Apni Azaadi Ko Hum – The Undying Spirit of Independence Through the Voice of Mohammed Rafi
Mohammed Rafi’s iconic rendition of “Apni Azaadi Ko Ham Hargiz Mita Sakte Nahin” from the 1964 film Leader captures the undying spirit of independence with profound emotion.
The Immortal Voice of Independence by Mohammed Rafi – As we celebrate India’s Independence Day today, we are reminded of the sacrifices and the undying spirit of freedom that our forefathers passed on to us. One of the most iconic songs that encapsulates this sentiment is “Apni Azaadi Ko Hum Hargiz Mita Sakte Nahin,” sung by the legendary Mohammed Rafi. The song, from the 1964 film Leader, is not just a melody; it is an anthem that resonates with the emotions of pride, courage, and unyielding resolve.
Leader starred the legendary actor Dilip Kumar alongside the graceful Vyjayanthimala. Dilip Kumar, known as the “Tragedy King” of Indian cinema, has given countless memorable performances in films like “Mughal-e-Azam,” “Ganga Jamuna,” and “Devdas.” Vyjayanthimala, a leading actress of her time, is celebrated for her performances in films like “Naya Daur,” “Madhumati,” and “Sangam.” Together, they brought a remarkable chemistry to the screen, making Leader a film worth remembering.
Released in 1964, Leader is a political drama directed by Ram Mukherjee. The film explores themes of corruption, political manipulation, and the quest for justice. Dilip Kumar’s portrayal of a man caught in the web of politics was widely acclaimed, and the movie is remembered for its powerful narrative and memorable songs.
The Lyrics of Apni Azaadi Ko Hum
Apni Azadi Ko Hum Hargiz Mita Sakte Nahin
Sar Kata Sakte Hain Lekin Sar Jhuka Sakte Nahin
अपनी आज़ादी को हम हरगिज़ मिटा सकते नहीं
सर कटा सकते हैं लेकिन सर झुका सकते नहीं
The opening lines are a declaration of unwavering commitment to freedom. The lyricist, Shakeel Badayuni, portrays the determination to protect liberty at all costs. The metaphor of sacrificing one’s head but never bowing it captures the essence of defiance against oppression. Mohammed Rafi’s powerful voice adds an emotional depth to these words, making them a rallying cry for independence.
Humne Sadiyon Mein Ye Azadi Ki Nemat Payi Hai
Humne Ye Nemat Payi Hai
Saikdon Qurbaniyan De Kar Ye Daulat Payi Hai
Humne Ye Daulat Payi Hai
Muskura Kar Khayi Hain Seeno Pe Apne Goliyan
Seeno Pe Apne Goliyan
Kitne Veerano Se Guzre Hain To Jannat Payi Hai
Khaak Mein Hum Apni Izzat Mila Sakte Nahin
हमने सदियों में ये आज़ादी की नेमत पाई है
सैकड़ों क़ुर्बानियाँ देकर ये दौलत पाई है
मुस्कुरा कर खाई हैं सीने पे अपने गोलियाँ
कितने वीरानों से गुज़रे हैं तो जन्नत पाई है
ख़ाक में हम अपनी इज़्ज़त मिला सकते नहीं
Here, the song reflects on the centuries of struggle that led to the nation’s freedom. The use of words like ‘नेमत’ (blessing) and ‘दौलत’ (wealth) highlights the value of freedom. The sacrifices, symbolized by ‘गोलियाँ’ (bullets), remind us of the martyrs who faced oppression with courage and resilience. The contrast between the barren ‘वीरानों’ (wastelands) and the ‘जन्नत’ (paradise) achieved through struggle speaks volumes about the journey to freedom.
Apni Azadi Ko Hum Hargiz Mita Sakte Nahin
Kya Chalegi Zulm Ki Ahel-e-Wafa Ke Samne
Ahel-e-Wafa Ke Samne
Aa Nahin Sakta Koi Shola Hawa Ke Samne
Shola Hawa Ke Samne
Laakh Faujein Leke Aaye Amn Ka Dushman Koi
Ruk Nahin Sakta Hamare Ekta Ke Samne
Hum Wo Pathar Hain Jise Dushman Hila Sakte Nahin
क्या जलेगी ज़ुल्म की अहल-ए-वफ़ा के सामने
आ नहीं सकता कोई शोला हवा के सामने
लाख फौजें लेके आएं अमन का दुश्मन कोई
रुक नहीं सकता हमारे एकता के सामने
हम वो पत्थर हैं जिसे दुश्मन हिला सकते नहीं
In these lines, the song metaphorically speaks about the strength of unity and truth. The ‘शोला’ (flame) that cannot withstand the ‘हवा’ (wind) represents how the flames of tyranny are extinguished before the winds of truth and loyalty. The unshakable ‘पत्थर’ (stone) represents the steadfastness of the people, who cannot be moved by the enemy’s force. Rafi’s rendition of these lyrics is filled with the spirit of unity and resistance.
Apni Azadi Ko Hum Hargiz Mita Sakte Nahin
Waqt Ki Awaz Ke Hum Saath Chalte Jayenge
Hum Saath Chalte Jayenge
Har Kadam Par Zindagi Ka Rukh Badalte Jayenge
Hum Rukh Badalte Jayenge
Agar Vatan Mein Bhi Milega Koi Gaddar-e-watan
Koi Gaddar-e-watan
Apni Taqat Se Hum Uska Sar Kuchalte Jayenge
Ek Dokha Kha Chuke Hain Aur Kha Sakte Nahin
वक़्त की आवाज़ के हम साथ चलते जाएंगे
हर क़दम पर ज़िन्दगी का रुख़ बदलते जाएंगे
अगर वतन में भी मिलेगा कोई गद्दार-ए-वतन
अपनी ताक़त से हम उसका सर कुचलते जाएंगे
एक धोखा खा चुके हैं और खा सकते नहीं
These verses emphasize the importance of staying vigilant and adapting to the changing times. The resolve to crush any traitor within the nation underscores the message that freedom must be protected from both external and internal threats. Rafi’s voice here conveys a stern warning to anyone who might betray the nation.
Apni Azadi Ko Hum Hargiz Mita Sakte Nahin
Vande Matram Vande Matram Vande Matram
Hum Vatan Ke Naujawan Hain Humse Jo Takrayega
Humse Jo Takrayega
Wo Hamari Thokaron Se Khaak Mein Mil Jayega
Khaak Mein Mil Jayega
Waqt Ke Toofan Mein Beh Jayenge Zulm-o-Sitam
Asmaan Par Ye Tiranga Umar Bhar Leherayega
Umar Bhar Leherayega
Jo Sabaq Bapu Ne Sikhlaya Bhula Sakte Nahin
हम वतन के नौजवान हैं हमसे जो टकराएगा
वो हमारी ठोकरों से ख़ाक में मिल जाएगा
वक़्त के तूफ़ान में बह जाएँगे ज़ुल्म-ओ-सितम
आसमान पर ये तिरंगा उम्र भर लहराएगा
जो सबक़ बापू ने सिखलाया भुला सकते नहीं
The song pays tribute to the youth of the nation, who are the torchbearers of freedom. The imagery of the ‘तूफ़ान’ (storm) sweeping away oppression, and the ‘तिरंगा’ (tricolor flag) flying high, signifies the enduring spirit of independence. The reference to ‘बापू’ (Mahatma Gandhi) reminds us of the teachings of non-violence and truth, which remain the foundation of our freedom. Rafi’s voice, with its emotional intensity, brings these words to life, making them an everlasting part of our national consciousness.
These additional stanzas, though not included in the released playback version, add even more depth to the song’s message of patriotism and unwavering resolve. The lyrics, filled with powerful imagery and emotions, continue to inspire and resonate with the spirit of freedom.
Dushman Ke Ham Hein Dushman, Yaar Ke Ham Yaar Hein,
Amn Mein Phoolon Ki Daali, Jang Mein Talavaar Hein,
Jis Kisi Mein Hosala Ho, Azma Kar Dekh Le,
Zindagi Ke Vasate, Marne Ko Ham Taiyaar Hein,
Bada Chuke Hein Jo Kadam, Peeche Hata Sakte Nahin,
दुश्मन के हम हैं दुश्मन, यार के हम यार हैं,
अमन में फूलों की डाली, जंग में तलवार हैं,
जिस किसी में हौसला हो, आज़मा कर देख ले,
ज़िंदगी के वास्ते, मरने को हम तैयार हैं,
बढ़ा चुके हैं जो कदम, पीछे हटा सकते नहीं,
This stanza introduces a duality in the persona of the people. The contrast between being a friend to friends and an enemy to enemies highlights the balance between peace and war. The metaphor of a ‘फूलों की डाली’ (garland of flowers) during peace and a ‘तलवार’ (sword) in war showcases the nation’s readiness to defend itself when necessary. The line ‘जिस किसी में हौसला हो, आज़मा कर देख ले’ (Let anyone who has the courage test us) is a challenge to any adversary, indicating the indomitable spirit of the people. The resolve to lay down one’s life for the country (‘ज़िंदगी के वास्ते, मरने को हम तैयार हैं’) further amplifies the patriotic fervor. The stanza concludes with a firm declaration that once a step has been taken forward, there is no retreat (‘बढ़ा चुके हैं जो कदम, पीछे हटा सकते नहीं’), symbolizing unwavering determination.
Apni Azaadi Ko Ham Hargiz Mita Sakte Nahin..
Yeh Hamari Unche Parbat, Yeh Hamaari Nadiyan,
Yeh Hamari Muskurati Leh-Lahati Khetiyan,
Inpe Dalega Koyi Dushman Agar Nazaren Buri,
Ham Toh Us Zaalim Ki Rakh Denge Udakar Dajjiyan,
Aabroo Apne Watan Ki, Ham Gava Sakte Nahin
ये हमारी ऊँचे पर्वत, ये हमारी नदियाँ,
ये हमारी मुस्कुराती लहलहाती खेतियाँ,
इनपे डालेगा कोई दुश्मन अगर नज़रें बुरी,
हम तो उस ज़ालिम की रख देंगे उड़ाकर धज्जियाँ,
आबरू अपने वतन की, हम गँवा सकते नहीं
This stanza paints a vivid picture of the nation’s natural beauty and prosperity. The ‘ऊँचे पर्वत’ (tall mountains), ‘नदियाँ’ (rivers), and ‘मुस्कुराती लहलहाती खेतियाँ’ (smiling, waving fields) symbolize the richness and vitality of the land. The stanza conveys a deep sense of pride and attachment to the homeland. The threat posed by any enemy who dares to cast an evil eye on this beauty is met with fierce resistance (‘हम तो उस ज़ालिम की रख देंगे उड़ाकर धज्जियाँ’), indicating that the nation’s defenders will utterly destroy any oppressor. The stanza ends with a powerful assertion that the honor (‘आबरू’) of the nation will never be compromised, underscoring the commitment to protecting the country at all costs.
Apni Azadi Ko Hum Hargiz Mita Sakte Nahin
Sar Kata Sakte Hain Lekin Sar Jhuka Sakte Nahin
Shakeel Badayuni was one of the most prolific lyricists in the Indian film industry. Known for his poetic brilliance and deep understanding of emotions, Shakeel penned numerous songs that continue to resonate with listeners. Some of his other famous works include “Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho,” “Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache Re,” and “Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya.” His collaboration with Naushad and Mohammed Rafi often resulted in timeless classics.
Naushad Ali, the maestro behind the music of Leader, is considered one of the greatest composers in Indian cinema. Known for blending classical Indian music with cinematic appeal, Naushad’s compositions are marked by their richness and complexity. Some of his other legendary works include “Mughal-e-Azam,” “Baiju Bawra,” and “Mother India.” His music has always had a unique ability to evoke deep emotions, making the lyrics come alive.
Apni Azaadi Ko Ham Hargiz Mita Sakte Nahin
Film: Leader
Year: 1964
Singer: Mohammed Rafi
Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni
Music: Naushad
Actors: Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala
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