Friday, February 20, 2026

Mardaani 3 Anthem Babbar Sherni Translated and Explained

 

Babbar Sherni – Translation of Title Poem from Mardaani 3

Meta Description:  Babbar Sherni is the title song from Mardaani 3 recited in poem form. The lyrics are by Shruti Shukla and voice of Sarthak Kalyani. Enjoy the translation.



Setting the Background for Translating Babbar Sherni

 

Whereas the first two movies of the Mardaani franchise had similar anthems, Mardaani 3 has created a new offering. The first few verses are recited in poem form. This is followed by a rap song with lyrics in English. The content is the same, extoling the virtues of the empowered woman. She can be delicate when loved but will turn into a fierce tigress when provoked.

 

The translation covers only the Hindi verses.


The Poetic English Translation of the Lyrics of Babbar Sherni

 

Just like a fearless tigress

Of steely accord is she

Sometimes delicate like flowers

And sometimes a whirlwind sword is she


Exhales fire in every breath

Firm like a mountain is she

In an unruly jungle like world

Forest fire fountain is she


Like a rebellious tigress

Of steely accord is she

Sometimes delicate like flowers

And sometimes a whirlwind sword is she

 

She will never stop and will never bend

She’s a wayward gale that will never end

Enemies when confronted by her

Do not find a place to run


Brave woman

Brave woman

Brave woman


The tigress is on the hunt

 

The Original Hindi Lyrics of Babbar Sherni from Mardaani 3

 

Bagi Babbar Sherni Se
Fauladi Taaseer Ki Hai
Phoolon Si Nazuk Kabhi
Kabhi Toofani Shamsheer Bhi Hain


Aag Aag Hai Saanson Mein
Adi Rahein Chattaanon Si
Bheed Ka Jangal Duniya Hai To
Ladi Hai Yeh Angaaron Ki

 

Bagi Babbar Sherni Si
Fauladi Taaseer Ki Hai
Phoolon Se Nazuk Kabhi
Kabhi Toofani Shamsheer Bhi Hain


Ruke Kabhi Na Yeh Jhuke Kabhi
Hai Hawa Malang Na Ruke Kabhi
Dushman Bhi Uske Aage Maange
Kaise Dekho Hai Paani


Mardaani
Mardaani
Mardaani

Hai Sherni Shikaar Par

 

Meanings of Difficult Words

 

Bagi = Rebel

Babbar = Powerful, Fearless

Fauladi = Steely

Taaseer = Character, Effect

Shamsheer = Sword

Ladi = String, Row

Malang = Carefree

Paani Na Maangana = Submit immediately

 

The Literal English Translation of the Lyrics of Babbar Sherni

 

Like a rebel fearless tigress

She is of a steely disposition

Sometimes as delicate as flowers

Sometimes also like a thunderous sword


There is fire in her breath

She is firm like a rock

If the world is a crowded jungle then

She is a string of fire


She will never stop never yield

She is a wayward gale will never stop

How can her enemies

Refuse to surrender immediately

 

Brave Woman

Brave Woman

Brave Woman

 

The tigress is on the hunt

 

Babbar Sherni Fact Sheet

·       Movie: Mardaani 3
·       Singer: Sarthak Kalyani
·       Lyricist: Shruti Shukla
·       Composer: Sarthak Kalyani
·       On Screen: Rani Mukerji
·       Producer: Aditya Chopra (Yash Raj Films)
 
Enjoy the audio of Babbar Sherni. I also have the translation of the Mardaani Anthem (2014) at Bollywood Translations. 
 
Hera are some Rani Mukerji songs you may like.
 
·       Phir Raat Kati
·       Minnat Kare
 
 
Please follow Bollywood Translations and give your feedback in the comments section. Connect with me on X and Instagram @HarshNev. In case you want any song to be translated, whether from Hindi films or otherwise, please mention in the comments.
 
All the translations are my original work. If you quote them, you must acknowledge my name and provide a link to Bollywood Translations.

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Translation of Gulzar Song from O Romeo with Complete Lyrics

 

Paan Ki Dukaan – Translation of Dance Hit Song from O’ Romeo

Meta Description: Paan Ki Dukaan is a dance song by Shahid Kapoor and Disha Patani from Vishal Bhardwaj movie. Enjoy the full lyrics and translation set to the original score.   


Setting the Background for Translating Paan Ki Dukaan

 

Ustara (Shahid Kapoor) and his boys plan to leave India for good. They go to Julie’s (Disha Patani) for one last celebration. The lyrics of Paan Ki Dukaan reflect this situation. Ustara himself is the pigeon that is being released. Kohl is applied to ward off mishaps in his proposed new life and Julie threatens him not to get involved with another woman abroad.


I was attracted to Paan Ki Dukaan because of its vibrant, earthy energy, which it shares with many songs written by Gulzar for films by Vishal Bhardwaj. Beedi Jalaile and “Ibn-E-Batuta” immediately come to mind. The primary difference is one of setting. Rather than the rustic, rural milieu of those songs, this one is rooted in an urban, street-based environment.

 

Such songs often contain words and phrases that either have no stand-alone meaning or whose literal meanings do not neatly align with the context. Gulzar is a master of weaving together colloquial idiom and layered metaphor, blending seeming incongruities into a vivid, rhythmically charged lyrical landscape.

 

In translating Paan Ki Dukaan, I have sought to preserve this vibrancy. Where certain expressions seemed opaque or culturally embedded, I have adapted them to retain their emotional and rhythmic effect rather than adhering strictly to literal meaning. The result is therefore not a purely literal translation in many places, but rather a transcreation that attempts to evoke the spirit and texture of the original. For completeness a literal translation of these words and phrases has been provided in the blog.

 

 

The Poetic English Translation of the Lyrics of Paan Ki Dukaan

  


Aa Hmm Hmm, Aa Hmm Hmm
Aa Hmm Hmm, Hurrr!

 

Romeo in playful mood
From local neighbourhood
Yesterday a pigeon released
Aa Hmm Hmm Hurrr
From the terrace it flew
Over the rooftops too
And Juliet’s attention it seized


Aa Hmm Hmm, Aa Hmm Hmm
Aa Hmm Hmm, Hurrr!

 

Romeo in playful mood
From local neighbourhood
Yesterday a pigeon released
From the terrace it flew
Over the rooftops too
And Juliet’s attention it seized

 


A pure silver ring
The lover did bring
Her heart he wanted in swap
Downstairs is the betel shop
Julie’s house is on the top
Come carefully don’t get caught
La-da La-da Hey-ya Re
Downstairs is the betel shop
Julie’s house is on the top
Come carefully don’t get caught
La-da La-da Hey-ya

 

Downstairs is the betel shop
Julie’s house is on the top
Come carefully don’t get caught
La-da La-da Hey-ya Re
Downstairs is the betel shop
Julie’s house is on the top
Come carefully don’t get caught
La-da La-da Hey-ya
Hey-ya Hey-ya Hey-ya

 

Oh I decorated the balcony just for you
Uncorked a bottle of whisky just for you
Just for you my love yeah
Oh I decorated the balcony just for you
Uncorked a bottle of whisky just for you
They drained it to the final drop
My Julie stood there in shock
Come carefully don’t get caught
La-da La-da Hey-ya Re

 

Downstairs is the betel shop
Julie’s house is on the top
Come carefully don’t get caught
La-da La-da Hey-ya
Downstairs is the betel shop
Julie’s house is on the top
Come carefully don’t get caught
La-da La-da Hey-ya Re

 

Downstairs is the betel shop
Julie’s house is on the top
Come carefully don’t get caught
La-da La-da Hey-ya

 

Ho, I’ll put a kohl dot on you
To ward off evil
Your wife shouldn’t know of us
And never she will
Ho, I’ll put a kohl dot on you
To ward off evil
Your wife shouldn’t know of us
And never she will
When you sail across the sea don’t forget me
If a fairer face you see don’t forget me
Forget me, forget me

 

This precious nose-ring behold, it’s only for you
It’s only for you, it’s only for you
And it has a foil of gold, it’s only for you
This precious nose-ring behold, it’s only for you
And it has a foil of gold, it’s only for you


My gang’s wild and free floating
Like a kite that’s lost its string
An unruly rowdy crop
Raising Cain on the rooftop
Come carefully don’t get caught
La-da La-da Hey-ya
Come quietly don’t get caught
La-da La-da Hey-ya Re
La-da La-da Hey-ya

 

Downstairs is the betel shop
Julie’s house is on the top
Come carefully don’t get caught
La-da La-da Hey-ya
Downstairs is the betel shop
Julie’s house is on the top
Come carefully don’t get caught
La-da La-da Hey-ya Re

 

Downstairs is the betel shop
Julie’s house is on the top
Come carefully don’t get caught
La-da La-da Hey-ya
Downstairs is the betel shop
Julie’s house is on the top
Come carefully don’t get caught
La-da La-da Hey-ya Re

 

The Original Hindi Lyrics of Paan Ki Dukaan from O' Romeo

 

Aa Hmm Hmm, Aa Hmm Hmm
Aa Hmm Hmm, Hurrr!

 

Romeo Ne Masti Mein
Peeche Ki Basti Mein
Kal Jo Kabootar Udayaa
Aa Hmm Hmm Hurrr
Ud Ke Munderon Se
Kacche Baneron Se
Juliet Ki Chhatri Pe Aaya

 

Aa Hmm Hmm, Aa Hmm Hmm
Aa Hmm Hmm, Hurrr!

 

Romeo Ne Masti Mein
Peeche Ki Basti Mein
Kal Jo Kabootar Udaaya
Ud Ke Munderon Se
Kacche Baneron Se
Juliet Ki Chhatri Pe Aaya

 

Chaandi Ka Chhalla
Laaya Hai Balla
Dil Ka Bana Ke Nishaan
Neeche Paan Ki Dukaan
Upar Julie Ka Makaan
Bach Ke Aana Meri Jaan
Tata Tata Thaiya Re
Neeche Paan Ki Dukaan
Upar Julie Ka Makaan
Bach Ke Aana Meri Jaan
Tata Tata Thaiya

 

Neeche Paan Ki Dukaan
Upar Julie Ka Makaan
Bach Ke Aana Meri Jaan
Tata Tata Thaiya Re
Neeche Paan Ki Dukaan
Upar Julie Ka Makaan
Bach Ke Aana Meri Jaan
Tata Tata Thaiya
Thaiya Thaiya Thaiya

 

Oh Maine Chhajja Sajaya Tumhare Liye
Aur Sharbat Banaya Tumhare Liye
Tumhare Liye Haan
Oh Maine Chhajja Sajaya Tumhare Liye
Aur Sharbat Banaya Tumhare Liye
Saare Gatak Gaye Mehmaan
Meri Julie Bhi Hairan
Bachke Aana Meri Jaan,
Tata Tata Thaiya Re

 

Neeche Paan Ki Dukaan
Upar Julie Ka Makaan
Bach Ke Aana Meri Jaan
Tata Tata Thaiya
Neeche Paan Ki Dukaan
Upar Julie Ka Makaan
Bach Ke Aana Meri Jaan
Tata Tata Thaiya Re

Neeche Paan Ki Dukaan
Upar Julie Ka Makaan
Bach Ke Aana Meri Jaan
Tata Tata Thaiya

 

Ho, Aaja Kajal Laga Doon,
Nazar Na Lage
Teri Joroo Ko Koi
Khabar Na Lage
Ho, Aaja Kajal Laga Doon,
Nazar Na Lage
Teri Joroo Ko Koi
Khabar Na Lage
Tu Vilayat Mein Jaake Na Bhool Jaiyo
Humse Gori Mile To Na Bhool Jaiyo
Bhool Jaiyo, Bhool Jaiyo


O Maine Nath Banvai Tumhare Liye
Tumhare Liye, Tumhare Liye
Hai, Aur Panni Lagai Tumhare Liye
O Maine Nath Banvai Tumhare Liye
Aur Panni Lagai Tumhare Liye


Moye Saare Nang Dhadang,
Jaise Panchhi Aur Patang
Leke Ud Gaya Aasmaan,
Sab Mardood, Sab Shaitan
Bach Ke Aana Meri Jaan
Tata Tata Thaiya
Chhup Ke Aana Meri Jaan
Tata Tata Thaiya Re
Tata Tata Thaiya


Neeche Paan Ki Dukaan
Upar Julie Ka Makaan
Bach Ke Aana Meri Jaan
Tata Tata Thaiya
Neeche Paan Ki Dukaan
Upar Julie Ka Makaan
Bach Ke Aana Meri Jaan
Tata Tata Thaiya

 

Neeche Paan Ki Dukaan
Upar Julie Ka Makaan
Bach Ke Aana Meri Jaan
Tata Tata Thaiya
Neeche Paan Ki Dukaan
Upar Julie Ka Makaan
Bach Ke Aana Meri Jaan
Tata Tata Thaiya

 

 

Meanings of Words

 

Masti = Playful mood

Munderon = Parapets  

Kacche = Made of mud

Baneron = Raised surface

Chhatri = Umbrella

Chhalla = Ring, usually without a protruding gemstone

Balla = No meaning, used for rhyming

Tata Tata Thaiya = Denotes unstructured dance

Chhajja = Balcony

Gatak Gaye = Gulped

Hairan = Astonished

Kajal = Kohl

Nazar Na Lage = Evil eye is warded off

Joroo = Wife  

Khabar = News

Vilayat = Abroad

Humse Gori = Fairer than me

Nath = Nose ring

Panni = Foil of gold or silver

Nang Dhadang = Naked (literally), often used as uncouth

Panchhi = Bird

Patang = Kite

Mardood = Exiled

Shaitan = Devil

 

Paan Ki Dukaan Fact Sheet

·       Movie: O’ Romeo
·       Singers: Sukhwinder Singh & Rekha Bhardwaj
·       Lyricist: Gulzar
·       Composer: Vishal Bhardwaj
·       On Screen: Salman Khan & Katrina Kaif
·       Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
·       Producer: Sajid Nadiadwala
 
Enjoy the video of Paan Ki Dukaan.  I have other rustic songs at Bollywood Translations that have been written by Gulzar for Vishal Bhardwaj Films.
 
·       Beedi Jalaile
·       Namak
·       Hamari Atariya
 
 
Please follow Bollywood Translations and give your feedback in the comments section. Connect with me on X and Instagram @HarshNev. In case you want any song to be translated, whether from Hindi films or otherwise, please mention in the comments.
 
All the translations are my original work. If you quote them, you must acknowledge my name and provide a link to Bollywood Translations.

Monday, January 26, 2026

Mitti Ke Bete Translation and Explanation of Border 2 Song

 

Mitti Ke Bete – Lyrical Translation of Border 2 New Hit Song

Meta Description:  Mitti Ke Bete is a Bollywood song written for Border 2. The lyricist is Manoj Muntashir, composer is Mithoon, and singer is Sonu Nigam. Enjoy the translation.

Setting the Background for Translating Mitti Ke Bete

 

Border 2 released on January 23, 2026 to record box office collections. Central to any war epic is the martyrdom of the soldiers on the battlefront. This song is an ode to those sons of Mother India who did not return home. Manoj Muntashir’s lyrics resonate with Kavi Pradeep’s classic kuchh yaad unhe bhi kar lo jo laut ke ghar na aaye, the Bollywood Translation of which can be read here.

 

The poetic translation closely follows the original lyrics and therefore a literal translation is not provided. Instead I will explain certain nuances of the poignant lyrics that may be missed by the casual reader.

 

The Poetic English Translation of the Lyrics of Mitti Ke Bete

 

So wild of heart, so carefree they

So wild of heart, so carefree they

They laughed straight in the face of death

With the nation ensconced in their hearts

They wore the shroud upon their breath

 

When the tricolour we will raise

Their heroics on our minds will blaze

The sons born of the soil those who did not return

Those who did not return the sons born of the soil

Daring and undaunted those who did not return

Those who did not return the sons born of the soil

The sons born of this soil

 

O! sons of the soil

O! sons of the soil

The sons born of this soil

For which our hero Bhagat Singh

Did the hangman’s noose prefer

We have not let that be tarnished

Our pure unstained tricolour

Our pure unstained tricolour

Our pure unstained tricolour

 

Father your pain is yours to bear

Father your pain is yours to bear

My joy knows no bounds I can say

In whose lap I played as a child

He is my pall bearer today

 

When our sons the enemy will face

Their heroics on our minds will blaze

The sons born of the soil those who did not return

Those who did not return the sons born of the soil

Daring and undaunted those who did not return

Those who did not return the sons born of the soil

The sons born of this soil

 

Deceiver you did not tell us

That our buddies you will deceive

The rising sun we called our own

Would set and leave us here to grieve

Would set and leave us here to grieve

Would set and leave us here to grieve

 

And without you from the border

And without you from the border

Broken hearted we all will leave

In your pyre a part of us

Will burn and never be retrieved

When friends meet in joyous embrace

Their heroics on our minds will blaze

The sons born of the soil those who did not return

Those who did not return the sons born of the soil

Daring and undaunted those who did not return

Those who did not return the sons born of the soil

The sons born of this soil

 

There are pains that do not go away

Some in exile will forever roam

We waited for them with baited breath

Alas some Rama’s did not return home

Alas some Rama’s did not return home

Alas some Rama’s did not return home

 

Pour a drink in my name father

Pour a drink in my name father

And sip it when it is rainy

I am no longer in this world

But you can live my youth for me

When the Jana Gana Mana anthem plays

Their heroics on our minds will blaze

The sons born of the soil those who did not return

Those who did not return the sons born of the soil

Daring and undaunted those who did not return

Those who did not return the sons born of the soil

The sons born of this soil

 

 

The Original Hindi Lyrics of Mitti Ke Bete from Border 2

 

Kya Mann Mauji Befikre The
Kya Mann Mauji Befikre The
Maut Pe Apne Hanste The
Dil Mein Watan Ko Rakhne Wale
Sar Pe Kafan Bhi Rakhte The

 

Hum Jo Tiranga Lehrayenge
Hichki Banke Yaad Aayenge
Wo Mitti Ke Bete Jo Wapas Na Laute
Jo Wapas Na Laute Wo Mitti Ke Bete
Wo Banke Albele Jo Wapas Na Laute
Jo Wapas Na Laute Wo Mitti Ke Bete
Is Mitti Ke Bete

O! Mitti Ke Bete
O! Mitti Ke Bete
Is Mitti Ke Bete


Jiske Liye Sardar Hamara
Jhool Gaya Tha Phande Par
Dhool Nahi Lagne Di Humne
Us Bedaag Tirange Par
Us Bedaag Tirange Par
Us Bedaag Tirange Par

 

Tera Dard Tu Jaane Baba
Tera Dard Tu Jaane Baba
Main To Khushi Se Pagal Hoon
Jiski Godi Mein Khela Main
Chala Usi Ke Kandhe Par


Laadle Jab Sarhad Jaayenge
Hichki Banke Yaad Aayenge
Wo Mitti Ke Bete Jo Wapas Na Laute
Jo Wapas Na Laute Wo Mitti Ke Bete
Wo Banke Albele Jo Wapas Na Laute
Jo Wapas Na Laute Wo Mitti Ke Bete
Is Mitti Ke Bete


O Chhaliye Kahan Pata Tha
Tu Yaaron Ko Chhal Jaayega
Jo Chadhta Sooraj Tha Apna
Wo Aise Dhal Jaayega
Wo Aise Dhal Jaayega
Wo Aise Dhal Jaayega


Tere Bin Sarhad Se Hum Bhi
Tere Bin Sarhad Se Hum Bhi
Aadhe-Adhoore Lautenge
Teri Chita Mein Dheere Se
Kuch Apna Bhi Jal Jaayega


Yaar Gale Jab Lag Jaayenge
Hichki Banke Yaad Aayenge
Wo Mitti Ke Bete Jo Wapas Na Laute
Jo Wapas Na Laute Wo Mitti Ke Bete
Wo Banke Albele Jo Wapas Na Laute
Jo Wapas Na Laute Wo Mitti Ke Bete
Is Mitti Ke Bete


Kuchh Dard Kabhi Sote Hi Nahi
Vanvaas Khatam Hote Hi Nahin
Chaukhat Pe Diye Jalte Hi Rahe
Kuchh Rama Kabhi Laute Hi Nahi
Kuchh Rama Kabhi Laute Hi Nahi
Kuchh Rama Kabhi Laute Hi Nahi

 
Mere Naam Ka Pyaala Bhar Ke
Mere Naam Ka Pyaala Bhar Ke
Barsaaton Mein Pee Lena
Baba Main To Raha Nahi
Tu Meri Jawani Jee Lena

Hum Jab Jan Gan Man Gaayenge
Hichki Banke Yaad Aayenge
Wo Mitti Ke Bete Jo Wapas Na Laute
Jo Wapas Na Laute Wo Mitti Ke Bete
Woh Maa Ke Albele Jo Wapas Na Laute
Jo Wapas Na Laute Woh Mitti Ke Bete
Is Mitti Ke Bete

 

Meanings of Difficult Words

 

For some of these words I have not used the perfectly nuanced translations so that I maintain the rhyme, rhythm, and metre of the original. The exact meanings are being provided below.

 

Mann mauji = Self-willed
Befikre = Without a care
Kafan = Shroud
Hichki = Hiccups
Banke = Stylish
Jhool Gaya = Swung
Phanda = Noose
Bedaag = Unstained
Kandha = Shoulder
Laadle = Darlings (used generally for sons or daughters)
Sarhad = Border
Chhaliye = Deceiver
Chita = Funeral pyre
Vanvaas = Exile
Chaukhat = Doorstep 



The Explanation of the Lyrics of Mitti Ke Bete

 

Sar Pe Kafan

 

The literal meaning is wrapping a shroud round the head. This is symbolic of deciding to accomplish a feat or die in the attempt and is a common idiom used for soldiers going to the battlefront.

 

Hichki Banke Yaad Aayenge

 

The belief is that we experience hiccups when someone remembers us. The song turns this around to us remembering the brave hearts whenever we have hiccups.

Mitti Ke Bete

The reference is not to sons of the soil but specifically to sons of the soil of Mother India and there is a difference in the two. Since in the song the reference to Mother India is left unsaid, I have followed suit.


Jiske Liye Sardar Hamara
Jhool Gaya Tha Phande Par


Literally Sardar would refer to chief or a Sikh and the second line to swinging from the hangman’s noose. Putting the two together, this can only refer to the freedom fighter Bhagat Singh who is a hero of all that have taken up arms in defence of the country, represented anachronistically through its flag.

 

Tera Dard Tu Jaane Baba
Main To Khushi Se Pagal Hoon
Jiski Godi Mein Khela Main
Chala Usi Ke Kandhe Par

 

Baba is an affectionate term for father. The biggest tragedy for a father is to be a pall bearer at his son’s funeral. The soul of the martyred soldier acknowledges this but calls it “your problem”. For him the joy of completing his life circle in the lifetime of his father is unparalleled. The song says “played in the father’s lap” but the image in the film shows the child atop his father’s shoulders, which makes the connection even more poignant.   


Kuchh Dard Kabhi Sote Hi Nahi
Vanvaas Khatam Hote Hi Nahin
Chaukhat Pe Diye Jalte Hi Rahe
Kuchh Rama Kabhi Laute Hi Nahi


This is a reference to the epic Ramayana. Rama’s exile was bound to fourteen years. And when the time of his return was due, diyas were lit on every doorstep in Ayodhya to welcome him. In contrast, the ‘exile’ of the soldiers is without end because they sacrificed their lives in the cause of their motherland. Though their family members lit the lamps in expectation of their return, these ‘Ramas’ never came home.

 

 

Mitti Ke Bete Fact Sheet

·       Movie: Border 2
·       Singer: Sonu Nigam
·       Lyricist: Manoj Muntashir
·       Composer: Mithoon   
·       On Screen: Ensemble
·       Producer: J. P. Dutta
 
Enjoy the audio of Mitti Ke Bete from Border 2 and the video of the INS Vikrant performance of this song. You can check out the Bollywood Translation of Ghar Kab Aaoge from the same movie.
 
I have many soulful songs of Sonu Nigam at Bollywood Translations with more in the pipeline.
 
·       Achha Sila Diya
·       Kal Ho Na Ho
 
Please follow Bollywood Translations and give your feedback in the comments section. Connect with me on X and Instagram @HarshNev. In case you want any song to be translated, whether from Hindi films or otherwise, please mention in the comments.
 
All the translations are my original work. If you quote them, you must acknowledge my name and provide a link to Bollywood Translations.