Last year the whole year I had researched Lata songs, almost 2-3 per day and I selected only her superlative songs and imagine at the end of the exhaustive year, I still felt I had touched but a tip of her talent , vocals and expressions. There are the beautiful classical based songs, the typical nautch girl or mujra songs, the haunting sad songs, the light romantic ones, the pure spiritual ones. It was actually like immersing in an ocean of melody.
But this is undoubtedly one of my favourites out of all those. It has a lovely mountain freshness, an echoing sound, a perfect balance of innocence and vivaciousness. One could climb a hill trail singing this song and be oblivious to the distance one had to map. Lata is truly the voice of a sylph, a dream in this and it is a very difficult song to sing. The music is by Jaidev, who is rarely named by people as their favourite composer but he did create some lovely songs for films such as Hum Dono, Reshma aur Shera, Gaman and Gharonda. The lyrics too are rather evocative, written by Jan Nisar Akhtar who afterall was Javed Akhtar ka baap!!:-))...This song is composed in Raag Pahadi in the taal Keherva and as the name of the raag suggests, many mountain songs are based on this raag such as 'Aaja aaja re tujh ko mera pyaar pukare'(Gumraah),'Saawan ke Jhule pade'(Jurmana), 'Aaja re, aaja re O mere Dilbar'(Noori), 'Dil pukare Aare aare aare'(Jewel Thief), 'Isharon isharon mein dil'(Kashmir ki Kali) and 'Kabhi Kabhie mere Dil mein'(Kabhie Kabhie) and 'Kora kaghaz tha yeh man mera(Aradhana) though it's not to say that only mountain songs have been made on it. Such is the rich wealth and legacy of our classical music that it has taken myriad shapes and forms to enthrall us over the years. Here's a translation of this beautiful song by Jan Nisar Akhtar(pardon a few poetic liberties):
All I have is my heart
And the shadows of his gaze…
And soon I am engulfed in the
Warm feel of his embrace.
Naughty sunrays kiss the mountain tops.
The breeze kisses the river as it gushes and hops.
All along this way from here to above,
Are the warm silhouettes of our love.
Dense clouds reach out and cuddle
The tall shadowy trees.
Light and darkness huddle
In an interplay of mysteries .
The long, misty road ahead
Promises of many words unsaid.
Our hearts beat free, undaunted
A lot like these valleys that are haunted
By love’s colorful alcoves
And a hundred unseen treasure troves.
All I have is my heart
And the shadows of his gaze
And soon I am engulfed
In the warm feel of his embrace…………..
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
PHOOLON KE RANG SE-TRANSLATED
Saying that Kishore's songs are beautiful is stating the obvious. That is why I rarely feature his songs as my endeavour is not to put up the most popular songs or the most heard songs. I try to bring songs which we may be forgetting. But today is an exception. This is one of Kishore's most evocative songs, wonderful poetry by Neeraj and enchanting music by the maestro S D Burman. The song has some beautiful shots of a train journey through Europe and I am reminded of a similar journey we had two years ago. In fact I had written this last year on the same day remembering Kishore on his birthday. Today I play it to commemorate World Poetry Day.
What would be our movies without this beautiful, soul uplifting poetry that eases all tensions at the end of a long day. In fact long after the movie plots become redundant and dated, these songs are here to stay, for they adapt and align themselves to very contemporary feelings that we all experience and admire every day. This song has that stamp of eternal love. I saw a glimpse of it up early this week, even if through a rather sad incident. We had gone to pay our respect to a brave and brilliant officer who passed away suddenly in prime health. Now we have known the couple for over 15 years and spent great times together. They really complemented each other- he was a gregarious, glib talker, the life of the party and very social, connecting with kids and ladies and men. She his calm, composed and rock steady counterfoil, shy but solid in times of stress and need, genuinely caring for anyone in trouble. It was harrowing to see her in a state of complete hysteria and trance as she could not even recognise anyone of us for two days we were there. Her mind had completely blanked out all other associations at her colossal loss. In a strange way such intensity and depth of love left us totally stunned and speechless, that we came back home quietly humbled. I could just pray that if at all there is a rebirth, they should be together again next time round too. May God give her the strength to endure the pain right now as she has two beautiful sons to care for. But the incident left me and I am sure many, aspiring to hope for that kind of devotion and love to a person. Well enjoy this beautiful song and be thankful that at least in the realm of our exquisite poetry, such love is celebrated all the time:)
A translation of this evocative song by Neeraj. Pardon a few poetic liberties:
Took some floral tints for a start,
And used the pen of my heart,
To write you a letter each day and vent,
A few words about how you torment
Me each and every moment.
I go to sleep dreaming of you.
I wake up and your memory uncurls.
I remain entangled in your thoughts,
Like the thread in a string of pearls.
Clouds and lightening, sandalwood and water.
That is how we are bound together.
There are many storms we have to weather.
We’ll have to take birth many times.
So intoxicating are this love’s rhymes,
So sweet it’s enchanting chimes.
We’ll have to take birth many times….
You are the music that I breathe,
The lilt of my heartbeat.
You are the swan song of my dreams-
Precious, one of a kind.
You are the bloom that gleams
And scents the lanes of my mind.
Whether it’s a short journey
Or a long sojourn.
Whether it’s a deserted cranny
Or a vibrant procession.
The moment I think you out aloud,
My heart is alone in a crowd.
North or south, east or west.
Your smile adds zest
to all directions.
And I do try my best,
Using all sense and inflections,
To avoid, evade and desist.
But it becomes more difficult to resist.
Storms stopped me, raging thunders curbed.
The world called me fondly away.
But I went on unperturbed.
A picture was enough to hold sway
For me to leave all and come your way.
We will have to take birth many times.
So intoxicating are this love’s rhymes,
So sweet it’s enchanting chimes….
What would be our movies without this beautiful, soul uplifting poetry that eases all tensions at the end of a long day. In fact long after the movie plots become redundant and dated, these songs are here to stay, for they adapt and align themselves to very contemporary feelings that we all experience and admire every day. This song has that stamp of eternal love. I saw a glimpse of it up early this week, even if through a rather sad incident. We had gone to pay our respect to a brave and brilliant officer who passed away suddenly in prime health. Now we have known the couple for over 15 years and spent great times together. They really complemented each other- he was a gregarious, glib talker, the life of the party and very social, connecting with kids and ladies and men. She his calm, composed and rock steady counterfoil, shy but solid in times of stress and need, genuinely caring for anyone in trouble. It was harrowing to see her in a state of complete hysteria and trance as she could not even recognise anyone of us for two days we were there. Her mind had completely blanked out all other associations at her colossal loss. In a strange way such intensity and depth of love left us totally stunned and speechless, that we came back home quietly humbled. I could just pray that if at all there is a rebirth, they should be together again next time round too. May God give her the strength to endure the pain right now as she has two beautiful sons to care for. But the incident left me and I am sure many, aspiring to hope for that kind of devotion and love to a person. Well enjoy this beautiful song and be thankful that at least in the realm of our exquisite poetry, such love is celebrated all the time:)
A translation of this evocative song by Neeraj. Pardon a few poetic liberties:
Took some floral tints for a start,
And used the pen of my heart,
To write you a letter each day and vent,
A few words about how you torment
Me each and every moment.
I go to sleep dreaming of you.
I wake up and your memory uncurls.
I remain entangled in your thoughts,
Like the thread in a string of pearls.
Clouds and lightening, sandalwood and water.
That is how we are bound together.
There are many storms we have to weather.
We’ll have to take birth many times.
So intoxicating are this love’s rhymes,
So sweet it’s enchanting chimes.
We’ll have to take birth many times….
You are the music that I breathe,
The lilt of my heartbeat.
You are the swan song of my dreams-
Precious, one of a kind.
You are the bloom that gleams
And scents the lanes of my mind.
Whether it’s a short journey
Or a long sojourn.
Whether it’s a deserted cranny
Or a vibrant procession.
The moment I think you out aloud,
My heart is alone in a crowd.
North or south, east or west.
Your smile adds zest
to all directions.
And I do try my best,
Using all sense and inflections,
To avoid, evade and desist.
But it becomes more difficult to resist.
Storms stopped me, raging thunders curbed.
The world called me fondly away.
But I went on unperturbed.
A picture was enough to hold sway
For me to leave all and come your way.
We will have to take birth many times.
So intoxicating are this love’s rhymes,
So sweet it’s enchanting chimes….
SHOKHIYON MEIN GHOLA JAYE-TRANSLATED
Ever tried to define love? It is a tall order in this world where true love is getting to be a rare phenomenon, preoccupied as we are with getting along the tedious chore of just making a living. Well this song is a brave attempt by the poet Neeraj to atleast tabulate the ingredients of love for future generations so they could try and make the potion almost like a Chemistry lab experiment! And yeah kudos to Kishore, SD, Dev, Lata and Waheeda to give it vivid colours and feel and tune. You have to go touch, feel, taste and smell your love. And as alluring as it may appear, chances are you won't be able to do all of that to a computer screen;-)<
A translation of this 'looooove'rly poem by Neeraj that has that special Kishore stamp. Have added a few lines to bring out the meaning here and there. Hope it helps some to zero in on their love:-)
Take a fair amount of mischief,
Some mirth and jokes in liberal showers,
Get the surge of the ocean from a coral reef,
And mix in the radiance of flowers.
Then add a small measure of liquor.
The state of giddy stupor
That you get from all the above
Is what we call love.
Love is like a childhood full of laughter.
It is like the weather gone off kilter.
May feel like an ember while you still flirt.
But as soft as dewdrops when you touch it in spurt.
And no matter where you are,
It could be a known place or somewhere far.
You could be in a crowd or all alone,
In the middle of a fete or in solo zone.
What lingers in your mind like a hand in a glove.
That is what we call love.
And if one had to identify that loved one,
His colour like molten gold is magnetic, bright,
Warming your world each day like the sun.
Her body would ooze the nectar of life
Softly purging your mind of all strife.
As if a tune buoyant and light
Played softly in the still of the night.
And no matter if it is sunny or gray.
What waits for you each moment while you are away,
With the peace and calm of a dove,
Is what we call love.
When you remember your love interest,
Loneliness too passes by with ease.
As if a flute plays and stays abreast
Breathing life into a town like the breeze.
And whatever be your worldly pursuits
The daze that consumes you and refuses to wane,
The intoxication that lightens your routes,
The colour that permeates each lane,
As if cascading from the heavens above,
That'S what we call love.
Take a fair amount of mischief,
Some mirth and jokes in liberal showers,
Get the surge of the ocean from a coral reef,
And mix in the radiance of flowers.
Then add a small measure of liquor.
The state of giddy stupor
That you get from all the above
Is what we call love.
Love is like a childhood full of laughter.
It is like the weather gone off kilter.
May feel like an ember while you still flirt.
But as soft as dewdrops when you touch it in spurt.
And no matter where you are,
It could be a known place or somewhere far.
You could be in a crowd or all alone,
In the middle of a fete or in solo zone.
What lingers in your mind like a hand in a glove.
That is what we call love.
And if one had to identify that loved one,
His colour like molten gold is magnetic, bright,
Warming your world each day like the sun.
Her body would ooze the nectar of life
Softly purging your mind of all strife.
As if a tune buoyant and light
Played softly in the still of the night.
And no matter if it is sunny or gray.
What waits for you each moment while you are away,
With the peace and calm of a dove,
Is what we call love.
When you remember your love interest,
Loneliness too passes by with ease.
As if a flute plays and stays abreast
Breathing life into a town like the breeze.
And whatever be your worldly pursuits
The daze that consumes you and refuses to wane,
The intoxication that lightens your routes,
The colour that permeates each lane,
As if cascading from the heavens above,
That'S what we call love.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
PAGDI SAMBHAL JATTA- TRANSLATED: originally posted on 15 Aug 2010
Right from childhood we are fed on patriotic songs that fill us with a feeling of nationalism by spelling out the British Raj or neighbouring countries as the prime enemy. But what about the enemy within? Bhagat Singh had rightly predicted-'White rulers will go, to be replaced by brown rulers.' Has much changed still? The dignity of the common man on the street is always at stake. Why do people go hungry in India to fill the coffers of a chosen few while unused grain is left to rot in godowns? Why an event of national pride such as hosting an International sporting event has become a joke up until now? I find this song the most relevant to present times. Let these corrupt politicians not go scot free. Let us keep our eyes and ears open and bring to light all their mis-doings. Only then will we repay the great martyrs who gave their life for the idea of India. A translation of this adrenalin pumping song. If we replace the'goras' with today's politicians and the farmers in this song with citizens especially today's journalists, writers and social media enthusiasts, the song holds true still. Sadly 'tera lutda jae maal' still in this country. Unleash the power of a vigilant media and open forums of discussion for true independence and social change:
A translation of this inspiring song:
Look this way, oh ignorant one!
All that was yours is being stolen.
Take care of your turban, your dignity.
Make sure no one takes what is yours rightfully.
Break the shackles of slavery.
And change your destiny.
Get after these miscreants.
Dig out these tyrants,
And self serving sycophants.
Give them some hard times,
And let them pay for their crimes.
He who doesn’t lose courage
Can with grit, dwarf the sky.
If you decide to bring down stars
On earth, even stars comply.
Can you tame a strong wind that sweeps ashore?
Who has seen what lies in store?
Only your hard work and some reckless charm
Will change the lines on your palm.
Today let us take a vow
To refuse to bend and kowtow
To the will of these oppressors.
Let us exterminate these tormentors.
Your arms are like iron,
And your pen your sword.
Your heart is like stone.
These three things on board
Are enough to turn the table.
And make their life miserable.
Let’s smoke them out and prove them guilty.
At long last, let’s have some accountability.
Take care of your turban,your dignity.
Make sure no one takes what is yours rightfully.
Break the shackles of slavery.
And change your destiny
A translation of this inspiring song:
Look this way, oh ignorant one!
All that was yours is being stolen.
Take care of your turban, your dignity.
Make sure no one takes what is yours rightfully.
Break the shackles of slavery.
And change your destiny.
Get after these miscreants.
Dig out these tyrants,
And self serving sycophants.
Give them some hard times,
And let them pay for their crimes.
He who doesn’t lose courage
Can with grit, dwarf the sky.
If you decide to bring down stars
On earth, even stars comply.
Can you tame a strong wind that sweeps ashore?
Who has seen what lies in store?
Only your hard work and some reckless charm
Will change the lines on your palm.
Today let us take a vow
To refuse to bend and kowtow
To the will of these oppressors.
Let us exterminate these tormentors.
Your arms are like iron,
And your pen your sword.
Your heart is like stone.
These three things on board
Are enough to turn the table.
And make their life miserable.
Let’s smoke them out and prove them guilty.
At long last, let’s have some accountability.
Take care of your turban,your dignity.
Make sure no one takes what is yours rightfully.
Break the shackles of slavery.
And change your destiny
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
AGAR MUJH SE MOHABBAT HAI-TRANSLATED: originally posted on 8 July 2010
Okay so continuing with Lata's greats,this gem of a song (maybe for those crestfallen Cricket fans who were disappointed by a damp squib of a match!!). So much build up and anticipation but it turned out a bit of a wash out.
Most of us fall in love precisely with these optimistic and positive sentiments but frankly, how many can continue that way a few years down the line? We are more than willing to add a little gham in each other's life!;-)) ...I think it's impossible to love with this honesty and devotion today, but one can not help marvel at the purity of this song............Madan Mohan at his best, bringing out the best in Lata.
A rough translation of this song by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan. I have added a few lines here and there that added to the meaning. Okay the views expressed in it are a tall order to follow in today's cut throat, selfish world. But if we can show even 10% of this compassion to the spouse/love interest in our life, it would be nice. Let's not forget the purity of our love the way it was right in the beginning. If nothing else we can give relationship advice to each other!:;-)
If you truly love me,
Give me all your sorrow.
Each tear that irks those eyes,
Come, let me borrow.
If I make your troubles mine,
I’ll be at ease.
If I hide your pain in my heart
I’ll be at peace.
Every such thing that rakes you,
Everything that makes you
Sad, give it to me.
Let me know all that stakes you or breaks you.
Let me be the dawn that wakes you.
And let me be the eve that makes you
Sleep in blissful reverie.
If I am a part of your life,
Then why not a part of your strife?
Why don’t you share your worries
And let me diminish all miseries.
The angst that burns your heart,
Of that let me be a part.
Let there be no tears that rile
These beautiful eyes for a while.
Keep the laughter alive in these eyes
And may these lips always smile.
But do give me all your sighs,
And give me all the pain that ails you.
For I’ll never be the one who fails you.
If you truly love me,
Give me all your sorrow.
Each tear that irks those eyes,
Come, let me borrow.....
Most of us fall in love precisely with these optimistic and positive sentiments but frankly, how many can continue that way a few years down the line? We are more than willing to add a little gham in each other's life!;-)) ...I think it's impossible to love with this honesty and devotion today, but one can not help marvel at the purity of this song............Madan Mohan at his best, bringing out the best in Lata.
A rough translation of this song by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan. I have added a few lines here and there that added to the meaning. Okay the views expressed in it are a tall order to follow in today's cut throat, selfish world. But if we can show even 10% of this compassion to the spouse/love interest in our life, it would be nice. Let's not forget the purity of our love the way it was right in the beginning. If nothing else we can give relationship advice to each other!:;-)
If you truly love me,
Give me all your sorrow.
Each tear that irks those eyes,
Come, let me borrow.
If I make your troubles mine,
I’ll be at ease.
If I hide your pain in my heart
I’ll be at peace.
Every such thing that rakes you,
Everything that makes you
Sad, give it to me.
Let me know all that stakes you or breaks you.
Let me be the dawn that wakes you.
And let me be the eve that makes you
Sleep in blissful reverie.
If I am a part of your life,
Then why not a part of your strife?
Why don’t you share your worries
And let me diminish all miseries.
The angst that burns your heart,
Of that let me be a part.
Let there be no tears that rile
These beautiful eyes for a while.
Keep the laughter alive in these eyes
And may these lips always smile.
But do give me all your sighs,
And give me all the pain that ails you.
For I’ll never be the one who fails you.
If you truly love me,
Give me all your sorrow.
Each tear that irks those eyes,
Come, let me borrow.....
TERA MERA PYAAR AMAR-TRANSLATED: originally posted on 5 July 2010
Some songs just have beautiful associations.......played it before...another Sadhna-Dev Anand-Lata whopper! If love were to have a near perfect depiction, it would be this song. There is romance oozing out of each word and there are no red roses or serenading crooners. Love is after all a state of mind. She could be in the middle of a riot and fall in love. You'd say never this person, or this situation but could get caught unawares. It is best not to even define it. What's shared between two hearts is priceless. That is where it lies and that is all that is important. On the contrary no amount of contrived gifts and orchestrated settings can ensure ever lasting love. So enjoy this song and wish to be so truly, madly, deeply in love! Dev Anand who did something undecipherable with his eyes that was magic is yours for the taking, and Sadhna, what a beauty! In this song she reminds me of a Ravi Varma painting. The lyrics by Hasrat Jaipuri are ethereal and Shankar Jaikishan's music is perfect and unobtrusive. Sail on:
Here's a translation of this mesmerising song by Hasrat Jaipuri. Pardon a few poetic liberties:
Our love is immortal.
Then why do these silly fears worry me?
Tell me oh my beloved
Why is my heart in a sweet reverie?
What did the mighty moon say afterall?
What were the words that lift and buoy,
The moonlight today as it dances
on these waves in an abundant joy?
It sways and swirls and prances,
As if it stars in a vibrant, medieval ball.
Everywhere that I see are signs of love’s joyful glee.
Tell me oh my beloved………
Why is my heart in a sweet reverie?
My heart says that this memorable night
Should never come to an end.
This caravan of happiness should move on bright
And never reach a craggy bend.
And no matter how much I try to hide
I know that you are by my side.
My beauty now has a vibrance too.
Every joy is alive and young.
It’s almost as if the sky, fresh, anew
Is bathed in a celestial light,
And in my arms copiously hung.
I feel I am walking on stars tonight.
Our love is immortal.
Then why do these silly fears worry me?
Tell me oh my beloved………
Why is my heart in a sweet reverie?
Our love is immortal.
Then why do these silly fears worry me?
Tell me oh my beloved
Why is my heart in a sweet reverie?
What did the mighty moon say afterall?
What were the words that lift and buoy,
The moonlight today as it dances
on these waves in an abundant joy?
It sways and swirls and prances,
As if it stars in a vibrant, medieval ball.
Everywhere that I see are signs of love’s joyful glee.
Tell me oh my beloved………
Why is my heart in a sweet reverie?
My heart says that this memorable night
Should never come to an end.
This caravan of happiness should move on bright
And never reach a craggy bend.
And no matter how much I try to hide
I know that you are by my side.
My beauty now has a vibrance too.
Every joy is alive and young.
It’s almost as if the sky, fresh, anew
Is bathed in a celestial light,
And in my arms copiously hung.
I feel I am walking on stars tonight.
Our love is immortal.
Then why do these silly fears worry me?
Tell me oh my beloved………
Why is my heart in a sweet reverie?
YEH RAATEIN NAYEE PURANI-TRANSLATED: originally posted on 2 July 2010
One of those timeless melodies...........well, I am a night person. I am sure everybody who likes the mystique and allure of night time will like this.........
Here's a translation of this mystifying number.....Bon Nuit!
These nights, new and old
Speak of many tales untold……….
...People go about their business.
Their eyes may be misty and lost,
But their hearts alive and aflutter like birds.
For night is the time when silences
speak louder than words.
What a lovely time it is!
Fragrant wafts emanate in flashes.
As if a pageant of beautiful dreams
Passed through the lanes of my eyelashes.
Who knows which way the winds blow?
What the coming days have in tow?
I hope that atleast for a year
You remember me, dear.
Make sure we don’t forget
This beautiful night we met.
These nights, new and old
Speak of many tales untold..........
Here's a translation of this mystifying number.....Bon Nuit!
These nights, new and old
Speak of many tales untold……….
...People go about their business.
Their eyes may be misty and lost,
But their hearts alive and aflutter like birds.
For night is the time when silences
speak louder than words.
What a lovely time it is!
Fragrant wafts emanate in flashes.
As if a pageant of beautiful dreams
Passed through the lanes of my eyelashes.
Who knows which way the winds blow?
What the coming days have in tow?
I hope that atleast for a year
You remember me, dear.
Make sure we don’t forget
This beautiful night we met.
These nights, new and old
Speak of many tales untold..........
Sunday, April 3, 2011
YEH DIL AUR UNKI NIGAHON KE SAAYE-Originallyposted on 30 June 2010
I am in love with this song at the moment, Lata you are a goddess and I can worship you in this. Not many people name Jaidev as their favorite composer but he gave some stunning music- Hum Dono:Abhi na Jao, Allah tero Naam; Gaman: Aap ki yaad aati rahi, Seene mein Jalan; Reshma aur Shera:Tu chanda main chandni to name a few. This melody actually gives the feel of walking down a cool, misty mountain path. And the lyrics are outstanding, by Jan Nisar Akhtar who after all was Javed Akhtar ka Baap!!!
Here's a translation of this breathtaking number. Pardon a few poetic liberties:
All I have is my heart
And the shadows of his gaze…
And soon I am engulfed by the
...Warm feel of his embrace....
The naughty sunrays kiss the mountain tops.
The breeze kisses the river as it runs and hops.
All along this way from here to the hills above,
Are the warm silhouettes of our love.
Dense clouds reach out and cuddle
The tall shadowy trees.
Light and darkness huddle
In an interplay of mysteries .
The long, misty road ahead
Promises of many words unsaid.
Our hearts beat free, undaunted
A lot like these valleys that are haunted
By love’s colorful alcoves
And a hundred unseen treasure troves.
All I have is my heart
And the shadows of his gaze.
And soon I am engulfed
By the warm feel of his embrace…………..
RESTORED COMMENTS:
Sanjay Shende:Massst gaana hai ye.It has got a haunting echo effect, if you notice.
01 July 2010 at 09:30
Shivani Mohan:Yes, I am mesmerised since yesterday, Shende. 20 hrs ka power cut bhi feel nahin hua iss gaane ke sahare........
01 July 2010 at 09:59 · ·
Here's a translation of this breathtaking number. Pardon a few poetic liberties:
All I have is my heart
And the shadows of his gaze…
And soon I am engulfed by the
...Warm feel of his embrace....
The naughty sunrays kiss the mountain tops.
The breeze kisses the river as it runs and hops.
All along this way from here to the hills above,
Are the warm silhouettes of our love.
Dense clouds reach out and cuddle
The tall shadowy trees.
Light and darkness huddle
In an interplay of mysteries .
The long, misty road ahead
Promises of many words unsaid.
Our hearts beat free, undaunted
A lot like these valleys that are haunted
By love’s colorful alcoves
And a hundred unseen treasure troves.
All I have is my heart
And the shadows of his gaze.
And soon I am engulfed
By the warm feel of his embrace…………..
RESTORED COMMENTS:
Sanjay Shende:Massst gaana hai ye.It has got a haunting echo effect, if you notice.
01 July 2010 at 09:30
Shivani Mohan:Yes, I am mesmerised since yesterday, Shende. 20 hrs ka power cut bhi feel nahin hua iss gaane ke sahare........
01 July 2010 at 09:59 · ·
HUM TO HAIN PARDES MEIN-originally posted on 27 June 2010
Indian poetry especially ghazals are all about pathos. I love translating these ghazals and the challenge is to make them sound like poetry still. I so want to share these very Indian sensibilities with some of my friends who do not understand my language and also some Angrez Indians who may be a bit alienated from their own culture. So here's a translation of this beautiful ghazal that I had written 4yrs ago on some loony moonlit night:
I have added the last stanza from a version of the ghazal recorded later by Jagjit as solo, but it is missing on Youtube. It's a beautiful stanza-
'Jin aankhon mein kaajal ban kar utari kali raat,
Un ankhon mein aansoo ka ik katra hoga chand'
So here goes:
I am away from home,
Overseas all alone.
A silver moon must have risen
Like a radiant bride
Over my countryside.
Standing all alone
On the dark roof forlorn
Of an ink blue night.
Staying away from my moon
Each day passes as if eons.
Wonder how he has fared without me.
I hope my moon is alright
Standing all alone
On the dark roof forlorn
Of an ink blue night.
The night would plot a conspiracy.
The kite string would break free.
The kite-like moon would be stuck on the Neem tree,
Growing on my courtyard’s boundary.
Those eyes smeared dark
with the kohl of the night,
The moon would be but a spark,
A teardrop in their fading light.
I am away from home
Overseas all alone.
A silver moon must have risen
Like a radiant bride
Over my countryside.
P.S: 'The moon' is a term often used for a beloved. In this poem too the physical moon often interchanges with the poet's loved one.
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Some restored comments:
Neelima Choahan-I used to listen to this song when I first moved to australia...:-).
Aijaz Zaka Syed-This is beautiful Shivani...it's one of my all time favourites...it's one of those rare gems that are both penned and sung exquisitely and complement each other...And you've added further value to the gazal with your translation...it's beautiful and manages to convey what the poet said in original Urdu...you should do this more often.
Shivani Mohan-Oooh! I am so happy you liked it, Aijaz. Your opinion means a lot to me. I guess I'll be boring people with some more of my poetry now.:-)
I have added the last stanza from a version of the ghazal recorded later by Jagjit as solo, but it is missing on Youtube. It's a beautiful stanza-
'Jin aankhon mein kaajal ban kar utari kali raat,
Un ankhon mein aansoo ka ik katra hoga chand'
So here goes:
I am away from home,
Overseas all alone.
A silver moon must have risen
Like a radiant bride
Over my countryside.
Standing all alone
On the dark roof forlorn
Of an ink blue night.
Staying away from my moon
Each day passes as if eons.
Wonder how he has fared without me.
I hope my moon is alright
Standing all alone
On the dark roof forlorn
Of an ink blue night.
The night would plot a conspiracy.
The kite string would break free.
The kite-like moon would be stuck on the Neem tree,
Growing on my courtyard’s boundary.
Those eyes smeared dark
with the kohl of the night,
The moon would be but a spark,
A teardrop in their fading light.
I am away from home
Overseas all alone.
A silver moon must have risen
Like a radiant bride
Over my countryside.
P.S: 'The moon' is a term often used for a beloved. In this poem too the physical moon often interchanges with the poet's loved one.
See more
Some restored comments:
Neelima Choahan-I used to listen to this song when I first moved to australia...:-).
Aijaz Zaka Syed-This is beautiful Shivani...it's one of my all time favourites...it's one of those rare gems that are both penned and sung exquisitely and complement each other...And you've added further value to the gazal with your translation...it's beautiful and manages to convey what the poet said in original Urdu...you should do this more often.
Shivani Mohan-Oooh! I am so happy you liked it, Aijaz. Your opinion means a lot to me. I guess I'll be boring people with some more of my poetry now.:-)
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