Sorry, I know about half of my readers are not fluent Hindi speakers. I’m certainly not one either. But I am going to scramble in the dark and pick out the songs that, even with my small amount of Hindi knowledge, I can still enjoy as poetry. And as a special treat, I am posting translations for them all! Isn’t that fun?
(I forgot to give attributions for the poets. Oh well, I think you probably already know most of them.)
First, obviously, is the actual poem, “Jab Tak Hain Jaan”
teri aankhon ki namkeen mastiyaan
teri hansi ki beparwaah gustakhiyaan
teri zulfon ki lehrati angdaiyaan
nahi bhoolunga main
jab tak hai jaan, jab tak hai jaan
the naughty fun in your eyes,
the carefree forwardness of your eyes,
the wavey stretching of your hair,
I’ll not forget, as long as I live..
tera haath se haath chhodna
tera saayon se rukh modna
tera palat ke phir na dekhna
nahin maaf karunga main,
jab tak hai jaan, jab tak hai jaan..
your leaving hand from hands,
your turning away from the shadows (of mine),
your not turning back to see,
I’ll not forgive,
as long as I live.
as long as I live..
baarishon mein bedhadak tere naachne se
baat baat pe bewajah tere roothne se,
chhoti chhoti teri bachkani badmashiyon se,
mohabbat karunga main
Jab tak hai jaan, jab tak hai jaan..
your dancing freely in rains,
your getting angry on small things without reason,
your small, childish mischieves,
I’ll love them all,
As long as I live, As long as I live..
Tere jhoothe kasme vaadon se,
tere jalte sulagte khwabon se,
teri beraham duaon se,
nafrat karunga main,
Jab tak hai jaan, jab tak hai jaan..
Your false promises,
your burning dreams,
your heartless wishes,
I’ll hate them all,
As long as I live, As long as I live..
(from bollymeaning.com)
Love this song, it’s deceptively simple. That’s what makes it so complex, a perfect rhyme and rhythm to each repetitive lyric, but each line is a slight variation and build on the previous one. “Butterfly”
Laut Ka Aaya Udta Panchhi
The flying bird has returned
Naya Hua Aaghaaz
A new beginning has happened
Barson Baad Bhi Dekho Meri
Even after so many years
Tractor Se Oonchi Awaaz
You can see that I am louder than the tractor
Jiven Soniya Ji, Chaahe Kisi Ka Ho Gaya Ji (x4)
O beautiful one, this heart of mine has now become somebody else’s
(O beautiful one, I’ve lost my heart to someone else)
Khili Jahaan Pe Jahaan Pe Genhu
Where wheat used to grow
Ruka Wahin Pe Wahin Pe Main Hoon
I’ve come to a halt at that place
Hai Maarha Mota Hansta
Everyone has a smile on his face here
Seedha Saadha Rasta
The roads here are all straight and simple
Ni Aaja…
So come on
Sune Dilon Ki Dilon Ki Dhun Ri
Listen to the tune of the heart
Peele Gote Kinaare Ki Chunri
The chunari which has yellow buds on the corners
Hai Odhe Baithi Faslein
All the crops are covered in this
Tu Jo Aaye Ras Lein
When You come, we will enjoy all this together
Ni Aaja…
So come one
Oye Hoye…
Sar-Aankhon Pe Hain Nakhre Sambhale Tere
I’ve held Your tantrums on my eyelids
(I’ve handled Your tantrums as first priority)
Ab Karde Na Khudko Hawaale Tere, Hey!
So let me surrender myself to You now
Ni Butterfly Banke
Becoming a butterfly
Tu Le Angdaai Tann Ke
Stretch Yourself properly
Ni Aaja Kudi Aaja Kheton Mein
So come into the fields girl!
Oye Hoye!
Ni Butterfly Banke
Becoming a butterfly
Tu Le Angdaai Tann Ke
Stretch Yourself properly
Ni Aaja Kudi Aaja Kheton Mein
So come into the fields girl!
Aa Gadar Machayenge Hum
We will create havoc/an uproar
Ek Ped Lagaayenge Hum
We will plant a tree
Ni Aaja Kudi Aaja Kheton Mein…
So come into the fields girl!
Ni Butterfly Banke
Becoming a butterfly
Tu Le Angdaai Tann Ke
Stretch Yourself properly
Ni Aaja Kudi… Ni Aaja Re…
So come girl! Come on!
Hoye! Hoye! Hoye!
Vehde Sajna De Ajj Raunakan Shaunakan Aaiyaan… (x3)
Arrival of the beloved has brought celebrations and glamour everywhere
Hoye! Hoye! Hoye!
O…
Uss Pal Main Khudko Lagti Hoon Pyaari
I feel loved by my own self in that moment
Jis Pal Main Sochun Yaara
In which I think that
Main Toh Hoon Tumhaari
I have become Yours my beloved
Kar Doon, Kar Doon, Kya Janhit Mein Jaari
Should I declare this order in public interest
Ab Se Meri Hai Tere Ishaq Pe Daavedari
That I have a claim of love on You from now on
Ho…
Naa Main Ghabrati, Naa Main Sharmati
I am not afraid, I am not shy
Tujhko Khayalon Mein, Main Laake Hoon Sataati
I bring You in my dreams and tease You
Uff Ho…
Oh oh!
Mujhko Kyun Sab Kuch Bataati
Why do You tell me all this?
Sunke Ye Baatein Meri Akal Hawa Ho Jaati
On listening to Your talks, my brains go haywire
Maine Kar Di Be-Akali To Kehna Nahi
If I do something foolish then please don’t mention it
Maine Rakha Tujhe Dil Mein Tu Rehna Wahin Pe
I’ve placed You in my heart, so please stay there
Ni Butterfly Banke
Becoming a butterfly
Tu Le Angdaai Tann Ke
Stretch Yourself properly
Ni Aaja Kudi Aaja Kheton Mein
So come into the fields girl!
Ni Butterfly Banke
Becoming a butterfly
Tu Le Angdaai Tann Ke
Stretch Yourself properly
Ni Aaja Kudi Aaja Kheton Mein
So come into the fields girl!
Aa Gadar Machayenge Hum
We will create havoc
Ek Ped Lagaayenge Hum
We will plant a tree
Ni Aaja Kudi Aaja Kheton Mein…
So come into the fields girl!
Ni Butterfly Banke
Becoming a butterfly
Tu Le Angdaai Tann Ke
Stretch Yourself properly
Ni Aaja Kudi Aaja… Kheton Mein…
So come into the fields girl!
Saiyaan…
O my beloved!
Vehde Sajjna De Ajj Raunakan Shaunakan Aaiyaan…
Arrival of the beloved has brought celebrations and glamour everywhere
Mujh Mein Ishq Ya Ishq Mein Hoon Main
Is love in me or am I in love?
Hua Mujhe Ehsaas Re
I feel this right now
Khel Raha Hoon Saath Yaar Ke
I am playing with my beloved
Main Khwabon Ki Taash Re
The game with cards of dreams
Mujh Mein Ishq Ya Ishq Mein Hoon Main
Is love in me or am I in love?
Hua Mujhe Ehsaas Re
I feel this right now
Khel Raha Hoon Saath Yaar Ke
I am playing with my beloved
Main Khwabon Ki Taash Re
The game with cards of dreams
Tu Hi Usko Khoj Raha Hai… Hey…
You are the one who is searching for her
Haaye… Tu Hi Usko Khoj Raha Hai
You are the one who is searching for her
Ae Dil Mere Yeh Na Soch
O heart of mine! Don’t think so
Woh Bhi Tujhko Dhoondh Raha Hai
She is also searching for You
Jiski Tujhe Talaash Re
The one You are in pursuit of
Woh Bhi Tujhko Dhoondh Raha Hai
She is also searching for You
Jiski Tujhe Talaash Re
The one You are in pursuit of
Woh Bhi Tujhko Dhoondh Raha Hai
She is also searching for You
Jiski Tujhe Talaash Re
The one You are in pursuit of
Woh Bhi Tujhko Dhoondh Raha Hai
She is also searching for You
Jiski Tujhe Talaash Re
The one You are in pursuit of
Woh Bhi Tujhko Dhoondh Raha Hai
She is also searching for You
Jiski Tujhe Talaash Re…
The one You are in pursuit of
(from bollynook.com)
Back to Jab Tak Hain Jaan, a song that is kind of the opposite. Instead of a repetitive rhythm it is constantly changing while the same words are repeated. Only the words have such depth and beauty that each repetition makes them more beautiful. “Heer”
Heer Heer na akho odiyo, Main te Sahibaan hoye,
Ghodi leke aaye le jaaye, Ghodi leke aaye le jaaye,
Le jaaye Mirza koi, Le jaaye Mirza koi,
Don’t call me Heer, o friends, I’ve become Sahibaan
I hope he comes on a horse and take me away,
I wish some Mirza comes for me and takes me away
Ohde je hi main te oh mere warga,
hansda ae sajra sawere varga,
ankha bandh kar la te thande hanere varga
I am like him, he is like me only..
He smiles like it’s morning,
and if he closes eyes, it’s like cold dark..
ohde je hi main te o Mirza mere varga
Naal naal tur na te vith rakhna
hadd rakh lena wich dil rakhna,
chhanve chhanve paawe assi teri parchhawe tur na
walk with me (close to me) only, don’t keep any distance in between,
mark a boundary, and keep the heart in between.
I have to walk under your shade only..
ohde je hi main te o Mirza mere varga
Here’s a poem that, without knowing the meaning of the words, I bet you can still recite/sing perfectly. And still capture the meaning, the very pattern of the words going round and round and back to the same place, convey the message of the song, life keeps going endlessly. “Kal Ho Na Ho”
Har ghadi badal rahi hai roop zindagi
Every moment life is changing its face
Chaanv hai kabhi, kabhi hai dhoop zindagi
Sometimes it’s shade, sometimes it’s sun in life
Har pal yahan jee bhar jiyo
Live every moment here, in the fullest
Jo hai samaa, Kal ho naa ho
Whatever is today, may not be there tomorrow
Har ghadi badal rahi hai roop zindagi
Every moment life is changing its face
Chaanv hai kabhi, kabhi hai dhoop zindagi
Sometimes it’s shade, sometimes it’s sun in life
Har pal yahan jee bhar jiyo
Live every moment here, in the fullest
Jo hai samaa, Kal ho naa ho
Whatever is today, may not be there tomorrow
Chaahe jo tumhe poore dil se
Whoever loves You whole-heartedly
Milta hai woh mushkil se
You find him with great difficulty
Aisa jo koi kahin hai
If there is someone like this anywhere
Bas wohi sabse hasin hai
Then that person is just the most beautiful
Uss haath ko tum thaam lo
Take hold of the person’s hand
Woh meherbaan kal ho naa ho
That grateful being, may not be there tomorrow
Har pal yahan jee bhar jiyo
Live every moment here, in the fullest
Jo hai samaa, Kal ho naa ho
Whatever is today, may not be there tomorrow
Palko ke leke saaye
If someone takes the shadows from Your eyelids
Paas koi jo aaye
And comes near You
Lakh sambhalo paagal dil ko
Even if try to control the heart a million times
Dil dhadke hi jaaye
The heart goes on beating
Par soch lo is pal hai jo
But just think, what is there in this moment
Woh daastan kal ho naa ho
That story (chain of events), may not be there tomorrow
Har ghadi badal rahi hai roop zindagi
Every moment life is changing its face
Chaanv hai kabhi, kabhi hai dhoop zindagi
Sometimes it’s shade, sometimes it’s sun in life
Har pal yahan jee bhar jiyo
Live every moment here, in the fullest
Jo hai samaa, Kal ho naa ho
Whatever is today, may not be the same tomorrow
Jo hai samaa, Kal ho naa ho
Whatever is today, may not be the same tomorrow
(bollynook.com)
You know this one was an existing hymn that Gulzar slightly changed to make a little more secular? Anyway, it’s lovely. Forget the dance, listen to the sound of the words. “Chaiyya Chaiyya”
Jinke sar ho ishq ki chhaaon
He whose head is in love’s shade
Paaon ke neeche jannat hogi
Beneath his feet will be paradise
Jinke sar ho ishq ki chhaaon
He whose head is in love’s shade
–MALE–
Chal chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya – 2
Come, my shadow, shadow, shadow, shadow
Chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya
My shadow, shadow, shadow, shadow
Chal chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya
Come, my shadow, shadow, shadow
Chal chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya – 2
Come, my shadow, shadow, shadow, shadow
Chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya
Come, my shadow, shadow, shadow
Chal chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya
Come, my shadow, shadow, shadow
Sar ishq ki chhaaon chal chhaiyya chhaiyya
With your head in love’s shade come, my shadow
Sar ishq ki chhaaon chal chhaiyya
With your head in love’s shade come, my shadow
Paaon jannat chale chal chhaiyya chhaiyya
Let my feet walk upon paradise, come my shadow
Paaon jannat chale chal chhaiyya
Let my feet walk upon paradise, come my shadow
–BOTH–
Chal chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya – 4
Come, my shadow, shadow, shadow, shadow
–MALE–
Voh yaar hai jo khushboo ki tarah
That friend (lover) who is like a fragrance
Jiski zubaan urdu ki tarah
Whose language is like Urdu
–BOTH–
Meri shaam raat, meri kaayanat
She is my evening and night, my universe
Voh yaar mera saiyya saiyya
She is my friend, my beloved, beloved
Chal chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya – 2
Come, my shadow, shadow, shadow, shadow
–FEMALE–
Chal chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya – 2
Come, my shadow, shadow, shadow, shadow
–MALE–
Gulposh kabhi itraaye kahin maheke to nazar aa jaaye kahin – 2
Sometimes a hidden flower flaunts itself,
If it lets off a fragrance then it comes into view
Taaviz banaake pehen usse, aayat ki tarah mil jaaye kahin – 2
Wear it like a sacred amulet, it will be like a religous verse
Gulposh kabhi itraaye kahin maheke to nazar aa jaaye kahin
Sometimes a hidden flower flaunts itself,
If it lets off a fragrance then it comes into view
–FEMALE–
Taavis banaake pehen usse, aayat ki tarah mil jaaye kahin
Wear it like a sacred amulet, it will be like a religious verse
–MALE–
(Voh yaar hai jo imaan ki tarah)
That friend who is like a spiritual leader (conscience)
Mera nagma vohi, mera kalma vohi
She is my melody, she is my Quranic verse
Mera nagma nagma, mera kalma kalma
My melody, melody, my Quranic verse, Quranic verse
–BOTH–
Mera nagma nagma, mera kalma kalma – 3
My melody, melody, my Quranic verse, Quranic verse
–MALE–
Yaar misaale os chale, paaon ke tale firdos chale
She walks like the morning dew, underneath her feet heaven moves
Kabhi daal daal kabhi paat paat
Sometimes the tree branches, sometimes the leaves
Main hawa pe dhoondoon uske nishaan
I search for traces of her in the air
Sar ishq ki chhaaon chal chhaiyya chhaiyya
With your head in love’s shade come, my shadow
Sar ishq ki chhaaon chal chhaiyya
With your head in love’s shade come, my shadow
Paaon jannat chale chal chhaiyya chhaiyya
Let my feet walk upon paradise, come my shadow
Paaon jannat chale chal chhaiyya
Let my feet walk upon paradise, come my shadow
–BOTH–
Chal chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya – 4
Come, my shadow, shadow, shadow, shadow
–MALE–
Main uske roop ka shaidaayi, voh dhoop chhaaon sa harjaayi
I am the admirer of her beauty, she is a wanderer like the daylight and shade
Voh shokh ka rang badalta hai, main rang roop ka saudaai
She changes the color of her radiance, I am the barterer of color and beauty
–FEMALE–
Main rang roop ka saudaai
I am the barterer of color and beauty
–MALE–
Jinke sar ho ishq ki chhaaon, paaon ke neeche jannat hogi – 2
He whose head is in love’s shade, beneath his feet will be paradise
Shaam raat, meri kaayanat, voh yaar mera saiyya saiyya
Evening and night, my universe, that friend is my beloved, beloved
–FEMALE–
Chal chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya – 4
Come, my shadow, shadow, shadow, shadow
–MALE–
Sar ishq ki chhaaon chal chhaiyya chhaiyya
With your head in love’s shade come, my shadow
Sar ishq ki chhaaon chal chhaiyya
With your head in love’s shade come, my shadow
Paaon jannat chale chal chhaiyya chhaiyya
Let my feet walk upon paradise, come my shadow
Paaon jannat chale chal chhaiyya
Let my feet walk upon paradise, come my shadow
–BOTH–
Chal chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya – 4
Come, my shadow, shadow, shadow, shadow
–MALE–
Voh yaar hai jo khushboo ki tarah
That friend (lover) who is like a fragrance
Voh jiski zubaan urdu ki tarah
Whose language is like Urdu
Meri shaam raat, meri kaayanat
She is my evening and night, my universe
Voh yaar mera saiyya saiyya
She is my friend, my beloved, beloved
Chal chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya – 4
Come, my shadow, shadow, shadow, shadow
–BOTH–
Chal chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya – 4
Come, my shadow, shadow, shadow, shadow
–MALE–
Chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya
My shadow, shadow, shadow, shadow
Chal chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya chhaiyya
Come, my shadow, shadow, shadow, shadow
(from bollywoodlyrics.com)
Okay, what are your favorites? And what translations can you provide us?
dontcallitbollywood 
This is great! My favorite SRK poem is from Veer-Zaara the but that Yashji recites in the song “Kyon Hawa”… it’s lovely!
https://www.filmyquotes.com/songs/274
One slight correction – in jab tak hain jaan…”teri hansi ki beparwaah gustakhiyaan” this means the carefree forwardness of your laughter….not eyes…the word “hansi” means laughter. I am fluent in hindi/urdu so happy to translate any poem for you…
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Thank you! I know enough Hindi to know these translations are not great, but not enough to do my own translations. Very frustrating.
On Thu, Aug 22, 2019 at 7:03 AM dontcallitbollywood wrote:
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Okay, I know all of the songs but had / have no clue about their actual meaning until now. That’s great that you are able to translate the lyrics like that. I said in a different post that I’m a super new fan, so yah, I feel like this is going to be a long, long SRK journey for me and it’d make sense to learn Hindi for that. I love languages anyway, so it’s not a chore. I absolutely hate that I (currently) can’t understand a thing they say.
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I am terrible at languages myself, I’ve been watching these movies for 15 years and I have a very large vocabularly of Hindi words but I still can’t string them together in a way that makes sense. However, for pure vocabulary information, you can check out these fun posts:
On Thu, Aug 22, 2019 at 11:11 AM dontcallitbollywood wrote:
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Okay, will do. Thanks!
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Wow, I like Butterfly so much more now.
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And that’s without really good translations! I can’t fix the whole thing, but even I can pick out a few phrases that aren’t quite right. For instance, “Gadar” that they translate as “Havoc” actually means revolution or rebellion, for more fitting with what Shahrukh inspired in Anushka in the film. Or my favorite line, “One moment I become my own beloved, the moment I think, I am become yours”.
On Thu, Aug 22, 2019 at 6:54 PM dontcallitbollywood wrote:
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Lovely post! I have collected a lot of the lyrics from ShahRukh’s songs.
Chaiya Chaiya is wonderful and I have a soft spot Do Pal from Veer Zaara.
Have a look at Safar from JHMS, tells so much about his character, even before the film starts.
Music: Pritam
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil
Label: Sony Music
Singers: Arijit Singh
Ab Na Mujhko Yaad Beeta
I don’t remember the past now
Main Toh Lamhon Mein Jeeta
I just live in the passing moments now
Chala Ja Raha Hoon
I just keep on walking
Main Kahaan Pe Ja Raha Hoon…
Where am I going(I don’t know)?
Kahaan Hoon
Where am I(I don’t know)?
Iss Yaqeen Se Main Yahaan Hoon
I’m here with this belief
Ki Zamana Yeh Bhala Hai
That this is a good age/period/time
(That this world is good)
Aur Jo Raah Mein Mila Hai
And the one I met on the road
Thodi Door Jo Chala Hai
The one who walked with me for a little while
Woh Bhi Aadmi Bhala Thha
That man was a good man
Pata Thha…
I knew it
Zara Bas Khafa Thha
Just that he was a little upset
Woh Bhatka Sa Raahi Mere Gaanv Ka Hi
That unknown traveller belonged to the same village as I do
Woh Rasta Puraana Jise Yaad Aana
I remember that old road
Zaroori Thha Lekin Jo Roya Mere Bin
It was important(for me to remember it) as the only one who wept in my absence
Wo Ek Mera Ghar Thha
Was my home
Puraana Sa Darr Thha
I had an age-old fear
Magar Ab Na Main Apne Ghar Ka Raha…
But now I don’t belong to my own home(so that fear is gone)
Safar Ka Hi Thha Main Safar Ka Raha
I belonged to the journey and I remain so
Oo… Ooo…
Idhar Ka Hi Hoon Na Udhar Ka Raha
Neither do I belong here, nor do I belong there
Safar Ka Hi Thha Main Safar Ka Raha
I belonged to the journey and I remain so
Idhar Ka Hi Hoon Na Udhar Ka Raha
Neither do I belong here, nor do I belong there
Safar Ka Hi Thha Main Safar Ka Raha
I belonged to the journey and I remain so
Main Raha… O O Ooo…
I remain
Main Raha… Wo Ooo…
I remain
Main Raha… Aaa…
I remain
(Indian Classical Notes Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni)
Neel Pattharon Se Meri Dosti Hai
I have friendship with the Sky and the stones
Chaal Meri Kya Hai Raah Jaanti Hai
My walk is known to the roads
Jaane Rozana, Zamana Wohi Rozana…
Every day, the world remains the same(it doesn’t change)
Sheher Sheher Fursaton Ko Bechta Hoon
From city to city, I travel spending my free time
Khaali Haath Jaata Khaali Laut Ta Hoon
I go empty handed and I return empty haded
Aise Rozana, Rozana Khud Se Begana…
Every day like this, every day still a stranger to my own self
Jabse Gaanv Se Main Sheher Hua
Since I have become a city from a village
Itna Kadva Ho Gaya Ki Zeher Hua
I’ve become so bitter that I’ve turned into poison
Main Toh Rozana, Na Chaaha Thha Yeh Ho Jaana Maine
Every day I wished/prayed that this would never happen
Yeh Umr, Waqt, Raasta, Guzarta Raha…
My age, time, roads, kept on passing
Safar Ka Hi Thha Main Safar Ka Raha
I belonged to the journey and I remain so
Idhar Ka Hi Hoon Na Udhar Ka Raha
Neither do I belong here, nor do I belong there
Safar Ka Hi Thha Main Safar Ka Raha
I belonged to the journey and I remain so
Idhar Ka Hi Hoon Na Udhar Ka Raha
Neither do I belong here, nor do I belong there
Safar Ka Hi Thha Main Safar Ka Raha
I belonged to the journey and I remain so
Main Raha Ooo…
I remain
Main Raha… Woo…
I remain
Aaa… Aee… Hoo… Wooo…
Main Raha… Main Raha… Ooo… Main Raha…
I remain, I remain, I remain
Aee… Hoo… Wooo…
Main Raha… Main Raha… Main Raha… Aaa…
I remain, I remain, I remain
Safar Ka Hi Thha Main Safar Ka Raha
I belonged to the journey and I remain so
From: bollynook.com
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Thank you, those lyrics are wonderful! I didn’t catch before that it is both about traveling and about finding a friend where he travels.
On Thu, Aug 22, 2019 at 8:49 PM dontcallitbollywood wrote:
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Kal Ho Naa Ho was the first song I learnt the lyrics to sing it myself…
All of the above mentioned songs I find poetic (and many more from ShahRukh’s movies) but there is one I would like to post here because it moves me in a triple way: through the film-narration, the music/voices and the lyrics (it’s the lyrical version first, then the film version, then a performance on stage…music by S-E-L, lyricist is Niranjan Iyengar)
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Not just Chhaiyya Chhaiyya, but all the songs from Dil Se are very poetic. In terms of poetry, Satrangi Re is my favorite though I prefer Chhaiyya Chhaiyya and Ae Ajnabi more as songs.
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Gulzar did Dil Se, didn’t he?
On Mon, Aug 26, 2019 at 8:49 AM dontcallitbollywood wrote:
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Yes, Gulzar wrote the lyrics for Dil Se. Though I must say that Dil Se lyrics are more in the Khayyam or Javed Akhtar style of poetry than in Gulzar’s style. Gulzar lyrics tend to be more in Hindustani (the mix of Hindi and Urdu spoken in north India) as opposed to full on Urdu, which is the case with some of the songs in Dil Se. I have read some of Gulzar’s non-film poetry and that does seem to have more Urdu. Gulzar’s poetry is also often more “conversational” and finding poetry in everyday things type while Dil Se songs are much more on the spiritual side.
Another Shahrukh movie with Gulzar lyrics is Paheli and I think Dheere Jalna is fairly poetic.
dheere jalna dheere jalna dheere jalna
Burn slowly…
zindagii kii lau pe jalna
Burn in the flame of life.
dheere dheere dheere dheere dheere jalna
Burn slowly…
zindagii kii lau pe jalna
Burn in the flame of life.
kaanch ka sapna gal hii na jaaye
Your fragile dream might melt;
soch samajhke aanch rakhna
think carefully before nursing the flame.
dheere jalna dheere jalna dheere jalna…
Burn slowly…
dheere dheere dheere dheere dheere jalna
Slowly, slowly…burn.
hona hai jo hona hai woh
What has to happen, will happen.
hone se rukta nahiin
It won’t stop from happening,
aasmaan to jhukta nahiin
just as the sky doesn’t lower to the earth.
dheere jalna dheere jalna dheere jalna
Burn slowly…
zindagii kii lau pe jalna
Burn in the flame of life.
dheere jalna…
Burn slowly…
zindagii kii lau pe jalna
burn in the flame of life.
tere ruup kii halkii dhuup men
In the soft sunlight of your beauty,
do hii pal hain jiine hain
I must bask for just a few moments.
terii aankh main dekh chukaa huun
I’ve already seen in your eyes
vo sapne hain siine hai
the dreams you have woven..
aankhon men sapnon kii kirchen hain chhubhtii hain
There are splintered dreams in your eyes; they pierce me through.
dheere jalna dheere jalna dheere jalna
Burn slowly…
dheere dheere dheere dheere dheere jalna
Slowly, slowly…burn
hona hai jo hona hai woh
What has to happen, will happen.
hone se rukta nahiin
It won’t stop from happening,
aasmaan to jhukta nahiin
just as the sky doesn’t lower to the earth.
dheere jalna dheere jalna dheere jalna
Burn slowly…
zindagii kii lau pe jalna
Burn in the flame of life.
dheere dheere jalna
Slowly, slowly burn…
socha na tha zindagii aisa
I never imagined that
phir se milegii jiine ke li’e
I would find life worth living again,
aankhon ko pyaas lagegii
that my eyes would thirst
apne hii aansuu piine ke li’e
to drink their own tears.
dheere dheere dheere dheere dheere jalna
Slowly, slowly…burn.
zindagii kii lau pe jalna
Burn in the flame of life.
dheere jalna dheere jalna dheere jalna
Burn slowly…
zindagii kii lau pe jalna
Burn in the flame of life.
kaanch ka sapna gal hii na jaaye
Your fragile dream might melt;
soch samajhke aanch rakhna
think carefully before nursing the flame.
dheere jalna dheere jalna dheere jalna…
Burn slowly…
dheere dheere dheere dheere dheere jalna
Slowly, slowly…burn.
hona hai jo hona hai woh
What has to happen, will happen.
hone se rukta nahiin
It won’t stop from happening,
aasmaan to jhukta nahiin
just as the sky doesn’t lower to the earth.
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Thank you! Really interesting information. I can see why Dil Se would have required a more poetic style. I know Gulzar also did the lyrics for Jab Tak Hain Jaan, but those are more Punjabi and folk influenced, right? I suppose that is a skill you would need as a lyricist versus a poet, to be able to change your style to follow the needs of the story.
On Tue, Aug 27, 2019 at 5:52 AM dontcallitbollywood wrote:
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