Ruaan – Poetic English Translation of Arijit Singh Hit Song

Meta Description: Ruaan is a Bollywood hit song from Salman Khan starrer Tiger 3. This is a background song from the Arijit Singh – Pritam combine. Superimpose my English lyrics on the music of Ruaan and you will get a better fit than any other translation.

The Difficulties in Translating Ruaan Ruaan Ab Tere Naa Likhna

There are several translations of this song Ruaan on the Internet and I could not find any that is even worth a second glance. The most problematic line is the refrain Ruaan Ruaan Ab Tere Naa Likhna. There are two independent issues here and I shall take them up one by one.

· The exact English translation of Ruaan in this context is goosebumps. Ruaan refers to the fine hair on the body that stand up during heightened emotions of ecstasy or fear. Unfortunately, the word goosebumps is totally unromantic and would mar the ethereal quality of the song. So, I have used words like joy and ecstasy to capture the emotions of the protagonist.

· Ab Tere Naa Likhna has been interpreted in two different ways. Some translations have interpreted Naa as Naam, which is name, so the phrase becomes “You are the reason for my ecstasy”. But I ask the question, why has the lyricist used Naa instead of Naam, when using the latter would have no impact on the rhythm or the metre of the song. The only answer I get is that he meant the word Naa in its usual sense of “no”. My interpretation is that since you have given me the ecstasy it is now mine and no longer yours. I will not give it back to you. I have subtly tried to incorporate both points of view.

The Poetic English Translation of the Lyrics of Ruaan

Bewitching glances, languidly beckoning

With your looks you will kill me

Softly in my ear, your whispered sweet nothings

With honey they will fill me

My love runs deep

You’re mine for keeps

My darling, I am sure

The mists we will endure

The joy and ecstasy

That you have given me

Will no longer be your

I have never told you this

It is my heart’s deepest wish

You are mine my dear, won’t let anyone near

To be lost in love is bliss

Are you what you seem to be

I can’t solve this mystery

You are the same, I am the same

But the world looks changed to me

Each time is a season new

You hurt and then heal me too

I want to just gaze at your pretty face

I’m never ever leaving you

You first kindle my heart’s desire

Then you quench the raging fire

My soul feels your allure

I yearn for you even more

The joy and ecstasy

That you have given me

Will no longer be your

The Original Hindi Lyrics of Ruaan from Tiger 3

Harjaai Ankhiyan Alsayi Ankhiyan
Ankhiyon Se Loote Yaar Tu

Baaton Ke Dhaage Mithe Se Laage
Misri Si Toote Yaar Tu

Ishq Gehra Mera
Tujhpe Pehra Mera
Raahon Mein Hai Maana
Dhuaan Hi Dhuaan

Mera Ruaan Ruaan
Mera Ruaan Ruaan
Ab Tere Naa Likhna

Maine Pehle Jo Tujhse Kahi Na
Keh Raha Hai Dil Wahi Na
Haq Bhi Tujhpe Shaq Bhi Tujhpe
Mujhko Toh Sudh-Budh Rahi Na

Tu Jo Dikhe Kya Hai Wahi Na
Dil Mein Uljhan Hai Yahi Na
Tu Wahi Hai Main Wahi Hoon
Par Yeh Duniya Woh Rahi Na

Tu Badal Deti Hai Mausam
Zakhm Tu Hai Tu Hai Marham
Dekh Tujhpe Hi Dobaara
Yaar Mar Jaaun Kahi Na

Aag Sulge Chahton Ki
Raah Mein Sab Rahton Ki
Yaara Hai Tere Nishaan Hi Nishaan

Mera Ruaan Ruaan
Mera Ruaan Ruaan
Ab Tere Naa Likhn

The Literal English Translation of the Lyrics of Ruaan

Unfaithful eyes, Languid eyes
You rob me with your eyes
Threads of our talk appear very sweet
You melt like a sugar cube

My love is deep
It will guard you
I agree that the path is
Filled with smoke

My goosebumps
My goosebumps
Are because of you

Which I have not told you before
My heart wants to express that
I trust you and mistrust you as well
I have lost all my senses

Are you what you appear to be
This thought is bothering me
You are the same I am the same
But the world is not what it was

You change the seasons
You are the ailment and you are the cure
If I see you again
Darling I might die

My desire is aflame
The reliefs that you can provide
Are etched everywhere

My goosebumps
My goosebumps
Are because of you

I do not usually provide literal translations of the Bollywood songs. I am doing so for Ruaan to highlight the loss of poetry that occurs when one tries to closely follow the original meaning. And how the experience of poetry can be enhanced by slightly moving away from the context. If any reader can make changes in my poetic transcreation, bringing it closer to the original without loss of poetry, I will be obliged. I will incorporate the changes giving credit to the reader. Looking forward to your suggestions in the comments.

Bollywood Translations

Thursday, June 27, 2024