare.n baate.n,
COME, LET’S TALK SOMETHING ELSE NOW,

Aao ab aur, kuchh kare.n baate.n,
COME, LET’S TALK SOMETHING ELSE NOW,

Phir kahaa.n yeh, hasee.n, jawaa.n raate.n,
WHITHER THESE BEAUTIFUL, YOUNG NIGHTS AGAIN?

Aisee raato.n me.n,
DURING SUCH NIGHTS...

Aisee raato.n,
SUCH NIGHTS...

Aisee raato.n me.n, kaun sotaa hai,
DURING SUCH NIGHTS, DOES ANYONE GO TO BED?

Jaane waalo.n kaa, gham toh hotaa hai,
WE GO THROUGH GRIEF FOR THE DEPARTED, INDEED,

Jaane waalo.n kaa gham, toh hotaa hai,
WE GO THROUGH GRIEF FOR THE DEPARTED, INDEED,

Umr bhar kaun,
THROUGHOUT THE LIFE, DOES ANYONE...

Umr bhar kaun,
THROUGHOUT THE LIFE, DOES ANYONE...

Umr bhar kaun, kis ko rotaa hai,
DOES ANYONE WEEP THROUGHOUT THE LIFE FOR SOMEONE?

Jaane waalo.n kaa, gham toh ho...taa hai.
WE GO THROUGH GRIEF FOR THE DEPARTED, INDEED.

NASIR.

There's no use in weeping,
Though we are condemned to part:
There's such a thing as keeping
A remembrance in one's heart...
Charlotte Bronte, Parting.

315. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Kahaan Teraa Insaaf Hai

Movie: SARGAM (1979)
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi


Rafi Sahaab’s highly energetic number: Kahaa.n Teraa Insaaf Hai...

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Hindi/Urdu Lyrics:


jaag aa.nkhe.n khol, chup kyu.n n hai bol,
WAKE UP, OPEN THE EYES, WHY ARE YOU QUIET, PRAY TELL?

mere bhaggwann, yeh kyaa ho rahaa hai,
MY DIETY, WHAT’S THIS HAPPENING!

mere bhaggwann, yeh kyaa ho, rahaa hai,
MY DEITY, WHAT’S THIS HAPPENING!

kahaa.n teraa, insaaf hai,
WHERE’S YOUR JUSTICE?

kahaa.n, teraa, dastoor hai,
WHERE’S YOUR CUSTOM?

kahaa.n teraa, insaaf hai,
WHERE’S YOUR JUSTICE?

kahaa.n teraa dastoor hai,
WHERE’S YOUR CUSTOM?

mai.n toh hoo.n majboor o bhaggwann,
AS FOR ME, I’M HELPLESS, O GOD!

mai.n toh hoo.n majboor o bhaggwann,
AS FOR ME, I’M HELPLESS, O GOD!

kyaa tuu bhee majboor hai,
ARE YOU ALSO CONSTRAINED?

kahaa.n teraa, insaaf hai,
WHERE’S YOUR JUSTICE?

kahaa.n, teraa, dastoor hai,
WHERE’S YOUR CUSTOM?

kahaa.n teraa, insaaf hai,
WHERE’S YOUR JUSTICE?

kahaa.n, teraa dastoor hai....
WHERE’S YOUR CUSTOM?


sab kehte hai.n tuune, har ablaa kee laaj bachaaee,
EVERYONE SAYS THAT YOU’VE PROTECTED THE HONOUR OF EVERY WOMAN,

aaj huwaa kyaa tujh ko, tere naam kee raam duhaaee,
WHAT’S HAPPENED TO YOU TODAY, I COMPLAIN IN YOUR NAME O RAM!

aisaa zulm huwaa toh hogee, teree bhee rusvaayee,
IF SUCH OPPRESSION TAKES PLACE, YOU TOO WILL BE DISGRACED,

tereee bhee rusvaayee,
YOU TOO WILL BE DISGRACED,

aa.nkho.n me.n, aa.nsoo bhare hai.n,
TEARS HAVE SWELLED IN THE EYES,

dil bhee gham se choor hai,
EVEN THE HEART IS SHATTERED BY THE GRIEF,

kahaa.n teraa, insaaf hai,
WHERE’S YOUR JUSTICE?

kahaa.n, teraa, dastoor hai,
WHERE’S YOUR CUSTOM?

mai.n toh hoo.n toh, majboor o bhaggwann,
AS FOR ME, I’M HELPLESS O DIETY,

kyaa tuu bhee, majboor hai,
ARE YOU ALSO CONSTRAINED?

kahaa.n, teraa, insaaf hai,
WHERE’S YOUR JUSTICE?

kahaa.n, teraa dastoor hai....
WHERE’S YOUR CUSTOM?


kaisaa atyaachaar hai, shaadee yaa vyaapaar hai,
WHAT DEVIATION IS THIS! IS THIS A MARRIAGE OR TRADE?

daulat me.n sab zor hai, dharam ba.daa kamzor hai,
ALL STRENGTH LIES IN THE WEALTH, THE RELIGIOUS PIETY IS VERY WEAK,

bikte hai.n sa.nsaar me.n, insaa.n bhee baazaar me.n,
HUMAN BEINGS TOO ARE SOLD IN THE BAZAAR OF THE WORLD,

dunyaa kee yeh reet hai, bas paise kee jeet hai,
THIS IS THE WAY OF THE WORLD, ‘TIS MONEY THAT WINS,

aisaa agar nahee.n hai toh,
IF IT ISN’T LIKE THIS,

sach bhagvaan kahee.n hai toh,
IF GOD TRULY EXISTS SOMEWHERE,

sach bhagwaan kahee.n hai toh,
IF GOD TRULY EXISTS SOMEWHERE,

mere saamne aaye voh,
HE SHOULD COME BEFORE ME,

yeh vishwaas dilaaye voh,
THIS CONFIDENCE HE SHOULD INSPIRE,

mere saamne aaye voh,
HE SHOULD COME BEFORE ME,

yeh vishwaas dilaaye voh,
THIS CONFIDENCE HE SHOULD INSPIRE,

mere saamne aaye voh,
HE SHOULD COME BEFORE ME,

yeh vishwaas dilaaye voh,
THIS CONFIDENCE HE SHOULD INSPIRE,

mere saamne aaye voh,
HE SHOULD COME BEFORE ME,

yeh vishwaas, dilaaye voh.
THIS CONFIDENCE HE SHOULD INSPIRE,

NASIR.

God’s justice, tardy though it prove perchance, Rests never on the track until it reach, Delinquency.
- Robert Browing

314. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Mere Dost Qissa Yeh Kya Ho Gaya..

Movie: DOSTANA 1980
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi


Rafi Sahaab’s one of his three songs nominated for the 1980 Filmfare Best Playback Singer Award for Mere Dost Qissa Yeh...

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Urdu/Hindi lyrics:


mere dost qissaa, yeh kyaa ho gayaa,
O FRIEND WHAT’S THIS SUBJECT OF DISPUTE?

mere dost qissaa, yeh kyaa ho gayaa,
O FRIEND WHAT’S THIS SUBJECT OF DISPUTE?


sunaa hai ke tuu, bewafaa ho gayaa,
I HEAR THAT YOU’VE BECOME FAITHLESS,

sunaa hai ke tuu, bewafaa ho gayaa,
I HEAR THAT YOU’VE BECOME FAITHLESS,

mere dost qissaa, yeh kyaa ho gayaa,
O FRIEND WHAT’S THIS SUBJECT OF DISPUTE?

sunaa hai ke tuu, bewafaa ho gayaa...
I HEAR THAT YOU’VE BECOME FAITHLESS...


duaa bad-duaa de, yeh mumkin nahee.n,
THAT THE BLESSING SHOULD UTTER A CURSE, ‘TIS NOT POSSIBLE,

duaa bad-duaa de, yeh mumkin nahee.n,
THAT THE BLESSING SHOULD UTTER A CURSE, ‘TIS NOT POSSIBLE,

mujhe tuu daghaa de, yeh mumakin nahee.n,
THAT YOU SHOULD DECEIVE ME, ‘TIS NOT POSSIBLE,

Khudaa jaane kyaa...
GOD KNOWS WHAT...

khudaa jaane kyaa, maajraa ho gayaa,
GOD KNOWS WHAT INCIDENT HAS TAKEN PLACE!

sunaa hai ke tuu, bewafaa ho gayaa,
I HEAR THAT YOU’VE BECOME FAITHLESS,

sunaa hai ke tuu, bewafaa ho gayaa ...
I HEAR THAT YOU’VE BECOME FAITHLESS...


agar maa.ng le tuu, o jaan-e-jigar,
O MY HEART AND SOUL, IF YOU WERE TO DEMAND...

agar maa.ng le tuu, o jaan-e-jigar,
O MY HEART AND SOUL, IF YOU WERE TO DEMAND...


tujhe jaan de duu.n mai.n yeh, jaan kar,
MY LIFE I WOULD GIVE YOU, KNOWING ....

ke haq dostee kaa...
THAT THE DUE OWED TO THE FRIENDSHIP...

ke haq dostee kaa, adaa ho gayaa,
THAT THE DUE OWED TO THE FRIENDSHIP HAS BEEN RENDERED,

sunaa hai ke tuu, bewafaa ho gayaa,
I HEAR THAT YOU’VE BECOME FAITHLESS,

sunaa hai ke tuu, bewafaa ho gayaa ...
I HEAR THAT YOU’VE BECOME FAITHLESS...


qayaamat se kam yaar, yeh gham nahee.n,
FRIEND, THIS SORROW IS NO LESS THAN THE CALAMITOUS JUDGMENT DAY,

qayaamat se kam yaar, yeh gham nahee.n,
FRIEND, THIS SORROW IS NO LESS THAN THE CALAMITOUS JUDGMENT DAY,

ke tuu aur mai.n, reh gaye, hamm nahee.n,
FOR YOU AND I HAVE NOT REMAINED THE SAME,

meraa yaar mujh se...
FRIEND OF MINE, FROM ME...

meraa yaar mujh se, judaa ho gayaa,
FRIEND OF MINE HAS PARTED FROM ME,

sunaa hai ke tuu, bewafaa ho gayaa ...
I HEAR THAT YOU’VE BECOME FAITHLESS,

sunaa hai ke tuu, bewafaa ho gayaa,
I HEAR THAT YOU’VE BECOME FAITHLESS,

mere dost qissaa, yeh kyaa ho gayaa,
O FRIEND WHAT’S THIS SUBJECT OF DISPUTE?

sunaa hai ke tuu, bewafaa ho gayaa,
I HEAR THAT YOU’VE BECOME FAITHLESS,

sunaa hai ke tuu, bewafaa ho gayaa.
I HEAR THAT YOU’VE BECOME FAITHLESS.


Nasir

Suspect not, if you want your friendship to last long.
Expect not, if you want your friendship to last not only the longest, but forever.
Sri Chinmoy

THE FAMOUS BOLLYWOOD LYRICIST WHO LITERALLY PISSED AWAY HIS CAREER.

THE FAMOUS BOLLYWOOD LYRICIST WHO LITERALLY PISSED AWAY HIS CAREER.
By NASIR ALI.

I was sitting with my friend in the drawing room of his apartment, discussing inanities. After sometimes, I remarked:

“ Do you know that such and such producer despite rolling in money with this one of the top ten blockbuster movies of all time, did not pay the royalty of the song to the lyricist-------and reneged on his other promises that he had made to him?”

“Is that true?” he asked.

“Yes, but when the Best Lyricist Award was announced for the lyrics of a very well-known song, that producer quietly collected it on his behalf.”

“How was that?” my friend asked.

“Well, the lyricist had been confined to bed and thereafter left for his heavenly abode, unsung and unattended. He had died of chronic alcoholism. Except for one or two persons from Bollywood, no one else came to his funeral,” I replied.

This remark took my friend down the memory lane. He began...

“I remember the time, sometimes in April 1986 or so, when the son and the maternal uncle of this lyric-writer came to me for a job. The job was menial. They were given the job of painting a building which they happily did. Initially, I did not know that they were related to this lyricist who happened to be from my hometown. But I had great regards for this man who had written so many songs for nearly a hundred Bollywood movies and made a great name for himself. I was, therefore, moved that he should come to such a plight that his son should seek an ordinary job. One day, I told his son to tell his dad to meet me in front of a bar in Santacruz, on the second day at 8 p.m., adding, ‘And don’t worry. He doesn’t know me, but I know him.’ The next day, when the son came on the job he told me that his father would be there on the morrow at the appointed time and place.”

“Hey, why in front of a bar?” I asked incredulously.

“Well, I knew that he was a boozer, and the least I could do for him was to invite him for drinks,” my friend stated in a matter of fact manner.

“Did he come?”

“You bet he did! I was there before the time. I saw him coming. He was dressed in a Sherwani and pajama.  He stopped near the bar, looked at the signboard, and then started looking about the place.  I wished him:

‘Assalaam Alaykum.... ---Sahaab.’
‘Wa Alaykum Salaam,’ he replied.

“Then I took him inside the bar, and we made ourselves comfortable at a table. A bar-girl came for the order.  Incidentally, at that time, the film-song that was being played had been written by my guest. When the bar-girl came back to our table with our order, I pointed out my guest and told her that the writer of that song was here. She went and told the manager at the counter who began craning his neck to get a glimpse of my guest.”

“Then what happened?” I asked.

“Well, after a couple of hours we left the place. I handed him a couple of hundred rupees to take a cab home. He insisted on a thousand bucks – which I politely refused.”

All this sounded so strange to me. Here was this lyricist who knew English, Persian, Arabic,  and Urdu. His capability of writing Urdu lyrics for different ragas was well known. He wrote film songs in a manner that had a direct appeal to the heart. He was a special favourite of a music director for whom he had made a bank of songs that were never recorded. In fact, this lyricist had won the Filmfare Best Lyrics Award for penning the song for this music director. And yet.....

Coming out of my reverie, I asked:

“But how was he reduced to such a penury?”

“I’m coming to that. I invited him several times thereafter at different bars and treated him to drinks. Each time he demanded money. On one occasion he put his one step forward and striking a pose, said: ‘Half of the world is under this foot.’ I could only smile at him.”

Losing patience, I asked my friend to tell me why this lyricist did not make the progress he so richly deserved. Thereafter my friend recounted an incident which, in my opinion, had been solely responsible for the fall from grace of this great lyricist.

“You’ll have to trace the story back to the time when once a musical duo threw a lavish party at their residence. They were the rising stars on the horizon of filmy music. This lyricist had been amply rewarded by them in their initial success when they began their independent musical career. So naturally he, too, was invited. The party was going on in full swing. Drinks were served to the guests. As usual, the lyricist had one too many. After a while, the lyricist wanted to pass water. Instead of going to the urinal, he made his way up to the terrace. There, he began to urinate. Someone found that out. He asked him what he was doing. At that time, the drunken lyricist uttered: I’m passing them in my urine; (i.e. the musical duo who had invited him to the party). This did not go down well with that person who soon went and complained to one of the hosts. Naturally, on hearing about the arrogant and rude manner of the lyricist, the musical duo was pissed off...”

“Then what happened?” I asked, not believing my ears.

Heaving a deep sigh, my friend continued:

“The musical duo then talked about it to one of the topmost female playback singers. She chided them for having put up with the lyricist. “How many ------(naming the lyricist) do you want?” she demanded. After a few days, she invited a lyricist and introduced him to the musical duo. Ironically, the first two initials of this lyricist's name matched those of our lyricist. As fate would have it, the new lyricist went on to become the favourite of this star musical duo and wrote lyrics for them in many Bollywood movies.”

I said: “He wrote lyrics for them in almost half the number of films that these monarchs of the music directors composed music for. That was a great loss for our lyricist!”

“Yes, one man’s loss is another man’s gain,” my friend retorted.

What a loss, indeed. If only that lyricist had kept his mouth shut and the zip closed, the history of the film lyrics in Bollywood would have been different. There were other parallels of course, but no one had gone to such an extent. I got up to leave and my friend saw me to the door.

While stepping out I said: “By the way, I just wanted you to know that in 1980 the son of one of the musical duo was my student for martial arts.”

Before my friend could say anything I had already stepped into the elevator.

NASIR.




http://rpc.copygator.com/ping/

313. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Hamm Toh Chale Pardes...

Movie: SARGAM (1979)
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi


Rafi Sahaab's popular number: Hamm Toh Chale Pardes...

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Urdu/Hindi Lyrics:


Ho Raama Ho Raama ho~~
O RAMA, O RAMA, OH!...

hamm toh chale pardes hamm, pardesi ho gaye,
WE LEAVE FOR A STRANGE LAND, STRANGERS WE’VE BECOME,

hamm toh chale pardes hamm, pardesi ho gaye,
WE LEAVE FOR A STRANGE LAND, STRANGERS WE’VE BECOME,

chhooTa apnaa des hamm, pardesi ho gaye...
DEPARTING OUR HOMELAND, STRANGERS WE’VE BECOME,

hamm toh chale pardes hamm, pardesi ho gaye,
WE LEAVE FOR A STRANGE LAND, STRANGERS WE’VE BECOME,

chhooTa apnaa des, hamm pardesi ho gaye...
DEPARTING OUR HOMELAND, STRANGERS WE’VE BECOME,


yeh galiyaa.n, path pan-ghat, yeh mandir,
THESE LANES, THE PATHS, THE RIVER-STEPS, THIS TEMPLE,

barso.n puraanaa, barso.n puraanaa,
AGE-OLD, ANCIENT,

yeh galiyaa.n, path pan-ghat, yeh mandir,
THESE LANES, THE PATHS, THE RIVER-STEPS, THIS TEMPLE,

barso.n puraanaa...,
AGE OLD...

kal tak yeh sab apnaa thaah, ab lagtaa hai begaanaa,
TILL YESTERDAY ALL THIS WAS OURS, NOW THEY APPEAR STRANGE,

badlaa jag ne bhes,
THE WORLD HAS CHANGED ITS APPEARANCE,

badla jag ne bhes hamm, pardesi ho gaye,
THE WORLD HAS CHANGED ITS APPEARANCE, STRANGERS WE’VE BECOME,

chooTa apnaa des hamm, pardesi ho gaye...
DEPARATING OUR HOMELAND, STRANGERS WE’VE BECOME,


ay panchhee....
O BIRD....

ay panchhee hamm qismat ke, maaro.n ko, bhool na jaana,
O BIRD, DON’T FORGET US, THE UNFORTUNATE ONES,

bhool na jaana...
DON’T FORGET...

aate jaate khair khabar, sab logo.n kee de jaana,
WHILE ON THE MOVE, PASS ON THE TIDINGS ABOUT ALL,

le jaana sandes...
CARRY THE NEWS...

le jaana sandes hamm, pardesi ho gaye,
CARRY THE NEWS: STRANGERS WE’VE BECOME,

chhoota apna des hamm, pardesi ho gaye,
DEPARATING OUR HOMELAND, STRANGERS WE’VE BECOME,

ho~~ raamaa ho, ho raamaa ho,
O RAMA OH, O RAMA,OH!

raama ho~~~ raama ho~~~~ raama ho.
O RAMA! ,O RAMA! O RAMA!

NASIR.

“It is a well-known fact that we always recognize our homeland when we are about to lose it.”
Albert Camus

312. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Chalo Re Doli UThaao Kahaar....

Movie: JAANI DUSHMAN (1979)
Lyrics: Varma Malik
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal


Rafi Sahaab’s amazing, passionate voice in the ‘Bidaayee Geet’ that was nominated for the 1979 Filmfare Best Playback Singer Award: Chalo Re Dolee UThaao Kahaar....

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original lyrics:



Chorus: Hmmm~~~hmmm~~~hmmm~~~hmmm,

Ho~~~~

chalo re Dolee uThaao, kahaar
COME ON, LIFT UP THE SEDAN, O Bearers,

Peeyaa, milan kee rut aayee,
THE SEASON FOR MEETING THE BELOVED HAS ARRIVED,

Chorus: hmmm~~~hmmm~~~

Ho~~~

chalo re Dolee uThaao, kahaar
COME ON, LIFT UP THE SEDAN, O BEARERS,

Peeyaa milan kee, rut aayee,
THE SEASON FOR MEETING THE BELOVED HAS ARRIVED,

pee kee nagaree le jaao, kahaar
TAKE ME TO THE TOWN OF THE DEAR ONE, O BEARERS,

peeyaa milan kee, rut aayee
THE SEASON FOR MEETING THE BELOVED HAS ARRIVED,

chalo re Dolee uThaao, kahaar
COME ON, LIFT UP THE SEDAN, O BEARERS,

Peeyaa, milan kee rut aayee,
THE SEASON FOR MEETING THE BELOVED HAS ARRIVED...


Hmmm~~~hmmm~~~~

jin naino.n kee tuu hai jyotee,
THE EYES, WHOSE LIGHT YOU’RE,

un naino.n se barse motee,
FROM THOSE EYES THE PEARLS RAIN,

daavaa nahee.n hai koee, zor nahee.n hai,
THERE’S NEITHER ANY CLAIM, NOR COMPULSION,

beTee sadaa hee, paraayee hotee,
THE DAUGHTER ALWAYS BELONGS TO ANOTHER,

jaldee naihar se le jaao, kahaar
MAKE HASTE FROM THE PATERNAL HOME, O BEARERS,

peeyaa milan kee, rut aayee,
THE SEASON FOR MEETING THE BELOVED HAS ARRIVED,

chalo re Dolee uThaao, kahaar
COME ON, LIFT UP THE SEDAN, O BEARERS,

peeyaa milan kee, rut aayee,
THE SEASON FOR MEETING THE BELOVED HAS ARRIVED....


chhaayee hai dekho hariyaalee,
SEE, THE GREENERY ABOUNDS,

aayee hai rut khushiyo.n waalee,
THE JOYOUS SEASON HAS ARRIVED,

har aashaa, parwaan cha.Dhee,
EVERY HOPE HAS PROSPERED,

din hai dusaharaa, raat deewaalee,
THE DAY IS OF TRIUMPH, THE NIGHT IS FESTIVAL OF LIGHT,

gale Daal baaho.n kaa, haar kahaar
PUTTING THE NECKLACE OF ARMS ROUND THE NECK, O BEARERS,

peeyaa, milan kee rut aayee,
THE SEASON FOR MEETING THE BELOVED HAS ARRIVED,

chalo re Dolee uThaao, kahaar
COME ON, LIFT UP THE SEDAN, O BEARERS,

Peeyaa, milan kee rut aayee,
THE SEASON FOR MEETING THE BELOVED HAS ARRIVED,


tan maike man teree nagariyaa,
THE BODY'S IN MATERNAL HOME, THE SOUL'S IN YOUR TOWN,

u.d jaaoo.n mai.n ban ke badariyaa,
O THAT I COULD BECOME A CLOUD AND FLY AWAY,

chaa.nd nagar ko chalee chakoree,
TO THE MOON CITY GOES THE MOONBEAM BIRD,

pyaasee hoo.n, milan kee sa.nwariyaa,
ATHIRST AM I FOR A UNION WITH THE SWEETHEART,

mere sapne sajaao, kahaar
EMBELLISH MY DREAMS, O BEARERS,

peeyaa milan kee, rut aayee,
THE SEASON FOR MEETING THE BELOVED HAS ARRIVED,

chalo re Dolee uThaao, kahaar
COME ON, LIFT UP THE SEDAN, O BEARERS,

peeyaa milan kee, rut aayee,
THE SEASON FOR MEETING THE BELOVED HAS ARRIVED,


soonee pa.dee, bhaiyaa kee havelee,
THE BROTHER’S MANSION HAS GROWN DESOLATE,

vyaakul behnaa, reh gayee akelee,
THE DISTURBED SISTER REMAINS ALL ALONE,

jin sa.ng naachee, jin sa.ng khelee,
THOSE WITH WHOM SHE DANCED, THOSE WITH WHOM SHE PLAYED,

chhooT gayee voh, sakhee, sahelee,
THOSE FEMALE FRIENDS, CONFIDANTES, HAVE PARTED,

ab naa deree lagaao, kahaar
DON’T DELAY NOW, O BEARERS,

peeyaa, milan kee rut aayee,
THE SEASON FOR MEETING THE BELOVED HAS ARRIVED,

chalo re Dolee uThaao, kahaar
COME ON, LIFT UP THE SEDAN, O BEARERS,

Peeyaa, milan kee rut aayee,
THE SEASON FOR MEETING THE BELOVED HAS ARRIVED,

peeyaa milan kee, rut aayee,
THE SEASON FOR MEETING THE BELOVED HAS ARRIVED,

peeyaa milan, kee rut aayee,
THE SEASON FOR MEETING THE BELOVED HAS ARRIVED,


NASIR

Let all thy joys be as the month of May
And all thy days be as marriage Day
Let sorrow, sickness and a troubled mind
Be stranger to thee.
To a Bride: Francis Quarles, 1635.

311. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Meree Aankhon Ke Ujaale...

Movie: AABROO (1968)
Lyrics: G.S. Rawail
Music: Sonik-Omi

Rafi Sahaab’s shining gem: Meree Aa.nkho.n Ke Ujaale...

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Urdu/Hindi Lyrics:


Meree aa.nkho.n ke ujaale,
O LIGHT OF MY EYES!

Meree raahat mere bhaaee,
MY COMFORTER - MY BROTHER!

Mere bhaaee...
MY BROTHER...

Meree aa.nkho.n ke ujaale,
O LIGHT OF MY EYES!

Meree raahat mere bhaaee,
MY COMFORTER - MY BROTHER!

Mere bhaaee,
MY BROTHER!

Meree ummeed ke taare,
THE STAR OF MY HOPE,

Meree qismat mere bhaaee,
MY DESTINY - MY BROTHER!

Mere bhaaee...
MY BROTHER....


Ta.dap rahee hai, muhabbat, meree tumhaare liye,
MY LOVE LONGS FOR YOU,

Hai be-panah ki, ulfat, mereee tumhaare liye,
THERE’S MY BOUNDLESS LOVE FOR YOU,

Sunegaa kaun, meraa Gham, kise sunaaye.ngaa,
WHO’LL LISTEN TO MY WOES, WHOM TO NARRATE?

Binaa tumhaare, lahoo kis kaa, josh khaayegaa,
IN YOUR ABSENCE, WHOSE BLOOD WILL BOIL?

Kisee ka dard jo le, voh jigar nahee.n miltaa,
HE THAT WILL TAKE SOMEONE’S PAIN, SUCH A HEART I DON’T FIND,

Ke har shay miltee hai, bhaaee magar nahee.n miltaa,
FOR, EVERYTHING CAN BE FOUND , BUT A BROTHER CAN’T BE FOUND!

Bhaaee magar, nahee.n miltaa...
BUT A BROTHER CAN’T BE FOUND...

Mereee baaho.n ke sahaare,
THE PROP OF MY ARMS!

Meree himmat mere bhaaee..
MY COURAGE - MY BROTHER!

Mere bhaaee...
MY BROTHER...


Tumeh kaleje, lagaane, yeh baahe.n tarse.ngee,
MY ARMS WILL YEARN TO HUG YOU TO MY BOSOM,

Chale.ngee Thandi, hawaayen, toh aahe.n barse.ngee,
AS THE COLD WIND BLOWS, THE SIGHS WILL RAIN,

Chaman udaas rahegaa, bahaar royegee,
CHEERLESS WILL BE THE GARDEN, THE SPRING WILL WEEP,

Tumeh naa paa ke, Khushee be-qaraar royegee,
ON NOT FINDING YOU, THE JOY WILL UNCONSOLABLY WEEP,

Kisi ka bhaaee judaa ho, kabhee Khudaa naa kare,
THAT SOMEONE’S BROTHER SHOULD PART, MAY GOD NEVER WILL,

Naseeb itnaa buraa ho, kabhee Khudaa naa kare,
THAT THE PORTION SHOULD BE SO BAD, MAY GOD NEVER WILL,

Kabhee Khudaa, naa kare...
MAY GOD NEVER WILL...

Meree jaa.n se mujhe pyaare,
O DEARER TO ME THAN MY LIFE!

Meree chaahat mere bhaaee,
MY DESIRE, MY BROTHER!

Mere bhaaee,
MY BROTHER!

Mere aa.nkho.n ke ujaale,
O LIGHT OF MY EYES!

Meree raahat mere bhaaee,
MY COMFORTER, MY BROTHER!

Mere bhaaee.
MY BROTHER!

NASIR.

Help your brother's boat across, and your own will reach the shore. ~Hindu Proverb

310. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Hamm Mein Hai Kyaa....

Movie: NAWAB SAHIB (1978)
Lyrics: Saahir Ludhianvi
Music: C. Arjun

When self-doubts sets in, romance gives way to a self-deprecating sadness in Rafi Sahaab’s very likeable song: Hamm Me.n Hai Kyaa Ke Hame.n........

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Urdu/Hindi Lyrics:


hamm me.n hai kyaa ke hame.n, koee haseena chaahe,
WHAT’S IN ME THAT SOME BEAUTIFUL WOMAN MAY DESIRE?

hamm me.n hai kyaa ke hame.n, koee haseena chaahe,
WHAT’S IN ME THAT SOME BEAUTIFUL WOMAN MAY DESIRE?

sirf jazbaat hai.n jazbaat me.n, kyaa rakkhaa hai,
THESE ARE JUST EMOTIONS, WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT EMOTIONS!

hamm me.n hai kyas ke hame.n, koee haseena chaahe...
WHAT’S IN ME THAT SOME BEAUTIFUL WOMAN MAY DESIRE?


kis kee taqdeer me.n hai un ke, mahakte gesoo,
TO WHOSE LOT BELONG HER FRAGRANT TRESSES?

kis ke ghar phailegaa, uss mast nazar ka jaadoo,
IN WHOSE HOME WILL THE SPELL OF THE INTOXICATING GLANCE SPREAD?

kis kee taqdeer me.n hai un ke, mahakte gesoo,
TO WHOSE LOT BELONG HER FRAGRANT TRESSES?

kis ke ghar phailegaa, uss mast nazar ka jaadoo,
IN WHOSE HOME WILL THE SPELL OF THE INTOXICATING GLANCE SPREAD?

inn pareshaan sawaalaat me.n, kyaa rakkhaa hai,
WHAT THE BIG DEAL ABOUT THESE PERPLEXING QUESTIONS!

hamm me.n hai kyaa ke hame.n, koee haseena chaahe...
WHAT’S IN ME THAT SOME BEAUTIFUL WOMAN MAY DESIRE?


itnaa deewaana naa bann ay, dil-e-betaab sambhal,
DON’T BE SO CRAZY, O RESTLESS HEART, BE FIRM!

woh agar mil bhee liye tujhse, toh itnaa naa machal,
EVEN IF SHE MEETS WITH YOU, DON’T BE SO EXCITED,

itnaa deewaana naa bann ay, dil-e-betaab sambhal,
DON’T BE SO CRAZY, O RESTLESS HEART, BE FIRM!

woh agar mil bhee liye tujhse, toh itnaa naa machal,
EVEN IF SHE MEETS WITH YOU, DON’T BE SO EXCITED,

be-ta’alluq see, mulaaqaat me.n kya rakkhaa hai,
WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT AN UNRELATED MEETING!

hamm me.n hai kya ke hame.n, koee haseena chaahe...
WHAT’S IN ME THAT SOME BEAUTIFUL WOMAN MAY DESIRE?


muskuraahaT ko mohabbat ka, ishaara naa samajh,
DON’T CONSIDER THE SMILE AS A SIGNAL FOR LOVE,

mil liye honge woh yoo.n hee, uneh apnaa naa samajh,
SHE MUST HAVE MET YOU SIMPLY, DON’T PRESUME SHE’S YOURS,

muskuraahaT ko mohabbat ka, ishaara naa samajh,
DON’T CONSIDER THE SMILE AS A SIGNAL FOR LOVE,

mil liye honge woh yoo.n hee, uneh apnaa naa samajh,
SHE MUST HAVE MET YOU SIMPLY, DON’T PRESUME SHE’S YOURS,

aise naadaan khayaalaat me.n, kyaa rakkhaa hai,
WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT SUCH FOOLISH FANCIES!


hamm me.n hai kya ke hame.n, koee haseena chaahe,
WHAT’S IN ME THAT SOME BEAUTIFUL WOMAN MAY DESIRE?

sirf jazbaat hai.n jazbaat me.n, kyaa rakkha hai,
THESE ARE JUST EMOTIONS, WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT EMOTIONS!

hamm me.n hai kyaa ke hame.n, koee haseena, chaahe.
WHAT’S IN ME THAT SOME BEAUTIFUL WOMAN MAY DESIRE?

NASIR.

“Woe to the man whose heart has not learned while young to hope, to love - and to put its trust in life.”
-Joseph Conrad

Tributes to Mohammed Rafi Sahab by Lata Mangeshkar.

Tributes paid by Lata Mangeshkar to Mohammed Rafi Sahaab on the occasion of the 10th Death Anniversary.

Extract and rough translation of the speech:


Bhaaiyo.n aur behno.n,

....Main aapko yeh bataana chaahtee hoon, ke Rafi Sahaab ke saath, (applause) maine jo kaam shuru kiyaa thaah, ’47 me.n, aur kam se kam tees- battees saal, hamm logon ne saath kaam kiya hai.

Rafi Sahaab ek, bahot hee achche insaan theh, ache gaayak toh theh hee matlab yeh kehne kee zaroorat hee naheen hai meree. Par bahot bhale, aur bhole insaan theh, un me.n koee aib naheen thaah. kisee cheez ka un ko, nashaa karne kee aadat naheen theeh. Bahot hee shareef aadmee theh, aur mere saath un ka bilkul bhai jaisa pyaar thaah.

Main kaise bhool saktee hoon, ke ek aise insaan ke saath, mujhe gaane ka mauqa milaa. Main badi khush qismat hoon. Aur yeh meree badnaseebee hai, ke bahot jaldi, aur bahot chhotee umr me.n, rafi sahaab ham mein se nikal gaye, aur ham log ek taraah se, hamaraa sangeet anaath ho gaya. ........

Aaj main aapko ek hee bahot chhotee see chaar laine sunaati hoon jo Rafi sahaab gaayaa karte theh. ..

UTNAA HEE UPKAAR, SAMAJH KOEE, JITNAA SAATH NIBAAH DE,
JANAM MARAN KA, MEL HAI SAPNAA, YEH SAPNAA BISRAA DE,
KOEE NAA SANGG MARRE.....
MANN RE, TUU KAAHE NAA DHEER, DHARE,
WOH NIRMOHEE, MOH NAA JAANE, JIN KA MOH KARE...OH....
MANN RE, TUU KAAHE NAA, DHEER DHARE.

Bahot bahot shukriyaa.


Rough English Translation of the Tributes paid by Lata Mangeshkar to Mohammed Rafi Sahaab on the occasion of the 10th Death Anniversary.

Brothers and Sisters....

I would like to inform you that I had started working with Rafi Sahaab in '47 and for about thirty to thirty-two years we worked together.

Rafi Sahaab was a very good human being. It’s not necessary for me to say that he was a very good singer as well. But he was a very good natured and childlike human being. He had no vices. He was a complete teetotaller. A nobe soul that he was, he had a brotherly love for me.

How can I forget that I got an opportunity to sing with such a person! I’m very fortunate. At the same time, It’s my misfortune, that very early in life, and at a very young age, Rafi Sahaab made his exit, and in a way, we, our music, became orphans. ......

Today, I would like to sing for you some small four lines that Rafi Sahaab used to sing himself.

UTNAA HEE UPKAAR, SAMAJH KOEE, JITNAA SAATH NIBAAH DE,
JANAM MARAN KA, MEL HAI SAPNAA, YEH SAPNAA BISRAA DE,
KOEE NAA SANGG MARRE.....
MANN RE, TUU KAAHE NAA DHEER, DHARE,
WOH NIRMOHEE, MOH NAA JAANE, JIN KA MOH KARE...OH....
MANN RE, TUU KAAHE NAA, DHEER DHARE.

Thank you very much.

309. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Saaghar Nahin Hai Toh Kyaa Hai....

Movie: NATAK (1976)
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi



Rafi Sahaab's stylish rare gem: Saaghar Nahee.n Hai Toh Kyaa Hai...

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original lyrics:


Saaghar nahee.n hai toh kyaa hai,
IF THERE’S NO WINE, SO WHAT!

Saaghar nahee.n hai toh kyaa hai,
IF THERE’S NO WINE, SO WHAT!

Teree aa.nkh ka nashaa toh hai,
THERE’S THE INTOXICATION OF YOUR EYES,

Baadal nahee.n hai.n, toh kyaa hai,
IF THERE’RE NO CLOUDS, SO WHAT!

Baadal nahee.n hai.n toh kyaa hai,
IF THERE’RE NO CLOUDS, SO WHAT!

Teree zulf kee ghataa toh hai,
THERE’S THE CLOUD OF YOUR TRESSES,

Saaghar nahee.n hai, toh kyaa hai...
IF THERE’S NO WINE, SO WHAT!


Meree tamanna kee mehfil se tum yeh uth ke, jaane lage ho,
YOUR GETTING UP TO SLINK AWAY FROM MY PARTY OF DESIRE,

Aisee bhee kyaa berukhee roothkar, hamm se aankhe.n churaane lage ho,
WHY SUCH INDIFFERENCE THAT BEING DISPLEASED WITH US YOU’RE LOOKING ASKANCE,

Churaane lage ho
YOU'RE LOOKING ASKANCE...

Mausam, nahee.n hai toh kyaa hai,
IF THERE’S NO WEATHER, SO WHAT!

Mauqaa yeh pyaar ka toh hai,
THERE’S THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR LOVE,

Saaghar nahee.n hai, toh kyaa hai....
IF THERE’S NO WINE, SO WHAT!

Hmm, hmm, hmmmm...


Teree ghanee zulf ke saaye me.n, chaar pal saath tere jiye.nge
UNDERNEATH THE SHADE OF YOUR THICK TRESSES WE’LL LIVE SOME MOMENTS WITH YOU,

Saaghar se roz peeta hai, Aaj teree nazar se piye.nge,
FROM THE GOBLET WE DRINK DAILY, FROM YOUR EYES, WE’LL DRINK TODAY,

Nazar se piye.nge
FROM THE EYES, WE’LL DRINK,

Saaqee, nahee.n hai toh kyaa hai,
IF THERE’S NO CUP-BEARER, SO WHAT!

Ek shoq dilruba toh hai,
THERE’S A SPIRITED HEART-STEALER,

Saaghar nahee.n hai - huh, huh, toh kyaa hai....
IF THERE’S NO WINE - HUH, HUH, SO WHAT!


Shaayad yahee hai qayaamat ki raat, maan lene ko jee chaahtaa hai,
PERHAPS THIS IS THE NIGHT OF THE WONDERS, OUR HEART WOULD LIKE TO BELIEVE,

Teree qasam aaj dil hee nahee.n, jaan dene, ko jee chaahtaa hai,
WE SWEAR BY YOU THAT TODAY OUR DESIRE IS TO LAY DOWN NOT ONLY THE HEART, BUT ALSO LIFE,

Jee chaahtaa hai,
OUR DESIRE IS,

Qaatil nahee.n hai toh kyaa hai,
IF THERE’S NO KILLER, SO WHAT!

Qaafir teree ada toh hai,
THERE’S YOUR KILLER INSTINCT,SWEETHEART,

Saaghar nahee.n hai, toh kya hai haay,
IF THERE’S NO WINE, SO WHAT!

Baadal nahee.n hai.n, toh kyaa hai,
IF THERE’RE NO CLOUDS, SO WHAT!

Hmmmmm~~~

Saaghar nahee.n hai - toh kyaa hai.
IF THERE’S NO WINE, SO WHAT!

NASIR.

“Drink to me only with thine eyes, And I will pledge with mine; Or leave a kiss but in the cup And I'll not look for wine” - Ben Jonson

308. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Aag Hai Lagi Huwee...

Movie: SWARG NARAK (1978)
Music: Rajesh Roshan
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Main Theatrical Release in Bombay: Roxy Cinema


Rafi Sahaab’s thundering gem: Aag Hai Lagee Huwee,

Roman Transliteration/English transliteration of the original Urdu/Hindi Lyrics:


aag hai lagee huwee....
THE FIRE IS RAGING....

aag hai lagee huwee, har taraf yahaa.n wahaa.n,
THE FIRE RAGES ALL AROUND, HERE AND THERE,

jal rahee hai yeh zamee.n, jal rahaa hai aasmaa.n,
THIS EARTH IS ON FIRE, THE HEAVEN IS BURNING

aag hai lagee huwee, har taraf yahaa.n wahaa.n,
THE FIRE RAGES ALL AROUND, HERE AND THERE

jal rahee hai yeh zamee.n, jal rahaa hai aasmaa.n,
THIS EARTH IS ON FIRE, THE HEAVEN IS BURNING,

aag hai lagee huwee...
THE FIRE IS RAGING...


dil kyaa hai, huh, huh, ~~
WHAT’S A HEART? HUH, HUH....(sarcastic grin)

kaa.nch kaa khilaunaa hai,
‘TIS A TOY MADE OF GLASS,

sapn ek salonaa hai,
‘TIS A PLEASANT DREAM,

dil ba.daa naazuk hai yeh, TooT naa jaaye kahee.n,
THE HEART’S VERY FRAGILE, LEST IT BREAKS,

khelte hai.n dil se jo, yeh khabar un ko, nahee.n
THOSE WHO PLAY WITH THE HEART, THEY’RE UNAWARE OF THIS,

dil ba.daa, naazuk hai yeh, TooT naa jaaye kahee.n,
THE HEART’S VERY FRAGILE, LEST IT BREAKS,

khelte hai.n dil se jo, yeh khabar un ko nahee.n,
THOSE WHO PLAY WITH THE HEART, THEY’RE UNAWARE OF THIS,

dil gayaa toh kyaa rahaa,
IF THE HEART BE LOST THEN WHAT REMAINS!

dil ke saath hai jahaa.n,
ATTACHED TO THE HEART IS THE WORLD,

jal rahee hai yeh zamee.n, jal rahaa hai aasmaa.n,
THE EARTH IS ON FIRE, THE HEAVEN IS BURNING,

aag hai lagee huwee...
THE FIRE IS RAGING...


cheez kyaa hai, pyaar yeh,
WHAT’S THIS THING CALLED LOVE?

ik dawaa hai, yaar yeh,
‘TIS A REMEDY O FRIEND,

ye dawaa kabhee kabhee, gham kaa jaam ban gayee,
THIS REMEDY SOMETIMES BECAME THE SORROW'S GOBLET,

zi.ndagee kee, har subah, ek shaam ban gayee,
EVERY MORNING OF LIFE TURNED INTO EVENING,

roshnee chalee gayee...,
THE LIGHT HAS GONE...

roshnee chalee gayee, reh gayaa dhuaa.n dhuaa.n,
THE LIGHT HAS GONE, LEAVING THE SMOKE BEHIND,

jal rahee hai yeh zamee.n, jal rahaa hai aasmaa.n....
THE EARTH IS ON FIRE, THE HEAVEN IS BURNING...


Dor TooT jaatee hai,
THE THREAD SNAPS,

jo.De gaa.nTh aatee hai,
IF TIED, A KNOT OCCURS,

shaadee aur byaah hai, rishtaa aitbaar kaa,
MARRIAGE AND WEDLOCK IS A RELATION OF TRUST

saat janam ke waaste, ek waadaa pyaar kaa,
FOR SEVEN BIRTHS, ONE PROMISE OF LOVE,

shaadee aur byaah hai, rishtaa aitbaar kaa,
MARRIAGE AND WEDLOCK IS A RELATION OF TRUST

saat janam ke waaste, ek waadaa pyaar kaa,
FOR SEVEN BIRTHS, ONE PROMISE OF LOVE,

ek pal me.n ho gaye... ha ha ha ha...
IN A MOMENT, SOME HAVE... HA, HA, HA, HA.....(Sarcastic laughter)


ek pal me.n ho gaye, phir bhee log bad-gumaa.n,
IN A MOMENT, SOME HAVE BECOME SUSPICIOUS EVEN THEN,

jal rahee hai yeh zamee.n, jal rahaa hai aasmaa.n,
THE EARTH IS ON FIRE, THE HEAVEN IS BURNING,


aag hai lagee huwee, har taraf yahaa.n wahaa.n,
THE FIRE RAGES ALL AROUND, HERE AND THERE

jal rahee hai yeh zamee.n, jal rahaa hai aasmaa.n,
THIS EARTH IS ON FIRE, THE HEAVEN IS BURNING,


aag hai lagee huwee, har taraf yahaa.n wahaa.n,
THE FIRE RAGES ALL AROUND, HERE AND THERE

jal rahee hai yeh zamee.n, jal rahaa hai, aasmaa.n.
THIS EARTH IS ON FIRE, THE HEAVEN IS BURNING.

NASIR

According to the research, married couples' assessment of the quality of their marriage starts to sink rapidly just after the "I do" and continues downward through the first four years. The quality of marriage plateaus after that first dip and then declines again during years eight, nine and 10--the "seven-year itch" part. Couples reported that the presence of children is, not surprisingly, a considerable stress on a marriage; the research states that having children at home prevented married couples from maintaining "positive illusions about their relationships." (TIME Sept.27, 1999)

307. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Chal Musaafir Teri Manzil Duur Hai Toh Kyaa Huaa...

Movie: GANGA KI SAUGANDH (1978)
Lyrics: Kaifi Irfani
Music: Kalyanji-Anandji

Rafi Sahaab singing for Pran: Chal Musaafir Teree Manzil Duur Hai....

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Urdu/Hindi Lyrics:



Naa ho maayoos,
DON’T LOSE HOPE,

TooTe.ngee kabhee, zulmo.n kee, zanjeere.n,
THE FETTERS OF TYRANNY WILL BREAK SOMETIMES,

Ulat jaaye.ngee tadbeere.n,
THE DELIBERATIONS WILL TURN UPSIDE DOWN,

Badal jaaye.ngee taqdeere.n....
THE FORTUNES WILL CHANGE...


Chal musaafir teree manzil, duur hai toh, kya huaa
COME TRAVELLER, WHAT IF FAR BE YOUR DESTINATION,

Chal, musaafir teree manzil, duur hai toh, kya huaa,
COME TRAVELLER, WHAT IF FAR BE YOUR DESTINATION,

Aaj teraa, pa.nv thak kar, choor hai toh, kya huaa
WHAT IF YOUR FEET ARE DEAD TIRED TODAY,

Chal, musaafir chal....
COME TRAVELLER, MOVE...


Yeh dhuaa.n yeh dhundhali raahe.n,
THIS SMOKE, THESE MISTY PATHS,

Yeh andhero.n kee ghuTan,
THIS SUFFOCATION IN THE DARKNESSES,

Yeh dhuaa.n yeh dhundhali raahe.n,
THIS SMOKE, THESE MISTY PATHS,

Yeh andhero.n kee ghuTan,
THIS SUFFOCATION IN THE DARKNESSES,

In andhero.n se hee liptee hai, ujaale ki kiran,
ENTWINED WITH THESE DARKNESSES IS THE BEAM OF BRIGHTNESS

Woh kiran, gar aaj tak, benoor hai toh kyaa huaa,
WHAT IF THAT BEAM IS WITHOUT LUSTRE TILL TODAY.

Chal, musaafir chal...
COME TRAVELLER, MOVE...

Zindagee se jo naa haare, woh sawaare zindagee,
THE ONE WHO DOESN’T LOSE TO LIFE, HE ADORNS THE LIFE,

Zindagee se jo naa haare, woh sawaare zindagee,
THE ONE WHO DOESN’T LOSE TO LIFE, HE ADORNS THE LIFE,

Thokre.n khaakar hee bantaa, aadmee hai, aadmee,
ONLY AFTER RECEIVING KNOCKS, MAN TURNS INTO MAN,

Aazmaaish ka yahee, dastoor hai toh, kya huaa,
WHAT IF THIS IS THE ONLY NORM OF THE TRIAL.


Chal, musaafir chal...
COME TRAVELLER, MOVE...

Tere maathe ke, paseene me.n hai ganga ki leher,
IN THE SWEAT OF YOUR BROW, THERE’S THE FLOW OF GANGA,

Tere maathe ke, paseene me.n hai ganga ki leher,
IN THE SWEAT OF YOUR BROW, THERE’S THE FLOW OF GANGA,

Teree mehnet se, zamee.n par swarg, aayegaa utar,
BY YOUR DILIGENCE, WILL THE PARADISE DESCEND ON EARTH,

Karm yogi naam se, mazdoor hai toh, kyaa huaa,
WHAT IF THE MERITORIOUS JOGI IS CALLED A LABOURER.

Chal, musaafir teree manzil, duur hai toh, kya huaa,
COME TRAVELLER, WHAT IF FAR BE YOUR DESTINATION,

Aaj teraa, pa.nv thak kar, choor hai toh, kya huaa,
WHAT IF YOUR FEET ARE DEAD TIRED TODAY,

Chal musaafir chal....
COME TRAVELLER, MOVE...

Chorus: hmmm, hmmm, hmmmm,

NASIR.


“I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”
Jimmy Dean

306. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Kaisi Mehfil Hai Yeh, Kaisa Mela Hai Yeh...

AASHIANA (1974)
Music: Hari Arjun
Lyrics: Neeraj



Rafi Sahaab’s another rare gem: Kaisee Mehfil Hai Yeh...
Original Lyrics Transliterated/Translated into English by NASIR ALI:

Note: The lyrics reflect a critique of societal norms and the lack of genuine human connection in such settings while questioning the authenticity of the people present and the value of participating in such gatherings

Kaisee mehfil hai yeh,
WHAT SORT OF PARTY IS THIS!

Kaisaa melaa hai yeh,
WHAT SORT OF CROWD IS THIS!

Hai.n farishte sabhee,
ANGELS ALL,

Koee insaa.n nahee.n
NOT ONE HUMAN BEING,

Kaisee mehfil hai yeh,
WHAT SORT OF PARTY IS THIS!

Kaisaa melaa hai yeh,
WHAT SORT OF CROWD IS THIS!

Hai.n farishte sabhee
ANGELS ALL,

Koee insaa.n nahee.n
NOT ONE HUMAN BEING,

Kaisee mehfil hai yeh,
WHAT SORT OF PARTY IS THIS!

Kaisaa melaa hai yeh.
WHAT SORT OF CROWD IS THIS!


Hamm khilauna bane.n,
WE BECOME PLAYTHINGS,

Hamm tamaasha bane.n,
A SPECTACLE WE BECOME,

Hamm khilauna bane.n,
WE BECOME PLAYTHINGS,

Hamm tamaasha bane.n,
A SPECTACLE WE BECOME,

Teree mehfil me.n hamm, jaane kyaa kyaa bane.n,

AT YOUR PARTY WHO KNOWS WHAT WE'LL  BECOME,

Teree mehfil me.n hamm, jaane kyaa kyaa bane.n,
AT YOUR PARTY WHO KNOWS WHAT WE'LL  BECOME,

Dil se khele koee,
SOME TOY WITH THE HEART,

Gham se khele koee,
SOME WITH THE SORROW PLAY,

Sab khilaune yahaa.n,
ALL ARE PLAYTHINGS HERE,

koee insaa.n nahee.n
NOT ONE HUMAN BEING!

Kaisee mehfil hai yeh,
WHAT SORT OF PARTY IS THIS,

Kaisaa melaa hai yeh...
WHAT SORT OF CROWD IS THIS!


Ek se ek qaatil nigaahe.n yahaa.n
KILLER LOOKS HERE, ONE BETTER THAN ANOTHER, 

Ek se ek qaatil nigaahe.n yahaa.n
KILLER LOOKS HERE, ONE BETTER THAN ANOTHER,

 Ek se, ek rangee.n adaaye.n yahaa.n,

FLASHY STYLES HERE, ONE BETTER THAN ANOTHER,

Ek se, ek range.n adaaye.n yahaa.n,

FLASHY STYLES HERE, ONE BETTER THAN ANOTHER,

Kaisaa gulshan hai yeh,
WHAT SORTA ROSE GARDEN IS THIS,

Kaisaa aalam hai yeh,
WHAT KINDA WORLD IS THIS,

Hai.n meherbaa.n sabhee,
ALL ARE FAVOURABLY INCLINED,

Koee insaa.n nahee.n,
NOT ONE HUMAN BEING!

Kaisee mehfil hai yeh,
WHAT SORT OF PARTY IS THIS,

Kaisaa melaa hai yeh,
WHAT SORT OF CROWD IS THIS,

Hai.n farishte sabhee,
ANGELS ALL,

Koee insaa.n nahee.n,
NOT ONE HUMAN BEING!

Kaisee mehfil hai yeh,
WHAT SORT OF PARTY IS THIS,

Kaisaa melaa hai yeh.
WHAT SORT OF CROWD IS THIS!


NASIR ALI.

 All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages.

AS YOU LIKE IT - Shakespeare

305. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Kaise Jeet Lete Hain....

Movie: Saajan Bina Suhagan (1978)
Music: Usha Khanna
Lyrics: Indeevar

When romance betrays the sadness of unsatiated desires, and the inability to win a loving heart, Rafi Sahaab sings: Kaise Jeet Lete Hain Log Dil Kisee Kaa....

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Urdu/Hindi Lyrics:

Hmmm.....

kaise jeet lete hai.n, log dil kisee kaa...,
HOW DO PEOPLE WIN SOMEONE’S HEART?

kaise jeet lete hai.n log dil kisee kaa,
HOW DO PEOPLE WIN SOMEONE’S HEART?

kaise jeet lete hai.n log dil kisee kaa,
HOW DO PEOPLE WIN SOMEONE’S HEART?

koyee toh sikhaa de hame.n, pyaar kaa saleekaa,
WILL SOMEONE TEACH ME THE LOVE’S SKILL?

kaise jeet lete hai.n log dil kisee kaa...
HOW DO PEOPLE WIN SOMEONE’S HEART?


koyee mehboobaa, hamm ko chaahe,
O THAT SOME BELOVED SHOULD DESIRE US,

pyaar ke waade, kar ke nibaahe,
MAKE PROMISES OF LOVE, FULFILLING THEM,

aankhon me.n yeh KHwaab liye hamm,
WITH THIS DREAM IN MY EYES,

saare jahaan me.n bhaTkaa kiye hamm,
I WANDERED ALL OVER THE WORLD,

haay re dil kee, kamnaseebee,
ALAS! THE UNFORTUNATE HEART!

hamko dil milaa na kisee, roop kee kalee kaa,
NO BUDDING BEAUTY GAVE ME HER HEART!

kaise jeet lete hai.n log dil kisee kaa,
HOW DO PEOPLE WIN SOMEONE’S HEART?

kaise jeet lete hai.n log dil kisee kaa,
HOW DO PEOPLE WIN SOMEONE’S HEART?

koyee toh sikhaa de hame.n, pyaar kaa saleekaa,
WILL SOMEONE TEACH ME THE LOVE’S SKILL?

kaise jeet lete hai.n log dil kisee kaa ...
HOW DO PEOPLE WIN SOMEONE’S HEART?


hamne naa dekhaa, zulfo.n kaa saawan,
NO LUSH, DARK TRESSES, DID I SEE,

hamne na thaamaa, koyee daaman,
TO NO SKIRT, DID I CLING,

le ke chale koyee hamm ko wahaa.n par,
LET SOMEONE TAKE ME TO THE PLACE WHERE

rehte hai.n dildaar jahaa.n par,
THE CHARMERS RESIDE,

haay re dil kee, kam-naseebee,
ALAS! THE UNFORTUNATE HEART!

hamm ko toh milaa na pataa, yaar kee galee kaa,
NO ADDRESS OF THE FRIEND’S LANE DID I FIND!


kaise jeet lete hai.n log dil kisee kaa
HOW DO PEOPLE WIN SOMEONE’S HEART?

kaise jeet lete hai.n log dil kisee kaa,
HOW DO  PEOPLE WIN SOMEONE’S HEART?

kaise jeet lete hai.n log dil kisee kaa,
HOW DO PEOPLE WIN SOMEONE’S HEART?

koyee toh sikhaa de hame.n, pyaar kaa saleekaa,
WILL SOMEONE TEACH ME THE LOVE’S SKILL?

kaise jeet lete hai.n log dil kisee kaa.
HOW DO PEOPLE WIN SOMEONE’S HEART?

NASIR

True love doesn't come to you
It has to be inside you.
- Julia Roberts.

304. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Logon Yeh Kiski Arthi Chali...

Movie: DIL AUR DEEWAR (1978)
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi


Rafi Sahaab’s rare gem: Logo.n yeh kis kee arthee chalee...

Roman Transliteraton/English Translation of the original Hindi/Urdu Lyrics:



Logo.n yeh kis kee, arthee chalee,
O PEOPLE! WHOSE BIER IS IT THAT PASSES BY?

Maa bête ko yaad kartee chalee,
THE MOTHER, REMEMBERING HER SON, PASSES BY,

Maa bête ko yaad kartee chalee,
THE MOTHER, REMEMBERING HER SON, PASSES BY,


Logo.n yeh kis kee arthee chalee,
O PEOPLE! WHOSE BIER IS THAT PASSES BY?

Maa bête ko yaad kartee chalee,
THE MOTHER, REMEMBERING HER SON, PASSES BY,

Maa bête ko yaad kartee chalee..
THE MOTHER, REMEMBERING HER SON, PASSES BY,

Rotee huwee saaree bastee chalee,
WEEPING, THE ENTIRE COLONY PASSES BY,

Bastee chalee,
THE COLONY PASSES BY,

Logo.n yeh kis kee, arthee chalee,
O PEOPLE! WHOSE BIER IS IT THAT PASSES BY?

Maa bête ko yaad kartee chalee,
THE MOTHER, REMEMBERING HER SON, PASSES BY,

Maa bête ko yaad kartee chalee...
THE MOTHER, REMEMBERING HER SON, PASSES BY. ..


Apno.n ne rukhsat bhee, naa kiyaa,
OWN KITH AND KIN DIDN’T BID ADIEU,

Ghairo.n ne aakar kandhaa diyaa,
STRANGERS OFFERED THEIR SUPPORT,

Ghairo.n ne aakar kandhaa diyaa,
STRANGERS OFFERED THEIR SUPPORT,

Hanske zahar bhee jisne piyaa,
WHO HAPPILY SWALLOWED EVEN THE BITTERNESS,

Har ek se pyaar jisne kiyaa,
SHE LOVED EVERYONE,

Woh pyaar ko khud, tarastee chalee
HERSELF YEARNING FOR LOVE, SHE PASSES BY,

Tarastee chalee...
YEARNING, SHE PASSES BY...

Logo.n yeh kis kee, arthee chalee,
O PEOPLE! WHO BIER IS IT THAT PASSES BY?

Maa bête ko yaad kartee chalee,
THE MOTHER, REMEMBERING HER SON, PASSES BY,

Maa bête ko yaad kartee chalee..
THE MOTHER, REMEMBERING HER SON, PASSES BY...


Yeh dekh saktee nahee.n theeh magar,
THOUGH SHE WAS UNABLE TO SEE,

Yeh dekthee theeh kis kee dagar,
WHOSE ARRIVAL DID SHE SEEK?

Yeh dekh saktee nahee.n theeh magar,
THOUGH SHE WAS UNABLE TO SEE,

Yeh dekthee theeh kis kee dagar,
WHOSE ARRIVAL DID SHE SEEK?

Kis ko pataa yeh , kis ko khabar,
DOES ANYONE KNOW ABOUT THIS? IS ANYONE AWARE?

Kis liye ta.dpee yeh saaree umar,
WHY DID SHE PINE AWAY ALL HER LIFE?

Kis ke liye yeh ta.daptee chalee,
WHO IS IT FOR WHOM PINING AWAY SHE PASSES BY?

Logo.n yeh kis kee, arthee chalee,
O PEOPLE! WHOSE BIER IS IT THAT PASSES BY?

Maa bête ko yaad kartee chalee,
THE MOTHER, REMEMBERING HER SON, PASSES BY,

Maa bête ko yaad kartee chalee..
THE MOTHER, REMEMBERING HER SON, PASSES BY,


Iskee chitaa ko, kyoo.n aag dee,
WHY LIGHT HER FUNERAL PYRE?

Is ko zaroorat, kyaa aag kee,
WHAT NEED HAS SHE FOR THE FIRE?

Yeh apne gham me.n, jalti rahee,
IN HER OWN SORROW SHE KEPT ON BURNING,

Yeh apne gham me.n, jal jaayegee,
SHE WILL BURN UP IN HER OWN SORROW,

Yeh apne gham me.n, jal jaayegee,
SHE WILL BURN UP IN HER OWN SORROW,

aa.kho.n me.n aa.soo.n bhartee chaltee,
FILLING THE EYES WITH TEARS, SHE PASSES BY,

bhartee chalee, bhartee chalee,
BRIMFULLY SHE PASSES BY, BRIMFULLY SHE PASSES BY,

Maa bête ko yaad kartee chalee,
THE MOTHER, REMEMBERING HER SON, PASSES BY,

Maa bête ko yaad kartee chalee..
THE MOTHER, REMEMBERING HER SON, PASSES BY.

NASIR

How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is
To have a thankless child!
Shakespeare

303. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Woh Woh Naa Rahe...

Movie: BADALTE RISHTE (1978)
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Lyrics: Anjaan


Rafi Sahaab’s intoxicating and divine voice in : Woh Woh Naa Rahe....

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Urdu/Hindi Lyrics:


woh woh naa rahe,
SHE ISN’T THE SAME AS SHE USED TO BE,

jin ke liye hamm theh, beqaraar,
FOR WHOM WE USED TO BE RESTLESS!

woh woh naa rahe,
SHE ISN’T THE SAME AS SHE USED TO BE,

jin ke liye hamm theh, beqaraar,
FOR WHOM WE USED TO BE RESTLESS,

ab kis kaa intizaar,
NOW WHOM TO WAIT FOR?

ajee kaisaa, intizaar
OH! WHAT TO WAIT FOR?

woh woh naa rahe,
SHE ISN’T THE SAME AS SHE USED TO BE,

jin ke liye hamm theh, beqaraar,
FOR WHOM WE USED TO BE RESTLESS,

woh woh naa rahe....
SHE ISN’T THE SAME AS SHE USED TO BE...


honaa thaah jo huaa so huaa, kyaa buraa huaa,
WHAT HAD TO HAPPEN, HAPPENED! WHAT SO BAD ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED?

honaa thaah jo huaa, so huaa, kyaa buraa huaa, kyaa buraa huaa,
WHAT HAD TO HAPPEN, HAPPENED! WHAT SO BAD ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED?

achchhaa hee huaa, TuuT gayaa jhuuTaa, etibaar,
IT HAPPENED FOR THE GOOD; THE FALSE TRUST GOT EXPOSED,

ab kis kaa intizaar,
NOW WHOM TO WAIT FOR?

ajee kaisaa, intizaar,
OH! WHAT TO WAIT FOR?

woh woh naa rahe,
SHE ISN’T THE SAME AS SHE USED TO BE,

jin ke liye hamm theh, beqaraar,
FOR WHOM WE USED TO BE RESTLESS,

woh woh naa rahe...
SHE ISN’T THE SAME AS SHE USED TO BE...


ik phool TooT ne se toh, uj.Daa, nahee.n chaman,
BY THE SNAPPING OF ONE FLOWER, THE GARDEN ISN’T RUINED,

ik phool TooTne, se toh, uj.Daa nahee.n chaman,
BY THE SNAPPING OF ONE FLOWER, THE GARDEN ISN’T RUINED,

uj.Daa, nahee.n chaman,
THE GARDEN ISN’T RUINED,

gulshan me.n aur, bhee hai.n hasee.n phool, beshumaar,
COUNTLESS ARE THE OTHER BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS IN THE GARDEN,

ab kis kaa, intizaar,
NOW WHOM TO WAIT FOR?

ajee kaisaa, intizaar,
OH! WHAT TO WAIT FOR?

woh woh naa rahe,
SHE ISN’T THE SAME AS SHE USED TO BE,

jin ke liye hamm theh, beqaraar,
FOR WHOM WE USED TO BE RESTLESS,

woh woh naa rahe...
SHE ISN’T THE SAME AS SHE USED TO BE...


naakaamyaab ishq sahee, zi.ndagee nahee.n,
AN UNSUCCESSFUL LOVE ALRIGHT, NOT THE LIFE!

naakaamyaab, ishq sahee, zi.ndagee nahee.n,
AN UNSUCCESSFUL LOVE ALRIGHT, NOT THE LIFE!

zindagee nahee.n,
NOT THE LIFE...,

hai zi.ndagee toh, aur mile.nge, hazaar yaar,
IF THERE’S LIFE, THEN A THOUSAND FRIENDS WE’LL FIND,

ab kis kaa intizaar,
NOW WHOM TO WAIT FOR?

ajee kaisaa, intizaar,
OH! WHAT TO WAIT FOR?

woh woh naa rahe,
SHE ISN’T THE SAME AS SHE USED TO BE,

jin ke liye hamm theh, beqaraar,
FOR WHOM WE USED TO BE RESTLESS,

woh woh naa rahe.
SHE ISN’T THE SAME AS SHE USED TO BE.


NASIR

A mighty pain to love it is,
And ‘tis a pain that pain to miss;
But of all pains the greatest pain
It is to love, but love in vain.
Abraham Cowley.

302. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Jab Ek Qazaa Se Guzro Toh...

Movie: DEVTA (1978)
Lyrics: Gulzar
Music: R.D. Burman


Rafi Sahaab’s rare gem: Jab Ek Qazaa Se Guzro toh...

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Urdu/Hindi lyrics:


jab ek qazaa se guzro toh,
AFTER PASSING THROUGH ONE DIVINE DECREE

ik aur qazaa mil jaatee hai,
ONE COMES ACROSS ANOTHER DECREE,

marne kee gha.Dee, miltee hai agar,
IF ONE DOES FIND THE MOMENT FOR DEATH,

jeene kee sazaa mil jaatee hai..
HE RECEIVES THE PUNISHMENT FOR STAYING ALIVE...

is dard ke behte dariyaa me.n,
IN THIS FLOWING SEA OF PAIN

har gham hai marham koyee nahee.n,
ALL KIND OF SORROWS ARE THERE, BUT NO SALVE,

har dard kaa Eisaa miltaa hai,
FOR EVERY PAIN A JESUS IS FOUND;

Eisaa kee Maryam koyee nahee.n,
BUT NOT A SINGLE MARY OF JESUS,

saa.nso.n kee ijaazat miltee nahee.n,
ONE DOESN’T GET THE PERMISSION TO BREATHE,

jeene kee razaa mil jaatee hai..
ONE GETS THE CONSENT TO LIVE...

AHHHH~~~~~


mai.n vaqt kaa mujrim hoo.n lekin,
I’M AN OFFENDER AGAINST THE TIME, BUT

is vaqt ne kyaa i.nsaaf kiyaa,
WHAT JUSTICE HAS THIS TIME METED OUT?

jab tak jeete ho jalte raho,
AS LONG AS YOU LIVE, KEEP ON BEING CONSUMED,

jal jaao toh kehnaa, maaf kiyaa,
AFTER YOU’RE CONSUMED, TO SAY “I FORGIVE!”

jal jaaye zaraa see, chi.ngaaree,
IF THE SPARK TURNS INTO A SMALL FIRE,

toh aur havaa mil jaatee hai..
THEN IT GETS MORE OXYGEN...


jab ek qazaa se guzro toh,
AFTER PASSING THROUGH ONE DIVINE DECREE

ik aur qazaa mil jaatee hai,
ONE COMES ACROSS ANOTHER DECREE,

marne kee gha.Dee, miltee hai agar,
IF ONE DOES FIND THE MOMENT FOR DEATH,

jeene kee sazaa mil jaatee hai
HE RECEIVES THE PUNISHMENT FOR STAYING ALIVE.

NASIR

There are many scapegoats for our sins, but the most popular is providence”
Mark Twain

301. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi: Zindagi toh bewafaa Hai...

Movie: MUQADDAR KA SIKANDAR (1978)
Lyrics: Anjaan
Music: Kalyanji-Anandji

Main Theatrical Release in Bombay: Alankar Cinema.

Rafi Sahaab’s Sad version of Voh Muqaddar Ka Sikandar...

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Urdu/Hindi Lyrics:


zindagee toh bewafaa hai,
UNFAITHFUL AS THE LIFE IS,

ek din Thukraayegee,
ONE DAY SHE WILL PLAY THE JILT,

zindagee toh bewafaa hai,
UNFAITHFUL AS THE LIFE IS,

ek din Thukraayegee,
ONE DAY SHE WILL PLAY THE JILT,

maut mehbooba hai ...
DEATH IS A BELOVED...

maut mehbooba hai apne, saath lekar jaayegee,
DEATH IS A BELOVED, SHE WILL TAKE US ALONG;

mar ke jeene kee adaa jo, dunyaa ko sikhlaayegaa,
BY DYING, WHO TEACHES THE WORLD THE WAY TO LIVE,

voh muqaddar, kaa sikandar...
HE, THE CONQUEROR OF DESTINY....

voh, muqaddar, kaa sikandar, jaanemann -
HE... THE CONQUEROR OF DESTINY... O LIFE OF MY HEART! -

NASIR.

"Then little by little the life-color left his face, his lips became blue, and his hands were cold." - John Gunther, Death Be Not Proud

300. Translation of Sad Songs of Rafi:Banjaaroon Hoon Main...

Movie: Aankh ka Taara (1977)
Music: C.Arjun
Lyrics: Pradeep.


Rafi Sahaab’s Sad number in Sufistic style: Banjaara Hoon Main.....

Roman Transliteration/English Translation of the original Hindi/Urdu Lyrics:


Banjaaraa.... hoon mai.n...,
A NOMAD AM I,

Kisee kaa pyaara hoo.n....,
I’M THE BELOVED OF SOMEONE,

Banjaara hoo.n mai.n,
A NOMAD AM I,

Kisee ka pyaara hoo.n mai.n,
SOMEONE’S BELOVED AM I,

Ohhhh Waqt kaa maara hoo.n,
OH! I’VE BEEN AFFLICTED BY THE TIME,

Banjaaraa hoon mai.n,
A NOMAD AM I,

Kisee kaa pyaara hoo.n mai.n,
SOMEONE’S BELOVED AM I,

Ohhhh waqt kaa maara hoo.n,
OH! I’VE BEEN AFFLICTED BY THE TIME,

Mil ke bichhad gayee, aa.nk jo mujh se,
THE EYE THAT PARTED AFTER MEETING MINE,

Mil ke, bichhad gayee, aa.nk jo mujh se,
THE EYE THAT PARTED AFTER MEETING MINE,

Mai.n us aa.nkh ka taaraa hoo.n,
I’M THE APPLE OF THAT EYE,

Banjaaraa hoon mai.n,
A NOMAD AM I,

Kisee kaa pyaaraa hoo.n mai.n,
SOMEONE’S BELOVED AM I,

Ohhhh waqt ka maara hoo.n...
OH! I’VE BEEN AFFLICTED BY THE TIME...

Is nagree me.n mai.n toh logo.n
O PEOPLE! TO THIS TOWN

Aa gayaa ramtaa ramtaa re,
I’VE COME RAMBLING AND WANDERING, AH ME!

Aa gayaa ramtaa ramtaa,
I’VE COME RAMBLING AND WANDERING,

Mujhe bataa doh is bastee me.n,
LET ME KNOW, IN THESE DWELLINGS

Kahaa.n milegee mamtaa re,
WHERE WILL I FIND MATERNAL AFFECTION, AH ME!

Kahaa.n milegee mamtaa,
WHERE WILL I FIND MATERNAL AFFECTION,

Apne hee ghar kee, raah jo bhoolaa,
HE, WHO HAS LOST THE WAY TO HIS OWN HOME,

Apne hee ghar kee, raah jo bhoolaa,
HE, WHO HAS LOST THE WAY TO HIS OWN HOME,

Mai.n woh raahee bechaaraa hoo.n,
THAT POOR WAYFARER AM I,

Banjaaraa hoo.n mai.n,
A NOMAD AM I,

Kisee kaa pyaaraa hoo.n mai.n,
SOMEONE’S BELOVED AM I,

Ohhhh waqt kaa maaraa hoo.n...
OH! I’VE BEEN AFFLICTED BY THE TIME.


Saare nazaare mujh se roothe,
DISPLEASED WITH ME, ARE ALL THE SIGHTS,

Judaa huwee harr jyotee re,
AH ME! EVERY LIGHT HAS PARTED,

Judaa huyee harr jyotee,
EVERY LIGHT HAS PARTED,

ik din TooTee theeh jo maalaa,
THE BEAD THAT HAD BROKEN DOWN ONE DAY,

Mai.n hoo.n us kaa motee re,
AH ME! ITS PEARL AM I,

Mai.n hoo.n us kaa motee,
ITS PEARL AM I,

Jisko naseebaa, yahaa.n le dooba
HE, WHO HAS BEEN DROWNED BY THE FATE HERE,

Jisko naseebaa, yahaa.n le dooba,
HE, WHO HAS BEEN DROWNED BY THE FATE HERE,

Mai.n woh ik dukheeyaara hoo.n,
THAT UNFORTUNATE ONE AM I,

Banjaaraa hoon mai.n,
A NOMAD AM I,

Kisee kaa pyaara hoo.n mai.n,
SOMEONE’S BELOVED AM I,

Ohhhh Waqt ka maara hoo.n.
OH! I’VE BEEN AFFLICTED BY THE TIME.

NASIR.

Today I'm out wandering, turning my skull
into a cup for others to drink wine from.
In this town somewhere there sits a calm, intelligent man,
who doesn't know what he's about to do!
RUMI