Kuch Dil Ne Kaha Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi

Posted on July 28, 2012 by mrandmrs55

Sharmila Tagore shines in her restrained portrayal of Uma in Anupama (1966)

Our next translation comes from Hrishikesh Mukherji’s Anupama (1966), a poignantly crafted film that narrates the story of a father who blames his daughter for his wife’s death during childbirth. On the request of one of our readers Himadree, we have provided the lyrics and English translation for the song “kuchh dil ne kahaa” from this film below.

Sharmila Tagore plays the role of Uma, a reticient young woman who has maintained a painful and difficult relationship with her wealthy father (played by Tarun Bose) from a young age. Because Uma’s mother died in childbirth, Uma’s father harbors feelings of resentment that prevent him from fully loving his daughter as she grows up. Uma also assumes culpability for her mother’s death, and her self-repression becomes a coping mechanism to deal with her own guilt and her father’s anger toward her.

When Uma meets the handsome and sensitive writer Ashok (played by Dharmendra), her life seems to to take a turn for the better. Yet, as the two fall in love, it becomes apparent that Uma’s troubles have not vanished completely: her father has already arranged her marriage with another man and will never not approve of a relationship with a man of Ashok’s social status. Hrishikesh Mukherji uses this situation to provide realistic and eloquent commentary on the complex interplay between love and class in Indian society. In this context, Kaifi Azmi’s lyrics in “kuchh dil ne kahaa” truly come alive. The lyrics express the conflict that characterizes Uma’s state of mind as she faces the most challenging decision of her life: should she pursue her romance with Ashok or should she push him away to appease her father? The essence of this dilemma is captured beautifully in many lines of this song. Although her heart has become restless with love for Ashok, Uma contemplates that it may be best to suppress these desires: “letaa hai dil angaDaaiiyaa.n, is dil ko samjhaaye koii.” Moreover, in spite of her outer appearances, Uma’s inner turmoil is a real and painful obstacle in her life (“dil kii tasallii ke liye jhuuThii chamak jhuuThaa nikhaar / jiivan to suunaa hii rahaa, sab samjhe aayii hai bahaar”).

In addition to its unique lyrics, this song is a musical masterpiece that has been cherished by Hindi film lovers over the years (though it didn’t receive its due at the time of the film’s release!). Hemant Kumar crafts a serene melody in Raga Bhimpalasi that accentuates the melancholic beauty found in both the lyrics and the natural landscape where this song is picturized. Lata Mangeshkar, as usual, is par excellence here as she emotes softly with some beautifully restrained vocals. As an interesting tidbit, you may have noticed that Lata sings this melody at a lower pitch than is expected for a Bollywood soprano. When Lata repeats the line “aisii bhii baate.n hotii hai.n” in the mukhda, she hits an A3 (komal ni in the key of B), one of the lower notes of her range recorded during this period. Enjoy our translation of this under-appreciated gem below and continue to send us your requests and other messages–we love to hear from you all!

-Mr. 55

This song was filmed in Mahabaleshwar, a scenic hill station found in the state of Maharashtra. What a stunning landscape!

Kuch Dil Ne Kaha: Lyrics and Translation

kuchh dil ne kahaa, kuchh bhii nahii.n
My heart said something; yet, it was nothing at all.
kuchh dil ne sunaa, kuchh bhii nahii.n
My heart heard something; yet, it was nothing at all.
aisii bhii baate.n hotii hai.n
Such things happen in life.

letaa hai dil angaDaaiiyaa.n, is dil ko samajhaaye koii
My heart has become restless in anticipation of him; may someone please make it stop.
armaan na aa.nkhe.n khol de.n, rusvaa na ho jaaye koii
I hope that my desires do not cause my eyes to open and bring about disgrace,
palko.n kii ThanDii sej par sapno.n ki pariyaa.n sotii hai.n
For the dream-fairies remain asleep on the cool bed of my eyelids.
aisii bhii baate.n hotii hai.n
Such things happen in life.

dil kii tasallii ke liye jhuuThii chamak jhuuThaa nikhaar
For my heart’s satisification, I have adorned myself in this false glitter and shine.
jiivan to suunaa hii rahaa, sab samajhe aayii hai bahaar
Though it remains empty, everyone assumes that spring has arrived in my life.
kaliiyo.n se koii puuchtaa, hastii hai.n yaa ve rotii hai.n
Yet, no one has bothered to ask the flowerbuds whether they are smiling or crying.
aisii bhii baate.n hotii hai.n
Such things happen in life.

kuchh dil ne kahaa, kuchh bhii nahii.n
My heart said something; yet, it was nothing at all.

Glossary

angaDaaiiyaa.n: preparation, anticipation; armaan: hope, desire; rusvaa: disgrace; palko.n: eyelids; sej: bed; pariyaa.n: faires; tasallii: satisfaction, relief; chamak: glitter; nikhaar: glow, shine; bahaar: spring.

Sharmila Tagore rocks the classic beehive hairstyle that would later become her trademark.

The ever-handsome Dharmendra plays the role of a sensitive writer in Anupama (1966)

The 15 Best Bollywood Rain Songs: Evolution of a Classic Genre

Posted on July 25, 2012 by mrandmrs55

Rajesh Khanna and Rakhee Rain Song Bollywood

Rajesh Khanna and Rakhee express their sizzling love in the rain in Shehzada (1972).

It’s monsoon season again in India and, naturally, love is sparkling in the air. At last we present our list of the best rain songs from classic Bollywood! We all adore these moments–the iconic cuddling beneath an umbrella, the splashing around in a wet garden, or of course, Zeenat Aman in a drenched saari. It seems now that singing in the rain is the epitome of Bollywood romance, and a marvelous way to introduce a new song. But this phenomena did not occur overnight, and indeed, the meaning of rain itself in a film has shifted over the years with shifting cultural expectations. Let’s take a look at rain songs in Bollywood over the years!

Shree 420 Raj Kapoor Nargis Pyar Hua Iqrar Hua Rain Song Bollywood

Raj Kapoor and Nargis huddle close together beneath an umbrella in Shree 420 (1955).

We being in the earlier days of cinematic magic. As India awoke to freedom and liberty in the 1950s, so too did the country rapidly begin to shift gears away from pure agriculture and toward industrialization. Many of the best rain songs from that era embody a sense of wonder in urban environments and, matching the film censorship boards, an innocent just-got-struck-by love. In these songs, rain seems to act as that enchantment in the air–that driving force bringing a loved one into contact or sight. Rain too acted as that shimmering veil of restraint that both parties hesitate to cross. “Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si” from Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958) is one of the most beloved rain songs of that era!

Raj Kapoor prances about the city streets singing “Dum Dum Diga Diga” from Chhalia (1960).

With the advent of the 60s, came a new meaning of being caught in a rainstorm. No longer was rain an innocent effector of love at first sight, but rather a clever and well-understood pretext for full out passion. To clarify, by passion, I mean, symbolic wet dancing that means much more than actual physical contact. The Bollywood rain songs of the 60s exude a sense of joy, independence and confidence. The onset of a rainstorm had an understood implication for overt displays of affection that both parties are eager to demonstrate. Say hello to bouffant hairdos, tight and wet salwar qameezes, and men doing some very special attempts at a courtship dance.

Shammi Kapoor Dil Tera Deewana Hai Sanam Mala Sinha

Shammi Kapoor and Mala Sinha get drenched in Dil Tera Deewana Hai Sanam (1960)

Gone were the days of “Do Bigha Zameen” style agricultural celebration! While the setting of the village recurred, rain ceased to be a blessing for economic survival–instead, it brought the blessing of love between newly liberated men and woman of a new age. Check out our translation of “O Sajna Barkha Bahar” from Parakh (1960) and listen how music directors cleverly incorporated native Indian instruments into creating the sounds and moods of rain. Indeed, the trickling melodies of sitar have graced the introductions of many a great rain sequence–even famously with Ravi Shankar’s solo for Satyajit Rai’s Aparajito!

Dressed as a village belle, Asha Parekh delights in the first rain of the season in “Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke” (1969).

At last the 70s arrived, and the Bollywood rain song explored new territory. Yes, Zeenat Aman in a wet white saari is crossing some obvious lines and certainly deserves a mention on this list, but the rain song did not merely degenerate into a male fantasy. Instead, as the political atmosphere changed, the rain song adopted a meaning to suit its people. With government dissatisfaction in the air, rain songs were (while maintaining something of a romantic undertone), also a means of escape and hope.

Jeetendra and Leena Chandavarkar exhibit some of the strangest and wildest dance moves to date in the famous rain love song of Humjoli (1970)

Did you know in the early days of cinema, rain scenes were not actually filmed in the rain? Because of the nature of unforgiving black-and-white film stock, even heavy pounding natural rain does not appear clearly in the camera–much less the gentle puhaare of many a romantic Bollywood setting. As such, the production staff needed to literally dump buckets of water or spray dozens of hoses above the set for “rain” to actually appear so on screen! So the next time you watch these songs, just imagine the total chaos going on outside the frame among the frantic, water-pouring production assistants!

Zeenat Aman sets the rain on fire in “Haye Haye Yeh Majboori” from Shor (1972).

But enough talk. Now that you know the history, here is our list in chronological order of Bollywood’s greatest rain songs! These all-time classic give an entirely new meaning to “Singin’ in the Rain!”

The Best Rain Songs of Classic Bollywood

Pyar Hua Iqrar Hua (Shree 420 – 1955)
Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi (Chori Chori – 1956)
Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhagi Si (Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi – 1958)
Dil Tera Deewana Hai Sanam (Dil Tera Deewana – 1960)
Dum Dum Diga Diga (Chhalia -1960)
O Sajna Barkha Bahar Aayi (Parakh -1960)
Rim Jhim Ke Tarane (Kala Bazaar – 1960)
Zindagi Bhar Nahin Bhoolegi (Barsaat Ki Raat – 1960)
Chhup Gaye Saade Nazare (Do Raaste – 1969)
Aaya Saawan Jhoom Ke (Aaya Saawan Jhoom Ke – 1969)
Ang Lag Ja Balma (Mera Naam Joker – 1970)
Haye Re Haye (Humjoli – 1970)
Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein (Ajnabi – 1972)
Paani Re Paani (Shor – 1972)
Haye Haye Yeh Majboori (Roti Kapada Aur Makaan – 1974)

Rajesh Khanna Zeenat Aman Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein

Rajesh Khanna cuddles Zeenat Aman to keep warm in the spicy rain song “Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein” in Ajnabi (1974).

And there you have it, the 15 best classic Bollywood rain songs over the ages! What are YOUR favorite rain songs from classic Bollywood–and tell us how they’ve influenced your own love stories!

– Mrs. 55

R.I.P Rajesh Khanna: The Death of a Bollywood Superstar

Posted on July 18, 2012 by mrandmrs55

Rajesh Khanna passed away today at the age of 69 after an extended period of illness that began in April. For all fans of old Bollywood films, this news is incredibly saddening. Although many stalwarts came before him, Rajesh Khanna was the first actor to achieve the status of a superstar in Hindi cinema. At the peak of his career, he delivered 15 consecutive hits as a solo lead actor, a feat that no other actor in the industry has matched to this day.

As a tribute to this Bollywood legend, let us take a closer look at those 15 films that Rajesh Khanna starred in at the pinnacle of his career (1969-1971) with the gallery of images below.

Aradhana (1969)

Doli (1969)

Bandhan (1969)

Do Raaste (1969)

Ittefaq (1969)

Khamoshi (1970)

Safar (1970)

The Train (1960)

Kati Patang (1971)

Saccha Jhootha (1971)

Mehboob Ki Mehndi (1971)

Dushman (1971)

Aan Milo Sajna (1970)

Andaz (1971)

Anand (1971)

With his inimitable charm, unique mannerisms, and dashing good looks, Rajesh Khanna will always be remembered as one of Bollywood’s most beloved heroes. What is your favorite Rajesh Khanna film? Share with us in the comments! My vote goes to Aradhana (1969) — it’s one of the first films I watched that turned me into a fan of old Hindi cinema.

-Mr. 55

Deewana Hua Badal Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi

Posted on July 17, 2012 by mrandmrs55

Sharmila Tagore plays a shy Kashmiri village girl in Kashmir ki Kali (1964)

Next we present the full lyrics and English translation to the jewel “Deewana Hua Badal” from Kashmir Ki Kali (1964). A beauty of beauties, “Deewaana Hua Badal” embodies the timeless dream of Kashmiri paradise. This charming duet by Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhonsle is the highlight of the film Kashmir Ki Kali (1964), starring Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore. With a gently uplifting melody and traditional orchestration, “Deewana Hua Badal” captures a sense of pure bliss in the surroundings of the beautiful Kashmiri mountainside. Shammi Kapoor follows his lover Sharmila Tagore to the base of the famous Dal Lake where lotus flowers bloom and intricate wooden houseboats line the banks.

For centuries, Indians have been entranced by that heavenly treasure, Kashmir. Mughal emperor Jahangir famously wrote of Kashmir in the 17th century,

“Gar firdaus ruhe zameen ast,
Hameen asto, hameen asto, hameen ast.”

“If there is Paradise on this Earth,
Then it is here, it is here, it is here…”

And classic Bollywood was no different. For years, all love dream sequences and the most beautiful of songs were set in Kashmir’s Shalimar gardens. Kashmir Ki Kali is but one of many films set in this paradise from that time period–before internal war and strife drove filmmakers away from Srinagar to the Swiss mountains. Being partly Kashmiri myself, I can attest to the sublimity of the countryside and what the natural beauty means to its people and history. The politics and tragedies that have plagued this gem are completely beyond the scope of this blog, but regarding its impact on Bollywood, Kashmir will remain forever the lover’s ideal.

Sharmila Tagore and Shammi Kapoor Kashmir Ki Kali Dal Lake

The famous Dal Lake of Srinagar, Kashmir is the gorgeous backdrop for “Deewana Hua Badal” from Kashmir Ki Kali (1964).

If I’m ever making a list of my favorite Bollywood songs, “Deewana Hua Badal” IS my number one choice. Since I was a little girl, this enchanting song found a special place in my heart. In fact, my own grandparents honeymooned in Srinagar by the famous Dal Lake in the early 1950s! When you listen to the sweetness of this song’s lyrics and melody, then imagine the paradise of vintage Kashmir, it’s easy to fall to in love! Please enjoy our full lyrics and English translation to “Deewana Hua Badal” below!

Deewana Hua Badal Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi

Male:
Yeh dekh ke dil jhuumaa
Upon seeing her, my heart swayed
Lii pyaar ne a.NgaDaaii
And love sprang forth
Diiwaanaa huaa baadal
The clouds became mad with love
Saavan kii ghataa chhaaii
The rain clouds of Spring abounded

Aisii to merii taqdiir na thii
My fate was once not as such
Tumsaa jo koii mehboob mile
To have met a lover like you before
Dil aaj khushii se paagal hai
Today my heart is crazy with happiness
Aye jaan-e-wafaa tum khuub mile
Oh my faithful one, we met at the right time
Dil kyuu.N na bane paagal?
Why should my heart not go crazy?
Kyaa tumne adaa paaii!
What style you have!
Yeh dekh ke dil jhuumaa
Upon seeing her, my heart swayed
Lii pyaar ne a.NgaDaaii
And love sprang forth
Diiwaanaa huaa baadal
The clouds became mad with love

Female:
Jab tumse nazar takaraaii sanam
Ever since my gaze struck you
Jazabaat kaa ek tuufaan uThaa
A storm of emotions lifted within me
Tinake kii tarah mai.N Bah nikalii
Like a twig, I was swept away
Sailaab mere roke na rukaa
Despite my effort, I could not stop the flood
Jeevan mei.N machii halchal
There was a stirring in my soul
Aur bajane lagii shahanaaii
And music of the shahanaii began to play
Yeh dekh ke dil jhuumaa
Upon seeing him, my heart swayed
Lii pyaar ne a.NgaDaaii
And love sprang forth

Male
Diiwaanaa huaa baadal
The clouds became mad with love

Hai aaj naye armaano.N se
Today with new desires
Aabaad merii dil kii nagarii
The city of my heart is filled
Baraso.N se khizaa.N kaa mausam thaa
For ages it was the season of Autumn
Viiraan baDi duniyaa thi merii
My world was a barren waste
Haathon mei.N teraa aanchal
Then in my hands came the drape of your saari
Aayaa ki bahaar aayii!
And when it came, the Spring followed!
Yeh dekh ke dil jhuumaa
Upon seeing her, my heart swayed
Lii pyaar ne a.NgaDaaii
And love sprang forth

Female:
Diiwaanaa huaa baadal
The clouds became mad with love
Saavan kii ghataa chhaaii
The rain clouds of Spring abounded
Yeh dekh ke dil jhuumaa
Upon seeing him, my heart swayed
Lii pyaar ne a.NgaDaaii
And love sprang forth

Male:
Diiwaanaa huaa baadal…

Glossary

angaDaaii: a turn, a leap; diiwaanaa: crazy (in love); baadal: cloud, saawan: rain; ghataa: cloud; taqdiir: Fate; mehboob: lover; khushii: happiness; paagal: crazy; jaan-e-wafa: faithful one; nazar takraanaa: to strike a gaze; jazabaat: emotion; tuufaan: storm; tinake: twig; straw; sailaab: flood, deluge; halchal: stirring; shahanaaii: a woodwind instrument traditionally played at Indian weddings; armaan: desire; aabad: filled; nagarii: city; khizaa: Autumn; mausam: atmosphere; viraan: wasted; duniya: world; aanchal: drape of a saari or dupatta; bahar: Spring

A few notes on this translation: The word angaDaaii does not have a simple English translation. Please see our translation of Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe for further discussion of this complex word. Basically, all of those awkward stretching movements Shammi is doing in the beginning are examples of angaDaaii. Furthermore the line “deewana hua baadal…” can be interpreted in two ways! Although we have written “the clouds became mad with love,” this line could easily mean the inverse: that he who is mad with love became a cloud. This alternative meaning could make some sense–he felt so light and happy with love that he lifted up and joined the clouds. I’m not going to get carried overboard though. We will leave it up to you to decide to how interpret these famous opening lines!

Shammi Kapoor blushes and shimmies during the opening of “Deewana Hua Badal” from Kashmir Ki Kali (1964).

Some of you may question the opening performance by Shammi Kapoor in this song. Yes, he’s absurd as he comes tumbling down the stairs, bulging out of his tight clothes. Yes, his lipstick is a tad too red. And yes, you can see the line below his chin where Costumes forgot to blend his pasty white pancake foundation into his neck. But I’ve come to terms with everything Shammi is: a spastic, messy heartthrob. And since in this film, Sharmila Tagore isn’t wearing half of the sweeping cat-eyeliner that would later become her signature, someone had to wear enough make-up for the team!

– Mrs. 55

Justiju Jiski Thi Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi

Posted on July 14, 2012 by mrandmrs55

Rekha plays the role of Umrao Jaan with elegance and sophisticated grace.

Muzaffar Ali’s Umrao Jaan (1981) is one of Bollywood’s most treasured films in the courtesan genre. With Rekha in the starring role, this film narrates the tragic story of Umrao Jaan Ada, a poetess and tawaif from the Urdu novel of the same name written by Mirza Hadi Ruswa. In addition to Rekha’s touching performance of this role, this movie has been immortalized in the history of Hindi cinema for its music. The soundtrack composed by Khayaam and penned by Shahryar is almost exclusively filled with ghazals sung by the evergreen Asha Bhonsle. In a previous post, we discussed and translated “in aa.nkhon kii mastii,” on of this film’s unforgettable ghazals. Today, on the request of one of our readers (shoutout to Vasuki!), we will be taking a closer look at another gem from the same soundtrack: “justajuu jiski thii.”

While “in aa.nkhon kii mastii” showcases the playful and proud side of Umrao Jaan, this song takes a different route and depicts the tragedy that Umrao has endured as a fallen woman. The song “justajuu jiskii thii” is found in the film when Umrao is called upon to perform a mujra at a birthday celebration for the son of the begum of Kanpur. In an ironic twist of fate, the begum turns out to be Ram Dei, the girl who was kidnapped and sold at the same time as Umrao when they were both young. Deemed the less attractive of the two, Amiran (who would later become known as Umrao Jaan) was sold to Khanum’s brothel while Ram Dei was sold as a slave to a wealthy family. As the two women share a moment together recalling the tragedies of their past, Umrao is greeted by a painful surprise: Ram Dei is actually married to Nawab Sultan, the man that Umrao fell in love with during her younger years. In the presence of the couple, Umrao sings “justajuu jiskii thii,” a ghazal whose lyrics beautifully express the tragedy of unfulfilled love.

Rita Rani Kaul, as Ram Dei, listens to Umrao’s heart-wrenching poetry in admiration.

Musically, the tune for this song is probably my favorite among all of the ghazals found in Umrao Jaan. I think it must have been the favorite of music director Khayyam as well–if you listen carefully, you’ll hear snippets of this melody used as background music at various points in the film. In fact, before the proper song starts, Umrao recites a shair for Ram Dei in the same tune: “gardish-e-vaqt kaa kitanaa baDaa ahsaan hai aaj/ yah zamii.n chaa.nd se bahtar nazar aatii hame.n.” The lyrics and tune of this song are remarkably beautiful, but the real star of the show here is Asha Bhonsle. Asha excels throughout this soundtrack, but I feel that her rendition of this song is particularly outstanding for its emotional depth and maturity. Asha was 48 years old when she recorded these songs in 1981, but her voice sounds impressive and fresh as ever. An interesting tidbit about the songs from this film is that Khayyam had Asha sing them at a half-step lower than expected (in the key of C) to create a deeper, fuller sound. Regarding her renditions on this soundtrack, Asha has said:

‘I was skeptical about the results when Khayyam lowered my pitch by half a note. But I have always believed that the composer calls the tune, so I sang just as Khayyam wanted me to do.’

There was nothing to be skeptical about here! The Asha-Khayyam collaboration for the music of Umrao Jaan has been cherished ever since this film was released, and the songs are remembered today as some of the finest examples of ghazals in Bollywood cinema. Enjoy our translation of “justajuu jiskii thi” with the glossary below, and remember to send in any requests for future posts!

-Mr. 55

Rekha excels at expressing the pain of a fallen woman through her role in Umrao Jaan (1981)

Justiju Jiski Thi: Lyrics and Translation

justajuu jiskii thii usko to na paayaa ham ne
I did not get whom I desired,
is bahaane se magar dekh lii duniyaa ham ne
Yet, on this quest, I have seen the entire world.

tujhko rusvaa na kiyaa khud bhii pashemaan na hue
I did not disgrace you, nor did I bring shame to myself.
ishq kii rasm ko is tarah nibhaayaa ham ne
In this manner, I fulfilled the vows of our love.

kab milii thii kahaa.n bichhaDii thii hame.n yaad nahii.n
I do not remember when we met or where we departed.
zindagii, tujhko to bas khvaab me.n dekhaa ham ne
Life, I have only beheld you in my dreams.

ai adaa, aur sunaaye.n bhii to kyaa haal apanaa?
What more shall I tell you of my state?
umr kaa lambaa safar tai kiyaa tanhaa ham ne
I have resigned myself to traveling the long journey of life alone.

justajuu jiskii thii usko to na paayaa ham ne
I did not get whom I desired.

Glossary

justajuu: search, quest; bahaana: excuse, pretext; rusvaa: disgraced; pashemaan: ashamed; rasm: ritual, vow; bichhaDnaa: to separate, depart; adaa: pen name for Umrao Jaan; safar: journey; tai karnaa: to settle; tanhaa: alone.