Naam Gum Jayega Lyrics and English Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi

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Along with millions of fans across the globe, we mourn the loss of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar (1929-2022). With an unmatched career that has spanned more than three generations, she is more than India’s most celebrated and prolific singer. She expresses the collective voice of the South Asian diaspora. In her voice, we find the full spectrum of our emotions – our joys, our sorrows, our prayers, and our love. She leaves behind an unforgettable legacy of musical artistry at its finest peak. Today, in her honor, we share the aptly suited lyrics and English translation from one of her most memorable performances in Kinara (1977).

With eternal admiration and gratitude,
-Mr. ’55

Naam Gum Jayega: Lyrics and English Translation

naam gum jaayegaa
My name will disappear
chaharaa yeh badal jaayegaa
My face will change with time
merii aavaaz hii pahchaan hai 
My voice is my identity 
gar yaad rahe
If you remember it..

vaqt ke sitam kam hasii.n nahii.n
The whims of time are no less beautiful 
aaj hai.n yahaa.n, kal kahii.n nahiin
We are here today, tomorrow nowhere
vaqt ke pare agar mil gaye kahii.n
May we meet beyond the limits of time 
merii aavaaz hii pahchaan hai
My voice is my identity
gar yaad rahe
If you remember it...

jo guzar gayii kal kii baat thii
What has happened is in our past
umr to nahii.n ek raat thii
It was only a night, not a lifetime
raat kaa siraa agar phir mile kahii.n
May we uncover the night's end again
merii aavaaz hii pahchaan hai
My voice is my identity
gar yaad rahe
If you remember it...

din Dhale jahaa.n raat paas ho  
Where the sun sets, the night is close by
zindagii kii lau uu.nchii kar chalo
Ignite the flame of life and go forth
yaad aaye gar kabhii jii udaas ho
Memories of the past may bring despair
merii aavaaz hii pahchaan hai 
My voice is my identity
gar yaad rahe
If you remember it...

naam gum jaayegaa
My name will fade away 

Glossary

 gum jaanaa: to disappear; aavaaz: voice; pahchaan: identity; sitam: whim, cruelty; hasii.n: beautiful; pare: beyond; umr: lifetime; siraa: end; lau: flame; udaas: sad, despairing 

Romantic Bollywood Film Quotes That Will Make You Swoon

Rajesh Khanna Zeenat Aman Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein
Rajesh Khanna and Zeeenat Aman made Bollywood magic in Ajnabee (1974)

We’ve curated our top romantic Bollywood film quotes translated into English just in time for Valentine’s Day! But we’re warning you: be prepared to fall in love! Here are our top picks:

“Ek chhota sa zakhm bahut gehraa daag ban saktaa hai. Aur ek chhoti si mulaqaat jeevan bhar ka saath ban sakti hai.” “A small wound can leave a great scar. And a brief meeting can stay with you for a lifetime.”]

–Rajesh Khanna, Aradhana (1969)

“Chandni aanchal mein bhar laayi ha tu. Raat yeh chamki hai jab aayi hai tu.” [“You have brought the moonlight in the drape of your sari. The night began sparkling once you arrived.”]

–Rajkumar, Heer Raanjha (1970)

“Taqdeerein badal jaati hai, zamaanaa badal jaata hai, mulkon ki tarikh badal jaati hai, Shahenshah badal jaate hai. Magar is badalti hui duniya mein, mohabbat jis insaan ka daaman thaam leti hai, woh insaan nahii.N badalta.” [“Fates change, eras changes, the histories of countries change, Kings change. But in this ever-changing world, those who fall in love, they do not change.”]

—Dilip Kumar, Mughal-e-Azam (1960)

“Likhe jo khat tujhe woh teri yaad mein. Hazaaron rang ke nazaare ban gaye. Saaveraa jab hua, to phool ban gaye. Jo raat aayi to sitaare ban gaye.” [“Those letters I wrote to you became a wondrous sight of a thousand colors. When morning came, they became flowers. When night fell, they became stars.”]

—Shashi Kapoor, Kanyaadaan (1968)

“Aap ke paaon dekhe. Bahut haseen hai. Inhe zameen par mat utariegaa.” [“I caught a glimpse of your feet. They are very beautiful. Do not let them fall upon the ground.”]

–Rajkumar, Pakeezah (1971)

“Lag ja gale ki phir yeh haseen raat ho na ho. Shayad phir is janam mein mulaaqaat ho na ho.” [“Take me in your arms for this beautiful night may never come again. Perhaps in this lifetime, we may never meet again.”]

–Sadhana, Woh Kaun Thi? (1964)

“Phool tum gulab ka, kya jawaab aapka. Jo adaa hai woh bahaar hai.” [“You are a rose flower. There is no comparison to you. The grace you possess is that of Spring.”]

—Dev Anand, TERE GHAR KE SAMNE (1963)

“Yeh pal ujaalaa hai, baaqi andhera hai. Yeh pal gavaanaa na, yeh pal hii teraa hai.” [“This moment is shining with light, everything else is darkness. Do not waste this golden moment for only this moment is yours.”]

—Erica Lal, Waqt (1965)

“Barason se khizaa ka mausam tha. Viraan badi duniya thi merii. Haathon mein teraa anchaal aayaa ki bahaar aayii.” [“For ages, it was the season of Autumn. My world was so barren. Then into my hands fell the drape of your sari and brought with it the Spring.”]

—Shammi Kapoor, Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)

“Chaudhvin ka chand ho yaa aftab ho? Jo bhi ho tum khuda ki qasam la-jawaab ho.” [“Are you the full moon of the night or the sun of the day? Whatever you are, I swear by God that there is nothing that compares to you in the world.”]

—Guru Dutt, Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960)

“Ek pyaar ka naghma hai, maujon ki ravaani hai. Zindagi aur kuch bhi nahin, teri meri kahaani hai.” [“This is a tale of love, the ebb and flow of waves in the ocean. Life is nothing more than your and my story.”]

—Nanda, SHOR (1972)

“Jaani, O Jaani. Jaldi se aajaa miljaa ki biit jaaye yeh jawaanii…Tujh pe lutadoongaa mitadoongaa main yeh zindagaanii.” [“Darling, oh Darling. Come meet me quickly for our youth slips away. For you I would sacrifice this life of mine.”]

—Dharmendra, Raja Jani (1972)

“Takht kya chiz hai aur laal-o-jawaahar kya hai? Ishqwale to khudaayii bhi lutaa dete hai.” [“Of what value are thrones and rubies? Those who are in love could sacrifice even divinity.”]

—Bina Rai, Taj Mahal (1963)

“Tu ab se pehle sitaaron mein bas rahii thii kahiin. Tujhe zameen pe bulaayaa gayaa hai mere liye.” [“Before now you lived somewhere among the stars. You were called to earth only for me.”]

—Rakhee, Kabhi Kabhi (1976)

“Yaad hai mujhko merii umar ki pahlii who ghadii, terii aankhon se koi jaam piyaa thaa maine. Meri rag-rag mein koi barq-sii leheraayii thi, jab tere marmarii haathon ko chhunaa tha main na. Aa mujhe phir unhii haathon ka sahaaraa dede. Meraa khoya hua rangiin nazaraa dede.” [“I remember that first moment in my life when your eyes intoxicated me. A flash of lightening surged through my veins when I brushed upon your marble-like hands. Come support me again with those hands. Give me back that colorful vision I have lost.”]

—Rajendra Kumar, Mere Mehboob (1963)

“Na tum humen jaano, na hum tumhe jaane. Magar lagta hai kuch aisa mera humdum mil gaya.” [“You do not know me. I do not know you. Yet somehow I feel as if I have found my soulmate.”]

—Dev Anand, Baat Ek Raat Ki (1962)

“Tere maathe lage hain yuun jaise chandaa taraa. Jiya mein chamke kabhi kabhi to jaise koi angaraa.” [“Your bindi clings to your forehead like a star to the moon. It shines in my heart as if it were a glowing ember.”]

—Amitabh Bachhan, Abhiman (1973).

“Mukhtasar si baat hai: tumse pyaar hai.” [“The words are so simple: I love you.”]

—Dharmendra, Khamoshi (1969)

“Dabi dabi ha.Nsii mein ek haseen saa gulaal tha. Main sochtaa thaa mera naam gungunaa rahi hai woh. Na jaane kyon lagaa mujhe ki muskuraa rahi ha woh.” [“As she tried to hide her smile, there was a beautiful burst of color. It seemed to me then that she was singing my name. I do not know why, but I suddenly feel now that somewhere she is smiling.”]

—Rajesh Khanna, Khamoshi (1969)

“Aap ke haseen rukh pe aaj nayaa noor hai. Mera dil machal gaya to mera kya qusoor hai?” [“There is a new light shining upon your face today. If my heart fluttered, what fault is it of mine?”]

—Dharmenda, Baharen Phir Bhi Aayegi (1966)

“Tujhe suraj main kehta tha, magar us main bhi aag hai. Tujhe chandaa main kehta tha, mahar us mein bhi daagh hai. Tujhe itna hi kehta hoon ki mujhko tumse pyaar hai tumse pyaar hai, tumse pyaar hai.” [“I used to call you the sun, but I realized even the sun has fire. I used to call you the moon, but even the moon is flawed. I will only say now that I love you. I love you. I love you.”]

—Rajendra Kumar, Sangam (1964).

“Chalo dildar chalo, chand ke par chalo. Aao kho jaaye sitaron pe kahin. ChoDh de aaj yeh duniya yeh zameen. Zindagi khatam bhi ho jaaye agar, na kabhi khatam ulfat ka safar.” [“Come, my beloved. Let us become lost among the stars. Today let us leave this world and earth behind. Even if our life ends, let our journey of love never end.”]

—Meena Kumari, Pakeezah (1971)

“Raat haseen, yeh chand haseen. Tu sabse haseen, mere dilbar. Aur tujhe se haseen tere pyaar.” [“The night is beautiful, this moon is beautiful. But you are more beautiful than them all, my beloved. And even more beautiful than you is your love.”]

—Biswajeet, Kohra (1964)

“Aisii hii rhimjhim, aisii phuhaaren, aisii hii thii barsaat. Khud se judaa aur jag se paraaye, hum dono the saath.” [“It is those same raindrops, that same mist, and the same rainfall. Lost from ourselves and strangers to the world, we were together then.”]

—Dev Anand, Guide (1965)

“Yehi woh jagah hai, yehi who fizaaye. Yehi par kabhi aap hum se mile the. Yehi par meraa haath mein haath lekar. Kabhi na bichhadne ka vaadaa kiya tha.” [“This is that same place, these are the same winds. This is where you used to meet me. This is where you took my hand in yours and promised we would never be separated.”]

—Sharmila Tagore, Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi (1966)

“Raat kali ek khwab mein aayi aur gale ka haar hui. Subah ko jab ham nee.Nd se jaage, aankh tum hii se chaar hui.” [“A flower of the night came to my dreams and became a garland around my neck. When morning arrived and I awakened, my eyes met yours.”]

—Navin Nischol, Buddha Mil Gaya (1971)

“Tumne mujhko haN.snaa sikhayaa. Rone kahoge ro lenge ab. Aa.Nsoo ka hamaare gham na karo. Woh behte hai to behne do. Mujhe tumse mohabbat ho gaye hai. Mujhe palkon ki chaaon mein rehne do.” [“You taught me how to laugh. If you tell me to cry now, I will cry. But do not mourn my tears. If they flow, let them flow, for I have fallen in love with you. Let me remain in the shade of your eyelids.”]

—Shammi Kapoor, Junglee (1961)

“Husn-o-jamaal aapka sheeshe mein dekhar, madhosh ho chukka hoo.N mai.N jalwo.N ki raah par. Gar ho sake to hosh mei.N laa do, mere huzoor.” [“When I saw your beauty and elegance in the mirror, I became intoxicated upon the path of your splendor. If you are able, bring me back to my senses, my lady.”]

—Jeetendra, Mere Huzoor (1968)

“Tu nahin to yeh bahaar kya bahaar hai? Gul nahiin khile ki teraa intezaar hai.” [“If you are not here, then what Spring is this Spring? The roses do not bloom for they are waiting for you.”]

—Dilip Kumar, Madhumati (1958)

“Chhota safar ho lambaa safar ho, suunii dagar ho ya mela, yaad tuu aaye man ho jaaye bhiid ke biich akelaa. Haa.N, baadal bijlii chandan paani jaisaa apnaa pyaar. Lenaa hoga janam humen kai kai baar.” [“Whether the journey is short or long, whether it is an empty path or a fair, my heart feels alone amidst a crowd when I miss you. Yes, our love for each other is bound together as the clouds to lightning and sandalwood to water. We will be reborn together many, many times.”]

—Dev Anand, Prem Pujari (1970)

“Baadal mei.N ab chhup jaa re, O Chandaa! Mai.N unse pyaar kar luu.Ngii. Baate.N hazaar kar luu.Ngii.” [“Go hide now in the clouds, O Moon! For I will romance him. I will say a thousand things to him.”]

—Nargis, Awaara (1955)

“Bahaaro, phool barsaao. Meraa mehboob aayaa hai.” [“Spring, bring a rain of flowers, for my beloved has come.”]

—Rajendra Kumar, Suraj (1966)

“Tum agar jao kabhi, jao kahii.N. Waqt se kehna zara, woh teher jaaye vahii.N. Woh ghadi vahii.N rahe, na jaaye, na.” [“If you ever leave, tell time to wait there for me. Let that moment remain, let it not pass without me.”]

—Sumita Sanyal, Anand (1970)

“Mere saamnewaalii khidki mei.N ek chand sa tukda rehta hai.” [“In the window across from me lives a piece of the moon.”]

—Sunil Dutt, Padosan (1968)
Sadhana and Manoj Kumar metaphorically waltz the night away in Woh Kaun Thi? (1964)

Did we miss your favorite romantic Bollywood quote? Tell us in the comments! And for more terms of endearment to call your beloved in Urdu-Hindi, check out our definitive glossary here!

– Mrs. ’55

Raat Kali Ek Khwab Mein Aayi Lyrics & Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi

Navin Nischol and Archana in Buddha Mil Gaya
Navin Nischol and Archana prove that two B-grade actors make an A+ in Buddha Mil Gaya (1971).

Today we showcase the lyrics and English translation of the romantic “Raat Kali Ek Khwab Mein Aayi” from the film Buddha Mil Gaya (1971).

I admit, I had my doubts when I checked out the B-grade lineup in this film. But I should have known that the same director Hrishikesh Mukherjee who brought us Anand (1971) and Bawarchi (1972) would not let us down! Buddha Mil Gaya (a reference to the memorable song of the same name from Sangam 1964) is an interesting blend of genres: a romantic-comedy-murder-mystery-musical (exemplified by the likes of Teesri Manzil 1966). The “buDDha” (that is, elderly male) in question, is played delectably by Om Prakash and forms the core of the mystery. Is he an innocent missing person or a cunning murderer?

Archana plays the romantic lead in the film Buddha Mil Gaya (1971).
Archana glows as the romantic lead in the film Buddha Mil Gaya (1971) with lovable comic timing and simplicity.

The film’s ensemble shines in unexpected ways: Aruna Irani, usually stuck as the eternal vamp, plays a plucky feminist, and everyone’s favorite mean dadima, Lalita Pawar, milks the comic scenes. Perhaps my favorite moment is when sidekick Deven Verma cross-dresses in a big song-and-dance sequence at the film’s finale. He gives the film’s villain a seductive wink that truly nails it.

Of course, there is also a traditional romantic duo, played by Navin Nischol and Archana. While Nischol had a long television career after his Bollywood stint fizzled, Archana faded out of the entertainment industry almost entirely. I’ve tried to do some research to understand why and haven’t come up with any leads (please drop us a comment if you know!). She’s no glamour queen, but her “girl-next-door” charm wins you over and I would have liked to see her in more!

Archana has introduced her love interest, played by Nischol, to a flirtatious music student eager to learn singing from him. When she thinks Nischol might be tempted, Archana sulks, prompting Nischol to burst into “Raat Kali Ek Khwab” against a backdrop of the scenic Chowpatty beach in Mumbai (Hrishikesh really had a thing for these beaches and filmed “Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli” similarly the same year). In “Raat Kali” Majrooh Sultanpuri, the genius behind many of your favorite Urdu poems, blesses us with lines like “tum ne qadam to rakhaa zameen par | seene mei.N kyo.N jhankaar hui?” at which I die and go to heaven.

Navin Nischol croons "Raat Kali Ek Khwab" from the film Buddha Mil Gaya (1971).
Navin Nischol croons the Kishore Kumar solo hit “Raat Kali Ek Khwab” in the film Buddha Mil Gaya (1971).

We hope you enjoy the lyrics and our English translation of this beloved song below sung by Kishore Kumar and composed by R.D. Burman. Which line of Urdu poetry makes YOU swoon?

Raat Kali Ek Khwab Mein Aayi Lyrics & English Translation

Raat kalii ek khwaab mei.N aayii, aur gale ka haar huii
A flower of the night came to me in a dream, and her embrace became a garland around me
Subah ko jab ham nii.Nd se jaage, aa.Nkh tumhii se chaar huii
When I awoke in the morning, our eyes met
Raat kali ek khwaab mein aayi, aur gale ka haar huii

Chaahe kaho isse merii mohabbat, chaahe ha.Nsii mei.N uDaa do
If you would like, call this my love, if you would like, laugh it away
Yeh kyaa hua mujhe, mujhko khabar nahii.N, ho sake, tum hii bataa do
What is this that has happened to me? Even I have no idea, but if you can, please tell me.
Tum ne qadam to, rakhaa zameen par siine mei.N kyuu.N jhankaar huii?
Your footsteps fell upon the ground, but why then did I sense a trembling in my heart?
Raat kali ek khwaab mein aayi, aur gale ka haar huyi…

Aa.Nkho.N mei.N kaajal, aur laTo.N mei.N, kaalii ghaTaa ka baseraa
In your eyes is kaajal, and you hair is like the shelter of a dark cloud
Saa.Nvali suurat, mohinii muurat, saavan ruth kaa sa.Nveraa
Your rich brown complexion, enchanting figure, you are like the morning of the monsoon season
Jabse ye mukhDaa dil me khilaa hai, duniyaa merii gulzaar huii
When this face bloomed in my heart, my world became a rose garden
Raat kali ek khwaab mein aayi, aur gale ka haar huyi

Yuu.N to hasiino.N ke, mahajabiino.N ke, hote hai.N roz nazaare
By the way, beautiful women and gorgeous faces present themselves to me every day
Par unhe dekh ke, dekha hai jab tumhe, tum lage aur bhii pyaare
But when I see them, and then I look at you, you appear even more lovely
Baaho.N mei.N le luu.N, aisii tamannaa, ek nahii.N, kaii baar huii
I desire to take you in my arms, not once, but many times
Raat kali ek khwaab mein aayi, aur gale ka haar huyi…

Raat kalii ek khwaab mei.N aayii, aur gale ka haar huii
A flower of the night came to me in a dream, and her embrace became a garland around me
Subah ko jab ham nii.Nd se jaage, aa.Nkh tumhii se chaar huii
When I awoke in the morning, our eyes met
Raat kali ek khwaab mein aayi, aur gale ka haar huii

Glossary:

raat: night; kalii: flower; khwaab: dream; gale: arms; haar: garland; subah: morning; nii.Nd: sleep; jaagnaa: to awaken; aa.Nkh chaar hona: to make eye contact (literally, two eyes became four); mohabbat: love; haN.sii: laughter; khabar: knowledge; qadam: footstep; zameen: earth; seenaa: chest; jhankaar: tremble, jingle; kaajaal: eyeliner; laT: hair locks; kaalii: dark; ghaTaa: cloud; baseraa: shelter, abode; saa.Nvalii: tanned, rich brown; suurat: face; mohinii: enchanting; muurat: image, figure; saavan ruth: rainy season; sa.Nveraa: morning; mukhDaa: face; khilnaa: to blossom; duniyaa: world; gulzaar: rose garden; hasiinaa: beautiful woman; mahajabeen: gorgeous face (see our deep dive into zohra jabeen for more!); roz: every day; baahe.N: arms; tamannaa: desire; kaii: many

This gem was requested by diehard fans Prabha Nair and Lakshmi. Thank you for this lovely request! We hope that wherever you are, you are continuing to stay safe and can get the vaccine soon!

– Mrs. 55

Khilona Jaan Kar Lyrics & Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi

Sanjeev Kumar and mumtaz star in Khilona 1970 filmfare award best picture
Portraying a man suffering a psychotic break, Sanjeev Kumar sings an appeal of love to Mumtaz in the ethically-fraught film “Khilona” (1970).

Today we are showcasing the poetic lyrics and English translation of “Khilona Jaan Kar” from the 1970 Filmfare Winner for Best Movie: Khilona. One of Mohammed Rafi’s iconic solo hits, “Khilona Jan Kar” is a deeply soulful appeal of a wounded man to a woman on the verge of leaving him.

Or at least that’s one way of looking at the song. I hadn’t watched Khilona (meaning “toy” in Urdu-Hindi) growing up, so hearing Anand Bakshi’s beautiful lyrics and seeing the music video, I was moved by the profound emotion only Rafi could imbibe so passionately into every reverberating “Ooooo khilona.” My father always burst into the song’s opening right after finishing up a satisfying vocal yawn. I think anyone can appreciate how that would transition quite smoothly.

Anyway, that’s my childhood in a nutshell. But now that I’ve seen the film, where, oh, where do I even begin?

Mumtaz courtesan Khilona 1970
In Khilona (1970), Mumtaz plays a pure-hearted courtesan who stumbles into the bizarre plot of a rotting patriarchy in order to help cure a stranger’s mental health crisis…at the cost of her own.

In Khilona, Sanjeev Kumar plays a famous poet who loses the love of his life in a traumatic incident, causing him to have a psychotic break. It’s hard to say precisely which disorder writer Gulshan Nanda was trying to convey here. Is it schizophrenia? Is it post-traumatic stress disorder? Sanjeev Kumar’s amalgamation of trope behaviors and unbridled basic instincts really underscore Bollywood’s overall troubling history portraying mental health disorders.

Speaking of Bollywood cliches, enter our courtesan with a heart of gold: Mumtaz. She is convinced to undergo a “fake” wedding ceremony and “pretend” to be Sanjeev Kumar’s wife in the hopes that this might help break his delusions. Then, using his psychosis as a shield, he rapes her and she is unable to seek restitution…partly due to the fact that she has gone full blown Stockholm Syndrome on the man who abuses her daily (another uncomfortable and relatively common theme in classic Bollywood films?). The lunacy of the plot is so stunning that it’s sad to believe it garnered Best Film of the year and really doesn’t reflect well on any of us.

sanjeev-kumar-psychotic-crazy-poet-khilona

Sanjeev Kumar reaches out to Mumtaz through a symbolic prison in Khilona (1970). The film won the FilmFare Award for Best Movie in 1970.

That said, Mumtaz deserves credit for accepting this difficult role, which had been rejected by other heroines who didn’t want to play such a controversial character. The role won her Best Actress that year and led to her starring in blockbusters like Aap Ki Kasam (1974) and Prem Kahani (1975).

None of this is obvious when you listen to the words of “Khilona Jan Kar.” However, now that you know the backstory, you can appreciate the tragic irony of the shehnaii (an instrument typically reserved for wedding celebration) melody that punctuates a song dedicated to a disenfranchised woman who is embroiled in a delusional marriage. Suddenly, the prison-like scaffolding of the windows through which Sanjeev Kumar gazes make sense: as a mental health patient, he is outcast by Indian society, but he is also a literal criminal who has assaulted Mumtaz. After all, who is the real khilona here? Despite the lyrics’ dripping self-pity, it’s not Sanjeev Kumar. Toyed with by every self-serving member of the patriarchy, Mumtaz is the real khilona of the film. In that context, this song is just emotional blackmail. 

That’s plenty to chew on, I think! Without further ado, we hope you enjoy our English translation to “Khilona Jan Kar” below!

Khilona Jaan Kar Lyrics and English Translation:

Khilonaa jaan kar tum to meraa dil toD jaate ho
You consider it a toy, and break my heart
Oooo mujhe is haal mei.N kiske sahaare chhoD jaate ho?
Oh, with whose support do you leave me alone in this condition?
O khilonaa jaan kar…

Khudaa kaa vaastaa dekar manaa luu.N duur huu.N lekin
For God’s sake, I would mollify you, yet I am far away
Tumhaaraa raastaa mei.N rok luu.N majbuur huu.N lekin
I would stop you in your path, yet I am weak
Ki mai.N chal bhii nahii.N saktaa huu.N, aur tum dauDh jaate ho
For I am unable to even walk, and you run away
O khilonaa jaan kar…

Gilaa tumse nahii.N koii, magar afsos thoDaa hai
I have no complaint against you, but I do have a little regret
Ki jis gham ne meraa daaman baDi mushqil se chhoDaa hai
That the sadness which left my side with great difficulty
Usii gham se meraa phir aaj rishtaa joD jaate ho
Is the same sadness you are binding to me today
O khilonaa jaan kar…

Mere dil se na lo badlaa zamaane bhar ki baato.N kaa
Do not take revenge upon my heart for a world of issues
Theher jaao! Suno! Mehemaan huu.N mai.N chand raato.N kaa
Wait! Listen! I am a guest for only a few nights
Chale jaanaa abhii se kis liye muu.N moD jaate ho?
You must go eventually, but why turn your face away from me right now?
O khilonaa jaan kar…

Glossary:

Khilonaa: toy; dil: heart; toDnaa: to break; haal: situation, health; sahaaraa: support; chhoDnaa: to leave; Khudaa: God; [kisii ka] vaastaa: the sake [of someone]; manaanaa: to mollify; lekin: yet; raastaa: path; roknaa: to stop; majbuur: weak; chalnaa: to go, to walk; dauDhnaa: to run; gilaa: complaint; magar: but; afsos: regret; thoDaa: a little; gham: sadness; daaman: side; embrace; baDaa: big, very; mushqil: difficulty; rishtaa: relationship, alliance (often in reference to a marriage proposition); joDnaa: to join, to bring together; badlaa lenaa: to take revenge; zamaanaa: the world, earth; Theher: to pause, to wait; sunnaa: to listen; mehmaan: guest; abhii: now; muu.N: face; moDnaa: to turn

Compound verb creation with “jaanaa”: A quick lesson from your Urdu-Hindi grammar school junkie

This is a concept that I still find takes finesse to use well and “Khilona Jaankar” is filled with compound verbs so it’s a great place to start! In Urdu-Hindi, you can create a special type of compound verb by taking a regular verb, such as “toDnaa” (to break), and combining it with “jaanaa” (to go). So instead of saying “you break my heart” as “dil toDte ho,” you would say “dil toD jaate ho.” The addition of “jaana” adds a sense of completion and finality to the verb preceding it. In these scenarios, the “na” is removed from the primary verb and the “jaanaa” is subsequently conjugated according to the tense you want to convey. Other commonly used compound verb examples include “denaa” or “lenaa“!

I highly encourage you to contrast Sanjeev Kumar’s performance here with his role in Aandhi (1975), where he shined playing the estranged, ultimately supportive husband to a rising female politician. Unlike Khilona for which he was nominated, but lost), Sanjeev Kumar won the Filmfare Best Actor Award for Aandhi, redeeming us all! 

– Mrs. 55

Sanjeev Kumar psychiatric patients Khilona 1970.
Sanjeev Kumar truly embodies the male gaze in Khilona (1970) as he emotionally blackmails Mumtaz into staying in their unhealthy relationship.

Maine Tere Liye Hi Saath Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi

Rajesh Khanna plays a patient with a terminal illness and endless optimism in classic Bollywood film Anand (1971).

As the year draws to a close, the lyrics of “Maine Tere Liye Hi” from classic Bollywood film Anand (1971) seems a fitting note with which to reflect on everything that has passed. 2020 has been one of the most bizarre, tragic, and tiring years many of us have experienced. I say “many” to acknowledge that our grandparents, who actually survived far worse–whether the Partition of India or World War II–became among the greatest victims of the pandemic. As a physician, I always spend extra time with my elderly COVID patients who are alone just to talk, even when it’s hard to otherwise feel as motivated to dive into the abyss as we did in the Spring. If you haven’t called your grandparents this week, stop reading this post and call them now.

Finished your call? Did you tell them to watch The Crown and promise to eat a tablespoon of sugar before your next exam? Great. We’ll move on. “Maine Tere Liye” for me has the perfect blend of nostalgia, sorrow, and optimism to encapsulate the end of 2020. A truly must-see film (which I actually watched on zoom with a group of my non-Hindi speaking colleagues this year! A crowd-pleaser to say the least!), Anand (1971) unfolds the tale of a doctor (played by Amitabh Bachhan) whose cynicism of a failing medical system is dismantled by the joie-de-vivre of a patient (played by Rajesh Khanna) diagnosed with lymphosarcoma of the intestine. I was struck by how true Amitach Bachhan’s criticisms of healthcare delivery in 1971 India rang so painfully true in 2020 America: poor patients often cannot access the care they desperately need. Luckily, to balance out these profound, sobering thoughts, I was also struck by Rajesh Khanna’s impeccable comedic timing and, as always, his absolutely dashing good looks (why, yes, he drops his famous wink in this song so be ready to check your pulse!).

At a casual dinner party in Anand (1971), Rajesh Khanna sings for his friend Amitabh Bachhan like it’s no big deal and he just woke up with that voice.

The soundtrack of Anand is as legendary as its performances, with hits like “Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli” and “Kahin Door Jab Din.” “Maine Tere Liye Hi” stands out uniquely as a poem of friendship: something everyone needs in 2020. With lyrics by Yogesh and music by Salil Chaudhary, playback singer Mukesh croons about relishing in memories of the past and awaiting a better future. We dedicate this song to all of our amazing readers with whom a deep love of music and film from a bygone era brings us together. We hope our English translation of “Maine Tere Liye” offers a bright moment to your day!

Maine Tere Liye Hi Lyrics & English Translation

Maine tere liiye hii saat rang ke sapne chune
I have chosen a dream of seven colors just for you
Sapne, suriile sapne,
Dreams, beautiful dreams
Kuch ha.Nsii ke, kuch gham ke,
Some with laughter, some with sorrow
Terii ankho.N ke saaye churaaye rasiilii yaado.N ne
These rich memories have stolen shadows of your eyes
Maine tere liye hi saat rang ke…

ChhoTii baate.N
Small words…
ChhoTii chhoTii baato.N kii hai yaade.N baDIi,
Small words can leave big memories
Bhuule nahii.N biiThii huii ek chhoTii ghaDii
I haven’t forgotten even small moments that have passed
Janam janam se, aankhe.N bichaaye, tere liiye in raho.N mei.N
With every lifetime, my eyes are spread upon these paths for you
Maine tere liye hi saat rang ke…

Bhole-bhaale
Innocent
Bhole-bhaale dil ko behlate rahe
I kept amusing my innocent heart
Tanhaii mei.N tere khayalo.N ko sajaate rahe
In my loneliness, I kept adorning my thoughts of you
Kabhii kabhii to, aawaaz dekar, mujhko jagaayaa khwaabo.N ne
From time to time, my dreams called out to wake me up
Maine tere liye hi saat rang ke…

RuuThi raate.N
Upset nights
RuuThi huii raato.N ko manaayaa kabhi
Sometimes, I’m able to soothe the upset nights
Tere liye biiThii subaah ko bulaayaa kabhii
For you sometimes I call back the morning that has passed
Tere binaa bhii, tere liiye hii, diye jalaaye aaho.N ne
Ever when you are gone, for you alone, the lamps are lit by my sighs
Maine tere liye hi saat rang ke…

Glossary:

saat: seven, rang: color; sapnaa: dream; chunnaa: to choose; suriilaa: beautiful; ha.Nsii: laughter; gham: sorrow; aa.Nkh: eyes; saayaa: shadow; churaanaa: to steal; rasiilii: rich, delicious; yaade.N: memories; chhoTaa: small; baate.N: words; baDaa: big; bhuulnaa: to forget; biiThnaa: to pass; ghaDii: moment; janam: lifetime; bichaanaa: to spread, to lay; bholaa-bhaalaa: innocent, naive; dil behlaanaa: to amuse, to sweet talk; tanhaaii: loneliness; khayaal: thought: sajaanaa: to decorate, to adorn; kabhii kabhii: sometimes, occasionally; aawaaz: voice, jagaanaa: to wake up; khwaab: dream; ruuThaa: upset; raat: night; manaanaa: to placate, to soothe; subaah: morning; bulaanaa: to call; [kisii ke] binaa: without [someone]; [kisii ke] liye: for [someone]; diyaa: lamp; jalaanaa: to burn, to light: aah: sigh

Rajesh Khanna pretending to play the piano and holding the camera hostage with his smoldering gaze in Anand (1971).

This beautiful song was requested by long-time fans Prasad Sakhamuri and Sheza Iqbal. Thank you both for the very apt choice! As you’ve noticed, Mr. 55 and I have been busy in the hospitals this year, but we read all your requests and kind messages and respond as soon as we can! What classic Bollywood songs have inspired YOU in 2020? We’d love to know in the comments!

– Mrs. 55

My husband and I living large on vacation at the Shangri-La in Mauritius days before the U.S. shut its borders in March 2020. That feels like such an alternate reality now! We’ll be dreaming of that time for many months to come.