English Translation of Saiyaan Hatto Jaao from Heeramandi

Meta Description: Saiyaan Hatto Jaao is a mujra song from the OTT Netflix serial Heeramandi. Understand the meaning of the lyrics through English translation of this song featuring Aditi Rao Hydari. Listen to other Bollywood songs with common theme.   

Background to the English Translation of Saiyaan Hatto Jaao

Bibbojaan (played by Aditi Rao Hydari) is the main bread-winner of Heeramandi and Saiyaan Hatto Jaao is a private mujra she performs for Wali (played by Fardeen Khan). Contrary to the lyrics, it is Bibbo that wants to continue with the tryst at the end of the song, but Wali must leave. The lyricist of Saiyaan Hatto Jaao is A M Turaz and the singer is Barnali Ganguly.

 

The Meaning of the Lyrics of Saiyaan Hatto Jaao from Heeramandi

The female protagonist in the Heeramandi mujra is a married woman (reference to her mother-in-law and sister-i-law) in an adulterous relationship and wants to return home before dawn lest she be missed. “Tum bade voh ho” is a phrase in the refrain that literally means you are very much like that. This phrase is used to describe a lover who insists on sexual intimacy and was made popular in the Bollywood song from Himalay Ki God Mein. I have used the word flirt in the English translation. Aditi Rap Hydari’s coquettish gestures in the song, particularly in this line, are a treat to watch.

 

The Original Hindi Lyrics of Saiyaan Hatto Jaao

 

Saiyaan hatto jaao

Tum bade voh ho

 

Raat beeti jaaye, din chadh aaye

Ib ghar jaane to do

O saiyaan hatto jaao …..

 

Saas nanad aur sakhiyaan bairi

Poochhengi raat kahaan thi thehri

Laaj sharam se mar jaaoongi main

O saiyaan hatto jaao ….

 

Bhed jiya ka sab kholega

Subah papiha jab bolega

Laaj sharam se mar jaaoongi main

O saiyaan hatto jaao ….

 

Raat beeti jaaye, din chadh aaye

Ib ghar jaane to do

O saiyaan hatto jaao …..

 

The English Translation of Saiyaan Hatto Jaao

 

Darling, give me some respite

And no more flirting for tonight

 

 

The night has all but gone

And soon it will be dawn

I must get home before morn

 

Darling, give me some respite

And no more flirting for tonight

 

 

 

Intrigued by my crumpled attire

My in-laws and friends will inquire

Where in the night did I retire

 

Darling, give me some respite

And no more flirting for tonight

 

 

The songbird will witness our love play

And spill the secrets at the break of day

In my shame I’ll have nothing to say

 

Darling, give me some respite

And no more flirting for tonight

 

The night has all but gone

And soon it will be dawn

I must get home before morn

Darling, give me some respite

And no more flirting for tonight

 

A Common Theme in Bollywood Songs

 

The heroine wanting to return home while the hero wants to prolong the togetherness is a common theme in Bollywood songs. Saiyaan Hatto Jaao belongs to this genre of Hindi film songs and you may want to check out these classic Bollywood numbers.

 

·       Jadugar Saiyan from Nagin

·       Abhi Na Jaao Chhod Kar from Hum Dono

·       Accha To Hum Chalte Hain from Aan Milo Sajna

·       Dhal Gaya Din from Humjoli

If you can recall any others, please let me know and I will add to the list giving you credit for the information.

 

Enjoy the official Netflix audio of Saiyaan Hatto Jaao

 

I have other interests as well and you can check out more blogs.

 

·       India My Country

·       Bharatiya Itihaas

·       Blackjack – Ace the Dealer

·       Ramayana (Hindi)

 

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English Translation of Tilasmi Bahein from Heeramandi

 

English Translation of Tilasmi Bahein from Heeramandi

Meta Description: Bollywood Translations features the item number Tilasmi Bahein from Heeramandi. The English translation preserves the tenor and the meaning of the song. Enjoy the official video from Netflix.  

The Meaning of Tilasmi Bahein in English

Translating Tilasmi Bahein into English required a degree of alertness. The Heeramandi song is an out and out Bollywood item number, and therefore seems out of place in the aristocratic period milieu of the Netflix movie. Actor Sonakshi Sinha oozes oomph in several Hindi film item songs and it is no different in Tilasmi Bahein. For the record, the provocative lyrics of Tilasmi Bahein are by Am Turaz and the sensuous singer is Sharmistha Chatterjee.

 

The word tilasmi literally translates as magical, but in this Heeramandi song the use of enticing is more appropriate. I have maintained the fast-paced tempo created by Sanjay Leela Bhansali through the use of short phrases. Am Turaz has exhibited grace in describing sexual desire through use of idiomatic language. Since literal translation does not work with this, you will find my translation giving more direct expression.

 

The Original Lyrics of Tilasmi Bahein

Tilasmi Bahein Thame Katoon Main Dil Ki Shaamein

Bhar De Aa Chand Ki Chandi Sone Jaise Tan Mein Laake

 

Khaiya Khaiya Khaiya
Haan Kasme Khaiya Khaiya Khaiya

Haan Kasme Khaiya Khaiya Khaiya

Chalka Jaaye Jism Se Makhmali Nasha
Karde Khali Pi Pi Ke Pyala Ye Bhara
Katra Katra Mera Bekabu Ho Raha

Teri Ijazat Bina Dil Mera Tere Dil Mein Jhaake

Khaiya Khaiya Khaiya

Haan Kasme Khaiya Khaiya

Haan Kasme...

 

The Bollywood Translation of Tilasmi Bahein in English

Enticing Arms

 

Entwined in enticing arms I indulge in risqué delight

Cover my golden body now with silvery moonlight

Give me your word Promise me

You will fulfil my every desire

 

I am filled to the brim with velvety intoxication

Every pore in my body oozes unbound passion

Drink to the lees and drain my cups of vigour tonight

I will sate my lust even if you don’t think it’s right

Give me your word Promise me

You will fulfil my every desire

 

Enjoy the official Netflix video of Tilasmi Bahein

 

I have other interests as well and you can check out more blogs.

 

·       India My Country

·       Bharatiya Itihaas

·       Blackjack – Ace the Dealer

·       Ramayana (Hindi)

 

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English Translation of Sakal Ban from Heeramandi

 

English Translation of Sakal Ban from Heeramandi

Meta Description: Bollywood Translations brings the English translation of the lyrics of Sakal Ban from Heeramandi. This Netflix serial from Sanjay Leela Bhansali has just gone live. Be the first to enjoy it.  

About Heeramandi

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s epic serial Heeramandi has released last night on Netflix and has enthralled viewers as expected. The sets are opulent, the aura is grandiose, and the songs are enthralling. Bollywood Translations brings you the English translations of the sublime lyrics, not in the mundane prosaic manner that you will see in the sub-titles, but retaining the soul and mood of the Heeramandi songs.

About Sakal Ban

The first English translation is of the song Sakal Ban, which translates as The Entire Garden. The song celebrates the onset of spring.

·       Singer: Raja Hasan

·       Lyrics: Amir Khusro

·       Starring: Manisha Koirala, Richa Chadha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Sharmin Sehgal

 

The Hindi Lyrics

 

Sakal Ban Phool Rahi Sarson
Sakal Ban Phool Rahi Sarson
Sakal Ban

 

Ambva Phoote Tesu Phoole
Ambva Phoote Tesu Phoole
Gori Karat Sringaar
Malaniya Gadhwa Le Aayi Karson

Tarah Tarah Ke Phool Mangaye

Tarah Tarah Ke Phool Mangaye

Le Gadhwa Hathan Mein Aaye

Le Gadhwa Hathan Mein Aaye

Nizamuddin Ke Darwaje Par
Mere Nizamuddin Ke Darwaje Par
Oh Mohe Aavan Keh Gaye
Aashiq Rang Aur Beet Gaye Barson

Sarson = Mustard

Ambva = Mango

Tesu = Palash

Gadhwa = Bouquet

Aashiq Rang = Lover

 

English Translation of Sakal Ban from Heeramandi

The gardens are blossoming with mustard

The gardens are bright yellow with mustard

All the fields…

Mango buds are bursting on the branches

The red palash is flowering on the trees

The maid brings bouquets of these home

So the ladies can ready for the spring fest

 

All varieties of flowers were called for

And the maids brought the bouquets home

My lover had called me for a romantic tryst

At the shrine of saint Nizamuddin

I’ve been going there each spring for years

But he has not turned up yet

Transcreation of Lyrics of Sakal Ban from Heeramandi

My English translation of Sakal Ban accurately captures the content of the Heeramandi mujra, but is not in consonance with the rhythm, rhyme, and metre of the song. A poetic transcreation was required that retains the essence of the spring time event along with the verse structure.

 

The mustard fields are blooming yellow

The mustard fields are blooming yellow

The mustard fields

 

Mango blossoms fragrances spread

Fiery palash curtains of red

Fair girl adorns herself

Choosing flowers that enhance her glow

 

The lady called for myriad flowers

The lady called for myriad flowers

Bouquets are sent from the bowers

Bouquets are sent from the bowers

 

At the shrine of Saint Nizamuddin

At the shrine of Saint Nizamuddin

My lover arranged a tryst

I’m there but no sign of the fellow

Enjoy the official Netflix video of Sakal Ban

Read the original Amir Khusro Salal Ban lyrics

 

Heeramandi and Pakeezah

 

Heeramandi takes you back to the Kamal Amrohi epic Pakeezah, which has been an acknowledged inspiration to Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Bollywood Translations has the English translations of all Pakeezah lyrics. Start with Inhi Logon Ne.

 

I have other interests as well and you can check out more blogs.

 

·       India My Country

·       Bharatiya Itihaas

·       Blackjack – Ace the Dealer

·       Ramayana (Hindi)

 

You can catch me at my social media handles

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Origin and Elements of the Kajari Folk Song Genre

Origin and Elements of the Kajari Folk Song Genre

Meta Title: Origin and Elements of the Kajari Folk Song Genre

Meta Description: Learn about the Kajari, a folk song genre from Mirzapur sung in Bhojpuri that expresses a woman's desire to reunite with her absent lover. Explore its origins, elements, and its presence in Bollywood songs.

Introduction

If you are interested in exploring a fascinating folk song form, you might want to learn more about the Kajari (also written as Kajri). This song genre carries a mystic allure due to its somewhat amorphous definition and classification. Although there are specific traditional requirements, songs are often referred to as Kajari even if only a few are met. In this article, I will explain the elements and origins of Kajari in a simple manner for readers who may not possess in-depth knowledge of Indian music.

Origins of Kajari

The term "Kajari" is derived from the Bhojpuri word "kajara," which translates to "kaajal" in Hindi and "kohl" in English. The genre originated in the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh and has since spread to other regions. The first Kajari song is said to have been born from the poignant love story of a woman named Kajari, who lived in Mirzapur while her husband was working elsewhere. As the monsoon clouds arrived, her longing for her absent lover turned into a plaintive song—marking the beginning of the Kajari genre.

Today, Kajari is popular in regions such as Varanasi, Mirzapur, Mathura, and Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), as well as the Bhojpuri areas of Bihar. The most popular Kajari songs, often risqué in nature, are sung in Bhojpuri. However, you can also find them in Awadhi and Maithili, while Bollywood Kajari songs are typically in contemporary Hindustani.

Elements of Kajari

The Kajari genre revolves around a woman's longing for intimacy with an absent lover. This may be a husband working far away or a paramour who has left her behind. The genre also includes references to "kohl" either through the dark monsoon clouds resembling its colour or as the actual kohl in the woman's eyes.

While Kajari songs in Bollywood often feature a woman expressing her longing in solitude, traditional folk Kajari songs commonly involve women sharing their sorrows with others or openly expressing their unrequited desire.

Common Elements of Kajari:

• Saawan: The month of Saawan is associated with the monsoon season and often represents a time of heightened yearning for the absent lover in Kajari songs.
• Kohl: Kajari songs frequently describe the kohl in the eyes of a woman washed away by tears, adding depth and beauty to the lyrics.
• Jhoola: Women often gather around swings (jhoola) to express their individual or collective pain of being separated from their partners.
• Radha and Krishna: Radha and Krishna, the divine and eternal lovers, are central figures in some Kajari compositions.

Conclusion

The Kajari is a folk song genre typically not sung in classical style. Its slow, melodious rhythm and deep pathos in the lyrics contribute to its growing popularity on social media platforms and its status as a significant part of the cultural heritage of the Hindi heartland.

Here are some blogs featuring English translations of popular Kajaris in Bollywood Translations.

·       The Kajari Sawan from the Bollywood film Jaanisaar

·       The popular folk Kajari Kachori Gali

·       The Kajari Mai Ri Main Kaase Kahoon from Dastak

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Aap Ka Haseen Rukh Translation of Bollywood Piano Song

Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi – “Aap Ke Haseen Rukh …”

In my continuing series of Bollywood songs translation in English, I have chosen Aap Ke Haseen Rukh. This is an ethereal Hindi film song, and one of my favourites. The hit number is from Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi and has lilting music by O.P. Nayyar. It is one of the most popular Rafi songs because the haunting inflections of the playback singer are on full display. But this blog is about Bollywood lyrics English translation. I want to focus on the lyrics writer Anjaan. Till then he was a small-time lyricist depending on the mercy of music directors. This song propelled him to the big league and he ended up writing songs for blockbuster Amitabh Bachchan movies. 

But first one word about the picturization of the song. It belongs to the genre that is referred to as piano songs in Hindi films, which have the hero playing the piano while singing to his love interest. What makes Aap Ke Haseen Rukh stand out is that Dharmendra is serenading two beautiful ladies, Mala Sinha and Tanuja, who are listening in rapt attention each one of them coyly imagining to be the recipient of the praise. To find out who the lucky lady was you will have to see Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi. I do not want to play spoiler. The black and white film accentuates the light and shade in harmony with the lyrics of the song. 

Aap Ke Haseen Rukh is unique in the list of Bollywood songs in that it uses repeated words in almost every line. I cannot recall any other Hindi film song that incorporates this feature. Normally “subah subah ki dhoop” would hinder the flow of the music, but such is lyric writer Anjaan’s virtuosity that such repetitions do not appear awkward. Instead, they create the rhythm that takes listeners to a higher plane of enjoyment. Please check out the video of Aap Ke Haseen Rukh. 

There are several lyrics English translation of this song on the Internet, but I have created a good translation of Aap Ke Haseen Rukh. Let me explain translation versus transcreation. Translating poetry from Hindi to verse form in English has natural limitations because of the idiomatic differences in the languages. One way to overcome this hindrance is to use a process that is known as transcreation. The literal translation of the lines is abandoned and so is the metre and rhyme scheme, but the specific rhythm of the poem and its core emotion and tone are maintained. I have provided a translation versus transcreation of Aap Ke Haseen Rukh with lyrics and English translation. 

The Original Hindi Lyrics 

Aap ke haseen rukh pe aaj naya noor hai 

Mera dil machal gaya to mera kya kasoor hai 

Aap ke nigaah ne kaha to kuchh zaroor hai 

Mera dil machal gaya to mera kya kasoor hai 

Khuli laton ki chhaanw mein khila khila ye roop hai 

Ghata se jaise chhan rahi, subah subah ki dhoop hai 

Jidhar nazar mudi, udhar suroor hi suroor hai 

Mera dil machal gaya to mera kya kasoor hai 

Jhuki jhuki nigaah mein bhi hain bala ki shokhiyaan 

Dabi dabi hasi mein bhi tadap rahi hain bijaliyaan 

Shabaab aap ka nashe mein khud hi choor choor hai 

Mera dil machal gaya to mera kya kasoor hai 

Jahaan jahaan pade kadam wahaan fiza badal gai 

Ke jaise sarabasar bahaar aap hi mein dhal gai 

Kisi mein ye kashish kahaan jo aap mein huzoor hai 

Mera dil machal gaya to mera kya kasoor hai 

Suroor = bliss 

Bala = astonishment, awe 

Shokhiyaan = vivaciousness 

Shabaab = youth 

Sarabasar = entirely 

Kashish = attraction 

This is a literal translation in English of the Bollywood song 

Your beautiful face is flush with a fresh glow today 

It’s not my fault that my heart’s been led astray 

Your inviting glance has surely something to convey 

It’s not my fault that my heart’s been led astray 

Your beauty blossoms in the shade of your flowing hair 

Like the morning sunlight filtering through the hazy air 

Happiness abounds wherever you choose to stay 

It’s not my fault that my heart’s been led astray 

Even with your lowered gaze you know how to beguile 

Restless passion emanates from your subdued smile 

Your bewitching youth is intoxicating all the way 

It’s not my fault that my heart’s been led astray 

The season changes wherever your footsteps fall 

And spring spreads everywhere with its verdant shawl 

Your fatal attraction holds me in your sway 

It’s not my fault that my heart’s been led astray 

And this is the transcreation of Aap Ke Haseen Rukh … 

The fresh glow radiating from your angelic face 

The unspoken invitation conveyed by your glance 

Blame them, not me, for my desiring you 

The soft beauty half-hidden by your flowing hair 

Like the morning sunlight filtering through the clouds 

The aura of bliss that accompanies you everywhere 

Blame them, not me, for my desiring you 

Your lowered gaze that sparkles vivaciousness 

Your subdued smile that incites restlessness 

Your bewitching youth that intoxicates my very being 

Blame them, not me, for my desiring you 

Your footsteps that drive away the cold wintry air 

And envelope the world with the fresh sap of spring 

Your fatal attraction that is beyond compare 

Blame them, not me, for my desiring you 

I have other interests as well and you can check out more blogs. 

• India My Country 

• Bharatiya Itihaas

• Blackjack –Ace the Dealer

• Ramayana (Hindi) 

You can catch me at my social media handles

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Pakeezah – “Nazariya ki Maari…”

This is a snippet of a song from Pakeezah, probably played in the background in one of the ‘kothas’. I recently came across a discussion about the interpretation of this song on an online forum and realized that the participants had totally missed the essence. Nazariya ki maari is one of those ethereal Hindi movie songs in which it is essential to figure out who is the speaker and about whom he or she is commenting. If you get this wrong, your interpretation will be confused. The other problem is the use of metaphorical and colloquial language that defies literal translation. I address both in my Bollywood translation. But, first the song.

Haan Haan

Nazar ka vaar tha, dil ki tadap ne chhol di
Chali thi barachhi kisi par, kisi ko aan lagi


Ho nazariya ki maari
Haye
Nazariya ki maari mari mori guyiyaan (x7)

Koyi jaraa ja ke baidh bulaayo (x7)
Aa ke dhare more naari
Haye raam aa ke dhare mori naari (x2)

Nazariya Ki Maari Mari Mori Guyiyaan (x7)

The singer is a third person narrating the condition of her friend who has been smitten by the seductive glances from a flirt, glances that were meant for someone else. The song was sung by Rajkumari, a popular Bollywood playback singer of the 1940s, before Lata Mangeshkar cornered the market. Some words and phrases need to be explained before you read my translation.

Nazar ka vaar: literally attacking glances, but here seductive glances is more suited

Baracchi: literally spear, but here dart is more suited

Chhol: scab from a wound

Nazariya ki maari: smitten by seductive glances

Guyiyaan: female friend probably from gudiyaan which means doll

Naari: pulse from naadi

The Translation

Oh Yes!

The glances were inviting, and revealed the wounds of her tormented heart

The flirtation was for some other, but she became its victim

 

Oh! Smitten by seductive glances

Alas!

Smitten by the seductive glances, my friend has succumbed (x7)

 

Someone, please fetch the doctor

Oh God! Let him calm me down (x2)

Smitten by the seductive glances, my friend has succumbed (x7)

My other Pakeezah translations are here.

Listen to a rendering of this thumri by Simrat Chhabra

Sanjay Leela Bhansali has used a truncated version of Nazariya Ki Maari in his Netflix series Heeramandi.