Tere bin soone... (Lata-Rafi duet)

This I feel is one of the best duets by the Rafi-Lata combo, although Rafi has a lion's share of the lyrics here. From all the instruments used, the santoor and sitar stand out and they are too good. This songs is from the movie - Meri Surat Teri Aankhen (1963) - starring Asha Parekh, Ashok Kumar and Pradeep Kumar. The movie is about an ugly looking man (Pyare played by Ashok Kumar), who has a heart of gold and is a musical genius, and his trials and tribulations, and his love for a beautiful girl (Kavita played aptly by Asha Parekh). This song immortalizes Pyare yearning to see Kavita. The lyrics are by Shailendra and are as usual in shudh Hindi. The music by S. D. Burman is as good as it gets - inspired from folk tunes, I believe. It has that folk ring to it. Here are the soulful lyrics:

(Alaap by Rafi)
Tere bin soone
(Lonely without you)
Tere bin soone, nayan hamare
(Without you my eyes are lonely)
Tere bin soone...
(Lonely without you)

Baat takat gaye saanjh-sakaare...haye
(I have been watching the way evening and morning)
Tere bin soone, nayan hamare
(Without you my eyes are lonely)
Tere bin soone...
(Lonely without you)

Ho...raat jo aaye, dhal jaye pyaasi
(Night sets in, and descends thirsty)
Raat jo aaye, dhal jaaye pyaasi
(Night sets in, and descends thirsty)
Din ka dooja naam udaasi
(The other name for day is sorrow)
Nindiya na aaye
(Sleep does not come)
Nindiya na aaye, ab mere dwaare
(Sleep does not come to my door anymore)
Tere bin soone, nayan hamare
(Without you my eyes are lonely)
Tere bin soone...
(Lonely without you)

Ho...jag mein raha main, jag se paraya
(I have lived in this world, without being a part of it)
Jag mein raha main, jag se paraya
(I have lived in this world, without being a part of it)
Saaya bhi mera mere paas na aaya
(My own shadow does not come near me)
Hasne ke din bhi, ro ke guzare
(Even the days supposed to be fun (young age), I have spent crying)
Tere bin soone, nayan hamare
(Without you my eyes are lonely)
Tere bin soone...
(Lonely without you)
Baat takat gaye saanjh-sakaare...haye
(I have been watching the way evening and morning)
Tere bin soone...
(Lonely without you)

(Lata's part...)
O...andekhe, o anjaane
(O unseen, O stranger)
O andekhe, o anjaane
(O unseen, O stranger)
Chupke lagaye prem tarane,
(Quietly you string your love songs)
Kaun hai tu mohe,
(Tell me who are you?)
Kaun hai tu mohe, kuch to bata re,
(Who are you? Tell me something)
Tere bin soone, nayan hamare,
(Without you my eyes are lonely)
Tere bin soone...
(Lonely without you)
Baat takat gaye saanjh-sakaare
(I have been watching the way evening and morning)
Tere bin soone...
(Lonely without you)


Here is the youtube link. Listen the initial music before the song starts - just heavenly.

Bane ho ek khaak se...

This song was penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri. The music by Roshan were perfect and no words can describe Lata's rendition. This song is from the movie Aarti (1961) - starring Ashok Kumar, Pradeep Kumar and Meena Kumari. As you can see, at this point, Meena Kumari was at the peak of her beauty. All the songs of this movie are brilliant and can be found on youtube. Watch out for mesmerizing Lata-Rafi duet "Baar baar tohe kya samajhaye".

Back to the song in question, Majrooh was among the many poets/lyricists (Kaifi Azmi, Sahir, to name a few others) who were well-known for their leftist leanings. This song is beautiful and at the same time delineates the strong leftlist leanings of Majrooh. Judge for yourself:

Bane ho ek khaaq se, to door kya kareeb kya...
(We are all made from the same dust, what's far, what is near...)
Bane ho ek khaaq se, to door kya kareeb kya...
(We are all made from the same dust, what's far, what is near...)
Bane ho ek khaaq se, to door kya kareeb kya...
(We are all made from the same dust, what's far, what is near...)
Lahoo ka rang ek hai, ameer kya gareeb kya...
(Color of blood is the same, so what's rich, what is poor...)
Bane ho ek khaaq se...
(We are all made from the same dust...)

Wohi hai jaan, wohi hai tan,
(It's the same life, it's the same body)
Kahan talak chupaoge,
(How long will you hide it)
Wohi hai jaan, wohi hai tan,
(It's the same life, it's the same body)
Kahan talak chupaoge,
(How long will you hide it)
Pehen ke reshmi libaaz, tum badal na jaoge,
(You will not change, if you wear silk clothes)
Ke ek zaat hai sabhi,
(Because we are all of the same caste)
Ke ek zaat hai sabhi, to baat hai ajeeb kya?
(Because we are all of the same caste, then what is the awkward thing about it?)
Lahoo ka rang ek hai, ameer kya gareeb kya...
(Color of blood is the same, what's rich, what is poor...)
Bane ho ek khaaq se, to door kya kareeb kya...
(We are all made from the same dust, what's far, what is near...)

Gareeb hain woh isliye, ke tum ameer ho gaye,
(They are poor because, you became rich)
Ke ek badashah hua to sau faqeer ho gaye,
(That when one became the king, hundreds became beggars)
Gareeb hain woh isliye, ke tum ameer ho gaye,
(They are poor because, you became rich)
Ke ek badashah hua to sau faqeer ho gaye,
(That when one became the king, hundreds became beggars)
Qhata yeh hai samaaj ki,
(It is the crime of the society)
Qhata yeh hai samaaj ki, bhala-bura naseeb kya...
(It is the crime of the society, what is good or bad luck)
Lahoo ka rang ek hai, amir kya gareeb kya...
(Color of blood is the same, what's rich, what is poor...)
Bane ho ek khaaq se, to door kya kareeb kya...
(We are all made from the same dust, what's far, what is near...)

Jo ek ho to kyon na phir, dilon ka dard baant lo,
(Since you are one and the same, why not share the burdens/pains of your heart)
Jo ek ho to kyon na phir, dilon ka dard baant lo,
(Since you are one and the same, why not share the burdens/pains of your heart)
Lahoo ki pyaas baant lo, ruqhon ki dard baant lo,
(Share your thirst for blood, share any pains that you face along the way)
Laga lo sabko tum gale,
(You embrace everyone)
Laga lo sabko tum gale,
(You embrace everyone)
Habeeb kya, raqeeb kya...
(Who is habeeb, who is raqeeb)
Lahoo ka rang ek hai, amir kya gareeb kya...
(Color of blood is the same, what's rich, what is poor...)
Bane ho ek khaak se, to door kya kareeb kya...
(We are all made from the same dust, what's far, what is near...)

Here is the youtube link to the video.

Teri Tasveer (Traditional Ghazal by Jaidev & Rafi)

The lyrics for this very traditional, classical ghazal were written by Nyay Sharma. I could not find much about his work, except that he had written songs for select few films, one of which was Kinare Kinare. He has written a few other non-filmi ghazals, which have been sung by Mohd. Rafi and Asha Bhosle.

The music by Jaidev in this ghazal is spot on. Background music is minimal - sarangi, flute, tabla and santoor only - with all the magic woven by Rafi and the santoor at times in between. The lyrics for this ghazal are beautiful and I feel they are somewhat along the lines of "Jo baat tujh mein hai" penned by Sahir. Anyways, here are the lyrics (and their english translation):

Teri tasveer bhi tujh jaisi haseen hai lekin,
(Your portrait is as beautiful as you but)
Ispe qurbaan meri jaan-e-azeen hai lekin,
(I could give up my precious life for it but)
Yeh meri zakhmi umangon ka madawa to nahi...
(But that is not the solution to my hurt aspirations...)

Haal-e-dil is but-e-kaafir ko sunaaun kaise,
(How do I state my feelings to this portrait of my sweetheart)
Iske ruqhsaaron ki shadabi ko chhedun kyunkar
(Why should I excite the beauty of its face)
Iske hothon ke tabbassum jagaun kaise,
(How do I arouse its lips to smile)
Teri tasveer bhi tujh jaisi haseen hai lekin...
(Your portrait is as beautiful as you but...)

Zabt ki taab na kehne ka saleeqa mujh ko,
(I don't have the decency of not expressing my suppressed grief)
Uspe yeh zulm ke khamosh hai tasveer teri,
(On top of that, the pain that your portrait is quiet)
Ghut ke mar jaun magar isko khabar tak bhi na ho,
(If I die of this suffocation, it might not even know)
Kaisi chattan se takrai hai taqdeer meri...
(What mountain (obstacle) has my luck hit against...)

Yehi tasveer tasavvur mein utar jaane par,
(When this portrait slips into my imagination)
Chand ki kiranon se go badh ke nikhal jaati hai,
(Moon light enhances the her beauty)
Dard palkon se lipat jata hai aansoo ban kar,
(My pain clings to my eyelids as tears)
Mere ehsaas ki duniya hi bikhar jaati hai,
(My world of emotions come crashing down)
Isliye tere tasavvur se nahi, khud tujhe se,
(That is why I ask you yourself and not my imagination of you)
Iltija karta hoon bas itna bata de mujhko,
(I request you just tell me this:)
Kya mere dil ki tadap ka tujhe ehsaas bhi hai,
Kya mere dil ki tadap ka tujhe ehsaas bhi hai,
(Are you even aware of my heart's turmoil)
Warna phir meri hi veheshat mein sula de mujhko...
(Otherwise, just let me sleep in my solitude...)

Teri tasveer bhi tujh jaisi haseen hai lekin,
(Your portrait is as beautiful as you but)
Ispe qurbaan meri jaan-e-azeen hai lekin,
(I could give up my precious life for it but)
Yeh meri zakhmi umangon ka madawa to nahi...
(But that is not the solution to my hurt aspirations...)

Simply beautiful IMHO!! Here is the link to the video. One more thing to note, this song is picturised on Chetan Anand, Dev Anand's elder brother (who is also in the movie), singing to Meena Kumari's portrait. He was a very successful producer/director. This is one of the few movies in which he acted as well.

Shokh Nazar Ki Bijaliyan (Ghazal Western Style)

Many consider the late Madan Mohan as the 'ghazal king'. However, this is one of his masterpieces where he changes a ghazal into a westernized number. Note that almost all the instruments used in this song are western. Asha Bhosle renders flawlessly. Great lyrics by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan.

Anecdote: music director C. Ramachandra once shot back at a reporter who was claiming that Madan Mohan was only good at composing ghazals - "What do you mean Madan was only good at composing ghazals? Madan was good at every single thing he composed. It's a popular misconception that he was only good at ghazals. He was once my assistant, so I had a total insight into his potential. Madan's light compositions have the same individualistic quality as his serious songs. What's more, I don't think any of us had his knack for picking the right instruments for the right song." Here is the link.

Now the lyrics (and english translation):

Shokh nazar ki bijaliyan, dil pe mere giraye ja
(Keep throwing your beautiful glances which strike my heart like lightning)
Mera na kuch khayal kar, tu yun hi muskuraye ja
(Don't worry about me, you keep smiling)
Shokh nazar ki bijaliyan ...
(Your lightning-like beautiful glances)

Jaag uthi hai arzoo, jaise chirag jal pade
(I feel an urge, like flames have been lit)
Ab to wafa ki raah mein, hum tere saath chal pade
(Now I follow you in the path of love/loyalty)
Chahe hansaye jaa humein, chahe humein rulaaye ja
(You can make me smile or you can make me cry)
Shokh nazar ki bijaliyan, dil pe mere giraye ja
(Keep throwing your beautiful glances which strike my heart like lightning)
Shokh nazar ki bijaliyan ...
(Your lightning-like beautiful glances)

Manzil-e-ishq door hai, door bahut hi door hai
(Destination/horizon of love is far away, it is quite far away)
Aa mera haath tham le, rooh thaqan se choor hai
(Come, hold me hand, my soul is tired)
Apne jahan ko chhod kar, mere jahan pe chhaye jaa
(Leave your worldly matters and reign my world)
Shokh nazar ki bijaliyan, dil pe mere giraye ja
(Keep throwing your beautiful glances which strike my heart like lightning)
Shokh nazar ki bijaliyan ...
(Your lightning-like beautiful glances)

Chain kahin kisi ghadi, aaye na tere bin mujhe
(I am never, at any moment, at peace without you)
Kaash mein is jahan se, cheen lun ke din tujhe
(I wish I could steal you away from this world)
Main tere saath saath hoon, chahe nazar bachaye jaa
(I am with you, even if you steal your glances from me)
Shokh nazar ki bijaliyan, dil pe mere giraye ja
(Keep throwing your beautiful glances which strike my heart like lightning)
Mera na kuch khayal kar, tu yun hi muskuraye ja
(Don't worry about me, you keep smiling)
Shokh nazar ki bijaliyan ...
(Your lightning-like beautiful glances)

When you watch the video HERE, notice how this song and music fits so perfectly to the situation. I have tried my best to translate this song into english, within the limits of my poetic abilities. If you feel some lines could be expressed better, please drop a comment. Thanks.

FIRST POST...YES!

(DISCLAIMER: THE OPINIONS POSTED HERE ARE MINE AND MINE ONLY. I AM NOT PREACHING!)

I am a big fan of old bollywood music. The 1950's, 60's and 70's were the golden period in terms of quality of music, lyrics and rendition. Now I am not a old bollywood music fanatic. I do listen to Western classical music quite often. I also have a few hip-hop preferances, but those are occasional digressions.

Some of the music directors whom I consider equivalent to GODs of music are Madan Mohan, Roshan, S. D. Burman, Jaidev, Ravi, Salil Chowdhury, Shankar-Jaikishan, Hemant Kumar, O. P. Nayyar, Khayyam, C. Ramachandra and Naushad (in no particular order, although I have always preferred the first six). These music directors literally ruled the 1950's and 60's. Though in the 70's, some passed away and other faded. Only old bollywood music aficionados would know that half of these music directors did not learn classical music and yet they could produce semi-classical masterpieces. It was just God's gift. I consider them equivalent to the Western classical masters like Mozart or Brahms or Shostakovich. It's just that these composers took their time (months to years) in creating wonders. On the other hand, the bollywood greats had to create music within days if not hours.

The other amazing thing about this era was that even second-tier (please DON'T comprehend as second-rate!) music directors - N. Dutta, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Kalyanji-Anandji, C. Arjun, Usha Khanna, R. D. Burman, Ghulam Mohammad, to name a few - could create equally brilliant music. I know that some might flame me for putting some reputed music directors in this list, but I am partitioning them according to their quality of music output and talent (and also please read the disclaimer on top).

All the praises and superlatives in the world won't be enough to describe the quality of playback singers - Mohd. Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Manna Dey, Kishore Kumar, Suman Kalyanpur, Mahendra Kapoor, Mukesh and Talat Mahmood. Unlike today's bollywood music, these singers (and music directors) took time to understand the situation of the movie and then delivered almost flawlessly. Each had one in a million voice. And to date I have never found anybody equal to their stature. (Although I did like some of the new crop of singers, but with the serious dearth of good music directors, their talent goes out of the window)

And last but not the least the lyricists. There were many but amazingly each of them was their worth in gold - Majrooh Sultanpuri, Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, Sahir, Shakeel Badayuni, Rajinder Kishan, Shailendra, Hasrat Jaipuri, Kaifi Azmi, Jan Nisar Akhtar, Naqsh Lyallpuri, - the list goes on. Another interesting thing about these poets/lyricists was that almost all of them had equally good command over (pure) Hindi and Urdu, which always astonishes me (in a good way). Consider the song - Man re tu kahe na dheer dhare (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxmLzry8Euo) - which was written by Sahir, who was equally great at writing ghazals and nazms. On a similar note, consider the songs from Jahan Ara (one such example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps3QiXjHi7w) were written almost entirely in Urdu by Rajinder Kishan.

In my ensueing posts, I will try to post lyrics from my favourite songs and hopefully a video/audio link to them. Wherever possible I will try to put forth any additional information that I know of about that song. Aaj ke liye khuda hafiz...