The magnificence that is Sahir Ludhiyanvi's lyrics and S.D. Burman's melody!

Pyaasa- A beautiful poetic movie produced, directed and starred by Guru Dutt Sahab.. It depicts the simple love of a broke, struggling poet (shayar) and a kind prostitute who has a heart of gold.

This movie has always been a personal favorite of mine and it was after watching this movie, that I started loving Guru Dutt Sahab. His acting, his direction all came directly from his heart. Be it Pyaasa, Chaudhvi ka chaand, Kagaz Ke Phool, Mr. and Mrs. 55, Aar Paar, Baazi or the eternal Saheb, Bibi aur Gulam; his patience, hard work and talent became obvious with every movie..

Pyaasa's songs were beautifully composed by Sahir Sahab and Burman Dada. Jaane woh kaise log the and Ye duniya agar mil bhi jaaye present the mind and heart of Vijay (Guru Dutt's character and the male protagonist) in an accurate manner. Hemant Da, Rafi Sahab and Geeta Dutt have sung these songs in their heart touching voices.

This time, I have tried to translate Jaane woh kaise log the, to my very best. This song still holds the power to make my eyes wet and heart full.

Jaane woh kaise log the jinke pyar ko pyar mila,

(Wonder what kind of people find their love requited)

Humne to jab kaliyaan maangi kaaton ka haar mila,
(Whenver I asked for flowers, I got a garland of thorns)



Khushiyon ki manzil dhoondi to gham ki gard mili
Khushiyon ki manzil dhoondi to gham ki gard mili,
(When I searched for happiness, I found myself trapped in a circle of sorrow)
 
Chahat ke nagme chahe to, aahen sard mili,

 (I wished for songs of love but instead got cold sighs)

Dil ke bojh ko doona kar gaya, jo gamkhwaar mila,
(The woes of my heart were doubled even when I met someone to share them with)
Humne to jab...




Bichhad gayaa... bichhad gayaa...
Bichhad gayaa har saathi dekar pal do pal ka saath,
(Every companion of mine got separated from me after a few moments of association)

Kisko fursat hai jo thaame Deewanon ka haath,
(At the end, who has the time and patience to be with an eccentric person)

Humko apna saaya tak, aqsar bezaar mila,
(Sometimes even my shadow became indifferent to me)
Humne to jab...



Isko hi jeena kehte hain to yunhi ji lenge,
(If this is called living, then I will live like this)

Uff na karenge, lab see lenge, aansoo pee lenge,
(I'll not lament, seal my lips and swallow my tears)
 
Gham se ab ghabraana kaisa gham sau baar mila
(I am no longer scared of sorrow, I have met it hundred of times)
Humne to jab...

Tum Pukaar Lo.....

I have always been a fan of old Hindi songs. Be it a upbeat song like Lara Lappa Lara Lappa or a romantic song like Phoolon Ke Rang Se, either the lyrics or the music or the singer have haunted me.

Whenever I hear a song that has a deep meaning, I listen to the same song in a loop for a long time and try to decipher its meaning.

So, I have tried to do the same here with the song Tum Pukaar Lo from Khamoshi (1962). This song was sung by Hemant Kumar and the highs and lows in the song are so perfect that I get goosebumps while listening to them. The movie itself was a masterpiece with outstanding performances from Waheeda Rehman and the then upcoming superstar Rajesh Khanna aka Kaka.

Tum Pukaar Lo was picturised on Dharmendra and Waheeda Rehman. The music was one of Hemant Kumar's best works and Gulzar Saahab wrote the wonderful lyrics. It is a romantic song, depicting the endless and anxious waiting that Dev (Dharmendra's character) is experiencing.

I know it is quite impossible to capture the true meaning of the song.. But I have tried my best.

Tum Pukaar Lo, Tumhara Intezaar Hai,
Tum Pukaar Lo…
(My Beloved call out to me... I am waiting anxiously for you.. Call out to me..)
Khawaab Chun Rahi Hai Raat, Beqarar Hai
(Night is sifting through the beautiful dreams I dream about you)
Tumhara Intazar Hai, Tum Pukaar Lo
(I am waiting anxiously for you.. Call out to me..)

Honth Pe Liye Hue Dil Kii Baat Hum
Jaagate Rahenge Aur Kitani Raat Hum
(How many sleepless nights should I suffer, with my unexpressed sentiments)
Muqtasar Si Baat Hai Tum Se Pyaar Hai
(It is a very simple matter, I am in love with you...)
Tumhara Intezar Hai, Tum Pukar Lo
(I am waiting anxiously for you.. Call out to me..)

Dil Bahal To Jaayegaa Is Khayal Se
Haal Mil Gaya Tumhara Apne Haal Se
(At least my heart will be consoled with the thought that your 
condition is the same as mine)
Raat Ye Qarar Ki Beqarar Hai
(The beautiful night that should have been peaceful is now restless)
Tumhara Intazar Hai, Tum Pukar Lo
(I am waiting anxiously for you.. Call out to me..)