Friday, April 4, 2025

Justaju Jis Ki Thi Translation of Ghazal from Umrao Jaan

 

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."

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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)
·       Singer: Asha Bhosle
·       Lyricist: Shahryar
·       Composer: Khayyam
·       On Screen: Rekha & Farooq Shaikh
·       Director & Producer: Muzaffar Ali
 
Enjoy the video of Justaju Jis Ki Thi.  I have other ghazals from Umrao Jaan (1981) at Bollywood Translations.
 
·       Dil Cheez Kya Hai
·       In Aankhon Ki Masti
 
 
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.

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