Hum Hain Mataa-e-Koocha-o Lyrics from the Bollywood Film Dastak

Metal Description: Hum hain mataa-e-koocha-o is a ghazal in chaste Urdu written by Majrooh Sultanpuri. Three verses have been used in Rajinder Singh Bedi’s Dastak with music by Madan Mohan and sung by Lata Mangeshkar. Understand the literal translation in English and enjoy the transcreation as poetry.

Before the Translation of Hum Hain Mataa-e-Koocha-o from Urdu

 

Hum hain mataa-e-koocha-o from Dastak is a perfect candidate at Bollywood Translations.

It is one of the more difficult film songs to understand, because it has been penned in chaste Urdu and not in the usual Hindustani which is an amalgam of Urdu and Hindi. And there is a background story here.

 

When Rajinder Singh Bedi decided to make Dastak he approached Majrooh Sultanpuri to write the lyrics. While waiting for Majrooh, Bedi picked up a diary containing the poet’s ghazals and happened to read hum-hain-mataa-e-koocha-o. It was a love at first sight because the very first verse of the ghazal epitomised the central theme of the proposed movie. Majrooh offered to rewrite the ghazal in Hindustani because most Bollywood fans would not understand the original, but Bedi wanted the lyrics as written. He was a filmmaker who did not compromise, not even for his viewers.

 

Bedi ensured that the song was a handcrafted masterpiece. The music was composed by Madan Mohan and rendered in the soulful voice of Lata Mangeshkar. Rehana Sultan played the protagonist to perfection. Dastak performed handsomely at the National Film Awards 1971, winning the Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Music Direction accolades.

 

Hum Hain Mataa-e-Koocha-o As a Ghazal

The metrical structure and the rhyme scheme of a ghazal adheres to tradition, yet its thematic essence varies across its verses. Each stanza of a ghazal is expected to encapsulate a distinct idea, and so it was with Majrooh Sultanpuri's creation. Majrooh has included his name in the last verse as the poet, again as was the practice.

Rajinder Singh Bedi's discerning eye selected three stanzas from the original hum hain mataa-e-koocha-o and skilfully integrated them into the climax scene of Dastak. Those not in the know still believe that the song was custom-crafted for this specific moment. To unravel the profound meaning of hum hain mataa-e-koocha-o, one must delve into the story of Dastak.

Hum Hain Mataa-e-Koocha-o in the Context of Dastak

Hamid and Salma, newlyweds facing the harsh reality of limited housing options, find themselves settling in a flat situated in a red-light district, once occupied by a woman named Shamshad, known to the locals as a prostitute. Salma, unfairly judged and ostracized by the community due to this association, bears the brunt of their prejudice, particularly when Hamid is away at work. Their ordeal reaches a critical juncture when a former patron of Shamshad visits, confessing that his sole pleasure was listening to her sing. In a moment of raw emotion and frustrated by the taunts she has had to bear, Salma retrieves her tanpura and begins to sing hum hain mataa-e-koocha-o.

·       The ghazal’s poignant first verse mirrors Salma's struggle and the societal objectification of women while the patron ogles with lust drooling from his eyes.

·       As the ghazal moves to the second verse, Salma lost in her performance, is oblivious to her husband’s presence, but the viewer sees a jealous rage simmering on Hamid’s face.

·       As the song climaxes in the final verse, Hamid overcome by possessiveness reaches for a knife to stab her. The song ends here but what happens immediately thereafter is relevant.

·       Salma smashes her tanpura against the wall and Hamid drops the knife. Salma apologises for the seeming behavioural lapse and the couple resolve to confront the adversity together.

The Urdu Lyrics and the English Translation

These are the stanzas of hum hain mataa-e-koocha-o that have been included in the movie Dastak, followed by my interpretation. I have not gone for the literal word by word translation but have opted for transcreation of poetry to keep the English lyrics in sync with the events on the screen. See the video of hum hain mataa-e-koocha-o before going ahead.

Hum hain mataa-e-koocha-o-bazaar ki tarah

Uthati hai har nigaah kharidaar ki tarah

I’m like the cheap goods on the street market display

All who look at me wonder what price they’d have to pay

 

Vo to kahin hai aur magar dil ke aas paas

Phirti hai koi shai nigah-e-yaar ki tarah

 

My lover’s elsewhere but it feels as if he’s here

A loving gaze or jealous rage that I can’t say

 

Majrooh likh rahey hain vo ahl-e-wafaa kaa naam

Hum bhi khade huey hain gunahgaar ki tarah

He has always been proud of my fidelity

But I now stand guilty wishing my shame away

 

The Original and Complete Version of Hum Hain Mataa-e-Koocha-o

 

Though this blog is about Bollywood Translations I would like to address the original and complete lyrics of hum hain mataa-e-koocha-o written by Majuru Sultanpuri as a part of his personal poetry writing. See how the interpretation can vary when the movie context is ignored. Read the complete ghazal, understand the key Urdu words and phrases, and then enjoy my transcreation of this sublime poem.

 

Hum hain mataa-e-koocha-o-bazaar ki tarah

Uthati hai har nigaah kharidaar ki tarah

 

Mataa = goods

Koocha = lane

mataa-e-koocha-o-bazaar = goods from the lanes and markets

 

I’m like the cheap goods on the street market display

All who look at me wonder what price they’d have to pay

 

 

Is koo-e-tishnagi mein bahut hai ki ek jaam

Haath aa gayaa hai daulat-e-bedaar ki tarah

 

Koo = lane

Tishnagi = thirst

Bedaar = plentiful

 

One glass of wine would suffice to quench this road thirst

But here I am at the bar with bottles in an array

 

Vo to kahin hai aur magar dil ke aas paas

Phirti hai koi shai nigah-e-yaar ki tarah

 

Shai = thing

 

My lover’s elsewhere but it feels as if he’s here

I can touch his loving gaze be it night or day

 

 

Seedhee hai raah-e-shauq pe yunhi kahin kahin

Khum ho gai hai gesoo-e-dildaar ki tarah

 

Seedhee = straight

Raah e shauq = desired path

Khum = crooked

Gesoo = tresses of hair

 

I thought my desired path would be straight and easy

It twined like my lover’s plait much to my dismay

 

Be-tesha-e-nazar na chalo raah-e-raftagaan

Har naqsh-e-paa buland hai deevaar ki tarah

Be = without

Tesha = wood cutting tool

Raftagaan = past

Naqsh = what has been written

Paa = legs

 

Do not ponder on the past with your bleary eyes

Firmly plant each step ahead build a new today

 

Ab jaa ke kuchh khulaa hunar-e-naakhun-e-junoon

Zakhm-e-jigar huey lab-o-rukhsaar ki tarah

Rukhsaar = cheeks

 

My heart’s wounds now stand exposed like my lips and cheeks

It was a frenzied task to put them on display

 

Majrooh likh rahey hain vo ahl-e-wafaa kaa naam

Hum bhi khade huey hain gunahgaar ki tarah

Ahl e wafaa = loyal person

Majrooh is listing names of those faithful in love

I stand aside guilty wishing my shame away

More on Dastak at Bollywood Translations

 

Dastak was a movie way ahead of its time. If you missed out the first time around you can see it now by clicking the link. Each number in the soundtrack is a song to be cherished. I already have the translation of Mai Ri, and the other numbers will soon be incorporated in Bollywood Translations. Keep tracking this page. Please subscribe to this blog and if you have any requests put them in the comments below.

I have other interests as well and you can check out more blogs.

 

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·       Bharatiya Itihaas

·       Blackjack – Ace the Dealer

·       Ramayana (Hindi)

 

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Explanation of Mai Ri Main Kaase Kahoon the Bollywood Film Dastak

Metal Description: Mai Ri is a Kajari with subtle deviations from the standard format of this folk song. It is from the award-winning film Dastak. Read this Bollywood Translations blog to understand the fine nuances of this popular Hindi film song.

An Overview of the Song Mai Ri from Dastak

Dastak, a National Awards winning cinematic gem that stood ahead of its time, beckons attention for various reasons, particularly its enchanting soundtrack crafted by the legendary Madan Mohan. Each composition within it stands as a testament to his genius, weaving melodies that linger long after the credits roll. Majrooh Sultanpuri, at the pinnacle of his lyrical prowess, adorned these melodies with verses steeped in symbolism and metaphor, elevating poetry to new heights. To fully grasp the depth of these songs is to embark on a journey of nuanced understanding, rendering them perfect candidates for Bollywood Translations.

Today, our focus rests on the soul-stirring Maai Ri Main Kaase Kahoon, poignantly rendered by Lata Mangeshkar. The song incorporates several of the elements from the Kajari genre.  A truncated version of this song in the mellifluous voice of Madan Mohan himself is included in the album.

A mother stands as a woman's closest confidante, uniquely capable of understanding the deepest pains of the heart, having borne the daughter in her womb. This sentiment resonates vividly in many Hindi film songs, epitomized by the timeless classic Mai Re Mai from 'um Aapke Hain Koun. Similarly, in Dastak, the haunting melody of Mai Ri portrays a poignant plea to a mother to share the burden of anguish, for who else but she can provide solace? While traditional Kajaris often feature absent lovers appearing fleetingly in dreams, Mai Ri presents a nuanced twist, depicting the lover's spectral presence as overwhelming yet elusive. When you see the video of the song, you will be affected by the protagonist’s interactions with her sitar. There is another point of departure from the common theme of Kajari. The lover has not gone to a distant land, abandoning the girl. He is her husband who returns from work each night, but during the day the wife is a captive in her home. The song is preceded by a couplet: “Na tadapane ki ijazat hain na fariyaad ki hai; Ghut ke mar jaaun ye marzi mere sayyad ki hai.” I am not allowed to yearn nor complain. My captor decrees that I can only suffocate and die. Like a bird in a gilded cage.

Explaining the Background of Mai Ri Main Kaase Kahoon from Dastak

Let us start with a straightforward interpretation of the concluding verse, because it best explains the situation of the protagonist. She says - Continuously, I feel the phantom of my beloved's presence, yet I am devoid of the pulsating comfort of his embrace. To whom shall I recount the torment of this imagined tryst? Mother, with who but you can I share the agony of being with him but being without him?

Now, we can delve into an analogous elucidation of the initial two verses of the lyrics of Mai Ri. The ethereal essence of my lover stirs my ardour, yet fails to culminate in the consummation of our passion.  I yearn for his tangible presence to envelop and immerse me entirely. I resemble someone parched by the riverside, unable to quench her thirst. I have withered and faded awaiting his return. Mother, I am ready to recount my sorrowful tale to anyone willing to lend an ear.

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The Original Lyrics of Mai Ri from Dastak.

 

Maai Ri…

Main Kaase Kahoon Peer

Apne Jiya Ki

Maai Ri…

 

Os Nayan Ki Unke

Meri Lagi Ko Bujhaye Na

Tanman Bhigo De Aake

Aisi Ghata Koi Chhaye Na

Mohe Baha Le Jaaye

Aisi Lahar Koi Aaye Na

Padi Nadiya

Ke Kinare Main Pyasi

Main Kaase Kahoon Peer

Apne Jiya Ki

Maai Ri

 

 

Pi Ki Dagar Mein Baithe

Maila Hua Ri Mera Aancharaa

Mukhda Hai Pheeka Pheeka

Naino Mein Sohe Nahi Kaajaraa

Koi Jo Dekhe Maiya

Preet Ka Vaase Kahoon Maajraa

Lat Mein Padi Kaisi

Birha Ki Maati

Main Kaase Kahoon Peer

Apne Jiya Ki

Maai Ri

 

Aankhon Mein Chalte Phirte

Roj Mile Piya Baanwre

Baiyaan Ki Chhaiyaan Aake

Milte Nahi Kabhi Saanvre

Dukh Ye Milan Ka Leke

Kaah Karoon Kahan Jaaun Re

Paakar Bhi Nahi

Unko Main Paati

Main Kaase Kahoon Peer

Apne Jiya Ki

Maai Ri

 

Lyrical Translation of Mai Ri from Bollywood Movie Dastak

 

In my translation of the Bollywood song Mai Ri, I have tried to stay with the original metaphors.

 

Mother Dear

To whom should I narrate the pain

Of my soul

Mother Dear

 

The tears from his eyes cannot

Quench my passion

There is no cloudburst here

That will drench my body and soul

There is no deluge

That will sweep me away

I lie on the riverbank

Thirsty

 

To whom should I narrate the pain

Of my soul

Mother Dear

 

Waiting on my lover’s return path

My clothes have become dirty

My face is jaded

And so is the kohl on my eyes

Anyone who sees me in this condition

I want to narrate the misery of my love to him

My tresses

Are caked with the dirt of separation

To whom should I narrate the pain

Of my soul

Mother Dear

 

 

Within my mind’s eye

I meet my tease of a lover everyday

But I never get to experience

The shelter of his arms

The agony of this imagined tryst

What shall I do with it -where can I go

Even though I feel being with him

I am not with him

To whom should I narrate the pain

Of my soul

Mother Dear

 

Mai Ri As A Song of the Kajari Genre

 

Mai Ri undeniably encapsulates the quintessential elements of a Kajari. Foremost among them is the poignant theme of separation, eloquently expressed through the evocative term "Birha" in the second verse. The lyrical language is a fitting dialect of Hindi, preserving the authenticity of the genre. Words to look out for are “lagi” meaning passion and “aancharaa” referring to the traditional upper garment a woman wears.

Traditionally sung during the monsoon, Kajaris often evoke a sense of desire awakened by the allure of rain. However, this song diverges subtly by portraying the protagonist in an existing state of heightened passion, praying for a torrent to cool down her fervour. Of course, the shower of rain would be symbolic of her lover. In keeping with the tradition of Kajaris, where tears can symbolize the emotional downpour of longing, Mai Ri poetically describes tears as dewdrops of the eyes, again seamlessly blending natural imagery with human emotion. Moreover, the absence of Kajal or kohl, a recurring motif in folk songs of this genre, is poignantly depicted with the line "Naino mein sohe nahin kaajaraa," symbolizing the protagonist's bereft state and adding depth to the song's emotive landscape.

The Stark Portrayal Of Mai Ri in the Movie Dastak

By reading the lyrics or listening to the audio you will not comprehend the starkness with which Mai Ri has been portrayed in the black and white movie Dastak. The fire of unsatisfied passion has not been sugar-coated but is projected totally raw. The lady just cannot wait for her lover to return. The visuals racing through her mind are frenzied and even frightening, raising the question whether her actions are morally justified. They take her to the precipice of climax when she is shocked into reality. Living in this small one room tenement every sigh of hers can be heard all around.

Keep tuned to this blog for more Bollywood Translations of songs from the Hindi movie Dastak.

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Translation and Explanation of the Bhojpuri Kajari Kachori Gali

 

 

Meta Description: Kachori Gali is the classic Kajari set in Varanasi and written in Bhojpuri. The lyrics have been attributed to the legendary Gauhar Jaan and the Kajari has been sung by Malini Awasthi. Get more Kajaris explained at Bollywood Translations.

 

The Background and Origins of the Kajari Kachori Gali

 

 

The Kajari Kachori Gali is commonly attributed to the renowned singer Gauhar Jaan. Despite her legendary status, no recordings of this particular song have been found among her extant works. However, delving into the narrative of this Kajari reveals an autobiographical essence, emphasizing the importance of understanding the circumstances it portrays.

Gauhar Jaan's prominence flourished during the early 20th century, a period that coincided with the height of the British Raj in India. She stood out as the wealthiest entertainer of her time, largely due to her pioneering decision to allow her voice to be recorded on the gramophone, a practice shunned by many in her profession. Tragically, her life took a dramatic turn when she became entangled with a younger man who deceived her, leading to the loss of her wealth and ultimately leaving her in destitution.

Kachori Gali is a well-known street in Varanasi. Today people flock there to taste the spicy savouries, but a century ago it was where the courtesans held sway. The courtesan’s lover has fled to Mirzapur and is squandering her wealth on other women, leaving the protagonist desolate and bereft of companionship. The lady is hopeful that the cad will return once the funds run out, as he has done several times in the past. However, the British arrest him for revolutionary activities and transport him for life to Rangoon. She is incurably shattered and begins to wither away. Her anguish is so deep that she desires to kill as many of the foreigners as she can, whom she holds responsible for her misfortune.

Kachori Gali As a Bhojpuri Kajari

 

Kachori Gali possesses enough of the quintessential elements of the Kajari genre to warrant its classification within that tradition. Set in Varanasi and making references to Mirzapur, regions from which the Kajari originated, it aligns geographically with its roots. Additionally, being written in Bhojpuri fulfils another crucial criterion for classification.

The central theme of the Kajari, that of a woman yearning for her absent lover, is unmistakably present in Kachori Gali. While it may lack certain traditional embellishments like mentions of "sawan" (monsoon) and "kajal" (kohl), it is worth noting that a Kajari rarely encompasses all elements simultaneously.

The Original Lyrics of the Kajari Kachori Gali

 

Sejiya pe lotey kaalaa naag ho, Kachori Gali soon keilaa balamoo

Mirjapur bhail guljar ho, Kachori Gali soon keilaa balamoo

 

Ehi Mirjapur se udale jahajia, Saiya chale gail Rangoon ho

Kachori Gali soon keilaa balamoo

 

Panavaa se paatar bhail tor dhaniya, dehiya kalelaa jaise noon ho

Kachori Gali soon keilaa balamoo

 

Manavaa ke bedanaa baid na jaane, kalejvaa mein laagal jaise khoon ho

Kachori Gali soon keilaa balamoo

 

Haathva mein hot jo hamare kataria, bahaa deti goravan ke khoon ho

Kachori Gali soon keilaa balamoo

The Literal Translation of Kachori Gali and the Meaning of the Lyrics

 

This literal translation of the Kajari Kachori Gali will give you an idea of the meanings of Bhojpuri words in the lyrics.

 

A black cobra lies on the bed, my lover has left Kachori Gali desolate

Mirzapur has become a garden, my lover has left Kachori Gali desolate

 

The ship has sailed from that Mirzapur And my lover has gone to Rangoon

My lover has left Kachori Gali desolate

 

Your girl has wither from a green leaf to a dried one, and her body has become like salt

My lover has left Kachori Gali desolate

 

No doctor knows the torment of the mind and my heart seems bloodied

My lover has left Kachori Gali desolate

 

If I had a dagger in my hands I would have spilt the blood of the whites

My lover has left Kachori Gali desolate

 

Some of the idioms will still need to be explained because they could not be used in the final transcreation of Kachori Gali.

 

·       sejiya pe lotey kaalaa naag: There is so much symbolism associated with black cobra that these words can mean practically anything. My interpretation is that if a black cobra is crawling on your bed, it is of no use for sleeping. In the same vein, without a lover there is no use for a bed.

·       Mirjapur bhail guljar:  Now that the lover is in Mirzapur, the town has become a paradise, especially for the women that the lover is patronising.

·       Ehi Mirjapur se udale jahajia: Political prisoners during the British Raj were sent to the jail in Rangoon by ship. “Udale” literally means flying, but since there were no aeroplanes at that time, the obvious reference is to a ship.

·       Panavaa se paatar: “Panavaa” refers to the betel nut leaf which is lush and juicy. “Paatar” refers to dried leaves which are stitched together to make plates. The phrase describes the withering away of the abandoned girl in the absence of her lover.

·       Dehiya kalelaa jaise noon: The lovelorn courtesan has been crying copiuously. The tears that have drenched her body have evaporated leaving behind the salty residue.

·       Manavaa ke bedanaa baid na jaane: This is a poignant pun that raises the lyrical quality of the Kajari. “bedanaa” and “baid na” are pronounced in the same manner. “Bedanaa” means pains, whereas “baid na” refers to the doctor not knowing.

·       Goravan: It means fair skinned and was often used derogatorily for the British.

 

The Poetic Transcreation of the Kajari Kachori Gali

 

There is no one to share my bed with, Kachori Gali is lifeless without my lover

He is philandering with my money in Mirjapur, Kachori Gali is lifeless without him

 

The Brits arrested him in Mirjapur, and transported him for life to Rangoon

Kachori Gali is lifeless without my lover

 

This blossom of yours has withered, her body salted from dried up tears

Kachori Gali is lifeless without my lover

 

No doctor can cure the mind’s torment, and the betrayed bleeding heart

Kachori Gali is lifeless without my lover

 

If only I had a dagger in my hands, I would have spilt the blood of the Brits

Kachori Gali is lifeless without my lover

 

Malini Awasthi Sings the Kajari Kachori Gali

There are several versions of Kachori Gali, sung by various performers. Among them, the rendition by Malini Avasthi stands out as the most popular one. Malini Avasthi is celebrated as a renowned folk singer deeply immersed in the rich tradition and heritage of India's culture. Recognizing her contributions, she has been honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India. Additionally, her Kajari titled "Sawan" has been translated here at Bollywood Translations. I am planning to feature more songs by the versatile Malini Awasthi, so if you are a fan, please stay tuned to this page. In the meantime, enjoy her captivating performance of "Kajol Gali” I have other interests as well and you can check out more blogs.

 

I have other interests as well and you can check out more blogs.

 

·       India My Country

·       Bharatiya Itihaas

·       Blackjack – Ace the Dealer

·       Ramayana (Hindi)

 

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