Lahu Munh Lag Gaya Translation of Holi Song from Ram-Leela

 

Lahu Munh Lag Gaya: Poetic Translation of Ram-Leela Holi Song

Meta Description:  Ram-Leela is a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film based on Romeo and Juliet. Lahu Munh Lag Gaya is a passionate Holi song. Enjoy the poetic translation and explanation.

Setting the Background for Translating Lahu Munh Lag Gaya

 

Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is based on William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The two feuding clans are the Rajadis and the Saneras: Ram (Ranveer Singh) belongs to the Rajadi clan, while Leela (Deepika Padukone) is a Sanera. They have obviously heard of each other, but their first actual encounter takes place during the Saneras’ Holi celebrations, which Ram gate-crashes.

 This happens early in the narrative. Ram and Leela’s first interaction begins as a confrontation: they reject, taunt and tease each other, but a kiss and a wink from Leela suddenly transforms their hostility into flirtation. It is at this moment that Lahu Munh Lag Gaya begins in the background.

Holi is the perfect setting for this encounter. The festival brings colour, sensuality, physical proximity and, above all, a temporary licence to cross boundaries that would ordinarily be unthinkable because of the feud between their families. In this respect, the sequence corresponds closely to the first meeting of Romeo and Juliet at the Capulet ball, which Bhansali is adapting here. The picturisation is particularly effective because the lyrics are in constant dialogue with the gestures, glances and physical movements of the two characters.

 

Translating “Lahu Munh Lag Gaya”

 

The phrase “Lahu munh lag gaya” literally means “blood has touched the mouth” or “blood has been tasted.” Its deeper sense comes from the image of a predator tasting human blood for the first time and thereafter developing an irresistible appetite for it. Here, the metaphor suggests that once Ram has experienced this sudden intimacy with Leela, he is hooked and he can no longer simply walk away from her.

 

My first reaction was that translating the phrase literally would sound too brutal in English, and I toyed with something softer, such as “blame it on the season.” But that would lose something important. The image of blood is deliberately provocative, and the metaphor of blood runs through the song. It conveys the sudden awakening of desire far more powerfully than a conventional romantic expression would.

 

I would therefore be reluctant to soften it too much. If you have a better way of capturing both the sensuality and the slightly dangerous edge of “Lahu munh lag gaya”, please share it in the comments.

 

 
The Poetic English Translation of the Lyrics of Lahu Munh Lag Gaya

 

Glides, glides, the mind glides

Takes wings, longs to be by your side

The mind soars, the feet guide

You they seek to find

Leave the world behind

 

Tasted blood on the tongue

Tasted blood on the tongue

Passions that lay dormant

Now have arisen

O! Tasted blood on the tongue

Dreams that kindle desire

Lips that set them on fire

Dreams that kindle desire

Lips that set them on fire

Gave all the slip through the lips

To the veins one by one

 

O! Tasted blood on the tongue

O! Tasted blood on the tongue

O! Tasted blood on the tongue

 

Eyes roam hither and thither

Carefree free free free

My breath is intertwined with her

Completely lee lee lee

 

Flowing merrily

Glowing steadily

Flowing merrily

Glowing steadily

Captured my heart now I’m undone

 

Through the lips O through the lips

Tasted blood on the tongue

O! Tasted blood on the tongue

Tasted blood on the tongue

 

Passions that lay dormant

Now have arisen

O! Tasted blood on the tongue

Dreams that kindle desire

Lips that set them on fire

Dreams that kindle desire

Lips that set them on fire

Through the lips O through the lips

Tasted blood on the tongue

 

O! Tasted blood on the tongue

O! Tasted blood on the tongue

O! Tasted blood on the tongue

 
The Original Hindi Lyrics of Lahu Munh Lag Gaya from Ram-Leela

 

Ude ude mann ude
Par lage tere sang jude
Mann ude pag badhe
Teri ore badhe
Jag chhod badhe

 

Lahu munh lag gaya
Lahu munh lag gaya
Soya tha nas nas mein
Ab ye jag gaya
Aye lahu munh lag gaya
Labon ke chhoone se
Khwabon ke kone se
Labon ke chhoone se
Khwabon ke kone se
Bachke sab se lab se lab ye
Rag se rag gaya

 

Aye lahu munh lag gaya
Aye lahu munh lag gaya
Aye lahu munh lag gaya

Bhatak rahi hai aankh ye
Malang ang ang ang
Atak gayi hai saans uske
Sang sang sang sang

Kal kal behta tha
Chhal chhal rehta tha
Kal kal behta tha
Chhal chhal rehta tha
Jaan le ke jaane kab gaya

Lab se lab ye lab lab se
Lahu muh lag gaya
Aye lahu munh lag gaya
Lahu mu lag gaya

Soya tha nas nas mein
Ab ye jag gaya
Aye lahu munh lag gaya
Labon ke chhoone se
Khwabon ke kone se
Labon ke chhoone se
Khwabon ke kone se
Lab se lab ye lab lab se
Lahu munh lag gaya

 

Aye lahu munh lag gaya
Aye lahu munh lag gaya
Aye lahu munh lag gaya

 
Meanings of Difficult Words

 
Par lage = Get wings
Pag = Feet
Labon = Lips
Khwabon = Dreams
Rag = Vein
Bhatak = Wander
Malang = Carefree

The Literal English Translation of the Lyrics of Lahu Munh Lag Gaya

 

The mind flies

Gets wings and joins with you

The mind flies the feet move ahead

They move towards you

Leave the world and move

 

The mouth has tasted blood

It (blood) was sleeping in the veins

Now it has woken up

The lips having touched it

From the corner of the dreams

Escaping from all, from the lips

It went from vein to vein

 

This eye is wandering

Carefree

Breath has got stuck with her

Company

It flows with a gurgling sound

It stays sparkling

I don’t know when it took my life and went

 

Lahu Munh Lag Gaya Fact Sheet

·       Movie: Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela
·       Singer: Shadab Faridi
·       Lyricist: Siddarth Garima
·       Composer: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
·       On Screen: Ranveer Singh & Deepika Padukone
·       Director & Producer: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
 
Enjoy the video of Lahu Munh Lag Gaya.  You may want to compare it with the scene from Franco Zeffirilli’s Romeo and Juliet.
 
I have other songs from Goliyon Ki Raasleela at Bollywood Translations with more in the pipeline.
 
·       Ram Chahe Leela
·       Ang Laga De Re
 
 
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.

Iconic Navrang Holi Song Are Ja Re Hat Natkhat Translated

 

Are Ja Re Hat – Poetic Translation of Navrang Best Holi Song

Meta Description: Are Ja Re Hay Natkhat is an iconic Holi dance number from the V Shantaram classic Hindi film Navrang. Enjoy the poetic translation to the original music score.

Setting the Background for Translating Are Ja Re Hat Natkhat

 

Traditionally, Holi is a festive occasion when society implicitly permits a certain level of playful flirting and mischief. The song Are Ja Re Hat Natkhat from the classic Hindi film Navrang captures this dynamic, depicting a playful interaction between a man and a woman during the festival. In the song, the male character argues that since it is Holi, he should be allowed some liberties, while the woman firmly rejects his advances, insisting she will not entertain such behaviour. Released in 1959, this song became the quintessential Holi Bollywood anthem for decades, a staple at celebrations. It wasn't until 1981 that it lost its top spot to Rang Barse from Silsila. A key element in the song's lasting popularity is its unique dance performance by actor Sandhya, who portrays both the male and female characters. She does so by wearing a male mask on the back of her head, a distinctive touch that captured audiences' imaginations and helped cement Are Ja Re Hat Natkhat as an iconic Holi number.

 

Difficulties in Translating Are Ja Re Hat Natkhat

The song Are Ja Re Hat Natkhat derives its energetic tempo from the use of internal rhymes and alliterations, often incorporating single-syllable words. These linguistic elements are deeply embedded in the song's structure, and unfortunately, their full effect cannot be replicated in English. As a result, the rhythmic pulse of the original lines is hard to match. With some transcreation, I have attempted to stay as close as possible to the essence of the original. I welcome any suggestions for improvement in the comments and will acknowledge any contributions that are incorporated.

The Poetic English Translation of the Lyrics of Are Ja Re Hat Natkhat

 

Male:

Swaying playfully to fetch water

With swag and sass moved this lady fair

Sauntered unafraid this pretty milkmaid

Smiling face averted gaze without a care

Krishna threw a pebble on the back of her neck

Held her arms caught her unaware

Sprayed her with colours

Sa ra ra ra ra ra ra ra

The naïve milkmaid said

 

Female:

A ra ra ra ra ra ra ra

Get lost scram you silly flirt

Don’t lay your hand upon my skirt

Today I will hit back with an abusive tirade

Get lost scram you silly flirt

Don’t lay your hand upon my skirt

Today I will hit back with an abusive tirade

Do not dare think of me as a simpleton maid

 

Male:

Sa ra ra ra ra ra ra ra

Holi is now in the air

Colours flying everywhere

You really are an arrogant coquettish maid

But today sweet is your abusive tirade

 

Female:

For you to wet I am not a target

For you to wet I am not a target

My soft body can’t stand the water jet

You stupid idiot I’ll make you regret

You’ve put colour in my eyes I’m upset

Your constant troubling me has spoilt my Holi

At your brazenness I am dismayed

Do not dare think of me as a simpleton maid

 

Get lost scram you silly flirt

Don’t lay your hand upon my skirt

Today I will hit back with an abusive tirade

Do not dare think of me as a simpleton maid

 

Male:

The earth is red and so is the sky

The earth is red and so is the sky

Fair one let the blush of your cheeks fly

Don’t veil your face today don’t feel shy

Dance to your heartbeat your passions don’t deny

Cymbals resound, conchs resound

Drums are beat all around

See the fervour and the joy pervade

But today sweet is your abusive tirade

 

Female:

Get lost scram you silly flirt

Don’t lay your hand upon my skirt

Today I will hit back with an abusive tirade

Do not dare think of me as a simpleton maid

 

The Original Hindi Lyrics of Are Ja Re Hat Natkhat from Navrang

 

Male:

Atak atak jhatapat panaghat par

Chatak matak ek naar naweli

Gori gori gwaalan ki chhori chali

Chori chori mukh mori mori muskaaye alabeli

Kankari gale men maari kankari kanhaiya ne

Pakari baah aur ki atakheli

Bhari pichakaari maari

Sa ra ra ra ra ra ra ra

Bholi panihaari boli

 

Female:

A ra ra ra ra ra ra ra

Are ja re hat natakhat

Na chhu re mera ghunghat

Palat ke dungi aaj tujhe gaali re

Are ja re hat natakhat

Na chhu re mera ghunghat

Palat ke dungi aaj tujhe gaali re

Mujhe samajho na tum bholi bhali re

 

Male:

Sa ra ra ra ra ra ra ra

Aya holi ka tyauhaar

Ude rang ki bauchhaar

Tu hai naar nakharedaar matawaali re

Aaj meethhi lage hai teri gaali re

 

Female:

Tak tak na maar pichakaari ki dhaar

Tak tak na maar pichakaari ki dhaar

Komal badan sah sake na ye maar

Tu hai anaadi bada hi ganwaar

Kajare men tune abir diya daar

Teri jhakajhori se baaj ayi hori se

Chor teri chori niraali re

Mujhe samajho na tum bholi bhali re

 

Are ja re hat natakhat

Na chhu re mera ghunghat

Palat ke dungi aaj tujhe gaali re

Mujhe samajho na tum bholi bhali re

 

Male:

Dharati hai laal aaj ambar hai laal

Dharati hai laal aaj ambar hai laal

Udne de gori gaalon ka gulaal

Mat laaj ka aaj ghunghat nikaal

De dil ki dhadkan pe dhinak dhinak taal

Jhaanjh baje, shankh baje

Sang men mridang baje

Ang men umang khushiyaali re

Aj meethhi lage hai teri gaali re

 

Female:

Are ja re hat natakhat

Na chhu re mera ghunghat

Palat ke dungi aaj tujhe gaali re

Mujhe samajho na tum bholi bhali re

 

Meanings of Difficult Words

Panaghat = Jetty on the river where water pots are filled

Chatak matak = In a coquettish manner

Naar naweli = Female just entering womanhood

Atakheli = Playful teasing

Pichkaari = Water gun used in Holi

Panihaari = Woman come to fetch water

Bholi bhali = Simple

Ghunghat = Part of the garment used to cover the head

Bauchhaar = Spray

Nakharedaar = Coquettish

Matawaali = Carefree

Tak tak = Sneaking a peek

Abir = A white coloured powder used in Holi

Jhakajhori = Pestering

Baaj ayi = Gave up

Ambar = Sky  

Jhaanjh = Cymbal

Shankh = Conch shell

Mridang = A type of drum

Umang = Enthusiasm

Khushiyaali = Happiness

 

The Literal English Translation of the Lyrics of Are Ja Re Hat Natkhat

 

Male

She hastened to the panaghat

In a coquettish manner one nubile lass

The fair girl of the cowherd went

Furtively with averted gaze smiling without a care

Krishna hit her on the neck with a pebble

Held her by the arms and began to tease her

He released coloured water from the pichakaari

The naïve panihaari said

 

Female

Go away move you tease

Do not touch my ghunghat

I will turn around and abuse you

Do not consider me as a simple girl

 

Male

The festival of Holi is here

Colours are being sprayed all over

You are a coquettish carefree lady

Today even your abuses are sweet

 

Female

Do not peek at me and spray me with colours

My delicate body cannot bear this force

You are an ignorant idiot

Who has flung abir in my kohl

Because of your pestering I have given up Holi

You are a unique thief (trying to steal my heart instead of valuables)

 

Male

The earth is red today and the sky is red

Let the redness of your cheeks fly away (do not blush at my teasing)

Do not cover your face in shyness

Let your heart beat become the beat of the music

Cymbals resound, conch shells resound

Accompanied by drums

Every limb is filled with exuberance and happiness

 

Are Ja Re Hat Natkhat Fact Sheet

·       Movie: Navrang
·       Singers: Asha Bhosle & Mahendra Kapoor
·       Lyricist: Bharat Vyas
·       Composer: C Ramchandra
·       On Screen: Sandhya & Mahipal
·       Director: V Shantaram
 
Enjoy the video of Are Ja Re Hat Natkhat. Check out the translation of the other iconic Bollywood Holi song Rang Barse.  
 
 
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.