English Translation of Masoom Dil Hai Mera from Heeramandi

Meta Description: Masoom Dil Hai Mera is a poignant mujra from the Sanjay Leela Bhansali epic Heeramandi. Read my English transcreation of this song to understand the essence of being a courtesan. Get insights into the comparison between Heeramandi and Pakeezah.

 

The Background of Masoom Dil Hai Mera Mujra from Heeramandi

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s epic series Heeramandi has just debuted on Netflix, captivating audiences with its rich storytelling and intricate characters. In the second episode, the short yet moving mujra Masoom Dil Hai Mera is performed on screen by Lajjo played by the actor Richa Chadha. The lyrics are by A M Turaz and the vocals by Shikha Joshi.

 Masoom Dil Hai Mera is not only a beautifully poignant piece but also pivotal to understanding the essence of being a courtesan. Lajjo’s special patron, Zoravar, ignites her heart, and she dares to dream of a future with him, defying the norms of her profession. She is rudely awakened to reality when she is asked to perform at Zoravar’s wedding to a lady from a respectable aristocratic family. Despite her heartache, Lajjo fulfils her duty, only to be insulted and even slapped by Zoravar. The ensuing confrontation reveals that Zoravar is the illegitimate child of a courtesan who sold to an aristocratic family years earlier.

 Read the original lyrics and the English translation of Masoom Dil Hai Mera against the background of this social hypocrisy. I have used a transcreation approach in which to maintain the essence of the content I have forgone the literal translation.  

 

The Original Lyrics of Masoom Dil Hai Mera

 

Masoom dil hai mera ise tod diya jaye

Rishta gamon se mera ab jod diya jaye

 

Bade naam wale

Badnaam hoon bahut main

Mujhe cchod diya jaye

The English Translation of Masoom Dil Hai Mera from Heeramandi

The realities of life have shattered my naivete.

The men living in mansions are genteel and reputed

While the courtesans they dally with are shrouded in disgrace

To be used for pleasure and then discarded.

Having suffered this fate, I am now wedded to sorrow.

 

Enjoy the official Netflix audio of Masoom Dil Hai Mera

 

Heeramandi Is Inspired by Kamal Amrohi’s Pakeezah

In my English translation of Sakal Ban I pointed out that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been inspired by the classic Bollywood film Pakeezah. The mujra Masoom Dil Hai Mera echoes two well-known mujras from Pakeezah, both based on essential themes discussed earlier. The song Inhi Logon Ne serves as an allegorical commentary a courtesan’s life, which I elaborate on in my Bollywood Translations of Pakeezah. Another mujra from Pakeezah, Aaj Ham Apani Duaaon Ka, features a courtesan performing during the wedding ceremony of a man she loves, though being rejected by his family because of her disgraced profession.

 Heeramandi and Pakeezah have several similarities, including the courtesan milieu, the grandiose sets, and the opulent costumes. However, beyond the surface similarities, Sanjay Leela Bhansali subtly integrates snippets from his inspiration, although under different circumstances. Here are two examples, and please feel free to inform me of any others you discover so I can expand the list:

 ·       Sonakshi Sinha plays the double role of mother and daughter, Rehana and Fareedan, as Meena Kumari did in Pakeezah.

·       Fareedan walks on shattered glass to demonstrate her commitment much like Sahibjaan in Pakeezah

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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