Nigahein Milane Ko - Dil Heen Toh Hai

Lyrics – Sahir Ludhianvi

Singer – Asha Bhonsle

Composition – Roshan

Prelude – I first heard this song in a Hindi music reality show . I was really glued to the song . This is another song which shows my secret love affair with raag yaman . When I watched this song on You Tube , I understood why my parent’s generation is so attached to the songs of the 1960s and 1970s . This song brings out the old-world charm,taking us through the nostalgic journey of our childhood and youth . 

Raaz ki baat hai mehfil main , kahe ya na kahe

I don’t know whether to reveal this secret in the gathering or keep it to myself. 

Bas gaya hai koi is dil main , kahe ya na kahe

I don’t know whether to reveal or not that somebody has settled in my heart.

Nigahein milane ko jee chahta hai

My heart wishes to meet your gaze. 

Dil o jaan lutane ko jee chahta hai

I long to offer you my heart and soul.  

 

Who tohmat jise ishq kehti hai duniya

Who tohmat uthane ko jee chahta hai

I wish to embrace the accusation of being in love, which the world calls a crime

Kisi ke manane main lazzat who payi

Ke phir ruth jane ko jee chahta hai

The pleasure that I get when somebody cajoles me is so great that I wish to be offended again.

 

Wo jalwa jo ojhal bhi hai samne bhi

Woh jalwa churane ko jee chahta hai

I want to steal the splendour in the face of the beloved, which is concealed and visible at the same time .

Jis gadi meri nigahon ko teri deed hui

Who ghadi mere liye aish ki tamhid hui

The moment when I saw you became the introduction of pleasure to me.

Jab kabhi maine tera chand sa chehra dekha

Eid ho ya ke na ho , mere liye eid hui

The sight of the moon-like face of yours felt like Eid itself , whether or not the festival had arrived.

Mulaqaat ka koi paigaam dije ke

Chup chup ke ane ko jee chahta hai

Aur ake na jaane ko jee chahta hai

Nigahein milane ko jee chahta hai

Send me a message of where to meet .  My heart wishes to come secretly to meet you . Once I arrive , then I don’t feel like leaving. 

Postlude – The expressions given by Nutan are a delight to the eyes, especially during the lines “ woh jalva jo ojhal bhi hai samne bhi “ . Sahir Ludhianvi has penned the lyrics of the song, taking us through the excitement of being in love . 

Rama Katha - Bharatam

Singer – KJ Yesudas

Lyrics – Kaithapram

Composition – Raveendran

Prelude – I didn’t realize “ Bharatam “ movie, though set against a musical backdrop, is based on the Ramayana until I deeply delved into this song. The emotions of the dutiful brother of Lord Shri Ram , Bharatha living in piety of his brother, worshipping his footwear, and waiting for him to return from exile, forms the essence of the great epic Ramayana . Here in the film Kallur Gopinathan , the character played by Mohanlal is the loving brother of Kallur Ramanathan , the elder brother played by Nedumudi Venu . 

Rama katha gana layam mangalamen thamburuvil

Pakaruka sagarame shruthilaya sagarame

Oh ocean with pitch and rhythm ! Please provide rhythm to the song about the auspicious story of Lord Ram accompanied by the lute . 

Saketham padukayay hey rama

Kathareyam sharikayam saketham padukayay veendum

The kingdom of Ayodhya sings, addressing Lord Rama.

The sharika bird ( a mynah ) with melancholy listens to the song sung by the kingdom of Ayodhya. 

Aryanya kandam thedi

Sita hridayam thengi

Goddess Sita wails, seeking the tumultuous life in the forest during their exile from the Ayodhya kingdom.

Valmikangalil etho tapasa mounam unarnu veendum

The silence emanated from the meditation of the sage Valmiki covered by anthills .

Indradhanusukkal meeti devakal

Adi nama ganga adi

The celestial gods pluck the rainbows accompanying the surging waves of the river Ganga, which chanted the name of Lord Shiva, who has no beginning and no end. 

Raghupathi ramajayam raghu ramajayam shri bharatha vakya bindu choodi

Every drop of the river Ganga gushed along,chanting the name of the king of the Raghu dynasty Lord Ram as devotedly as his brother Bharatha.

Sodara paduka poojayil atmapadam pranavam vidarn ulalnja ulanja Sarayuvil

As Bharatha worships the footwear of Lord Ram , the mystic syllable of “ Om “ dwelling in his heart blossoms in the unsettled Sarayu river.

Mantra mridanga taranga sukham

Shara vega theevra thalameki maruthiyay

The hymns , mridang ( a percussion instrument originating from the Indian subcontinent) and waves of the Sarayu river in the musical ensemble provide happiness . The wind provides the rhythmic cycle with intense speed like that of the arrow shot in the air . 

Jala gandha suna dhoopa deepa kalayay

Mantra tantra yantra kalitam unaru

Sama gana lahari ode anayu rama

Shri rama rama rama

Oh Lord Ram ! Attain liberation from your human form when you are endowed with water , sandalwood paste for fragrance , flowers , aromatic smoke from incense sticks , light ,and  salutations. Hymns , esoteric rituals and geometric patterns made on floors to ward off negative energies arise unitedly. Douse the fire of your soul as you are intoxicated by the songs from the Samveda .

Postlude – The song composed in raag “ Shubha Panthuvaralli “ brings out the elements of pathos and mourning . It’s really the lyrical excellence of Kaithapram who has brought all the characters of the epic Ramayana in a song with a few verses . The song in totality describes the kingdom of Ayodhya , Goddess Sita , the dutiful brother Bharatha , the reverent divine companion of Lord Ram , Maruti ( Lord Hanuman ) and the river Sarayu. 

Kalpantha Kalatholam - Ente gramam

 

Singer – KJ Yesudas

Lyrics – Sri Moolanagaram Vijayan

Composition - Vidyadharan 

Prelude – The song “ Kalpantha Kalatholam “ invokes the nostalgic memories of every Keralite with awe-inspiring lyrics . 

Kalpanthakalatholam kathare nee en munnil kalharaharavum ayi nilkkum

Oh Beloved ! Till the end of the ages, you stand before me with a water lily garland.

Kalyanarupanakum kannante karaline kavarna radhikeye pole

You are like the cowherd maiden Radha, who stole the heart of Lord Krishna's auspicious form.  

 

Kannadachalum ente kanmunnil ozhikunna kallolini ello nee

Even if I close my eyes, you are the river flowing before my sight.

Kanmadapoo vidarnnal  kalivirunnu orukunna kasthurimanello nee

When the Oleander flower blooms  , you prepare a joyful feast like the musk deer, which spreads its fragrance through the forest . 

Karpoorameriyunna kathir mandapathile karthika vilakku anu nee

You are the lamp which is lighted on the day of the Karthika star in the pillared hall decorated with sheaves of rice and burning camphor . 

Kadanakavyam pole kaliarangil kanda kathirmayi Damayanti nee

You are Damayanti, radiating light seen dancing on the stage, interpreting the poetry filled with pain. 

Postlude – The song portrays the beloved as the ever- nurturing river and the musk deer, which is oblivious of the fragrance it spreads . The woman in the man’s life is described as the epitome of grace , luminosity and splendour, brightening his life every day. 

Devadhundubi - Ennennum Kannaettante

Singer – KJ Yesudas , Sunanda 

Lyrics – Kaithapram

Composition  – Jerry Amaldev 

Prelude – The song “ Devadhundhubi “, written by Kaithapram, takes us on a journey in quest of knowledge of performing arts .

Devadhundhubhi sandralayam divya vibhata sopana ragalayam

The holy drum ( a percussion instrument ) plays intensely with melody and rhythm near the steps to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in the divine dawn. 

Dhyanamunarthum mridu pallaviyil kavyamarala gamanalayam

The first soft stanza of the song awakens the meditation, and the  rhythm in motion accompanies the smooth poetry . 

Neeravbhavam marathakamaniyum sauparnikatheera bhoovil

The state of silence glimmers like an emerald in the precincts of the banks of the Souparnika river . 

Poovidum nava mallika lathakalil  sargonmad shruthi vilayam

The ecstasy of creation merges the pitch of song with the new blooming jasmine flowers on the creepers. 

Swaramadhuram jathinadanam padhe padhe subhachalanam

The notes of the music are sweet, and the dance is according to the rhythmic pattern,  and each step taken in the movement while dancing is auspicious .

Poovithelinmel brahmam rachikkum niharabindu ayi nadham

The ultimate truth is created on the petals of flowers . The musical sound is produced from the dipping dewdrop . 

Shrilavasantham swara jathi mittum kachapi veenayay kalam

The auspicious spring plucks "swarajathi " ( It is a composition form that is characterised by its equal emphasis on rhythmic patterns and melodic lyrical enunciation )  and the time becomes Kacchapi Veena ( a type of musical instrument veena )

Azhakin eran nilanchalam chutti harichandana shubhagandham unarthi

The breeze in the early morning circumambulates the " Nilgiri " hills and spreads the fragrance of the yellow sandalwood paste . 

Apsarakanyathan thala vinyas thrikala jati ayi thrisandhyakal

The celestial nymph dances to the arrangement of beats of the rhythmic cycle . Three zones of time ( morning , noon and evening ) form a rhythmic pattern which is performed at three distinct time periods of the day . 

Swaramadhuram jathinadanam padhe padhe subhachalanam

The notes of the music are sweet, and the dance is according to the  rhythmic pattern, and each step taken in the movement while dancing is auspicious .

Postlude – The song describes the serene atmosphere  of the premises of the Kollur Mookambika temple near the bank of the Souparnika river, where students of arts like music and dance perform for the first time to seek blessings from the Goddess for their pursuit of truth in the infinite ocean of knowledge .

 

Chakravarthini - Chembarathi

 

Singer – KJ Yesudas

Lyrics – Vayalar Ramavarma

Composition - G Devarajan 

Prelude – The song “ Chakravarthini “ from the film Chembarathi has been the pulse of Keralites throughout the world due to its dreamy lyrics and heart-stirring melody .

Chakravarthini ninakku njan ente

Shilpagopuram thurannu

Oh Empress ! I have opened my ornamental sculpted tower over the entrance gate for you.

Pushpapadukam purathu vekku nee

Keep your footwear made of flowers outside the temple.

Nagnapadayay akathu varu

Come inside barefoot.

Salbanjikakal kaikalil kusumathalam enthi varavelkkum

The sculptures of young women welcome you with a plate with flowers in their hands .

Panchaloha mani mandirangangil manvilakkukal pookum

The earthen lamps bloom in the temple with the bell made of five metals. 

Devasundarikal kankalil pranaya dahmode nadamadum

The heavenly nymphs with love and desire in their eyes dance in front of me. 

Chaitrapadmadala mandapangalil rudraveenakal padum thane padum

The rudraveena ( a musical instrument ) sings by itself in the pillared hall of the temple decorated by the petals of the lotus from the spring season.

 

Sharadendukala chutinum kanaka parijata malar thukum

The autumnal moon with its 16 phases showers golden parijata flowers ( night-flowering jasmine )  on the precincts of the temple . 

Shilpakanyakakal ninte veedhikalil rathna kambalam neerthum

The statues of young maidens will fill your pathway with a carpet of gems . 

Kamamohinikal nine en hridaya kavyaloka sakhi akkum

The goddesses of enchantment make you the partner of my poetic world in my heart.

Machakangalil manju shayayil lajja kondu njan mudum nine mudum

I will embrace you in the beautiful bed in the attic, and you will blush with shyness.

Postlude – The precincts of the temple with the gateway ,lamps and garland of flowers have been a source of inspiration for every lyricist . The great poet Vayalar Rama Varma enters into the mind of Keralites,  stringing together the visions of the sculptures, flowers blooming in the trees and the lamps adorning the temple premises.  

Sreepadam Vidarnna Sarasiruhathil - Eatho Oru Swapnam

 

Singer – KJ Yesudas

Lyrics – Sreekumaran Thampi

Composition - Salil Chaudhary

Prelude – The song “ Sree Padam Vidarna Sarasiruhathil “ is composed in raag Hamsadhwani, invoking the spirit of devotion while paying obeisance to the Goddess .

Ohm anaghaye namah

Salutations to the sinless one.

Ohm achalaye namah

Salutations to the one who is fixed.

Ohm ajayaye namah

Salutations to the one who cannot be conquered. 

Ohm amruthaye namah

Salutations to the one who is blessed by the nectar of immortality .

Sree padam vidarnna sarasiruhathil

The auspicious feet bloom in the lotus. 

Janani adiyan thuvumi hridaya ragam

Dear Mother , I am showering a song from my heart.

Ponparagamayi aniyu aniyu devi

Oh Goddess ! Please embellish yourself with my song like the golden pollen powder.

Ashrusamudhram alaridumbol

The ocean of tears is roaring in agony.

Neeye devi abhayanaukayai

Oh Goddess ! Only you are the one like a boat of refuge. 

Varam thannu nee kaniyu varade vanaje

Please show mercy on us by granting boons , Oh Goddess born in the forest.

 

Nithyanandham pakarum brahmam

The ultimate truth spreads eternal bliss. 

Neeye dharmam  ee janma marmam

You are the righteousness, and you are life’s secret.

Shivam nin dhanam

Your fortune is the auspiciousness you bring into our lives.

Choriyu vimale ( Pure )  viraje ( splendour )

Please bless us with your pure splendour.

Postlude – The lyricist Srikumaran Thampi takes us through a spiritual journey where the ultimate truth is realised through the Goddess who nurtures us with her benevolence, purity and splendour .

Pardadari - Abida Parveen and Atif Aslam

Lyrics – Hazrat Bedam Shah Warsi

Singers – Abida Parveen and Atif Aslam

Composition – Abida Parveen 

Prelude – The song “Pardadari “ by the queen of qawwali Abida Parveen and Atif Aslam takes us through the path of devotion and the supreme power of God, who is as vast and infinite as the sky . 

Mujhmain ab rang sab tumhara hai

I am dyed in the colour of your love.

Itna keh do ki tu hamara hai

Just say that you belong to me.

 

Teri kudraton ka shumar kya

Your divine power is infinite. 

Teri vusaton ka hisaab kya

There is no account of your abundance and expanse.

Tum hi se alam main rango bu

There is colour and fragrance in the universe because of you.

Teri shaan jalla jallalahu

Your pride and glory is great. 

 

Jo aaye tumhari bazm main

Jo aaye tumhari bazm main

Deewana ho jaye

Whoever comes to your gathering becomes crazily in love with you.

Yeh achi pardadari hai

Yeh achi raazdari hai

This is a wondeful veil . This is a wonderful secrecy. 

Yaha hona na hona hai

Naa hona ain hona hai

To be here is to not be here.

To not be here is to be exactly here.

Jise hona ho kuch

Khaak e dar e jaana na ho jaaye

May he who seeks to be something not merely become the dust of the beloved's door. 

Yeh achi pardadari hai

Yeh achi raazdari hai

Vo mai de de jo pehle shibli o mansoor ko di thi

To “bedam “ bhi nisar e murshid e maikhana ho jaaye

Please give me the wine you gave first to Shibli and Mansoor.

So “ Bedam “ will also become the sacrifice of the spiritual guide of the tavern. 

Yeh achi pardadari hai

Yeh achi raazdari hai

 

O Maula

Maula mere maula

Oh master !

Humain bhi jalwa gah e

Naaz par lekar chalo Moosa

Take us to the stage of divine manifestation ! Prophet Moses

Tumhe gash aa gaya toh

Husn e jaana kaun dekhega

If you faint , who will behold the beloved's beauty?

 

Chali hain meri aahein

Arsh ka paaya hilane ko

My sighs travel to move the foundation of the sky.

Kahin barham nizam e alam e bala na ho jaaye

We must be cautious , though , lest our intense yearning disturbs the system of the celestial realm. 

Yeh achi raazdari hai

Nami danam che akhir choon dam e deedar mi raqsam

I don’t know, but in the moment of your sight , I dance. 

Manam bismil ke zeir e kanjar e khoon khar mee raqsam

I am the slain one, who beneath the blood-shedding dagger, dances. 

Zahey taqwa ke mun ba jubaa o dastar mi raqsam

What great piety! I dance even while wearing the formal robe and turban. 

Manam qatra e Shabnam ba nok e khar mee raqsam

I am the drop of dew , dancing upon the tip of the thorn . 

Postlude – The song refers to the complete surrender to God . It explains the abundance and expanse of God in the universe . The Sufi lover dances in ecstacy involuntarily . He sacrifices himself to get joy. Even in difficult circumstances he dances, venerating God.