Mere Mehboob Tujeh: A Symphony of Love and Longing by Mohammed Rafi
“Mere Mehboob Tujeh” is a timeless melody where Mohammed Rafi’s voice captures the essence of love and longing with unmatched depth and sincerity.
As a die-hard fan of Mohammed Rafi, there are countless songs that resonate deeply with my heart, but “Mere Mehboob Tujeh” holds a special place. This song, from the 1963 film Mere Mehboob, is more than just a melody—it’s a journey into the depths of love, longing, and poetic expression that Rafi Saab immortalized with his unparalleled voice. The magic of this song lies not only in its composition and lyrics but also in the emotions that Rafi Saab effortlessly conveys, making it an eternal classic.
When the film was released, the song “Mere Mehboob Tujhe” became an instant hit, resonating with audiences across India. There are stories of how people would go to the theater just to hear this song, with some even staying through multiple screenings. The song’s popularity was such that it was played repeatedly on the radio, and it became one of the most requested songs of that year.
The Emotional Tapestry of “Mere Mehboob Tujeh”
Mere Mehboob Tujhe, Meri Mohabbat Ki Kasam,
Phir Mujeh Nargisi, Aankhon Ka Sahara Dede,
Mera Khoya Huva, Rangeen Nazara Dede
मेरे महबूब तुझे, मेरी मोहब्बत की कसम,
फिर मुझे नर्गिसी, आँखों का सहारा दे दे,
मेरा खोया हुआ, रंगीन नज़ारा दे दे,
मेरे महबूब तुझे मेरी मोहब्बत की कसम।
These opening lines encapsulate the soul of the song. The protagonist, drenched in love and nostalgia, pleads for the return of the beautiful vision that once filled his life with colors. The reference to “Nargisi aankhon” (narcissus-like eyes) is a poetic depiction of the beloved’s eyes, symbolizing beauty and allure. The earnestness in Rafi Saab’s voice as he sings “Meri Mohabbat Ki Kasam” (I swear by my love) adds a layer of sincerity and desperation, making the listener feel the depth of his yearning.
Ay Mere Khaab Ki Taabeer, Meri Jaan-e-Ghazal,
Zindagi Meri Tujeh, Yaad Kiye Jaati Hai,
Raat Din Mujhko Satata, Hai Tasavur Tera,
Dil Ki Dharkan, Tujeh Awaaz Diye Jaati Hai
ऐ मेरे ख्वाब की ताबीर, मेरी जान-ए-ग़ज़ल,
ज़िन्दगी मेरी तुझे, याद किये जाती है,
रात दिन मुझको सताता, है तसव्वुर तेरा,
दिल की धड़कन, तुझे आवाज़ दिये जाती है,
आ मुझे अपनी, सदाओं का सहारा दे दे,
मेरा खोया हुआ, रंगीन नज़ारा दे दे।
Here, the lyricist Shakeel Badayuni beautifully captures the essence of unfulfilled dreams and constant longing. The beloved is addressed as “Meri Jaan-e-Ghazal,” emphasizing her as the embodiment of poetic beauty. Rafi Saab’s modulation in these lines, where he conveys both the torment of remembrance and the hope for reunion, is nothing short of masterful.
Bhool Sakti Nahin Aanhen, Voh Suhana Manzar
Jab Tera Husn Mere Ishq Se, Takaraya Tha,
Aur Phir Raha Mein, Bikhre The Hazaron Nagame
Mein Voh Nagame Teri, Awaaz Ko De Aaya Tha
भूल सकती नहीं आहें, वो सुहाना मंज़र
जब तेरा हुस्न मेरे इश्क़ से, टकराया था,
और फिर राह में, बिखरे थे हज़ारों नग़मे
मैं वो नग़मे तेरी, आवाज़ को दे आया था,
साज़-ए-दिल को, उन्ही गीतों का, सहारा दे दे
मेरा खोया हुआ, रंगीन नज़ारा दे दे।
In this stanza, the memory of a beautiful moment where love and beauty collided is vividly brought to life. The imagery of “hazaron nagame” (thousands of songs) scattered along the path symbolizes the lingering essence of their love. Rafi Saab’s delivery here is poignant, bringing out the pain of loss and the sweetness of cherished memories.
Yaad Hai Mukhko Meri, Umr Ki Pehli Voh Ghadi,
Teri Aankhon Se Koi, Jaam Piya Tha Maine,
Meri Rag Rag Mein Koi, Barq Si Leheraayi Thi,
Jab Tere Marmari, Haathon Ko Chuva Tha Maine,
Aa Mujeh Phir, Unhi Haathon Ka, Sahara Dede
Mera Khoya Huva, Rangeen Nazara Dede
याद है मुझको मेरी, उम्र की पहली वो घड़ी,
तेरी आँखों से कोई, जाम पिया था मैंने,
मेरी रग रग में कोई, बर्क सी लहराई थी,
जब तेरे मर्मरी, हाथों को छुआ था मैंने,
आ मुझे फिर, उन्ही हाथों का, सहारा दे दे
मेरा खोया हुआ, रंगीन नज़ारा दे दे।
In this stanza, the protagonist reminisces about the first time he experienced love, vividly recalling the moment when he gazed into his beloved’s eyes. The metaphor of drinking from her eyes (“Jaam Piya Tha Maine”) symbolizes the intoxicating effect of her beauty. The sensation of an electric current (“Barq Si Leheraayi Thi”) flowing through his veins when he touched her marble-like hands (“Marmari Haathon”) emphasizes the profound impact of that touch. Rafi Saab’s voice conveys a longing to relive those moments, seeking the comfort and beauty of those early experiences of love.
Maine Ik Baar Teri, Ek Jhalak Dekhi Hai,
Meri Hasrat Hai Ke Mein, Phir Tera Dedaar Karun,
Teri Saaye Ko, Samaj Kar Mein Haseen Taj Mahal,
Chandni Raat Mein, Nazaron Se Tujeh Pyaar Karun,
Apni Meheki Huvi, Zulphon Ka Sahara Dede,
Mera Khoya Huva, Rangeen Nazara Dede
मैंने इक बार तेरी, एक झलक देखी है,
मेरी हसरत है के मैं, फिर तेरा दीदार करूं,
तेरी साये को, समझ कर मैं हसीं ताजमहल,
चांदनी रात में, नज़रों से तुझे प्यार करूं,
अपनी महकी हुई, ज़ुल्फ़ों का सहारा दे दे,
मेरा खोया हुआ, रंगीन नज़ारा दे दे।
In this stanza, the protagonist expresses a deep yearning to see his beloved once more. The desire to catch another glimpse (“Ek Jhalak”) of her is portrayed as a powerful and almost unattainable wish. The comparison of her shadow to the majestic Taj Mahal during a moonlit night adds a poetic grandeur to the depth of his love. Rafi Saab’s rendition of these lines is filled with a sense of yearning and admiration, as the protagonist longs to be enveloped by her fragrant tresses (“Meheki Huvi Zulphon”).
Dhoondtha Huva Tujeh, Har Raah Mein Har Mehefil Mein,
Thak Gaye Hein, Meri Majboor Tamanna Ke Kadam,
Aaj Ka Din Meri, Umeed Ka Hai Aankhri Din,
Kal Najaane, Mein Kahan, Aur Kahan Tu Ho Sanam,
Do Ghadi Apni, Nigahon Ka, Sahara Dede,
Mera Khoya Huva, Rangeen Nazara Dede
ढूंढता हुआ तुझे, हर राह में हर महफ़िल में,
थक गए हैं, मेरी मजबूर तमन्ना के कदम,
आज का दिन मेरी, उम्मीद का है आखरी दिन,
कल न जाने, मैं कहाँ, और कहाँ तू हो सनम,
दो घड़ी अपनी, निगाहों का, सहारा दे दे,
मेरा खोया हुआ, रंगीन नज़ारा दे दे।
This stanza portrays the protagonist’s relentless search for his beloved in every path and gathering (“Har Raah Mein Har Mehefil Mein”). His weary footsteps (“Thak Gaye Hein… Kadam”) symbolize the exhaustion and desperation in his pursuit. The line “Aaj Ka Din Meri, Umeed Ka Hai Aankhri Din” reflects the urgency of his hope, as he feels that today might be his last chance to find her. Rafi Saab captures this desperation and fleeting hope, as the protagonist implores for even a brief moment of connection through her gaze (“Nigahon Ka Sahara”).
Saamne Aake Zara Parda, Utha De Rukh Se,
Ek Yahi Mera Ilaaj-e-ghum-e-tanahayi Hai,
Teri Furkat Ne, Pareshan Kiya Hai Mukho,
Ab Toh Mil Jaake, Meri Jaan Pe, Ban Aayi Hai,
Dil Ko Bhuli Huvi, Yaadon Ka Sahara Dede,
Mera Khoya Huva, Rangeen Nazara Dede
सामने आके ज़रा पर्दा, उठा दे रुख से,
एक यही मेरा इलाज-ए-ग़म-ए-तन्हाई है,
तेरी फ़ुरक़त ने, परेशान किया है मुझको,
अब तो मिल जाके, मेरी जान पे, बन आई है,
दिल को भूली हुई, यादों का सहारा दे दे,
मेरा खोया हुआ, रंगीन नज़ारा दे दे।
In the final stanza, the protagonist pleads with his beloved to remove the veil from her face (“Parda Utha De Rukh Se”) and show herself to him, as this is the only cure for his loneliness (“Ilaaj-e-ghum-e-tanahayi”). The separation (“Furkat”) has caused him great distress, and he feels that his very life depends on seeing her again. Rafi Saab’s voice embodies the mix of sorrow and urgency in these lines, as the protagonist asks for the comfort of memories (“Bhuli Huvi Yaadon”) to alleviate his pain and restore the lost beauty (“Khoya Huva Rangeen Nazara”) of his life.
The Lyricist: Shakeel Badayuni
Shakeel Badayuni, the poet behind these heart-wrenching lyrics, was known for his ability to weave emotions into words. His collaboration with Rafi Saab created numerous timeless classics. Other notable songs penned by Shakeel and sung by Rafi include “Ek Shehenshah Ne” from Leader (1964), and “Ishq Deewana Husn Bhi” from Sangharsh (1968). Shakeel’s mastery in portraying deep emotions and complex human experiences made him one of the most revered lyricists in Hindi cinema.
The Musician: Naushad
The composition of “Mere Mehboob Tujeh” by Naushad is a perfect blend of classical music with modern sensibilities. Naushad was known for his intricate orchestration and deep understanding of ragas. Some of his other masterpieces with Rafi Saab include “Do Sitaaron Ka Zameen” from Kohinoor (1969) and “Marna Teri Gali Mein” from Shabab (1954) Naushad’s music, combined with Rafi’s voice, often created magic on screen, as it did with this song.
It’s said that when Mohammed Rafi recorded “Mere Mehboob Tujhe,” the entire studio was spellbound by his performance. The emotional depth and clarity with which Rafi Saab sang each line left everyone in awe. Naushad, the music director, was known for being a perfectionist, but even he had very little to suggest during this session because Rafi captured the essence of the song so perfectly. Naushad later mentioned in interviews that Rafi Saab’s rendition of this song was so powerful that it brought tears to his eyes.
The Actors: Rajendra Kumar and Sadhana
Rajendra Kumar, the ‘Jubilee Kumar’ of his time, and the ethereal beauty Sadhana brought the song to life on screen. Their on-screen chemistry in Mere Mehboob was palpable, making them one of the most beloved pairs of the era. Together, they also starred in Arzoo and Aap Aaye Bahaar Aayi, where Rafi Saab’s voice continued to be the voice of love for Rajendra Kumar.
Rajendra Kumar, the male lead in the film, was extremely grateful for the way Rafi Saab’s voice matched his on-screen persona. He credited much of his success to Rafi, stating in interviews that Rafi’s voice gave life to his performances. Rajendra Kumar was known as “Jubilee Kumar” because of his string of hits, and songs like “Mere Mehboob Tujhe” played a crucial role in solidifying his status as a superstar.
Sadhana, who played the female lead in the movie Mere Mehboob, recalled that this song was one of her favorites from the film. She mentioned that even during the shooting, the song had a magical quality, and she felt that it added a significant emotional layer to her character. The song’s lyrics and Rafi Saab’s voice helped her embody the emotions required for her role, making it easier for her to portray the feelings of love and longing on screen.
The Movie: Mere Mehboob
Mere Mehboob, released in 1963, was a romantic drama that revolved around love, misunderstandings, and eventual reunion. The film was a major hit and is remembered for its melodious music and strong performances. The title song “Mere Mehboob Tujeh” became synonymous with the movie itself, encapsulating its essence in a few soulful minutes.
In conclusion, “Mere Mehboob Tujeh” is not just a song; it’s an emotion, a memory, and a piece of art that continues to resonate with fans across generations. Mohammed Rafi, with his divine voice, immortalized this song, making it a jewel in the crown of Hindi cinema.
Film: Mere Meheboob
Year: 1963
Actors: Rajendra Kumar, Sadhana
Singer: Mohammed Rafi
Music: Naushad
Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni
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