Justaju Jis Ki Thi – Poetic Translation of Bollywood Ghazal
Meta Description: Justaji Jis Ki Thi is a classic ghazal
from the Bollywood film Umrao Jaan (1981) with Rekha in the title role. Enjoy
the translation set to the original music.
Setting the Background for Translating Justaju Jis Ki Thi
Umrao Jaan was one of
the most celebrated courtesans of her era. Among her many patrons, Nawab Sultan
was the most devoted, and over time, their bond deepened into love. Yet,
succumbing to societal pressures, the Nawab was ultimately forced to marry someone
of his own social standing. In a poignant moment, Umrao Jaan performs Justaju
Jis Ki Thi before the Nawab and his new bride. This exquisitely composed
ghazal is a powerful expression of her sorrow, directed at the Nawab, but to
his wife, it is just another ghazal. This situation has created some of
Bollywood’s most iconic songs, including the timeless Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh.
Umrao Jaan is often
remembered by her full name, Umrao Jaan Adaa. The term “Adaa” in the
final verse of the song is a direct reference to herself, a personal pseudonym,
and should not be mistaken for the common noun meaning "grace."
The Poetic English Translation of the Lyrics of Justaju Jis Ki Thi
The love that I sought, that love
I could not make my own
The love that I sought, that love
I could not make my own
But because of this love the
Entire world I have known
The love that I sought
I have not stained your honour
I have not stained your honour
Nor have brought shame
to myself
To the sanctity
To the sanctity of
love
Respect I have shown
To the sanctity of
love
Respect I have shown
The love that I sought
When did we meet where
did we part ways
When did we meet where
did we part ways
I do not recall
Life I have seen you
Life I have seen you
only
In my dreams I bemoan
Life I have seen you
only
In my dreams I bemoan
The love that I sought
Oh Adaa what
Oh Adaa what else can
I
Portray about my state
The long journey of
life I
The long journey of
life I
Have traversed all
alone
The long journey of
life I
Have traversed all
alone
The love that I sought, that love
I could not make my own
But because of this love the
Entire world I have known
The love that I sought
The Original Hindi Lyrics of Justaju Jis Ki Thi from
Umrao Jaan (1981)
Justaju jis ki thi us ko
To naa paya hum ne
Justaju jis ki thi us ko
To naa paya hum ne
Is bahaane se magar dekh
Li duniyaan hum ne
Justaju jis ki thi
Tujh ko rusawaa naa kiya
Tujh ko rusawaa naa kiya
Khud bhi pashemaan na huye
Ishq ki rasm ko
Ishq ki rasm ko is tarah
Nibhaya hum ne
Ishk ki rasm ko is tarah
Nibhaya hum ne
Justaju jis ki thi
Kab mili thi kaha bichhadi thi
Kab mili thi kaha bichhadi thi
Hame yaad nahi
Zindagi tujh ko to
Zindagi tujh ko to bas
Khwaab mein dekhaa hum ne
Zindagi tujh ko to bas
Khwaab mein dekhaa hum ne
Justaju jis ki thi
Aye adaa aaur
Aye adaa aaur sunaye
Bhi to kya haal apna
Umar kaa lambaa safar
Umar kaa lambaa safar
Tay kiya tanahaa hum ne
Umar kaa lanbaa safar
Tay kiya tanahaa hum ne
Justaju jis ki thi us ko
To naa paya hum ne
Is bahaane se magar
Dekh li duniyaan hum ne
Justaju jis ki thi.
Meanings of Difficult Urdu Words
Justaju = Search
Rusawaa = Defame
Pashemaan = Ashamed
The Literal English Translation of the Lyrics of Justaju Jis Ki Thi
The person that I was
searching for
I could not get
But because of this I saw
The entire world (probably through
intelligent conversations with her lover about various issues)
I did not besmirch your reputation
Nor felt any guilt
This way the rituals of love
I have maintained
When did I meet and where did we part ways
I do not remember
Life I have only
Seen you in my dreams
Oh Adaa what else can I say
About my state
The long journey of live
I have traversed alone
Justaju Jis Ki Thi Fact
Sheet
· Movie: Umrao Jaan (1981)
· In Aankhon Ki Masti
