Nigahen Milane Ko Translation of Lyrics of Bollywood Qawwali

 

Nigahen Milane Ko: Qawwali Lyrics Translated and Explained

Meta Description:  Nigahen Milane Ko features in the top ten Bollywood qawwalis in most lists. The song is from the 1963 Hindi film Dil Hi To Hai. Enjoy the karaoke translation.

Setting the Background for Translating Nigahen Milane Ko Ji Chaahata Hai

The qawwali has been a beloved genre in Bollywood films since the industry's inception, with numerous "top ten" lists compiled over the years. Nigahen Milane Ko consistently features on nearly all of them. In this iconic performance, Nutan sings the qawwali while surrounded by a troupe of female dancers. A very young Saroj Khan, who would go on to become one of Bollywood's most renowned choreographers, can be spotted among the dancers. If you're able to identify her, let me know in the comments! Also in the audience, in disguise, are Raj Kapoor and Pran, two of the era's most prominent stars.

 

Lyrically, Nigahen Milane Ko is primarily structured as a ghazal, except for one verse. In my previous translations of ghazals, I have not always retained the "radif" (the recurring refrain at the end of specific lines). However, in the context of this qawwali, the radif plays a vital role, particularly when the ghazal is performed in such a traditional form. As a result, I’ve translated the phrase “ji chaahata hai” as “is my heart’s desire” and kept it intact in the relevant lines. Additionally, unlike my earlier qawwali translations, I’ve chosen to preserve the repetitions of lines and phrases here, which made the translation a bit more challenging.

The Poetic English Translation of the Lyrics of Ruaan

 

A secret I’ve been hiding, shall I reveal it or not

In my heart he’s residing, shall I reveal it or not

… shall I reveal it or not

 

 

To bask in my lover’s gaze is my heart’s desire

To bask in my lover’s gaze is my heart’s desire

O, to bask in my lover’s gaze is my heart’s desire

My life and soul to erase is my heart’s desire

Life and soul to erase-to erase is my heart’s desire, is my heart’s desire

 

The ordeal that is known as love in this world

The ordeal that is known as love in this world, known as love in this world

The ordeal that is known as love in this world

That ordeal to embrace is my heart’s desire

That ordeal to embrace is my heart’s desire

That ordeal to embrace-to embrace is my heart’s desire, is my heart’s desire

 

Now that I’ve tasted his pampering and pleading

Now that I’ve tasted his pampering and pleading, pampering pleading

Now that I’ve tasted his pampering and pleading

To sulk until he prays is my heart’s desire

To sulk until he prays is my heart’s desire

My sulking till he prays is my heart’s desire

My life and soul to erase is my heart’s desire

 

His beauty is hidden and also is manifest

His beauty is hidden and also is manifest, also manifest

His beauty is hidden and also is manifest

To embezzle that grace is my heart’s desire

To embezzle that grace is my heart’s desire

To embezzle that grace-that grace is my heart’s desire, is my heart’s desire

 

To embezzle that grace is my heart’s desire

To embezzle that grace is my heart’s desire

 

The very second that my eyes feasted on your beauty

That very second the joy of love blossomed within me

The day I was enraptured by your radiant moon-like face

The day I was enraptured by your radiant moon-like face

Whether Id or not, it was a day of festivity

Aahi, Whether Id or not, it was a day of festivity

His beauty is hidden and also is manifest

To embezzle that grace is my heart’s desire

To embezzle that grace is my heart’s desire

 

ti-re-mi

mi-re-mi-ti-re-fa

fa-mi-fa-ti-re-mi

mi-re-mi-ti-mi-re re-mi

mi-fa, fa-la-ti

do-do-ti-ti-la-la-so-so-mi-re

do-ti-la-sofa-mi-re

ti-la-so-fa-mi-re-do-ti-re-mi

 

Send me a message where we can meet

To come alone to that place is my heart’s desire

Then to stay with you always is my heart’s desire

Then to stay with you always is my heart’s desire, is my heart’s desire

To bask in my lover’s gaze is my heart’s desire

To bask in my lover’s gaze is my heart’s desire

 

The Original Hindi Lyrics of Nigahen Milane Ko from Dil Hi To Hai (1963)

 

Raaz ki baat hai mehfil mein kahein ya na kahein

Bas gaya hai koi is dil mein kahein ya na kahein

… kahein ya na kahein

 

Nigahen milane ko ji chaahata hai

Nigahen milane ko ji chaahata hai

O, nigahen milane ko ji chaahata hai

Dil-o-jaan lutaaney ko ji (ji chaahata hai)

(dil-o-jaan lutaaney-lutaaney ko ji chaahata hai, ji chaahata hai)

 

Wo tohmat jise ishq kehti hai duniya

Wo tohmat jise ishq kehti hai duniya, kehtee hai duniyaa

Wo tohmat jise ishq kehti hai duniya

Wo tohmat uthaane ko ji chaahata hai

Wo tohmat uthaane ko ji chaahata hai

(wo tohmat uthaane-uthaane ko ji chaahata hai, ji chaahata hai)

 

Kisi ke manaane mein lazzat vo pai

Kisi ke manaane mein lazzat vo pai, lazzat vo pai

Kisi ke manaane mein lazzat vo pai

Ke phir rooth jaane ko ji chaahata hai

Ke phir rooth jaane ko ji chaahata hai

Mera rooth jaane ko ji chaahata hai

(dil-o-jaan lutaaney ko ji chaahata hai)

 

Wo jalawa jo ojhal bhi hai saamane bhi

Wo jalawa jo ojhal bhi hai saamane bhi, hai saamane bhi

Wo jalawa jo ojhal bhi hai saamane bhi

Wo jalawa churaane ko ji chaahata hai

Wo jalawa churaane ko ji chaahata hai

(Wo jalawa churaane-churaane ko ji chaahata hai, ji chaahata hai)

 

(Wo jalawa churaane ko ji chaahata hai

Wo jalawa churaane ko ji chaahata hai)

 

O, jis ghadi meri nigaahon ko teri deed hui

Wo ghadi mere liye aish ki tamaheed hui

Jab kabhi maine tera chaand sa chehara dekha

Jab kabhi maine tera chaand sa chehara dekha

Id ho ya ki na ho, mere liye Id hui

(aahi, Id ho ya ki na ho, mere liye Id hui)

 

Wo jalawa jo ojhal bhi hai saamane bhi

(Wo jalawa churaane ko ji chaahata hai

Wo jalawa churaane ko ji chaahata hai)

 

ni re ga

ga re ga ni re m

m ga m ni re ga

ga re ga ni ga re

re ga ga m m dha ni

sa sa ni ni dha dha pa pa ga re

sa-ni-dha-pa-m-ga-re

ni-dha-pa-m-ga-re-sa-ni-re-ga

 

Mulaaqaat ka koyi paigaam dije

Ki chhup-chhup ke aane ko ji chaahata hai

Aur aake na jaane ko ji chaahata hai

Aur aake na jaane ko ji chaahata hai, ji chaahata hai

(Nigahen milane ko ji chaahata hai

Nigahen milane ko ji chaahata hai)

 

The Meaning of Urdu Words from the Lyrics of Nigahen Milane Ko Ji Chahata Hai

 

Tohmat = Accusation (literally), Ordeal (in context)

Lazzat = Taste

Rooth jaana = Sulk

Jalawa = Show of beauty

Ojhal = Hidden

Deed hona = To see

Aish = enjoyment

Tamaheed = Introduction, Beginning (in context)

Id = Festival celebrated after sighting of the moon

Paigaam = Message

 

Nigahen Milane Ko Ji Chaahata Hai Fact Sheet

·       Movie: Dil Hi To Hai (1963)
·       Singer: Asha Bhosle
·       Lyricist: Sahir Ludhianvi
·       Composer: Roshan
·       On Screen: Nutan & Raj Kapoor
 
Enjoy the video of Nigahen Milane Ko.  Another Bollywood Qawwali that features in most top ten lists is Na To Caravan Ki Talash Hai.

NEW: See Rekha perform Nigahen Milane Ko on stage.
 
 
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.

Aaj Sajan Mohe Lyrics from Pyaasa Translated and Explained

 

Aaj Sajan Mohe ang Lagaa Lo – Translation and Explanation  

Meta Description:  Aaj Sajan Mohe Ang Laga Lo is a Bollywood classic song from Guru Dutt’s Pyaasa.  Understand the meaning and enjoy the transcreation set to the original music.

Setting the Background for Aaj Sajan Mohe Ang Laga Lo

 

On screen, the song projects a group of ascetics, with the woman at the centre singing passionately. Radha implores Krishna to take her into his embrace and relieve her of the spiritual agony she suffers from their separation. As Gulabo listens to this plaintive expression of longing, she experiences a similar torment, but on an earthly plane. Gulabo is in love with Vijay, yet unable to voice her feelings, paralyzed by the fear of rejection due to her status as a prostitute. The lyrics resonate on both the divine and earthly levels, creating a parallel between the female ascetic and Gulabo.

 

In another cult classic, Khamoshi, a song with a strikingly similar theme is featured. Hum Ne Dekhi Hai plays on the radio of a taxi, where the lovelorn protagonist, a woman traveling alone, is caught in the melancholy of unrequited love. The lyrics, once again, mirror her heartache, much like in Aaj Sajan Mohe Ang Laga Lo from Pyaasa. Both roles were performed by the legendary Waheeda Rehman, whose portrayal of longing and silent suffering remains iconic in both films.

 

 

The English Translation of the Lyrics of Aaj Sajan Mohe Ang Laga Lo

 

Dear friend, enduring pangs of separation when Radha was in a swoon

Then one day she went to her heart throb and asked for this boon

 

My love now take me in your embrace my life’s desires be fulfilled

My love now take me in your embrace my life’s desires be fulfilled

The ache of my heart, burning body, everything be stilled

My love now take me in your embrace my life’s desires be fulfilled

 

Please listen to the cries of my forsaken eyes

Please listen to the cries of my forsaken eyes

There can be no paradise without you

All my happiness flies

All my happiness flies and misfortune arrives

Only loneliness survives without you

 

Nectar of love, O my sweet beloved, sweet beloved

Nectar of love shower without end till the whole world gets filled

My love now take me in your embrace my life’s desires be fulfilled

 

Make me your very own

Make me your very own, I am all alone

To you life after life I succumb

Make me your very own, I am all alone

To you life after life I succumb

Please quench my desire, demon destroyer^*

Quench my desire, demon destroyer

Quench my desire, demon destroyer

Every pore of my being is numb

 

Nectar of love, O my sweet beloved, sweet beloved

Nectar of love shower without end till the whole world gets filled

My love now take me in your embrace my life’s desires be fulfilled

The ache of my heart, burning body, everything be stilled

My love now take me in your embrace my life’s desires be fulfilled

 

 

* Krishna is referred to as a destroyer of Demons in Hindu scriptures

The Original Hindi Lyrics of Aaj Sajan Mohe Ang Laga Lo from Pyaasa

 

Sakhi ri, biraha ke dukhade sah sahakar jab Raadhe besudh ho li

To ekadin apane Manamohan se ja kar yun boli

 

Aaj sajan mohe ang laga lo janam safal ho jaae

Aaj sajan mohe ang laga lo janam safal ho jaae

Hriday ki pida, deh ki agani, sab sheetal ho jaae

Aaj sajan mohe ang laga lo janam safal ho jaae

 

Kai jugon se hain jaage, more nain abhaage

Kai jugon se hain jaage, more nain abhaage

Kahin jiya nahin laage bin tore

Sukh dikhe nahin aage,

Sukh dikhe nahin aage duhkh pichhe-pichhe bhaage

Jag suna suna laage bin tore

 

Prem sudha, more saanwariya, saanwariya

Prem sudha, itani barasa do, jag jal-thal ho jaae

Aaj sajan mohe ang laga lo janam safal ho jaae

 

Mohe apana bana lo

Mohe apana bana lo, mori baanh pakad, main hun janam-janam ki daasi

Mohe apana bana lo, mori baanh pakad, main hun janam-janam ki daasi

Mori pyaas bujha do, manahar giridhar

Pyaas bujha do, manahar giridhar,

Pyaas bujha do, manahar giridhar,

Main hun antarghat tak pyaasi

 

Prem sudha, more saanwariya, saanwariya

Prem sudha, itani barasa do, jag jal-thal ho jaae

Aaj sajan mohe ang laga lo janam safal ho jaae

Hriday ki pida, deh ki agani, sab sheetal ho jaae

Aaj sajan mohe ang laga lo janam safal ho jaae

 

Meanings of difficult Hindi words

 

biraha ke dukhade = pangs of separation

besudh ho li = in a swoon

Manamohan = A name for Krishna, literally a charmer of minds  

prem sudha = nectar of love

saanwariya = lover

jag jal-thal ho jaae = the earth gets inundated

Manahar = A name for Krishna, literally a stealer of minds  

Giridhar = A name for Krishna based on his lifting the Govardhan hill

Antarghat = the innermost core of one’s being

 

The Literal English Translation of the Lyrics of Aaj Sajan Mohe Ang Laga Lo

 

Sakhi ri, biraha ke dukhade sah sahakar jab Raadhe besudh ho li

When Radha swooned after enduring the pangs of separation

 

To ekadin apane Manamohan se ja kar yun boli

Then one day she approached her Krishna and spoke thus

 

Aaj sajan mohe ang laga lo janam safal ho jaae

Today my love, embrace me so that my life’s mission be accomplished

 

Hriday ki pida, deh ki agani, sab sheetal ho jaae

The ache in my heart and the fire in my body both get pacified

 

Kai jugon se hain jaage, more nain abhaage

My unfortunate eyes have been awake since ages

 

Kahin jiya nahin laage bin tore

I do not find pleasure anywhere without you

 

Sukh dikhe nahin aage duhkh pichhe-pichhe bhaage

I cannot see happiness ahead and sadness chases me

 

Jag suna suna laage bin tore

The world is desolate without you

 

Prem sudha, itani barasa do, jag jal-thal ho jaae

Shower so much nectar of love that the earth gets inundated

 

Mohe apana bana lo, mori baanh pakad, main hun janam-janam ki daasi

Make me your own, hold my arms I am your slave life after life

 

Mori pyaas bujha do, manahar giridhar

Quench my thirst, Manhar, Giridhar

 

Main hun antarghat tak pyaasi

I am thirsty till the core of my being

 

Aaj Sajan Mohe Ang Laga Lo Fact Sheet

·       Movie: Pyaasa
·       Singer: Geeta Dutt
·       Lyricist: Sahir Ludhianvi
·       Composer: Sachin Dev Burman
·       On Screen: Waheeda Rehman & Guru Dutt
·       Director & Producer: Guru Dutt
 
Enjoy the video of Aaj Sajan Mohe Ang Laga Lo. Check out the translation of Jaane Kya Tune Kahi, another cult song from Pyaasa.
 
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.

Jaane Kya Tune Kahi from Pyaasa Translated and Explained

 

Jaane Kya Tune Kahi – Translation of Hit Song by Geeta Dutt

Meta Description:  Jaane Kya Tune Kahi is a Bollywood hit song from Guru Dutt movie Pyaasa. Enjoy the Geeta Dutt, S. D. Burman and Sahir Ludhianvi creation explained in English.

Setting the Background for Jaane Kya Tune Kahi

A destitute poet overhears a lady reciting a couplet and approaches her, curious about how she came upon his unpublished verse. The woman, a prostitute, perceives him as a potential customer and begins her solicitation in the form of a song, Jaane Kya Tune Kahi.
While the scene strays from reality, Sahir Ludhianvi’s lyrics possess a subtlety that makes the invitation to the encounter barely discernible. Pyaasa, released in 1957, needed to adhere to the sensibilities of its time. My English translation is slightly more direct, though still nuanced. I’ve included the verse in question before the song.

The Poetic English Translation of the Lyrics of Jaane Kya Tune Kahi

 

You have no right to complain about my bold glances

When you keep staring at me lovingly

 

Doesn’t matter what you said

Doesn’t matter what I heard

Because we have a deal

 

Doesn’t matter what you said

Doesn’t matter what I heard

Because we have a deal

Doesn’t matter what you said

 

Shiver of enticement

Flutter excitement

Shiver of enticement

Flutter excitement

Rising desires you feel

Because we have a deal

 

Doesn’t matter what you said

Doesn’t matter what I heard

Because we have a deal

Doesn’t matter what you said

 

What’s with the lowered gaze

Why walk with halting pace

What’s with the lowered gaze

Why walk with halting pace

Come on with renewed zeal

Because we have a deal

 

Doesn’t matter what you said

Doesn’t matter what I heard

Because we have a deal

Doesn’t matter what you said

 

Tresses on shoulders bare

My fragrance in the air

Tresses on shoulders bare

My fragrance in the air

Secrets I will reveal

Because we have a deal

 

Doesn’t matter what you said

Doesn’t matter what I heard

Because we have a deal

 

Doesn’t matter what you said

Doesn’t matter what I heard

Because we have a deal

Doesn’t matter what you said

  

The Original Hindi Lyrics of Jaane Kya Tune Kahi from Pyaasa

 

Phir na keeje meri gustaakh nigahi ka gilaah
Dekhiye aap ne phir pyar se dekha mujhko 

 

Jaane kya tune kahi

Jaane kya maine suni

Baat kuchh ban hi gai

 

Jaane kya tune kahi

Jaane kya maine suni

Baat kuchh ban hi gai

Jaane kya tune kahi

 

Sanasanaahat si hui

Tharatharaahat si hui

Sanasanaahat si hui

Tharatharaahat si hui

Jaag uthhe khwaab kai

Baat kuchh ban hi gai

 

Jaane kya tune kahi

Jaane kya maine suni

Baat kuchh ban hi gai

Jaane kya tune kahi

 

Nain jhuk jhuk ke uthhe

Paanw ruk ruk ke uthhe

Nain jhuk jhuk ke uthhe

Paanw ruk ruk ke uthhe

Aa gayi chaal nai

Baat kuchh ban hi gai

 

Jaane kya tune kahi

Jaane kya maine suni

Baat kuchh ban hi gai

Jaane kya tune kahi

 

Zulf shaane pe mudi

Ek khushabu si udi

Zulf shaane pe mudi

Ek khushabu si udi

Khul gaye raaz kai

Baat kuchh ban hi gai

 

Jaane kya tune kahi

Jaane kya maine suni

Baat kuchh ban hi gai

 

Jaane kya tune kahi

Jaane kya maine suni

Baat kuchh ban hi gai

Jaane kya tune kahi

 

 

Meanings of Urdu words

 

Gustaakh = Insolent, Bold

Gilaah = Complaint

Shaana = Shoulder

 

Jaane Kya Tune Kahi Fact Sheet

·       Movie: Pyaasa
·       Singer: Geeta Dutt
·       Lyricist: Sahir Ludhianvi
·       Composer: Sachin Dev Burman
·       On Screen: Waheeda Rehman & Guru Dutt
·       Director & Producer: Guru Dutt
 
Enjoy the video of Jaane Kya Tune Kahi.  I have other Waheeda Rehman hit songs at Bollywood Translations with more in the pipeline.
·       Humne Dekhi Hai – Khamoshi
·       Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai – Guide
·       Waqt Ne Kiya – Kaagaz Ke Phool
 
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.