Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaaye Tho Kya Hai
This article is written by Ms. Utthara Kumari B, a member of the Baar Baar Rafi club in Bangalore.
Mohd Rafi with S.D.Burman and Guru Dutt
There is one song of Mohd Rafi which I consider the best among his bests. This is one of those classics where the immortal Rafi sahab, the romantic rebel Sahir Ludhianvi, the song king S D Burman and the brooding genius Guru Dutt combined to make one of the most powerful song sequences in cine history. It is that thought-provoking song from the black-and-white classic Pyaasa. To attempt to review the song is a tall order. I have only poured out my feelings, I wouldn’t dare call it a review.
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Yeh mahalon, yeh takhton, yeh taajon ki duniya….
yeh duniya agar mil bhi jaye toh kya hai…
Wah kya lyrics, kya music, kya acting and above all kya singing! I have watched this song sequence countless times. Each time this song stirs me and I go numb with its tremendous impact. What Sahir had written 50 years ago, still holds good today – this cruel word has not changed.
Rich and pure, Rafi’s voice is tinged with the kind of magic that is guaranteed to get to the heartstrings. He stresses a word here or goes slightly high pitch there or drawls a word here with his andaz and adas he gives that something extra to the song.
Just one line Yeh duniya agar mil bhi jaye toh kya hai. See how differently Rafi sings this line each time. It may sound monotonous… but he brings variations even in monotony. Only God can sing like that. The way he says `kya hai’ in a heavy drawl tells you what an unparalleled singer he is.
[audio:Pyaasa_YehDuniyaAgarMilBhiJaaye.mp3]
Listen to Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaaye
Guru Dutt after making frothy entertainers like Aar Paar and Mr and Mrs 55, stopped laughing, took life seriously when his relationships broke. His disillusionment is mirrored in subsequent films like Pyaasa, Kagaz Ke Phool and Sahib Bibi Aur Gulam.
I have outlined the film’s story to better appreciate this mind-blowing song. Pyaasa reveals a haunting and aching sadness. Guru Dutt plays Vijay, the frustrated and angry-with-society poet, a rebel without a pause. Rebellion yes, but self-defeating. Vijay’s growing disenchantment with the people and society is crushing. The defeated and broken man shuns the hypocritical society – a society which eulogises the dead and ignores the living.Â
Mohd Rafi with O.P.Nayyar and Guru Dutt
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Inspired by Sarath Chandra’s novel Srikant, Guru Dutt’s Pyaasa (1957) examines the plight of the poet in a highly opportunistic world. In a world where romance sells, Vijay’s realistic poems are too bitter and pessimistic. Shunned by family, girlfriend and society, a frustrated Vijay does everything to get his poems published, but in vain. Defiant, angry and heartbroken, Vijay rejects the society. The movie depicts an artiste’s struggles to make it in a man-made harsh world.
The song highlights the ultimate achievement of this all-time loser – a slap in the face of the society. After a dead beggar wearing his coat is mistaken for him, his love Gulab, a prostitute, gets his poems published with her earnings. When Gulab finds Vijay is alive, she organizes a function to present the real Vijay to the world.
When the netas pay him handsome tributes believing him to be dead, Vijay rejects the society and Rafi brings to life Vijay’s disillusionment and his disgust and contempt for the hypocritical society.
Yeh mahalon, Yeh takhton, Yeh taajon ki duniya Yeh duniya agar mil bhi jaaye to kya hai!Â
(These palaces, these kingdoms, this land of power… What do I gain by winning this worthless world?)
Mere saamne se hataado yeh duniya! (Remove this world from my sight)
Now that the world is willing to accept him and his popular writings, Vijay has no desire to attain the world anymore. Why revel in a shallow world that ignores the living?Â
Mohd Rafi with S.D.Burman and Guru Dutt
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S D Burman’s tunes, Sahir’s profound poetry and Rafi’s intense singing bring this song alive in its stark reality.
In this riveting climax – in cold black and white – you see the silhouette of Guru Dutt which gradually comes into focus and by the end of the song you see a larger-than-life Dutt. The reaction shots of each character,especially of Gulab (Waheeda Rehman), are captivating. There is the unforgettable image of Vijay standing in the doorway with a world-weary look on his face. Alone and dejected, he looms large over a morally bankrupt world.
The elite who lavish praises on him thinking he is dead, now throw him out when they realise he is alive.
Rafi proves why he is the best – the song begins as a murmur, gradually rises in tone and pitch and finally explodes into all frustrated glory - jalado jalado ise phoonk dalo ye duniya tumhari hai tumhi sambhalo ye duniya (burn this world, blow it out, take back your world, I care nothing for it).
Rafi pours all the pain, inner traumas, anger, frustration and disgust of Vijay – he makes you feel Vijay’s pain. That is the greatness of a singer. As the song reaches a crescendo, Rafi’s voice soars giving one goose bumps. The song, the singing, the words haunt you. It takes sometime to come back to earth.
Only Sahir could have written such a scathing commentary on the society.
Ye mahalon, ye takthon, ye taajon ki duniyaa
Ye inasaan ke dushman samaajon ki duniyaa
Ye daulat ke bhuukhe rivaazon ki duniyaa
Ye duniyaa agar mil bhii jaaye to kyaa hai
Yes, why do we need such a world which bows to the rich and treats the underprivileged with utter contempt?
The first stanza is almost inaudible. Yet, Rafi conveys a wealth of meaning with his slow murmur
Har ek jism ghaayal, har ek ruh pyaasi
Nigaahon mein uljhan, dilon mein udaasi
Yeh duniyaa hai yaa aalam-e-badhavaasi
yeh duniyaa …
Here, the song rises a little in tone to show the disgust of the poet. And Rafi excels in conveying the udasi and uljhan. Each word falls like a heavy stone into the chilling silence.
Jahaan ek khilonaa hai inasaan ki hasti
Ye basti hai murdaa-paraston ki basti
Jahaan aur jivan se hai maut sasti
yeh duniyaa …
The song rises further in tempo in this stanza
Javaani bhatakti hai bezaar bankar
Javaan jism sajate hai baazaar bankar
Jahaan pyaar hotaa hai vyaapaar bankar
ye duniyaa …
Here you see Rafi singing in a slightly higher pitch to show the injustice of the society where even human beings are treated like commodities.
Yeh duniyaa jahaan aadami kuchh nahin hai
Vafaa kuchh nahin, dosti kuchh nahin hai
Jahaan pyaar ki kadr hi kuchh nahin hai
ye duniyaa …
In this stanza, Rafi’s voice soars a little, hinting that the song is hurtling towards a shattering climax.
Jalaa do, jalaa do ise phoonk daalo ye duniyaa
Mere saamne se hataa lo ye duniyaa
Tumhaari hai tumhi sambhalo ye duniya, ye duniyaa …Â
The song ends with these soaring notes, which touch every cord in you, leaving you in helpless anger at the society.Â
I don’t want a world which doesn’t give a damn to a person or loyalty or friendship or love – a world where everyone is deeply hurt, faces only problems – where beauty is sold in open market – where death is cheaper than living. Â
Mohd Rafi with Sahir Ludhianvi, Jaan Nisar Akhtar, Madan Mohan, Minoo Karthik
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What profound lyrics. Only Sahir’s pen could have come out with such bitter truths. The song is a telling comment on the commodification of people in the quest for money and power. Fifty years after the film’s release, today’s market economy too reflects this – where everything comes with a price tag.
S D Burman, the master, has given non-intrusive music. You only hear Rafi’s voice, the musical score is minimal. Dada’s music raises the song to sublime heights.Â
With four greats coming together – Rafi, Sahir, Burman and Guru Dutt – is it any surprise that this song – can we merely call this a song? – this musical soul-stirrer is considered the best in cine history?
TRIVIA
In 2005, Time Magazine selected Pyaasa as one of the all-time 100 movies of 20th century.
Nargis and Madhubala were originally pencilled in to act but were too busy. Mala Sinha and Waheeda Rehman, relatively newcomers then, stepped in.Â
Waheeda’s character Gulab is based on real-life Gulabo, a prostitute whom Guru Dutt’s friend-director befriended once.
Divya, friends, here is another midomi star. Divya is a beautiful singer.
When we listen to songs, I suppose we won’t go deeply into them. it could be the music or the singer or the lyrics that may appeal to us. Butif it is a song that touches you, then perhaps, we will try and analyse it. Like I did with this review.
Thank you very much Divya. I am touched by your response.
Dear Nagalaxmi, you said: EXCELLENDE! STUPENDOUS! I bow my head in all humility.
For me Rafi saab’s songs are like nectar. More than the songs, it is the person he was that endears him to me___so humble, generous and simple. I will be very happy if I can imbibe some of these qualities of his at least to some extent.
Nags, thank you for your precise comments and of course the lavish praise.
Utthara
Pandey saab, you have said: “I would like to appreciate you more than rafi sahab, And Gurudatta, for your treatise of this song “Yeh mahlon…….â€
This indeed is very very high praise. Rafi saab is God to me.
Thank you sir.
Srini,
that generation indeed conveyed more with less words. I too miss the golden age.
Tom, thanks for your ter-rafi-c response.
Charan, thank you for your flowery response.
Thank you all
Utthara
Dear Manish, you are a great singer. Doston, listen to Manish on midomi. he sings Rafi saab and Kishore’s songs equally delightfully. His voice has great depth.
Manish, main aapki shukarguzar hoon. Thank you for your wonderful support
Anoopbhai, our group’s moderator, is an excellent singer. He is also a midomi star. He is very very good in singing Rafi saab’s songs.
My cup of joy is overflowing with fantastic praise from all of you. Anoopbhai, thanks for saying this is one of the best reviews and I am one of the best writers. And you, bhai, are one of the best singers.
Utthara
Adaab Rafi, Narayanji, All the credit for my article receiving such tremednous response goes to you. You are the moving spirit behind the group. Your encouragement, your support make us aglow with pride. I am very proud of being aprt of this wonderful group. My ehartfelt thanks to you.
Murthy saab, aap to gyan bhandar hai. Praise from you makes it all the more precious.
Yes, the climax of Anand was dramatic and very moving. it gives you goose bumps. The pause in the tape and director Hrishikesh Mukherjee connecting it with Anand’s death is terrific.
Thank you Murthyji.
Utthara
Dear Uttaraji,
very interesting article and the song selection is also
excellent.each song of rafi saab is something which
is to be examined like this.if we examine very
carefully,there is some specaility for each song of him.
that much care rafi saab had taken while singing a song.
as far as i am concerned,the quality of a person is important
like the quality of his sound.this we can see in the world
only rafi saab and that is why still he is living in the hearts
of millions of people across the world after 28 years of his
demise.
Uttharaa,
You have shown the same sensitivity towards this musical gem, as you do towards the news stories! I am so proud to see this post by my ex-boss.
Your para-by-para summary of the Pyaasa song leaves you thirsting for more, literally:). It made me nostalgic for Rafi-Guru Dutt numbers of that era. My other favourite is Jinhe naaz Hind par woh kahaan hai.. Particularly during election time, this is one question I want to ask our netas!
love,
Vasanthi
Dear Uttara,
When Narayan Saab has SMSed me about this aritcle of yours, it was nearly two months since I logged in last into mohdrafi.com.
On reading Narayan Saab’s SMS, I thought there must be another Rafi Fan and another good writer, by the name, Uttara!
But, on reading your above article today, what did I find? A new star on the horizon, by your name!
That you know our Rafi Saab very well is borne out by the following excerpts from your article:
“He stresses a word here or goes slightly high pitch there or drawls a word here with his andaz and adas he gives that something extra to the song.
Just one line Yeh duniya agar mil bhi jaye toh kya hai. See how differently Rafi sings this line each time. It may sound monotonous… but he brings variations even in monotony. Only God can sing like that. The way he says `kya hai’ in a heavy drawl tells you what an unparalleled singer he is.”
Keep it up, friend. Look forward to more such insightful writes from you.
Regards,
B.Venkatadri
Congratulations on a wonderfully scripted expression of a truly deserving masterpiece. Its amazing how one can miss out on some subtle nuances of a song until highlighted by people such as yourself and few others in this forum.
To sum up, i can say that even those who may not have seen the movie can visualize the entire film and situation just by listening to this song. Such is the power of lyrics and vivid rendition of this song.
Best wishes,
Firoz Ahmed
Initially it was Binate, Nagesh followed by Devrajbhai and recently it is Dr Vasudhajee & Uttara Kumariji with their beautiful review articles published on 05/04/2009.
Mr Narayanan & Mr Binu Nair will definitely agree with me that it is indeed high time for all of us to henceforth just wait & watch and read the tasty articles written by the erstwhile group of the Bar Bar Rafi Fans situated in Bangalore. Hence this earnest request to all the fans of this group to share their individual e-mail ids with us to enable us to submit our views to them and in-turn they can form the articles and arrange respective publication through this beautiful site. Hope Mr Narayanan will definitely do the needful for all of us.
The poetry “Yeh duniya agar mil bhi jaye to kya hai†is itself one of the great wonders of Rafi Saabs great voice and a unique and terrific style of renditions. I personally feel and am of the opinion that this particular song is the unique product of Sahirs great words and Rafis classic punch hardly leaving any room for S D Burmans orchestration.
In fact all the KK fans should visualize & think twice as to if & whether this song would have been sung by Kishore Kumar the end-use product would have been quite different. Are the KK fans out there listening? Since KK was S D Burmans favorite singer than why this song was given to Rafi Saab for which have the KK fans have any valid answer for this. And if their answer is yes we all will show & prove you the actual rhythmic difference.
In-fact the music of this film was initially entrusted by Guru Dutt to none other than the greatest O P Nayyar Saab however since he had a feud with Sahir Ludhianvi and since Guru Dutt was interested in keeping Sahir as the lyricist in this film it was O P Nayyar who had opted out voluntarily (Since OPN & Guru Dutt were great friends) making way for S D Burman to score the music for this film.
Hence O P Nayyars words for Rafi Saab “Kaanch ke tukde zawher nahi ban sakte chhahe bane kuch aur – Mohammed Rafi par nahee ban sakte aur kabhee nahee ban sakteâ€
Dilipji, it is the encouragement from Rafi Bhakts like you that help us to write good articles. Yes, we were lucky to enjoy the golden age of Hindi music. Well, I am inspired enough by your warm comments to write more articles. Thank you very much.
Prdeep, I know you have been very busy. Thank you for taking time off to read this humble piece and write your response. Thank you.
Utthara
Dear Nagesh, revolutionary song and a revolutionary review? I am glad you think so. I think I did give a brief review of the movie to put the song in the context as the song comes in the climax.
I am touched by your warm response. Thank you bhaiyya.
Dear Malavika, clap, clap? You have made my day. It goes without saying that this song has a special place in my heart. I am glad that my article has triggered fond memories in you.
You call my write-up `article extraordinaire?’ How do I thank you for such heartfelt response? Thank you dearest.
Dear Bina, kya likha hai re? Itni tarif? Are duniyawalon …sambhalo mujhko o mere yaaron, sambhalna mushkil hogaya..More than the `beauty of my pen’ as you put it, it is the great bonding we all share in Baar Baar Rafi that inspires us to write such articles. So, the credit goes to you all. I am proud to be your friend and a part of Baar Baar Rafi.
Asha, aap hamara fan? Actually I am yours. Friends, Asha is a great singer. She has such a sweet voice. I wish I could sing like her. Asha, thank you dear for your lovely comments.
Mohanbhai, congrats to you and Vasudha for such heart-warming article of O duniya ke rakhwale. That was superb. You want a 1,000 articles from me? I am ready. Mohan, thank you for your inspiring comments
Jay saab, your review of my review is very very inspiring. Will try to live up to your expectations.
Devrajji, what you said in one sentence is priceless to me. Accept my sincere thanks.
Vinatha, this song does immediately bring to mind Guru Dutt standing in the doorway and looming large over all those hypocrites. One of the best picturised song sequences. What an impact!
Bimanji, thank you for those encouraging words. Will definitely try to do more song reviews. Thank you very much for your high appreciation.
Suman, aap ne sahi kaha. I tried to give the movie story in a nutshell in the article. Bahut shukriya.
Koyal, you are an authority on Sahir Ludhianvi. Since you say that my article is good, i am more than happy. Shukriya
Thank you dosts for your encouragement
Utthara
Binuji, I have heard about you and your Rafi Foundation through Narayanji. I am very glad to see your comments. Like you said, this magnificent song is an unforgettable number…one of the best of Rafi saab. Such a versatile singer. More than that, he was very humble.
Thank you Binuji, for your valuable comments.
Anmolji, thank you very much for your words of praise. Yes, Jinhe naaz from Pyaasa is an equally wonderful song with minimum muisc. You also have Bichde sabhi baari baari from Kagaz Ke Phool.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Raghunathji, very high praise indeed. Thank you sir. I am speechless with all the magnificent responses. I cherish your comments.
Sabnavees garu, chala thanks. What you said is right. it is very difficult to choose which is a better song of Rafi saab’s. Having said that, if given a choice, I will rate yeh duniya agar as one of his best songs,,,maybe the best.
Thank you for calling.
Utthara
utthara ji: how about penning a mini-thesis on the ever popular romantic number :
abhi na jaaoo chod kar, ke dil abhi bhara nahi, yehi kahoge tum sada, ke dil abhi bhara nahi .
jaidev, sahir, rafi & asha – all have weaved magic in to the song . it was the last song of our recent event titled : dil pukare aare aare aare.
this is the best ever romantic song – ever made.
binu nair, mumbai rafi foundation…..
Dear Mr Murty, you overwhelm me with your very high praise. I am overjoyed, but at the same times it makes me feel very very humble.
You said: “ I am even more tempted to opine “kya kalaam hai, kya adab hai is lekhni mein, ityaadiâ€. I value your opinion highly. And this appreciation has encouraged me and given me the confidence to attempt more such articles.
Again you said: uttaraji, the article must be read again and again, just as the song itself has to be heard again and again.
Murty garu, I read your comment again and again and I couldn’t believe that I am actually the recipient of this handsome praise.
Sir, this for me is the greatest compliment I have ever received.
A mere thanks will not do.
Please accept my heartfelt thanks.
Utthara
Dear all, thnak you very much for your appreciation and encouragement. I bow to you all in humility.
Will write separate mails…this is the first mail in my thanks silsila.
Bahut shukriya badi meherbani
Utthara
uttara garu,
nice article. but i differ a little with you in the matter of the renditions by rafi sahab. we cant say which is good, which is better, which is the best & which is mind blowing.
as you said his rendition ‘ kya hai ‘ with different modulation every time similarly when you listen to ‘ dekha hai teri aankhon mein, pyar hi pyar beshumaar ‘ from pyar hi pyar you can clearly mark out his different modulations every time at ‘ pyar hi pyar beshumaar ‘. thats the magic of rafi sahab.
i myself am in a confused state how to rate rafi sahab ! ! !
when i see him in any photograph i feel am looking at a tender kid with an innocent smile, a romantic hero ( tumsa nahin dekha ), a dedicated father ( neel kamal ), a vagabond ( kala bazaar ), a philosopher ( pyasa ), a loafer of the highest order ( evening in paris ), a saint ( guide ).
this sort of multifacial talent only a divine incarnation can have.
Uttaraji,
Thank you very much for a wonderful review of one of the best songs of the legendary rafisaab. Songs of rafisaab have become immortal because of his ability to go into the character & render it in utmost humility & passion. We were lucky to enjoy the golden age of hindi music with great lyricists,musicians & above all the golden voice of rafisaab. How unfortunate that the present generation does not appreciate the ultimate in singing.
You have a way with words & pl keep do writing. Because it takes us down to a nostalgic trip & we try to hum those songs again and again.
with best wishes & regards
Dilip
Utthara Ji,
Wonderful article. Superb song too.
Regards
Pradeep
A song from the same film ‘Pyaasa’ is also great, “Jinhee Naaz Hai Hind Par, Woh Kahaan Hai”. This is also almost music less. Rafi wins a National Award for this song. Again the expressed of the pain in this song is just out standing.
Hello Ms Uttara Kumar Ji,
Great article !!!
Reading your article it appears there you feel the song from your heart. Apart from that you also understand the materialistic world, which exists in every era of mankind. It appears that you have personally also gone through the pain in real life as portrayed in the film ‘Pyaasa’.
Great One……. one of Rafi saaheb’s golden number re-analysed wonderfully. there is minimal sounds of instruments and rafi’s voice gives full meaning and required nuances – to the song.
i have seen packed audiences at mumbai’s shanmukhananda hall listening to this beauty from our present day singer srikant narayan with utmost reverence.
mohd rafi was at his prime those days ….. in 1957. after baiju bawra mohd rafi sang many types of songs in every changing decade. his voice and style changed according to the times – only for the better.
and this magnificient soulful number from pyaasa will live long in the minds of people.
binu nair, rafi foundation, mumbai : binus2000@hotmail.com : 09833250701
Hi uthara,
Feel as if reunited with you after ages, I read your article listening to the soulful song rendered by Rafi. You have successfully brought out the emotions and feelings behind the lyrics, the sweetness and sorrow in the voice-through your beautiful words. I can see that a thoughtful article written on a song can also bring out the expressions packed in the song. Thanks very much for bringing tears in my heart.
Uttaraji….Im one of your Fan… I love the way you bring out the hidden messages of the song! what to say… Gurudutt was truly ahed of his generations in his thoughts… and rafiji… has brought his soul into this Gem of songs…. Kudos to you for reviewing this…. Madam, Keep writing…..
Uttara,
I was stunned to say the least. What a deapth you get to… My!! This is the first review ever I’ve read thats written by you and I’m speechless… We do listen to songs… sometimes don’t even really pay attention to the lyrics but my, the whole perspective can be so different and enthralling. I’m amazed Uttara. I wish you could review some of the old kannda songs as well. Some are very rare diamonds. I’m so fortunate you treat me as a friend.
Excellent!!!
ನಮಸà³à²•à²¾à²°,
ಈ ಹಾಡನà³à²¨à³ ನಾನೠನನà³à²¨ ಹೈಸà³à²•à³‚ಲಿನಲà³à²²à²¿à²¦à³à²¦à²¾à²— ಕೇಳಿದà³à²¦à³. ಆಗ ನನà³à²¨ ತಾಯಿಯ ವಿದà³à²¯à²¾à²°à³à²¥à²¿à²¯à³Šà²¬à³à²¬à²°à³ à²à²¦à³ ಕà³à²¯à²¾à²¸à³†à²Ÿà³à²Ÿà³à²—ಳà³à²³à³à²³ ಸೆಟೠಒಂದನà³à²¨à³ ತಂದà³à²•à³Šà²Ÿà³à²Ÿà²¿à²¦à³à²¦à²°à³. ಆಗ ನನಗೆ ಇದರೆಲà³à²²à³†à²²à³à²² ಆಸಕà³à²¤à²¿à²¯à³‡ ಇರಲಿಲà³à²². “à²à²¨à²¿à²¦à³ ಕೆಟà³à²Ÿ ಗೋಳೠಹಾಡ೔ ಎಂದೠಆರಿಸಿಬಿಡà³à²¤à³à²¤à²¿à²¦à³à²¦à³†. ದà³à²°à²¾à²¦à³ƒà²·à³à²Ÿà²µà²¶à²¾à²¤à³, ಆಸಕà³à²¤à²¿ ಬರà³à²µ ವೇಳೆಗೆ ಕà³à²¯à²¾à²¸à³†à²Ÿà³à²Ÿà³ ಕೆಟà³à²Ÿà²¿ ಹೋಗಿತà³à²¤à³.
ಈಗ ಎಷà³à²Ÿà³‹ ಕಾಲದ ನಂತರ ಆ ಹಾಡನà³à²¨à³ ನೆನಪಿಸಿದà³à²¦à³€à²°à²¿. ಹಾಡನà³à²¨à³ ಕೇಳà³à²µà³à²¦à³ ಒಂದೠಹಿತವಾದರೆ, ಅದರ ವಿಮರà³à²¶à³†à²¯à²¨à³à²¨à³ ಓದಿ ನಂತರ ಕೇಳà³à²µà³à²¦à³ ಮತà³à²¤à³Šà²‚ದೠಬಗೆಯ ಹಿತ.
ನಿಮಗೆ ಧನà³à²¯à²µà²¾à²¦à²—ಳà³.
ಹಾಂ, ಅಲà³à²²à²¿, ಶà³à²°à³à²¤à²¿à²¯ ಬಗà³à²—ೆ ಒಂದೠಕಡೆ ಬರಿದಿದà³à²¦à³€à²°à²¿. ತಾರ ಸà³à²¥à²¾à²¯à²¿à²¯à²²à³à²²à²¿ ಒಂದೠನà³à²¡à²¿à²¯à²¨à³à²¨à³ ಹಾಡà³à²µà²¾à²— ರಫಿಯದೇ “ದೇಖೀ ಜಮಾನೇ ಕೀ ಯಾರೀ….” ಹಾಡೠಸಹ ನನಗೆ ನೆನಪಾಯಿತà³. ಆ ಹಾಡಿನ ಬಗà³à²—ೆಯೂ ಒಂದೠವಿಮರà³à²¶à³†à²¯à²¨à³à²¨à³ ನಿಮà³à²®à²¿à²‚ದ ನಿರೀಕà³à²·à³† ಮಾಡà³à²¤à³à²¤à²¿à²¦à³à²¦à³‡à²¨à³†.
ಉತà³à²¤à²® ಬರವಣಿಗೆ.
repetitive as it may seem though from me, these days we are showered by the best of writing on some of the best songs of all time. if uttaraji can say “Wah kya lyrics, kya music, kya acting and above all kya singing!” then I am even more tempted to opine “kya kalaam hai, kya adab hai is lekhni mein, ityaadi”. This is sounding to be too good to be true and reading article after astounding article on such godly creative songs makes our day worthwhile indeed. several years after these songs were recorded, they remain etched in memories of millions of music lovers and to describe the song, its picturization, the characters of story, the intricacies of the lyrics and musical composition and above all the divine singing (as though it is an echo from the heavans above) is something which all music lovers must experience themselves by reading these finest articles. i have no doubts in my mind that no other playback singer from the hindi film industry would ever have received such rave reviews on his/her songs, almost 50 years later, than what rafi sahab’s songs are producing day in and day out. where were you – the uttaras, the binas, the nagesh’s, the devraj’s and scores of other good writers from the bastion of rafi sahab’s new found haven – bengaluru. the ‘trivia’ annexed to the article is again valuable information and uttaraji, you stand out as one of the most effortless writers who can simply pour out their hearts and feelings through their pen. the article must be read again and again, just as the song itself has to be heard again and again. i would rather spend hours on this website than watch the ‘idiot box’ these days rolling out all the worthless stories. kudos to uttara kumariji, one of the most ardent fans of rafi sahab.
Hi Utthara,
Good article and a touching tribute to Rafi. But then, that is the sort of impact Rafi saab has made in each one of us. I expect more such articles from you in future.
regards
Narayan
Dear Utthara di
I have dissected minds
I have dissected bodies
but you have dissected the true core of the human existence–the heart-the capital of the body,
the seat of emotions–in such an intricate manner ki poocho math. your review is so evocative,
that a song which lurked in my memory as the one filled with pathos, got a new dimension.
This shows that your pen is so mighty that your review will only be a reinforcement to the already huge
fan following it has.
vasudha
What a splendid review! I agree with you totally!
Utthara
Excellent article is an understatement. I dont know how to convey my appreciation of this article so well brought out. Please keep writing. This song is a speciality to hindi film music itself and easily stands out as an outstanding rendition by any singer. Rafi Saab has literally lived through every syllable of this song in terms of mood and expression. Not an easy song to sing even for any accomplished singer I guess..
God Bless you. You have a real flair to pen your thoughts so well..
Thanks for writing this wonderful article.
Regards
Chandan
BRAVO UTTARA EXCELLENDE! STUPENDOUS!
I have always been fascinated by soul stirring songs of Rafi saab, Often ridiculed by my folks for starting the day by listening to songs filled with melancholy.
but i feel that thats what brings the best out of an artist. No wonder this intense song has brought out such an intense review. Uttara u may not want to call this article a review, but i feel u have written ” A GRAY’S ANATOMY” of this song.
analyzing each stanza with utmost precision, which takes the reader though a journey into the past. The intense face of Gurudutt, Sahir Ludhiyanvi’s acidic lyrics, rafi saab’s soulful rendering of the song, SD da’s subtle music, and finally your out pour of emotions make this song COMPLETE.
CONGRADULATIONS! LOOKING FOR MANY MORE!
A terRAFIc review that almost brings back the man by
People’s DNE
only a rafian can write such an intense piece. hats off UB, you showed how one can worship idols with flower-like words. i’m sure you will continue to treat all of his gems equally and give insights into them. let the world know how rich our old songs are.
This is an excellent review done by Uttar.In fact this is a masterpiece ( one of many masterpieces of Rafisaab ) which I consider very close to my heart as the song has different themes put in a single basket. Rafisaab at his peak in the last sentence of this song ….
Great job by Uttara..
Raghunaath
Great lyrics and great write-up, Uttaraji. Guess the people in that era firmly believed that the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little “extra”. And it was a “more for less” generation then, with less words conveying more meaning. Now, the less said the better. 🙂
Makes one wonder how much-at-a-loss-for-words generation it has become now, that loud noises and cacophony have become substitutes for lyrics. Good work…more reviews awaited!
Dear Uttaraji,
What a fantastic review! Simply superb. I think this review is among the best I’ve read so far. For somebody like me, who has not seen the movie, it was like imagining the sequences, the character, the song, the movie all in 5 mins. You have brought out the depth of the song very very well. The words in the song are so relevant even to this day.
I have seen the song long long time ago and the picturisation is so powerful (with almost perfect lighting) that the song is etched on my mind forever.
Thanks again for all the information and the trivia you added which made the review complete.
There’s no denying that you are one of the best writers we have in the group.
Cheers
Anoop
Adaab Rafi! Adaab Uttara behn….
The message of the entire film is depicted on this one lovely song……. It is not just a song but a passionate cry to the cruel world of dissent from a poet…
Rafi sahab the magical wizard or the Awaaz ka Jadugar has done what possibly others could’nt and sung it with such melodious high pitch. with variations…
Every music lover will definitely get emotional on this superb combination of Rafi sahab, Sahir saab, Burman da and Guru duttji…
Well done Uttara behn we were waiting for your feelings and you started with a great bang..
We at Baar Baar RAFI FAN CLUB are very proud of you…..
Please keep writing and entertain us..
Hi uttara,
What an article, you have written in such a way that there are no words left to describe this article. I am really proud to know you and please keep writing…. Most of our friends have already given their views and there are no second thoughts about what they mentioned…. Uttara ur gr8 and only you can write such beautifully… keep the good work going….
Dear Utthara ji,
I would like to appreciate you more than rafi sahab, And Gurudatta, for your treatise of this song “Yeh mahlon…….” What a song & what a description, Just wow effect is coming, one person wrote rightely in above comment if I close my eyes sihouette of gurudatta sahab and whole review of this movie is automatically appears.
Thanks/mani
Uttaraji,
Fantastic. This was a revolutionary song which only Rafi could have sung the way it was conceived by Sahir, SD and Guru Dutt. The climax of the movie is one of the best in Indian Films (another climax was that of Anand, which I saw again just yesterday) taken to great heights by Rafi’s singing. In fact, the movie was a master piece where every thing fell in place, Story, lyrics by Sahir, music by SDB, acting by Guru Dutt, Waheeda, Mala Sinha and Rehmaan and of course songs by Rafi and Geeta Dutt. Guru Dutt was one of the Directors apart from Raj Kapoor in those days, who had a special penchant for meaningful song picturisation like “Ye Mahalo”, “Aaj Sajan Mohe”, “Dekhi Zamane Ki”, “Waqt Ne Kiya”, etc. Congrats again.
That was a very good piece by Utthara. She’s done justice to Sahir’s soul-stirring poetry, S.D. Burman’s composition, Mohd Rafi’s singing and Pyaasa’s theme.
It’s true that the song holds good even today. Will human failings like deceit, hypocrisy and greed ever go away? Sahir had the courage and intellectual strength to hold a mirror to the world. Not just this Pyaasa song, he’s penned so many other poems that expose the vanity and venality of people, religions and societies.
Hello Utthara,
Clap clap….fantastic write up. this song is very special for me, for my
dad used to be a huge fan of gurudutt. the manner in which you have
elaborated my gosh !!!! gurudutt and his silhoutte… can’t forget.
wasn’t this somewhat biographical of sahir ludhianvi? amazing wordsmith he
was and with this review, you too have shown what a captivating writer you are. An article extraordinaire.
yours
makavika
Dear Utthara:
Knowing you as well as I do, its an assumed fact that the beauty of your pen has been a constant source of inspiration to many of us at BBR. You write so marvelously with so much dedication and soulfulness.
This is a fantastic song from Pyaasa that you have chosen to refresh our memory with..Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaaye Toh Kya Hai…isnt it a revolutionary song?…there is revolution in its music, in its cast, in the hero’s countenance, in the action of the people listening to the song and last, but not the least, in Rafi Saab’s tone….how can one fail to be moved..
Yes dear Utthara, a pouring of your feelings…thats exactly what this song deserves and what you have brought out in your own words is exactly what I too feel about eulogising the dead while in fact the dead is alive!! What can cause greater grief than to know that you are better off dead than alive in the eyes of the world! !
Utthara, you make baar baar rafi and all your friends proud!
Bina
Hi Uttara,
a very touching writeup on this song from Pyasa.The very name brings only the scene where GuruDutt stand in the doorway and slowly the song starts.The voice of RafiSaab does not allow one to think that he is just playbacking the song but makes u feel he is there.Uttara,one of my fav. movies after Kaagaz Ke Phool,and with my fav. heroine Waheeda.Thanks.
I want to say in one sentence, because I have no words to say more:
An outstanding masterpiece ‘musical soul-stirrer’, deserved this ‘heart-string-tugging’ review.
Best wishes.
M V Devraj
Wah! Wah!! Uttharaji. In one shot we got a great review of a great song, the story behind the song, picturization of the song and in addition interesting trivia. Great mastery of words. I could feel your passion for the song. All in all it made great reading. Keep it up and am looking forward to more of the same.
This is like putting the whole movie in a article , in a nut shell .The song is quiet Pessimistic but reflects the truth not only for that decade but also for the ones before , the ones that followed and those to come, as “the price tag” for everything is not going to come off.
Suman
Dear Utthara,
Revolutionary song and a revolutionary review. I would rather say its a
review of the entire movie culminating in the song ‘ yeh mehelon’.
Great job done would be an understatement. The context of the movie described by you is so relevant even to this day albeit the pessimistic
flavour the story has.
‘A society which eulogises the dead and ignores the living’ is a hardhitting reality of life and couldn’t have been said in better words. Hats off Utthara
for bringing out a memorable write up on a very powerful topic. A microcosm
of the whole movie, well disguised as a song review.
To your credit, if I close my eyes, I see the silhouette of Gurudutt standing
at the door of the theater. Personally I would have wished to see Vijay reconciling to hard realities of the world. Afterall, a river flows the way ‘it’ wants and not the way ‘I’ would imagine it should.
Gurudutt himself believed to have quoted “Dekho na, mujhe director banna tha, director ban gaya; actor bana tha, actor ban gaya; picture achcha banane tha, ache bane. Paisa hai, sab kuch hai, par kuch bhi nahi raha.” Realisation of a person who struggled to become an ‘Inner Winner’ . Alas he couldn’t. It took his life.
Waiting for the next one in bated breath.
Nagesh Sidhanti
Respected Utthara Ji
congratulations for a great & heart-touching re-veiw of a great song by Rafi Saheb picturised on a great genious of HF, Guru Dutt . If Guru Dutta had survived for a longer time, there too more great songs like this by our rafi saheb for him. Awaiting from you for a more re-veiw of other great songs by rafi saheb.
thanks & regards
biman, assam.
Dear Utthara ji,
Oscar Wilde once said that the critic is he (or she) who can translate into another manner or a new material his impression of beautiful things. By that standard, you’ve suceeded – more than succeeded – in elevating this song to the height it deserves in us fans’ minds. How much emotion in this review! Utthara jee, bahut khoob. Sadabahaar. May you write a thousand more reviews.
Gan Sharma